5 Day Hike & History Tour from Glasgow or Edinburgh

Private Scottish Highlands Adventure

Discover Scotland beyond the roadside on this unique 5-day journey through the Highlands, combining spectacular guided walks with some of the country's most important historic locations.

Designed for travellers who want to experience Scotland on foot as well as from the comfort of a vehicle, this tour takes you deep into Highland landscapes, historic battlefields, ancient glens and some of Scotland's most iconic locations. Along the way you'll hear stories of clan rivalries, Jacobite uprisings, Highland life and the people who helped shape Scotland's fascinating history.

From the dramatic mountains of Glencoe and the hidden beauty of the Lost Valley to the rugged landscapes of the Isle of Skye, this tour offers a more immersive experience than traditional sightseeing tours. Each day combines scenic driving with carefully chosen walks that allow you to truly experience the landscapes that make Scotland famous around the world.

Highlights include hiking in Glencoe's Lost Valley, exploring the spectacular Isle of Skye, visiting Glenfinnan and the famous viaduct, discovering the history of Culloden Battlefield and enjoying unforgettable views across Loch Ness, Glen Shiel and the Scottish Highlands.

Accommodation is based in Fort William, the Portree area and Inverness, allowing you to experience some of Scotland's most popular Highland towns while enjoying local restaurants, traditional pubs and Highland hospitality.

Why Choose This Tour?

✓ Private tour for your group only

✓ Guided by a qualified Mountain Leader

✓ Visit Glencoe, Skye, Loch Ness and Culloden

✓ Carefully selected hikes away from busy tourist areas

✓ Learn Scotland's history where it actually happened

✓ Flexible itinerary and pace

✓ Departures from Glasgow or Edinburgh

✓ Maximum 8 guests

Tour Pricing

£2,230 for up to 4 guests

Additional guests £125 per person

Accommodation is not included, allowing you to choose lodging that best suits your budget and preferences. Recommended accommodation options will be provided after booking.

Perfect For

✓ Walkers and hikers

✓ History enthusiasts

✓ Photographers

✓ Couples and small groups

✓ Visitors wanting a deeper Highland experience

✓ Travellers looking for more than a standard coach tour

Sample Itinerary

Up 'n About Scotland – 5-Day Hiking & History Tour

Day 1: Edinburgh/Glasgow – Glencoe – Fort William

Departing from either Edinburgh or Glasgow, we travel into the heart of the Scottish Highlands and the spectacular Glencoe Valley. We'll hike into the famous Hidden Valley (Coire Gabhail), hearing stories of its haunting past and the events that shaped this iconic Highland landscape. We'll also visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre to learn more about the area's history, wildlife, and geology before continuing to Fort William.

Accommodation: Fort William (not included – guests book their own accommodation).

Day 2: Loch Shiel, Glenfinnan & Highland Views

Today we explore the breathtaking landscapes around Loch Shiel and Glenfinnan, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the Jacobite standard in 1745, beginning the Jacobite Rising.

Guests can choose between two hiking options:

Option 1: Hike past the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured in the Harry Potter films, and continue to higher ground for spectacular views across Loch Shiel, the surrounding mountains, and the valley below.

Option 2: Hike to Steall Falls, one of Scotland's most beautiful waterfalls, before visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Monument.

Return to Fort William for the evening.

Accommodation: Fort William (not included).

Day 3: Isle of Skye – Mountains, Coastlines & Iconic Landscapes

We journey to the legendary Isle of Skye, renowned for its dramatic mountains, rugged coastline, and world-class hiking opportunities.

Depending on weather conditions, group preferences, and ability levels, hikes may include the Old Man of Storr, The Quiraing, Glen Brittle, or one of Skye's many spectacular coastal trails. From towering cliffs and rock formations to panoramic mountain views, the possibilities are endless.

Accommodation: Broadford area (not included).

Day 4: Isle of Skye to Inverness

Enjoy another day exploring the magnificent Isle of Skye with further hiking opportunities suited to all abilities. Your guide will select the best routes based on conditions and group preferences, ensuring you experience more of the island's stunning scenery.

Later, we depart Skye and travel through some of the Highlands' most scenic landscapes on our way to Inverness, with opportunities for photo stops along the route.

Accommodation: Inverness area (not included).

Day 5: Culloden, Clava Cairns & Highland Walks

We begin the day with a visit to Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite battle fought on 16 April 1746. We then visit the ancient Clava Cairns, a remarkably preserved Bronze Age burial site dating back over 4,000 years.

Travelling south through the Highlands, we'll enjoy one final hike in either the Pitlochry or Dunkeld area, depending on weather conditions and group preferences. Both locations offer beautiful woodland trails, scenic viewpoints, and classic Highland landscapes.

We then continue south, arriving back in Edinburgh and Glasgow in the evening, bringing our Highland Hiking & History Adventure to a close.