Scottish Highlands Hiking Tour for Women

Welcome to Edinburgh. Meet your Bold Spirit tour leader(s) today in the afternoon. Orientation will be at 1:00PM so make sure you are at the hotel before then. 

Your Scottish adventure begins with group orientation followed by a memorable hike up Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano that stands proudly in the heart of the city. This brisk ascent promises an invigorating experience and panoramic views from the summit.

This evening, we’ll get acquainted over dinner at a local restaurant nestled in the heart of Edinburgh.

Traveler’s Note: You may want to come to Edinburgh a day or two earlier to see the city and get over jet lag. There is much to see in Edinburgh, including the Royal Mile and Palace of Holyroodhouse. To get to the hotel, you can take a taxi from the Edinburgh airport.

Check-in is at 3:00PM. If you arrive early, store your luggage at the front desk until your room is ready.

Read more about how to get to Scotland here.

Meals included: Dinner

Hiking info: 3 miles / 915 feet elevation gain / 3 hours

Accommodation: Central Edinburgh hotel with bar & restaurant

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Leaving Edinburgh's city lights behind, we head north to Perthshire.

Traveling in our own private van, we’ll arrive at a woodland area known as The Hermitage.

The Hermitage was initially conceived in the 18th century as a pleasure ground for the Duke of Atholl. Together, we will walk along forest paths flanked with ancient pines, to a crashing waterfall where the River Braan plunges into deep, frothy pools.

After the walk, we’ll head to the riverside village of Dunkeld for a bite to eat. You can take a stroll along the river, explore the historic cathedral, or simply relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this charming town.

Continuing our journey, we’ll arrive in Aviemore in the heart of the Cairngorms and check into our hotel.

We will meet in the evening for a group dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking info: 3 miles / 460 feet elevation gain / 2 hours

Accommodation: An Aviemore hotel offering traditional Scottish charm and easy access to the Cairngorms National Park

On our first full day in the Cairngorms, we’ll make a short drive  to Rothiemurchus, one of the most beautiful areas of the National Park.

Enjoy a gentle walk through the ancient pine forest, following the popular Beaver Trail before continuing to picturesque Loch an Eilein. With its peaceful setting, woodland reflections, and atmospheric ruined island castle, it’s easy to see why this is one of Scotland’s favorite walks.

After lunch, rejuvenate your body and mind with a refreshing dip. The National Park offers a variety of pristine locations ideal for wild swimming, which is celebrated for its numerous benefits including enhanced cardiovascular health, reduced stress, and an uplifted mood.

Take a cold plunge and then warm up at the beach sauna. (*If you don’t feel like a cold plunge, you can just do the sauna or simply enjoy the loch views.)

Later, we return to Aviemore for free time to explore the village and have dinner on your own.

Your tour leaders will have restaurant recommendations for you. 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Hiking info: 7 miles / 500 feet elevation gain / 4 hours

Accommodation: An Aviemore hotel offering traditional Scottish charm and easy access to the Cairngorms National Park

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. 

Crofting, once common across the Scottish Highlands, has dwindled over time. This morning, we’ll visit a croft being lovingly restored by two inspiring women.

During our visit, we’ll explore the croft and learn how they blend traditional methods with modern rewilding principles for pasture management, fertilization, and rotation. Don’t miss the chance to see their innovative hen mobile in action!

Lunch comes from a much-loved local artisan bakery. To walk off those irresistible sweet treats we’ll venture into the heart of Abernethy Forest for a short hike down to the shores of Loch Garten.

If time allows, we’ll also stop at a RSPB hide to learn about the rich birdlife of the area.

From here, we continue west. The journey to our next destination takes around 2.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to sit back, relax, and soak up the scenery.

Dinner will be served at our hotel this evening.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Hiking info: 3 miles / 360 feet elevation gain / 2.5 hours

Accommodation: 3-star hotel set at the foot of Glencoe along the shores of Loch Leven

After breakfast at the hotel, lace up those boots and grab your walking sticks for a day of hiking.

Glencoe is a magical Scottish Highland glen known for its dramatic scenery and rugged beauty. The lush landscapes have been featured in films such as Skyfall and Harry Potter.

We begin trekking in the village of Kinlochleven where we’ll follow a well-maintained trail winding through a verdant forest. As we ascend, the roar of The Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall will soon capture our attention. The waterfall’s 50-foot drop is a dramatic and awe-inspiring sight.

As our route becomes steeper, we’ll pop above the tree line, leaving the woods behind to reach a remote loch. The views are worth the climb. 

We will have a picnic lunch today.

On our return journey, we’ll be rewarded with vistas of Loch Leven framed by the striking silhouette of the Pap of Glencoe.

After a day in the hills, there is time to relax for a bit in the hotel before meeting in the hotel restaurant for dinner together.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking info: 8 miles / 1,150 feet elevation gain / 5 hours

Accommodation: 3-star hotel set at the foot of Glencoe along the shores of Loch Leven

Pull on your boots for another beautiful day exploring Glen Nevis and the Highlands.

This morning we’ll start early but at a leisurely pace as we take a gentle stroll to explore the Glencoe Lochans. The path winds among magnificent redwoods, their towering trunks framing views of mountain peaks mirrored in the still waters of the lochan.

Once we’ve collected our picnic lunch, the afternoon is all about the Glen as we set out on today’s main hike to the cascading Steall Falls. One of the best short walks in Scotland, this route leads through the dramatic and beautiful Nevis Gorge to the breathtaking Steall Falls.

After the hike, enjoy an evening back at the hotel to relax and have dinner at your leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Hiking info: 4 miles / 1,050 feet elevation gain / 4.5 hours

Accommodation: 3-star hotel set at the foot of Glencoe along the shores of Loch Leven

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before packing up. We depart the Highlands today and will make our way south.

Leaving the wilds of Glencoe, the journey offers the perfect opportunity for one last hike in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

This beautiful area, often celebrated as the “gateway” to the Scottish Highlands, provides a more tranquil yet equally stunning contrast to Glencoe. A hike up Ben A’an, the “mountain in miniature,” is a wonderful trail. Though short, it rewards with panoramic views over Loch Katrine, a stellar way to conclude your hiking vacay in Scotland.

We will have a picnic lunch today.

In the afternoon, we move onward to Edinburgh, but not without a visit to Doune Castle, located near Stirling. This well-preserved 14th-century fortress is instantly recognizable to fans of Outlander and Game of Thrones thanks to its prominent roles in both series.

Arriving back in Edinburgh, there’s time to relax with a drink at the bar, sharing stories and celebrating the many miles we’ve covered together. It’s a moment to reflect on new friendships and the discoveries made throughout Scotland.

Tonight, meet up with Bold Spirit friends for our farewell dinner, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Hiking info: 2 miles / 1,115 feet elevation gain / 3 hours

Accommodation: Central Edinburgh hotel with bar & restaurant

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Check-out time at the hotel is 11:00AM.

There will be one group transfer to the Edinburgh airport this morning. To take advantage of this group transfer, book your international departure for 2:30pm or later (domestic departures can be booked for 12:30pm or later). If your flight departs outside of this window, taxis and buses are both convenient options to get the airport. You may choose to stay on a few more days in Edinburgh or travel from Edinburgh to other parts of the UK.

Meals included: Breakfast