The Highlands – Scotland

Your adventure begins as you arrive in Scotland, where transport will be arranged to collect you from Edinburgh. It’s well connected to Europe and the rest of the UK, making your journey smooth and hassle-free. The meeting point, where we will start our journey to the mountains is in the city centre. The transfer will leave at 1pm and takes around 3,5 hours. If you arrive before this time there are several luggage storage places so you can use the time to explore Edinburgh. If you’re arriving a day early, we can suggest excellent accommodation options to ensure a relaxed start to your journey.

For the duration of the trip, you’ll be based just outside Fort William, right in the heart of the Highlands. This means you won’t have to carry all your belongings from place to place, and after each day of hiking, you’ll return to the comfort of a warm shower and a cosy bed. Get ready for an unforgettable week exploring one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain landscapes.

Click for Route Map :  16 km  4–6 h  ~700 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

This rewarding circuit begins right from Fort William, climbing steadily through forest tracks onto the open slopes of Cow Hill. The ascent brings wide views over Loch Linnhe and the town, with Ben Nevis looming directly behind.

The trail continues around the hill on a broad loop, following a mix of woodland paths, open moorland, and balcony trails with changing perspectives over Glen Nevis and the surrounding peaks. Wildlife is often spotted here, from red deer on the slopes to golden eagles soaring above.

The descent curves back toward Fort William, completing a scenic loop that combines accessibility with big Highland views. Less demanding than Ben Nevis or the Mamores, this hike is a perfect choice for a moderate day in the area.

Click for Route Map :  14 km  4–5 h  ~850 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

This hike takes in the shapely twin summits of Buachaille Etive Beag, a ridge that stands between Glen Coe and Glen Etive. Starting from the car park at the head of Glen Coe, the trail climbs steeply up the Lairig Eilde pass before turning onto the ridge.

The first summit, Stob Coire Raineach (925 m), offers sweeping views down the length of Glen Coe and across Rannoch Moor. From here the ridge continues to Stob Dubh (958 m), where the panorama opens over Glen Etive and the jagged peaks of the Highlands.

The return comes back on the same path with a small detour at the end to dip your feet in the river and relax.

Click for Route Map :  15 km  6–8 h  ~1,350 m  ●●●●○ — Challenging

The highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis (1,345 m) is a demanding but rewarding climb. Starting from Glen Nevis near Fort William, the Mountain Track rises steadily through moorland slopes with views back across the valley and Loch Linnhe.

As the path climbs higher, it zigzags up the broad west face, with the landscape becoming increasingly rocky and exposed. The final section often holds snow well into summer, adding to the mountain atmosphere. At the summit, a large plateau offers views across the Highlands on clear days, with the ruins of the old observatory marking the highest point.

The descent retraces the same route, with fresh perspectives over the glens and lochs. With its scale, exposure, and unpredictable weather, this hike is a serious challenge but also a classic mountain experience in Scotland.

After several days of hiking through Scotland’s wild landscapes, today is a chance to slow down, explore the village at your own pace, or take a day trip to one of the country’s other stunning destinations.

There are hundreds more hikes you can go for alone if you still have the energy or maybe you would like to venture further into nature and visit Oban or Inverness. You can also rent a kayak or SUP at the nearby lake. We have lots of ideas for you if you need some inspiration.

Click for Route Map :  16 km  7–9 h  ~1,050 m  ●●●●○ — Challenging

This demanding circuit is one of the great classic ridge walks of Scotland, linking four Munros above Glen Nevis in a dramatic horseshoe around the Steall Falls meadow. From the Upper Glen Nevis car park, the route follows the gorge trail to the base of the 120-metre falls before climbing steeply onto the ridges.

The loop traverses An Gearanach (982 m), Stob Coire a’ Chàirn (981 m), Am Bodach (1,032 m), and Sgùrr a’ Mhàim (1,099 m), connected by narrow, airy crests with constant views over Ben Nevis and the Mamores. The Devil’s Ridge, a slender section of arête, provides an exposed but unforgettable highlight of the circuit.

The descent drops back to Glen Nevis, closing the loop at the starting point. With sustained climbs, airy traverses, and continuous Highland drama, this is a serious full-day hike for experienced walkers seeking one of the most iconic ridge routes in Scotland.

Click for Route Map :  10 km  4–5 h  ~720 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

Beinn a’ Chrùlaiste (857 m) is a superb Corbett rising above the junction of Glen Coe and Glen Etive, offering some of the finest viewpoints in the Highlands. Starting from the Kingshouse Hotel, the trail climbs gradually across heather slopes and open moorland, with the vast pyramid of Buachaille Etive Mòr dominating the view.

The ascent continues onto the broad ridge, where the panorama opens across Rannoch Moor, the Mamores, and the Ben Nevis range. From the summit the outlook is exceptional, taking in the length of Glen Coe and the peaks of the Black Mount.

The return follows the same route back to Kingshouse, completing a manageable climb with maximum reward. With its central position and commanding views, Beinn a’ Chrùlaiste is often described as one of the best small mountains in Scotland.

After an incredible week exploring the wild beauty of the Highlands, it’s time to pack your bags and begin your journey onwards. Transport will be arranged to take you back to Edinburgh in the morning, arriving there around 2pm so it’s best not to book a flight before 5pm, to give us plenty of time to get back to Edinburgh.

If you’re extending your stay, there are plenty of incredible places to explore beyond the mountains. We’d be happy to share recommendations to help you make the most of your time.

As you leave the Highlands behind, you’ll take with you memories of dramatic peaks, wild forests, and unforgettable adventures in one of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes. Until next time!