Wilderness Scotland

Embark on a true adventure off Scotland’s magnificent west coast with this Sound of Arisaig kayaking vacation. Led by a highly experienced kayaking guide, small groups put in close to Arisaig and make their way through Loch Moidart past the ruins of Castle Tioram for the first night’s wild camping on a remote island beach. From there you’ll venture further afield, around the Small Isles of Muck, Eigg and Rum; in sight of the dramatic Cuillin Mountains on the Isle of Skye, along the Ardish Peninsula and past many other beautiful coastal and loch landscapes. The marine life here is sensational. As well as seal colonies (these curious creatures are known to swim under and alongside ...Read more >

Whether you’re a first-time sea kayaker or a seasoned paddler, kayaking in Scotland should be on your bucket list. Based on the beautiful Ross of Mull peninsula, this paddling journey explores the hidden bays scattered along Mull’s coastline and the sheltered stretches of water that link them. The Hebridean island of Mull is one of the UK’s richest wildlife destinations. Its spectacular hills and coastline are home to some of Scotland’s most iconic wildlife, including eagles, porpoises and basking sharks. Midway through this trip, enjoy a unique sailing experience out to Staffa and Treshnish Isles.  You’ll enjoy private lodgings located just less than a mile from Fionnphort. Equipped with ...Read more >

Whether you’re a first-time sea kayaker, or if you’ve paddled in destinations across the globe, kayaking in Scotland should be on your bucket-list. Join us on a journey through some of the best coastal scenery in Scotland’s Northwest Highlands. Kayak through sheltered sea lochs, navigate stunning coastlines and gaze up at the towering peaks of the Torridon mountains. On the fourth day of this trip, we’ll transfer south to the picturesque village of Plockton, our home for the final few days of the trip. Paddling off the wild shores of Wester Ross, Coigach and Assynt – classic kayaking territory with many islands and sea lochs. Stay in friendly Highland accommodation based on the shores of ...Read more >

This magnificent Shetland Isles wildlife vacation explores what must be some of the most raw and beguiling landscapes in Britain. Accompanied throughout by an expert guide you’ll see immense colonies of seabirds such as gannets, guillemots, puffins and kittiwakes in dramatic natural settings, making for some truly outstanding photography opportunities. In addition, as you take RIB expeditions to locations including the towering sea cliffs of Noss National Nature Reserve you may encounter a clutch of characterful marine life – seals and whales are frequently seen in these waters. However it’s not just the scenery and the wildlife that captivates in the Shetland Isles, but the culture too. ...Read more >

Explore Scotland’s beautiful Inner Hebridean islands of Mull, Staffa and Iona, discovering their thriving and varied wildlife. On this vacation you will visit some of the remote islands of Scotland’s wild west coast, looking out for rare and beautiful species of wildlife while taking in the spectacular Atlantic scenery. Your guide will, of course, help you spot the wildlife, which may include white-tailed sea eagles, puffins, whales, dolphins and seals. We schedule trips throughout Spring and Summer; the time of year will determine the species we may encounter. In Spring we will see more birdlife such as puffins, with more of a focus on marine wildlife later in the Summer. Spending 2 nights ...Read more >

This island-hopping trip combines scenic roads, excellent accommodation, delicious food and some of the world’s finest whisky to make an unforgettable cycle tour. Throughout the week, immerse yourself in the stunning coastal landscapes of southwest Scotland. Explore the Isle of Arran, Islay, the whisky island of Jura, and crossing the Mull of Kintyre. These small islands were made for bike exploration, and you can expect fascinating wildlife, history and culture along the way. Journey from island to island using local ferries and, to finish, a private RIB charter back to the mainland via the impressive Corryvreckan Whirlpool – the largest in Scotland! At the end of each day, relax in ...Read more >

On this sea kayaking adventure, we will explore one of the finest paddling areas in the world – the Atlantic coast of the Scottish Highlands. With overnights in comfortable accommodations, we’ll take to the water on some of Scotland’s wildest, most beautiful sea lochs that lie between the Sound of Mull and the Rough Bounds. On these waters, you can expect stunning scenery, great paddling, wildlife sightings and a lot of laughs as your expert guides lead you through marine wildlife reserves, past ruined castles and gorgeous sandy beaches. This popular itinerary is based on the central section of the Scottish Sea Kayak Trail. On this accommodation-based sea kayaking trip, we will stay in two ...Read more >

This superb autumn walking vacation in the Scottish Highlands immerses you in some of the most spellbindingly beautiful scenery in the British Isles. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, your small group will enjoy some easy-going walking around several locations in the renowned Glen Affric and the Great Glen. During October the forests of the glens and valleys turn beguiling shades of amber and gold which, combined with the fresh autumnal air, makes walking in the Highlands an absolute joy. This is rutting season too, and you’ll often hear the sound of stags roaring off in the distance. The pace is relaxed giving you plenty of time to pause and take photographs whenever you please, and to ...Read more >

Explore the wild and beautiful regions of Assynt and Coigach in the North West Highlands. Located just to the north of Ullapool, the hills and lochs create a landscape of outstanding natural beauty. The hills have a regal and distinctive feel as they rise boldly from the moors, each peak with its own place on the otherwise loch-strewn landscape. The coastline is just as memorable, as picture-perfect sandy beaches are interspersed with rugged cliffs and sea stacks. So unique is the structure of this landscape that it was the first area in the UK to be designated a UNESCO Geopark, which marks its geographical significance and heritage. Although many of the hills which we may climb on this ...Read more >

Ride the best sections of the North Coast 500, on a 7-day road cycling tour through the untamed beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Travel on our NC500 cycling vacation to experience a satisfying active journey – swap four wheels for two! The North Coast 500, often described as Scotland’s Route 66, take in some of Scotland’s most impressive wild places, from the mountains and lochs of Wester Ross and Assynt to the rugged sea cliffs of Sutherland. The ever-changing landscape will take your breath away, leaving you eager to get back in the saddle wanting more every day. At the end of each day, have a well-deserved rest in carefully selected accommodation, with mouth-watering local food and drink ...Read more >

Explore the spectacular and varied landscapes on the Isle of Skye – the jewel of Scotland’s island crown. Learn of the myths and legends, passed down through generations, that make this place so magical and mysterious. Enjoy some of the best hiking in Scotland, if not the world as you explore the north, south, east and west of Skye on a series of hikes. From gentle bays to wave-ravaged peninsulas, elegant glens to tortuous rock formations, Skye delights and surprises at every turn. With excellent accommodation and wonderful food, this trip takes you away from the crowds and well-known routes, allowing you to discover some wonderful hikes that get under the skin of Scotland’s most famous ...Read more >

Join us on a guided sea kayaking adventure to explore the wild coasts of the Outer Hebrides. Located about sixty kilometres off the northwest coast, this chain of islands are both beautiful and wild, possessing a rich history and unique cultural heritage. With an expert paddling guide, explore pristine sandy beaches, turquoise inlets and intricate rocky shores. As you kayak, look out for otters, dolphins and a myriad of birds, including white-tailed eagles, ringed plovers, redshank, oystercatchers and curlew. With no need to worry about logistics, relax each evening in the warmth of cosy accommodation, enjoying hearty meals and lovely company. A place of remote and windswept beauty, ...Read more >

This short break kayaking course for beginners will equip you with the essential kayaking skills to get you started and ready for longer sea kayak journeys. Based in beautiful Torridon, this short break will equip you with the essential skills to get you started sea kayaking, while you enjoy paddling in fantastic locations. These sheltered stretches of water are the perfect place to learn the basics of sea kayaking and develop your skills further under the close eye of our highly-qualified sea kayak guide. Throughout the trip, you will enjoy comfortable accommodation in a private bunkhouse located on the loch shore, with hot showers, a wood-burning stove and comfortable beds. We will be ...Read more >

The Borders is the part of Scotland south of Edinburgh that borders England – hence the name. This part of Scotland is an under-appreciated gem of Scottish scenery, history and culture. Dotted with quaint villages and castles this area has spectacular scenery from rolling hills and lush glens to winding rivers and a beautiful coastline. Its quiet country roads mean it’s one of the best areas of Scotland to explore by bike. With one guide on the road with you and a support guide in the van, we’ll explore some of the best riding that the Scottish Borders has to offer, stopping to visit some incredible locations finishing on the beautiful east coast. This trip features some of the best small ...Read more >

Hiking in the Cairngorms National Park is a special experience as we explore a region named by National Geographic as one of the 50 Must Visit Places on Earth. From the majesty of Royal Deeside (where the royal family have their Scottish residence at Balmoral Castle) to Strathspey, where the high plateau rises above the charming villages, flanked by some of Scotland’s oldest forests, Cairngorm National Park delights at every turn. On this walking vacation, we enjoy some of the best easy hikes in the Cairngorms National Park as we explore Strathspey, Royal Deeside and Highland Perthshire on a two-center circumnavigation of Scotland’s largest National Park. There is a huge variety of possible ...Read more >

This walking vacation in the southern Outer Hebrides visits at least seven islands, including the wild, beautiful and uninhabited island of Mingulay. These islands are often overlooked by those drawn to the larger islands of Lewis and Harris to the north. But the curious traveler who ventures a little further south in the Outer Hebrides will be rewarded by uncrowded islands, wonderfully scenic walks and welcoming accommodations, all the time accompanied by wild Atlantic vistas. Your knowledgeable guide will provide a fascinating insight into the complex tapestry of life, history and geology in the Outer Hebrides. They can also help you spot wildlife, which may include golden eagles, ...Read more >

The famous novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island, is perhaps the classic children’s adventure story. What a lot of people don’t know is that it was written in the Cairngorms National Park in 1881! With this in mind, we’ve designed this spectacular family adventure vacation, combining lots of activities, a treasure hunt, desert islands and the Cairngorms National Park, to create an adventure vacation which is sure to be a hit with all of the family. You will visit ruined castles, enjoy spectacular scenery and try activities including sea kayaking, canoeing and mountain biking as you explore the Scottish Highlands – a land of myths and legends. Our guides are highly-qualified so you ...Read more >

Argyll and the Isles is a glorious coastal region of western Scotland. Known for its glittering sea lochs, wild islands, hills and glens, it is perfect for exploring on foot. While the scenery is outstanding, the ancient heritage, abundant wildlife and whisky distilleries are equally appealing. This fascinating itinerary takes you on a journey through the Argyll peninsula and several of its islands, including hard-to-reach Jura. Our hikes link prehistoric sites, nature reserves and whisky distilleries, all set against the backdrop of green hills and the rolling Atlantic. The second half of the trip is three nights on the Isle of Islay – a wild and beautiful island on the very western ...Read more >

The Coast to Coast cycle is a rewarding journey of 262 miles/419km traveling from Aberdeen on the east coast to Applecross in the west. Cycling across the country we’ll climb over 17,000 feet/5,180 metres, including the UK’s highest and in our opinion arguably the most challenging road climb. You will be treated to stunning scenery each day, along with an array of cultural experiences and enjoy a fantastic boat trip trip along Loch Ness. Throw in some excellent Scottish cuisine and we can ensure that the food is as much a highlight as the riding! Our expert guides will be on hand to support you every turn of the pedal. We look forward to riding beside you on this fantastic adventure as we ...Read more >

There’s nothing quite like the mystique of winter in Scotland. Join us for a journey deep into the heart of the Highlands, exploring some of Scotland’s richest winter habitats, including the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest and hills of the Cairngorms National Park, which are home to some of the UK’s most elusive wildlife. From snow-capped mountains to enchanting forests, frozen lochs and dark night skies, you’ll set out each day on foot to explore a variety of different habitats and learn more about the Highland wildlife and their ability to endure during the harsh winter conditions. Exploring with your expert guide, they will help you spot tracks, identify different species and interpret ...Read more >