Scotland · HIKING & TREKKING
Good hiking & trekking tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 13 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Hike Edinburgh’s Pentland Hills with local guide Rishi, meeting Highland cows, lochs, wildlife, history, and sweeping city views.
“Wonderful hike with excellent guide. Rishi was both knowledgeable and caring. Spectacular views yet close to Edinburgh.”
Explore Skye from Inverness with four scenic walks, Portree, Eilean Donan Castle, local stories, and a small-group 13-hour tour.
“It was an amazing trip. A lot of time in nature, with beautiful views. And Murdok is an amazing guide with lots of great stories! The tour is the most!”
Hike Skye’s Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, and Fairy Glen on a 13-hour small-group tour from Inverness with local stories and scenery.
“Murdoch was an excellent tour guide. Not only were the hikes breathtaking and tons of fun, but his storytelling is out of this world. The drive up to skye from inverness was a long trek but his outstanding stories made the trip go by very quickly.”
Climb Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat with a small local group, learning about history, wildlife, and city views along a steady guided route.
“it’s very strenuous for the out of shape girlies, but the views are amazing! don’t forget water and comfy shoes!”
Hike Arthur’s Seat through quieter Holyrood Park trails with a local guide, sweeping Edinburgh views, wildlife, history, and a small group.
“Wonderful hike with interesting tidbits shared along the way. The stories and fun facts transform the experience. The wind was a bit high but we did it and glad we did. Beautiful views.”
Review of Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat sunset hike with Mountain Marcus, covering views, fitness, guides, price, safety, gear, and practical tips.
“Great hike up Arthur’s Seat! Sarah was a fantastic guide :) She kept a pace everyone was comfortable with and stopped at perfect locations for pictures!”
Hike a working farm near Tobermory with Karen, meeting Highland ponies, sheep, birds, wildflowers, and views toward Rum and Bloody Bay.
“Karen is lovely! My tour exposed me to beautiful views of surrounding isles and and waterways plus she is well educated in local Hortaculture and history i would gladly take this tour mutiple times my words cant express what my heart and mind experienced Also her husband teaches natural stone wall Construction. It is truely a MUST on your travel list plan to return asap mark hankins”
Hike two Quinag peaks with a mountain guide on a 7.5-mile route, with Loch Assynt views, local stories, and a small group of seven.
“Our guide Sandy guided me and family friends along the shoreline and then up to the mountain top above Ullapool. The scenery was breathtaking and Sandy's explanation of the local history and geology was most interesting. As great as the Read more”
Climb Arthur’s Seat with a qualified Mountain Leader for sunset, sunrise, or daytime views, with small groups and head torches provided.
“Weather wasn’t great so we didn’t get to see the sun, but the guide was very friendly and told some good stories overall a very good hike, nice views and the guide made sure that you were safe throughout!”
Hike Ben Nevis from Edinburgh with a guide, scenic Highland transport, small groups, and a demanding 17km summit day.
“I did two activities with Intrepidus and absolutely loved them”
Hike the Pentland Hills with local guide Rishi, spotting lochs, wildlife, moorland and grand Edinburgh views on a half-day outing.
“Rishi was a great guide. The hike was great fun. He took great care of everyone. In addition to the hike, Rishi gave us lots of information about the landscape, Edinburgh and nature. We felt very comfortable and would definitely book a hike with him again. Thank you Rishi for this great experience and the hike.”
Review of Luke Skye-Walkers’ private Isle of Skye day tour from Inverness, with Highland cows, drone photos, Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing.
“Luke provides a wealth of information about the sites on the tour, including historical facts, statistics, stories, geographic information, and trivia facts throughout the tour. His music and video accompaniments were a perfect added attraction. He was very considerate in offering plenty of restroom stops as well as tailoring the tour to our interests and abilities. We loved his personal stories about his connection to the area. Don’t hesitate to book with Luke! It is a great tour!”
Explore Wester Ross on a private Highlands tour with Corrieshalloch Gorge, Ullapool, ancient Bone Caves, mountain views, and a guided hike.
“This tour far exceeded my expectations! My guide, Jamie, is incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about Scottish culture and history. Thanks to him, I not only got to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the Highlands but also received a fascinating crash course on Scotland’s past. Jamie is warm, approachable, and so easy to talk to—it felt more like meeting an old friend than being guided by a tour leader. I especially appreciate the fantastic solo hiking tips he shared for Inverness, which I’m truly grateful for. I can’t recommend this tour highly enough! It takes you to unique, off-the-beaten-path locations and allows you to fully immerse yourself in Scotland’s stunning scenery.”
Pick a glen, a city or a distillery.
