Scotland Highlands Trek
Legendary hiking with walk-up climbing ascent of Ben Nevis
While Scotland may evoke an image of bagpipe-playing, kilt-wearing, single-malt-drinking folks sitting around old castles watching prehistoric creatures swimming in the Lochs — which does happen! — it should also evoke an image of a thriving and modern country where you will find more hiking boots than bagpipes.
You’ll earn your cozy country inn stays at night, with rewarding and sometimes challenging hiking through the rugged countryside, where your mind wanders, imagining the rich history of this land of ancient legends.
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Trip Perks
The option for the walk-up climb of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, is the icing on the cake for this trek. And settling in next to a warm fire in a cozy inn makes the day distinctly Scottish and not such a bad way to finish off a challenging day of hiking.
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Description
Blessed with an amazing diversity of geography and history, Scotland is an incredible destination for hiking and climbing. Barren and rocky mountains rise from moorlands pocked with heather, thistle, and wildflowers. Long valleys with deep and mysterious Lochs divide the mountain ranges. Ancient castles stand guard over traditional landholdings, and Clans preserve centuries-old traditions. While some roads bisect the Highlands, passenger trains are the most efficient mode of transportation and link the larger towns with the population centers in the south and east lowlands. The Highlands are among the least-populated areas in Europe and much of the region is uninhabited except for scattered farms and villages. Trails lace the Highlands, leading to mountain tops before dropping to villages and small inns.
The remote and rugged mountains of Scotland have contributed much to mountaineering. Victorian-era hill walkers rode trains to the Highlands, where they spent holidays bagging peaks. In the last century, Scottish and British climbers pushed the boundaries of possibility while developing modern rock and ice climbing. Volunteer mountain rescue teams created many of the skills used by contemporary rescue groups. The barren mountains, with their steep faces and sometimes wild weather, created an environment where techniques, clothing, and equipment evolved.
Start / Finish — Inverness, Scottish Highlands
Inverness is easily accessible from across the UK, connected by regular flights from variouscities in the UK and Europe. It’s also on the UK mainline, with the sleeper train being anattractive option for the journey to/from destinations in the south of the UK. The airport isjust 20 minutes from the city center and is connected by bus and taxi. If travelers fly toEdinburgh, they will need to travel to Inverness by train — an easy 3.5 hour journey withdepartures every couple of hours.This will be a Madness-style adventure with great hiking and scrambling, good food and fun places to eat, lots of surprises, and an end to each hiking day in a local pub or inn to recap. Highlights include; train travel through the Highlands, hikes on classic trails and ascents of peaks including Ben Nevis (highest peak in the British Isles), and accommodations in local inns and small hotels.
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Price
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Scotland Highlands Trek
$4,975 – 10 Days / Includes travel time
Minimum 4 participants
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Single Supplement (I want my own room — limited capacity) – $1,150
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Price Includes
- Guide(s) (8:1 ratio + extra guide for Ben Nevis day)
- Ground transportation, Day 3 — 9
- 8 scheduled nights in 3 – 4 star inns and guest houses (double occupancy)
- Breakfast each day (starting Day 3)
- Lunch and dinners Day 3 — 9
- Snacks while hiking
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Price Does Not Include
- International airfare
- Travel to and from Inverness
- Personal equipment and clothing
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra hotel nights, extra meals, etc.)
- Travel insurance with trip cancellation, medical and evacuation policy
- Alcoholic and bottled beverages
- Meals Day 2
- Transfers in Inverness
- All expenses associated with non-scheduled departure
- Guide gratuities
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Payment Schedule
- $700 deposit at time of registration, which includes a $300 non-refundable registration fee
- Balance due 120 days prior to departure
- The balance may be paid by check, wire transfer, ACH or credit card with a 3% convenience fee
Dates
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Scotland Highlands Trek 2024
- Sep 19, 2024 — Sep 28, 2024
Custom Dates Available — Contact Us
Policies
Cancellation / Refund Policy
- MMI strongly recommends trip cancellation/interruption and evacuation insurance for all trips. Our insurance partner, Ripcord, offers comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancellation, as well as rescue/evacuation policies and can assist in answering any questions. In addition, Participant is expected to have sufficient medical insurance as prescribed by their country of origin. Participant understands that MMI does not include any type of insurance with the cost of the trip.
- If you decide to cancel your trip or change your itinerary, MMI must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date written notice is received. If proper written cancellation notice is not received, amounts paid and reservations made will be forfeited.
- Non-refundable fees may apply for certain trips in order to secure permits and other services. MMI must strictly adhere to cancellation policies outside MMI’s control.
- Due to the personalized service we offer on our trips, MMI reserves the right to waive any fees. We will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations, waiving certain fees when feasible.
- Circumstances outside the control of MMI and its partners, may require amended cancellation/refund policies. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to COVID-19, natural disasters, wildfires, terrorism and so forth.
International Trips/Courses:
- Full refund, less the non-refundable registration fee, will be provided 121 days or more before the departure date
- No refunds will be provided 120 days or less before the departure date
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation insurance to protect you from the unexpected. You aren’t likely to think of it now, but people do get ill, break a bone, have a family emergency or get assigned to a last-minute business trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emergency rescue & evacuation can be very expensive.
We also strongly urge you to consider rescue and evacuation insurance if your own policy does not provide the coverage needed. Services available may include, but are not limited to, helicopter evacuation, medical care, etc.
If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility for any expenses incurred in the event of a medical emergency and/or evacuation, as well as for trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, etc. We are not the experts and therefore ask that you please consult our travel insurance partner directly with any specific questions.
To protect against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, Mountain Madness strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance as soon as possible after making a deposit. Mountain Madness has partnered with Redpoint Resolutions as our preferred travel insurance provider. Redpoint’s Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ is designed for adventurers.
For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ or call +1 – 415-481‑0600. Pricing varies based on age, trip cost, trip length, and level of coverage.
Critical benefits of Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance include:
- A completely integrated program with a single point of contact for emergency services, travel assistance, and insurance claims
- Evacuation and rescue services from your point of injury or illness to your hospital of choice
- Comprehensive travel insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, baggage loss or delay, emergency accident and emergency sickness medical expense, emergency dental, accidental death and dismemberment, and more
- Optional security evacuation coverage in case of an unplanned natural disaster or other security events
- Waiver for pre-existing conditions (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
- Optional “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
Itinerary
Flight Information
The total number of days for your trip includes all travel to and from your destination, with some exceptions. Dates listed on the website start with a departure date from the U.S. and include the day you arrive home. For this trip you will need to arrive in Inverness, Scotland on Day 2 anytime during the day. Your return flight home will be the last date listed on the dates and prices page. The trip itinerary assumes that this will be a one-day return flight home.
If you are traveling from Europe it’s possible you can eliminate one day from the itinerary as long as you arrive on Day 2 of the itinerary. Return flight is scheduled for Day 10 of the trip.
Please contact our office for any help needed with your flight schedule.
Scotland Highlands Trek Day by Day
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Day 1
Travel
Depart from home
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Day 2
Inverness
Overnight: Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness
Arrive Inverness and taxi/bus transfer (transfer not included) to Glen
Mhor Hotel, for overnight stay. Free time to explore and relax post
flight. -
Day 3
Travel to the West Highlands
Hike Details: 4 km, 200 m gentle elevation gain, 2 hours
Overnight: Clachaig Inn, Glencoe
This morning your guides meet you at Glen Mhor Hotel at 9.30am. You’ll transfer south via the banks of Loch Ness stopping in the West Highland town of Fort William for lunch. In the afternoon continue to Kinlochleven and enjoy an easy hike to Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall to stretch the legs. We have a welcome dinner together tonight.
Note: meeting time 9.30am — reception area at Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness -
Day 4
The Devil’s Staircase
Hike details: 14 km, 500 m elevation gain, mainly good trails, 5 hours
Overnight: Clachaig Inn, Glencoe
Today we hike a stage of the famous ‘West Highland Way’ trekking route, which runs for100 miles between Glasgow and Fort William. We hike what is arguably the most challenging stage, crossing the high point of the route, a pass known as the Devil’s Staircase. Reaching the summit, we descend into Kinlochleven, enjoying incredible views of this famous and beautiful valley. For those with energy in reserve, you can test yourself on the climbing wall or on Europe’s largest ice climbing wall at The Ice Factor climbing center in Kinlochleven before a transfer takes us back to our hotel.
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Day 5
Ben Nevis: The UK’s Highest Peak
Hike details: 18 km, 1500 m elevation gain, good trail, 8 – 10 hours
Overnight: Clachaig Inn, Glencoe
A short transfer north takes us to Fort William. This small town is the start point for a hike up Scotland’s highest mountain — Ben Nevis. It may only be 1,345m high but starting from sea level makes it a challenging day. Most choose to hike up the well-trodden tourist path but, depending on conditions, we may add a bit of extra interest and challenge by scaling this classic mountain via the dramatic ridge Carn Mor Dearg. With clear weather, the views from the summit are extensive across the West Highlands. We enjoy a celebratory pint in the Ben Nevis Inn — a fabulous old stone bar which is the traditional place to recover from this hike! Afterwards, return to Glencoe.
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Day 6
Glencoe’s Peaks
Hike details: Depends on hike — up to14 km, 1000 m gentle elevation gain, 3 – 5 hours
Overnight: Clachaig Inn, Glencoe
Today you’ll hike in Glencoe itself. There are several fantastic mountains which we could hike up, such as Buachaille Etive Mor or Bidean nam Bian. These peaks are the jewels of Glencoe and the hiking is as good as you’ll find anywhere in the world. Afterwards, enjoy a beer, dinner and maybe some live music in the ‘Boots Bar’ at the Clachaig Inn at Glencoe.
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Day 7
Hiking Kintail
Hike details: 7 km, 700 m elevation gain, rough ground in places, 4 – 5 hours
Overnight: The Haven, Plockton
This morning, transfer north to a stunning region known for its graceful ridgelines and fantastic hiking. Today’s hike is in Kintail, which is known for being a mecca for Scottish hillwalkers. This hike loops around two great ridges and a modest summit giving us wonderful views over the Five Sisters of Kintail. We then continue our journey north to reach the charming village of Plockton, our base for the next 2 nights.
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Day 8
Majestic Sgòrr Ruadh
Hike details: 16 km, 950 m elevation gain, rough ground in places, 7 – 8 hours
Overnight: The Haven, Plockton
Today we go well off the beaten track as we hike in Strathcarron. There are countless fabulous hikes we could enjoy, both to wild summits and by using the network of stalkers paths to enjoy a high-level circuit. A good option, however, is the peak of Sgòrr Ruadh. We enjoy a steady approach on a good trail, enjoying incredible views of the wild scenery and cliff faces all around us. A steep final ascent, with a little bit of easy scrambling, takes us to the summit for incredible 360-degree views. We can return by the same way or, if time and energy allows, make a circular route over the top. Enjoy a well-earned drink back in Plockton
that evening! -
Day 9
Loch Clair
Hike details: 9 km, 100 m elevation gain, 3 hours
Overnight: Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness
On our final day, we enjoy an easy low-level hike to stretch the legs. Although it’s short, the circuit of Loch Clair offers incredible mountain views which will live with you long after you depart Scotland. Afterwards, we transfer to the Highland capital, Inverness, for our farewell dinner together.
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Day 10
Fly Home
After a relaxed breakfast, check out of the hotel and make your own way to the airport or railway station to start your journey home.
Note on Itinerary: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control and in the guide’s best judgement.
Equipment for Scotland Highlands Trek
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Carrying Gear
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Day pack (30-45L)
With padded shoulder straps and waist belt; used for carrying personal gear such as water bottle, extra clothing, snacks, camera, etc. Individual loads will be between 10 and 20 pounds. A pack with a volume between 1800-2500 cu. in. (30-45 liters) serves most people’s needs well
Examples:
Osprey Stratos
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Pack cover
Waterproof cover
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Large Duffel (90-125L)
made from water proof nylon
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Small padlock for duffel bags
Extra security
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Baggage tags
Makes identifying your bags easy at airports or hotels
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Climbing Gear
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Adjustable trekking poles
Three piece poles recommended
Examples:
Black Diamond Trail Back Pole
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Head and Face
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Fleece or wool hat
It must cover the ears
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Shade hat or baseball cap
A visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the sun
Examples:
Mountain Madness trucker hat
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Bandanas or neck gaiter
Various uses, i.e. cleaning glasses, sun protection when tied around the neck, etc. We have our own Mountain Madness neck gaiter available for purchase!
Examples:
Mountain Madness neck gaiter
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Sunglasses or Glacier glasses (w/hard case)
Essential eye protection whether in the tropics, at high altitudes or by the water. Sun glare off the snow can be intense so polarized 100% UVA/UVB glasses work best. Consider bringing a spare pair
Examples:
Julbo
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Hands
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Fleece gloves
Lightweight gloves to use while trekking and hanging around camp
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Climbing gloves
A shell system of a fleece liner and waterproof shell that handles cold
Examples:
Outdoor Research Arete
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Feet
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Thin socks (2 pair)
Two pairs of synthetic or wool socks to wear under heavy wool socks to help prevent blisters and keep feet dry
Examples:
Smartwool or Cool Max
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Thick socks (3 pair)
Three pairs of synthetic or wool socks, medium to heavyweight. Check boot fit with thin and thick socks on
Examples:
Smartwool or Thorlo
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Gaiters
One pair of gaiters made of breathable material; keeps dirt and snow out of boots. Make sure they fit over your boots
Examples:
Outdoor Research Verglas or Crocodiles
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Hiking boots
One pair medium-weight hiking/backpacking boots, waterproof, large enough to be comfortable with one thin and one thick sock
Examples:
Salomon Quest 4D
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Tennis shoes or sandals
Lightweight to wear in camp after a long day of hiking
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Upper Body
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Synthetic t-shirts
Two synthetic or merino wool t-shirts. No cotton!
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Long-sleeved Base Layer
Two lightweight to mediumweight, pull-over is best
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Sports bras
Two, synthetic, no cotton!
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Softshell Jacket w/ hood
This is what you will be wearing while hiking at higher altitudes or while kicking around camps at lower altitude. This jacket should be full-zip
Examples:
Outdoor Research Ferrosi
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Hardshell jacket w/ hood
A good jacket made of Gore-Tex (recommended) or waterproof nylon, roomy enough to fit over multiple layers
Examples:
Outdoor Research Foray, Patagonia Triolet
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Down or synthetic jacket w/hood
This is your most important piece of warm gear and will mean the difference between an enjoyable climb or a miserable one. A warm, full zip jacket with hood is ideal.
Examples:
Helly Hansen Vanir, Feathered Friends Volant, Marmot Guide’s Down Hoody, Outdoor Research Virtuoso Hoody
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Sun hoody
This piece with a high SPF rating and lightweight fabric offers protection from high altitude sun
Examples:
Outdoor Research
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Lower Body
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Undergarments
Adequate supply for the entire trip
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Hiking shorts
One pair of quick-drying shorts. Good for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain
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Long base layer
Two pairs light or mediumweight
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Softshell pants
Softshell pants are water resistant, yet highly breathable and durable. Great for colder conditions over a pair of long underwear or tights higher on the mountain or summit day
Examples:
Outdoor Research Voodoo, Mountain Hardwear Touren, Patagonia Guide
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Hardshell pants
waterproof and breathable with side zips (minimum of ¾ zips recommended) Gore-Tex or equivalent
Examples:
Outdoor Research Furio, Arcteryx Beta AR
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Miscellaneous
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Stuff sacks/ditty bags/plastic bags
To organize gear in your duffle and pack. All clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large heavyweight plastic bags (trash compactor bags work great)
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Toiletries
Toothbrush and paste, comb, tampons, biodegradable soap (small amount), etc. Bring enough for the entire trip
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Toilet paper
1 – 2 rolls stored in a plastic bag
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Sunscreen
Bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 40 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for your trip!
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Lip balm
Must have SPF rating of 20 or more. Bring two just in case!
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Ear plugs
To block out snoring and other noise to ensure a good night's sleep
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Water Bottles/Water System (Trekking)
Two one-liter, wide-mouthed plastic bottles. If you use a collapsible water bottle or hydration system you are welcome to bring it along for drinking water. However, bring at least one hard plastic bottle.
Examples:
Nalgene
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Water purification
Steri Pen, Potable Aqua, Polar Pure crystal iodine. Purifies drinking water while on the trip.
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Water flavoring
Powdered additives like Gatorade or NUUN are a nice change of pace to water and help replenish much needed electrolytes.
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Headlamp
Bring extra batteries!
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Pocket knife or multitool
Simple Swiss Army type with scissors. Make sure you transport in checked bag, not carry-on!
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Personal first aid and drug kit
small personal first aid kit with ample bandaids and moleskin
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Nausea medications
Pepto Bismol tablets; Maalox, Gelusil M or Mylanta antacid tablets. Donnatal for stomach cramps. Probiotic capsules taken daily may help keep your gastro-intestinal system working smoothly
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Towel
For wash up in camp
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Handi-Wipes
A small pack or two anti-bacterial are great for general hygiene
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Spare contacts and glasses
Contacts can be a problem in dusty conditions, so make sure you have your back-up glasses with you. Glasses wearers should have a spare set
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Umbrella (optional)
Protection from rain and sun; compact and light weight
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Snacks (general)
Bring your favorite snacks and power/energy bars or if there is something else you particularly like to eat while hiking and climbing
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Snacks (trek)
Trail snacks are important. Bring some power/energy/candy bars or if there is something else you particularly like to eat while hiking. You will be fed well throughout the trek, so this is just something extra
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Poncho
A poncho is great for lower down on the mountain when it is raining. Rather than having to wear your hard-shell jacket and overheat, just throw the poncho over yourself and your pack and you will stay dry as a bone
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Insect repellent
A must!
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Personal electronics
Phone with camera, and/or separate camera. Bring extra batteries and memory!
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Electronics charging
If you want to charge your electronics along the way, a small, lightweight solar panel to charge batteries or portable charging device may be a good addition
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Travel power adapter
Most come in kits with all the plugs you need. Double-check to make sure you’re taking the correct adapter/plugs
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Travel clothing
Comfortable clothing for travel before and after the expedition
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Book Trip
Scotland Highlands Trek
$4,975
10 Days / Includes travel time
Minimum 4 participants
Ben Nevis Elevation
4,413 ft / 1,345 m
Route
Varied
Difficulty
Intermediate
The trekking on this trip involves on average about 5 – 8 hours per day, with elevation gains of 1,000 – 2,500+ feet / 305 – 750+ meters per day. Multiple days of this level of trekking will occur throughout the trip. The ascents of Ben Nevis involves a climb of about 4,5000 feet / 1,500 meters and is the most difficult day, but with proper preparation and training this will be a challenging, though rewarding, doable day.
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