Wilderness Travel 2017 Catalog of Adventures

MARTIN ZWICK RICHARD WHEELER

PD BURNETT NATALIYA HORA

P. TOMKINS

Otherwordly scenery, ancient legends, and Gaelic hospitality await us on this spectacular journey.

Highlands & Islands of Scotland HIKING THE OUTER HEBRIDES AND ISLE OF SKYE

In Scotland, a realm of mist-shrouded crags, heathered moors, and brooding castles, we’ve designed a hiking adventure that reveals the most stunning settings, from the glistening lochs of Glen Affric to the wild seascapes of the Outer Hebrides and breathtaking Isle of Skye. Our trails bring us through historic Glencoe, among the rock pinnacles of the Quiraing and mystical Callanish Standing Stones, and to the jagged mountains called the Black Cuillins. Along the way, we listen to a local storyteller, meet a weaver on the Isle of Harris, sample fresh-caught scallops and salmon, sip fine single-malt whisky at a traditional distillery, hear tales of the Campbells and the Macdonalds, and enjoy the warm welcome of the Scots. Our accommodations include two elegant country mansions. Days 1-2 Loch Ness / Glen Affric Our hikes bring us along Loch Ness, where we keep an eye out for Nessie, and into Glen Affric, Scotland’s most beautiful glen, with its ancient Caledonian pinewoods encircling silver lochs (lakes). On one evening, we’ll be entertained by a local

storyteller—joining a beloved tradition of Scottish culture.

Days 3-5 Outer Hebrides / Harris and Lewis / Callanish Standing Stones Ferrying to the beautifully wild Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, we hike along coastal cliffs to a village of traditional thatched houses, then end our day at the magical Callanish Standing Stones, a monumental site older than Stonehenge and steeped in legend. On Harris Island, the beaches, machair (flower-carpeted meadows), and mountain tracks all offer us delightful hiking, and we meet a Harris Tweed weaver to learn about the island’s traditional hand-loomed fabric. Days 6-7 Isle of Skye / Quiraing / Cuillins Skye is an extraordinary place, with its fairytale landscapes and haunted castles, and our hikes explore the spires of the Quiraing and the brooding Black Cuillins, among the most spectacular mountains in all Britain. Famous full-bodied single malt whisky is made on this island and we’ll head to a traditional distillery to sample it. Days 8-10 Glencoe The hidden glacial valley of Glencoe was the site of the epic battles of the Campbell and MacDonald clans, and we soak up the legends as we hike among the valley’s mystical moors, waterfalls, and woodlands. Depart on Day 10 via Inverness.

HIGHLIGHTS • Hike along Loch Ness, in beautiful Glen Affric, and in the “lost valley” of Glencoe • Discover the wild landscapes of the Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye • Gaelic legends, heather-covered hills, dramatic seascapes, and stunning mountains, including the incredible rock pinnacles of the Quiraing • Visit the amazing Callanish Standing Stones, one of the most complete stone circles in Europe • Enjoy atmospheric accommodations, including two magnificent country estates • Taste whiskies, meet a traditional weaver, hear a local storyteller DETAILS • 10-day trip begins and ends in Inverness • 9 nights hotels and historic inns • All meals included except 2 dinners

DATES May 15-24, 2017 Jun 19-28

Jul 10-19 Sep 11-20

TRIP COST $6395 (11-14 members) $6695 (5-10 members) Single supplement: $980

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 + 4 5 6 7 9 hiking days on moderate to steep trails, 3-7 hours a day, van support

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL EUROPE@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 47