Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

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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.
FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL 47
Otherwordly scenery, ancient legends, and Gaelic hospitality await us on this spectacular journey.
PD BURNETT
NATALIYA HORA P. TOMKINS
MARTIN ZWICK
RICHARD WHEELER
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