Wilderness Travel 2018 Catalog of Adventures

Enjoy Scotland’s most magnificent coastal and mountain hikes and hear the legends of this timeless land. PHOTO: DAVID NOTON

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

In Scotland’s realm of mist-shrouded crags, heathered moors, and brooding castles, we’ve designed a hiking adventure that reveals this ancient land’s most stunning settings, from the glistening lochs of Glen Affric to the seascapes of the Outer Hebrides. Our trails bring us through historic Glencoe and among the pinnacles of the Quiraing. Along the way, we listen to a storyteller, meet a tweed weaver, sample fresh-caught scallops, sip fine single-malt whisky, hear tales of the Campbells and 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. 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, older than

HIGHLIGHTS • Hike along Loch Ness, in beautiful Glen Affric, and in the “lost valley” of Glencoe • Enjoy atmospheric accommodations, including two magnificent country estates • Taste whiskies, meet a traditional weaver, hear a local storyteller • Discover the wild landscapes of the Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye • Gaelic legends, 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 DETAILS • 10-day trip begins and ends in Inverness • 9 nights hotels and historic inns • All meals included except 2 dinners

DAVID LICHTNEKER

Stonehenge and steeped in legend. On the Isle of Harris, beaches and mountain tracks 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 extraordinary, 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 the United Kingdom. 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 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 and woodlands. Depart on Day 10 via Inverness.

DATES Jun 18-27, 2018 Jul 16-25 Aug 20-29 Sep 17-26

TRIP COST $6295 (5-14 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

COMBINE ANY TWO EUROPE TRIPS FOR A $400 PER PERSON DISCOUNT! 68