2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

Great Peaks of Scotland, England & Wales STUNNING HIKES AND CULTURAL ADVENTURES

DOUG PEARSON

We enjoy challenging hikes, extraordinary landscapes, and three distinct cultures on our unique journey. PHOTO: ANNA STOWE

Three legendary peaks crown the British Isles: mighty Snowdon in the wild north of Wales, Scafell Pike in England’s dreamy Lake District, and Ben Nevis (or “The Ben” as it is fondly known), an ancient giant towering above glistening lochans (lakes) in the Scottish highlands. We’ll summit them all on our arc across three distinct regions of the British Isles. We also take a “boats and boots” exploration of breathtaking Derwent Water and the high green moors around it, sip artisan Scottish whisky, and hear the unique Welsh language and proud Scottish brogue. Challenging, rewarding hikes by day, historic accommodations by night, and a rich tapestry of landscapes and heritage make this a hiker’s dream journey.

Days 1-3 Snowdonia National Park, Wales / Mt. Snowdon From Manchester, England, we head to 13th century Chirk Castle in Wales to start our hike to our historic hotel in the lovely Welsh town of Llangollen. In Snowdonia National Park, we’ll have a choice of trails for our ascent of Mt. Snowdon (3,560'), the highest peak in Wales and the first in our trilogy of “great peaks.” Our hotel is an 18th century estate set on 150 acres. Days 4-7 England’s Lake District / Scafell Pike In England’s glorious Lake District, colorful fellsides swoop up from tranquil lakes surrounded by a great amphitheater of emerald-green mountains. Our hikes bring us to Loughrigg Fell for unrivaled panoramas across the heart of the Lake District, and up Scafell Pike (3,209'), England’s highest peak. We hop aboard a boat to explore picturesque Derwent Water, crossing this famous lake for a hike up Cat Bells (1,480'), topped off by a visit to a distillery to sample locally made gin—we’ve earned it! Days 8-12 Scottish Highlands / Cairngorms National Park / Ben Nevis In Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park, we follow a high- level trail above the rugged Northern Corries, then tackle Ben Nevis (4,412'), the highest mountain in Scotland and the UK—and the roof of Great Britain! If the summit is clear, our views stretch across a wide swath of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery. At historic Glencoe House, our home away from home, we’ll be welcomed by a traditional piper and entertained by a local storyteller. Depart on Day 12 via Inverness.

HIGHLIGHTS • Climb Snowdon, Scafell Pike, and Ben Nevis—the highest peaks of Wales, England, and Scotland • Savor the glacier-carved scenery of Mt. Snowdon, where Edmund Hillary and his team trained for the Himalaya • Go fell-walking in the Lake District, including a “boats and boots” crossing of beautiful Derwent Water • Hike in Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park, with its lochs, wildlife, friendly villages, and artisan whisky distilleries— and keep an eye out for Scotland’s only herd of reindeer • Enjoy welcoming hotels, including historic Glencoe House, built in 1896 for the governor of the Hudson’s Bay Company DETAILS • 12-day trip begins in Manchester, England, and ends in Inverness, Scotland • 11 nights hotels and country inns • All meals included except 3 dinners

DATES Jun 5-16, 2019

Jul 3-14 Sep 4-15

TRIP COST $7795 (11-14 members) $8295 (4-10 members) Single supplement: $1220

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 + 5 6 7 11 hiking days on moderate to steep trails, 3-8 hours a day, van support

PATRICE HAUSER

QUESTIONS? 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL EUROPE@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 69