2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

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

We’ve designed a hiking adventure through Scotland’s fabled realm of mist-shrouded crags and heathered moors that reveals the most stunning settings, from the legendary Isle of Skye to the wild seascapes of the Outer Hebrides, a haven of Scottish Gaelic culture on the outer edge of Europe. Our trails bring us along the glistening lochs of Glen Affric and among the pinnacles of the Quiraing. Between

hikes, we’ll meet a Harris tweed weaver, listen to a seanachaidh (storyteller), sample fresh-caught scallops, sip fine single malt whisky, hear tales of the Campbells and MacDonalds, and enjoy a warm Scottish welcome at our lodges, including 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 a hike through an ancient Caledonian forest. One evening, we’ll be entertained by a local storyteller— experiencing a beloved tradition of Scottish culture. Days 3-5 Outer Hebrides / Lewis and Harris / Callanish Standing Stones Ferrying to the 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 Stonehenge and steeped in legend. There are no fences or barriers here, so we can get right up to these mystical stones and feel history in our hands. On the Isle of Harris, beaches and mountain tracks offer us fantastic hikes, and we visit a Harris tweed weaver to

learn about this famous island fabric, woven by hand in homes here for centuries. Award-winning artisanal gin is also made on this island and we’ll head to a traditional distillery to sample it. Days 6-7 Isle of Skye / Quiraing / Cuillins Skye is extraordinary, with its rock spires and haunted castles. Our hikes explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Quiraing, a place of wonder and amazement, and the mysterious Black Cuillins that rise straight out of the sea. Days 8-10 Glencoe Glencoe is the most famous and perhaps the most dramatic of all of Scotland’s glens. This hidden valley was the site of the epic battles of the Campbell and MacDonald clans. We soak up the legends as we hike among the Glencoe’s ancient moors and woodlands. Depart on Day 10 via Inverness.

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 • Walk amid the 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

Our journey brings you through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Europe, and introduces you to the people and traditions of a proud land. PHOTO: ADAM BURTON

DATES Jun 17-26, 2019 Jul 15-24 Aug 19-28 Sep 23-Oct 2

TRIP COST $6995 (4-14 members) Single supplement: $1350

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

GEORGE CLERK

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR EUROPEAN TRIPS, VISIT WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM/TRIPS/EUROPE 70