Scottish Highlands Hiking & Walking Tour
Craggy Coastlines, Wild Peaks & Ancient Castles
Explore Scotland’s iconic castle ruins, dramatic mountain landscapes and sparkling lochs and unwind at elegant abodes. At storied estates and on wild Highland trails, experience Scotland’s grandeur come to life all around you.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $6,199 - $6,399/person
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Discover Cairngorms National Park, a crown jewel of Scotland’s public lands, crossing moors, glens and mist-shrouded mountain terrain
- Hike Aberdeenshire’s beloved walking hills, including the forested ascents of Clachnaben, and take in the quiet grandeur of Royal Deeside
- Follow the stomping grounds of Queen Victoria along ages-old footpaths over heather-strewn leas and rolling green hills dotted with castles, bothies and lochs
- Pause in small villages to connect with locals, perhaps over a spot of tea or dram of Scottish whisky
- Enjoy fresh seasonal Scottish cuisine, where chefs showcase the best of Perthshire’s land and sea
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Aberdeen Airport & Travel Details
- Embark on a pleasant woodland walk from Stovehaven, with beautiful harbor views
- Walk along the coast and see the formidable ruin of Dunnottar Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic and picturesque castles and the site of many films
- Take in the rugged beauty and quiet grandeur of Royal Deeside before retiring to our elegant baronial retreat.
Night 1
Luxury Hotel
This grand 13th-century baronial mansion in the rolling Aberdeenshire countryside offers gracious rooms and a relaxed countryside atmosphere.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Hike into the Highlands on one of Aberdeenshire’s most beloved walking hills, Clachnaben, following forest trails that open to wide mountain views
- Ascend through pine woodland to the summit and admire 360-degree vistas of rolling glens, moorland and distant peaks
- At the Balmoral Castle estate, behold views of sparkling Loch Muick
- Stop at Glas-allt-Shiel House, featured in the hit series The Crown as one of the royal family’s summer bothies.
Nights 2-3
Luxury Hotel
Set on a sunny wooded slope of Craigendarroch, creature comforts and serenity are on offer at this family-run hotel.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Follow an ancient path used by cattle-thieving Cateran marauders in the Middle Ages
- Straddling the border between Perthshire and Angus, the Cateran Trail is a spectacular walk through a quiet corner of Cairngorms National Park
- Explore a Scottish landscape of spittals, moors, hills, heaths, bogs and glens
- Take in glorious views of the Grampian Mountains, whose peaks are often shrouded in mist
- Climbing through forested slopes and open hillsides, ascend Ben Vrackie, one of the region’s most celebrated summits
- Take in sweeping views over Perthshire’s glens, Loch Tummel and the rugged peaks of the Cairngorms
- Watch a private demonstration of Highland Games from an athlete and longtime friend.
Nights 4-5
Luxury Hotel
Set in a peaceful wooded setting just outside Pitlochry, this elegant Highland retreat offers contemporary rooms and a serene atmosphere near some of Scotland's most scenic trails.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Edinburgh Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 2-4
Please note, because the trails are inaccessible by road, van support may not always be available. Also, due to Scotland's varied terrain, hikes may feel more challenging than the activity levels may suggest.
All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Lightweight carbon hiking poles
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
