Lake with boats by the shore, and large mountains in the background

View Gallery

Scotland's Inverness to Isle of Skye & Argyll Hiking & Walking Tour

Misty Mountains, Fabled Lochs & Dramatic Coastlines

Discover Scotland’s rugged beauty on foot, from the misty peaks of Torridon to the dramatic coastlines and landscapes of the Inner Hebrides, steeped in history and legend.

6 days, 5 nights

Luxury & Casual Hotels

Activity Levels 2-4

Couples, Friends & Solos

From $7,299 - $7,399/person

Itinerary Where You’ll Stay What to Know Reviews

Compare

Saved

Save

View Dates & prices

Snapshots from the Trip

Trip at a Glance

Highlights

Hike Scotland’s stunning trails, from tranquil lochs and coastal cliffs to the dramatic trails of Torridon, the Isle of Skye and the Inner Hebrides Islands
Wander coastal mountains, lakeside paths, hunters’ routes and discover geologically varied terrain
Relax at quintessentially Scottish whisky bars, taste the area’s best scotches and savor homemade scones during afternoon tea
Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the West Coast from the secluded Isle of Eriska, surrounded by rugged landscapes and coastal views
Stay in historic Scottish lodgings, including luxurious castle retreats and cozy inns rich in heritage and modern comfort

Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.

Start Inverness Airport & Travel Details

Welcome to Scotland, a hiker’s paradise!
Explore Cawdor Castle, a beautifully preserved 14th-century medieval stronghold surrounded by lush gardens and woodland trails
Wild pines and the blue waters of Loch Torridon come into view
Hike into the rugged and wild countryside north of Torridon, taking in dramatic views of Liathach and Beinn Eighe, an ancient mountain range carved by glacial erosion
Discover soaring pinnacles, cliffs and corries and explore a hidden corrie loch
Admire magnificent panoramas of ridges, greenery, wildflowers
Take some time to explore our castle-hotel’s 58 acres of pristine parkland.

The Torridon

(Luxury Hotel, 2 nights)

Activity Options & Terrain

Nights 1-2

The Torridon

Wester Ross

Luxury Hotel

Formerly a grand shooting lodge built by the Earl of Lovelace in 1887, this intimate castle hotel is an elegant oasis surrounded by nearly 60 acres of parkland at the end of a sea loch, offering gracious hospitality, fine dining and an impressive whisky bar.

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

Hike past the remains of Highland clearance villages, powerful reminders of a painful chapter in Scottish history
Be greeted by the stunning alpine landscape of the Applecross mountains and Cuillin ridge as we hike across the Isle of Skye
Arrive at the Isle of Raasay, a quiet and intimate island that is at once wild and tranquil
Explore an island known for its woodland trails and beautiful views of the Cuillin Hills of Skye
Settle in for a fine local meal and musical performance.

Isle of Raasay Distillery or Raasay House

(Casual Hotel, 1 night)

Activity Options & Terrain

Night 3

Isle of Raasay Distillery or Raasay House

Isle of Raasay

Casual Hotel

Located about a five-minute walk from each other on the Isle of Raasay, these two cozy and beautiful hotels are set by the sea with fantastic views of the Cuillin Hills of Skye. (We've reserved accommodations at both hotels.)

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

Summit the ancient volcanic peak of Dun Caan and take in stunning 360-degree views of the mainland, Skye and the islets of the Inner Sound
Admire the Great Glen, a tectonic fault line that splits Scotland in two
Set out on foot from the base of Nevis Range, winding through sheltered pine woods and past plunging waterfalls
Travel to the remote Gaelic-speaking Isle of Lismore and explore its lush, undulating landscape dotted with grazing sheep and rocky limestone outcrops
Pause to wonder at the island’s Iron Age forts and ruined castles
Admire dramatic 360-degree views of Hebridean islands and of Ben Nevis rising in the distance
Get acquainted with a local shepherd, who shares how important sheepdogs are for farming on the Scottish islands
Feel like royalty at our elegant estate hotel, which sits on an island of its own, the perfect setting to enjoy the tranquil beauty of Scotland’s west coast
Wander the secluded grounds of our hotel’s isle and admire views of the Appin Peninsula and the mountains of Morvern.

Isle of Eriska

(Luxury Hotel, 2 nights)

Activity Options & Terrain

Illuminated, castle-like hotel building with a large grass field in front

Lounge and seating area with cushioned chairs and large curtains in front of the windows

Outdoor dining area of a restaurant with striped red, cushioned chairs and square dining tables

Library and lounge with leather chairs and a fireplace in the background

Small, intimate dining area with cushioned chairs and wooden dining tables

Nights 4-5

Isle of Eriska

Argyll

Luxury Hotel

A peaceful retreat on its own private island, with elegant interiors and coastal views that offer the perfect setting to enjoy the beauty of Scotland’s west coast. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

End Glasgow Airport & Travel Details

Start
End
Overnight stay
Trip direction

View & Download

This trip has an activity level range of 2-4

Route & Terrain Notes

The terrain on this trip is mostly rolling, with some longer moderate and steep ascents and descents. Many of our hikes are on narrow, uneven and often rocky trails with loose stones or gravel underfoot. Dirt paths can be wet, muddy or boggy, and footing may be unstable at times, requiring careful attention and good balance. We also traverse some steep mountain paths with rocky outcrops and gravel.

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.

Day 1

Hiking & Walking

Level 1

3 miles

300 ft. gain

Level 2

6 miles

500 ft. gain

Day 2

Hiking & Walking

Level 2

4 miles

400 ft. gain

Level 3

8 miles

1000 ft. gain

Level 4

11 miles

1600 ft. gain

Day 3

Hiking & Walking

Level 2

5 miles

500 ft. gain

Level 4

8 miles

800 ft. gain

Day 4

Hiking & Walking

Level 2

3 miles

700 ft. gain

Level 3

4 miles

900 ft. gain

Level 3

7 miles

1300 ft. gain

Day 5

Hiking & Walking

Level 2

4 miles

300 ft. gain

Level 2

6 miles

400 ft. gain

Level 3

7 miles

500 ft. gain

Day 6

Hiking & Walking

Level 1

2 miles

100 ft. gain

View Dates & Prices From $7,299/person

What to Know

What's Included

See Everything Included

Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Shuttle Time

In order to truly experience the beauty and diversity of this region, we must cover some distances. On some days we spend one to two hours in the shuttle. If you’re prepared for this ahead of time, we’re confident it won’t affect your enjoyment of the trip.

Climate & Itinerary Changes

Talking about the weather is a national pastime in Scotland, where the climate is famously unpredictable and dramatic. Summers are generally mild but can change rapidly due to its northern latitude, maritime climate and mountainous landscape. Microclimates can bring sun, wind, fog, sleet and rain—all in the same day (or even the same hour!). Some days may be cold and rainy from morning until night, while an unexpected heatwave can send temperatures soaring. Be sure to pack warm layers and waterproof gear for each day of your trip.

FAQs

This trip is best suited for adults who enjoy moderate hikes and longer routes with climbs and descents. It’s ideal for those who want to explore Scotland’s remote Highlands on foot, from mountain glens and lochs to the Isle of Skye and rugged west coast.

This is a Level 2–4 Hiking & Walking trip, with shorter options covering roughly 2–5 miles and the longest options reaching around 11 miles, with up to 1,600 feet of elevation gain. A typical day includes multiple flexible route choices—see this trip’s Activity Options & Terrain in the itinerary for day-by-day details or learn more about Backroads’ activity levels.

Hiking takes place on a mix of maintained and more rugged mountain paths, with dirt, gravel and rocky surfaces. Some routes have uneven footing and can be wet or boggy, while others follow rolling terrain through open glens, moors and coastal landscapes, with some steeper climbs and descents along the way.

Shuttles connect the remote hiking areas and islands explored throughout the trip, including Torridon, the Isle of Skye and Scotland's west coast. On some days, guests spend around 1–2 hours in the shuttle as the trip travels between hiking routes and different parts of the Highlands.

Trusted by Travelers Since 1979

7,000+ 5-star reviews.
Your Day, Your Way

Route and activity options to match your pace and preferences.
24/7 Local Support

Experienced leaders on every trip backed by a dedicated service team.
Never Outsourced

Expert trip design rooted in five decades of local knowledge and relationships.
Small Groups

More access, flexibility and connection, with an average of 14 guests.