As towns and cities across Scotland come alive with the traditional music, dancing, food and festivities of St. Andrew’s Day on the 30th of November, it couldn’t be a better time to plan a visit to this vibrant and beautiful Celtic country.
We’re introducing more Scottish trips in our collection of brand-new, hand-crafted itineraries in 2023. Brimming with folklore and mysterious legends, these new itineraries allow you to discover more hidden gems and Scottish secrets en route.
Here are five of our brand-new Scottish trips to help inspire your next visit.
The West Highland Way takes you through some of Scotland’s most iconic and stunning landscapes, the magnificent glens gouged into existence by ancient glaciers, the deep blue lochs, rugged Munros and moorland. But following this trail on our new Walking the West Highland Way trip, you’ll also discover the region’s hidden histories.
Discover the refuge of Rob Roy near the banks of Loch Lomond, the area from Fillan’s Priory to Dal Righ where Robert the Bruce was defeated by the English and the small loch where he made his escape.
From Ben Lomond and the Glencoe Mountains to the Mamores and Devil’s Staircase, the panoramic views are breathtaking. So, take a moment in one of Scotland’s traditional bothies that still provide comforting shelter to walkers today to reflect upon all the gems this region has to offer.
On our new Walking the Rob Roy Way trip, the spectacular Scottish scenery provides a fitting backdrop to this outlaw’s dramatic history, filled with twists and turns. The early part of this trip takes in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, its sparkling lochs and serene forestland making up a part of the Trossachs. It was this area where Rob Roy was born, creating havoc from a young age by stealing cattle. The impressive views continue on the trail towards Ben More and Stob Binnen before descending to Balquhidder, Rob Roy’s final resting place.
However, this region is not all about former wrongdoings. Its beauty has inspired famous poets to create stirring turns of phrase too; Loch Katrine was described by Sir Walter Scott in his poem ‘The Lady of the Lake’, ‘Birks of Aberfeldy’ featured in the poem by Robert Burns and the ‘Hermit’s Cave’ was visited by Wordsworth. These acclaimed works highlight how this region not only captivates the mind but also evokes emotion at its resplendence.
With deer, dolphin and seal spotting opportunities, trails meandering alongside the mighty River Spey and through pretty woodlands, and opportunities for visits to renowned whisky distilleries, our new Walking the Speyside Way trip has something to pique everyone’s interest.
Following the route, stretching from Buckie on the Moray Firth coast to the Highland resort of Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park, The Speyside Way showcases this area’s diverse scenery and its most remarkable wildlife. Explore the peaceful trails beside the River Spey, one of the most productive salmon rivers in the UK, and the fine native Scots pine in Anagach Woods, where rare capercaillie birds make their home. Lucky walkers may even spot grey or common seals frolicking in the waters of Moray Firth.
Amidst the picturesque Scottish scenery of castles and inviting villages dotted within the rolling countryside are Dailuaine, Knockando and Tamdhu distilleries, just three of this region. And, as Speyside has more distilleries than any other whisky-making area in Scotland, it’s only fitting to visit a few to sample its wares.
Situated off the west coast of Scotland, the Inner Hebrides Islands are stunning in their remote, wild landscapes. And, on our new Walking the Inner Hebrides, Arran, Islay and Jura, you can experience first-hand the serene magnificence of these three islands.
On Arran, picturesque coastal walks, passing the Cock of Arran headland, provide opportunities to spot porpoises, seals and dolphins. Meanwhile, in the village of Brodick, its castle reveals stories of its former resident, the Duke of Hamilton.
A short boat trip away, in a land of rugged moorland more populated with red deer than people, Jura has an almost mystical quality. A climb over the distinctive three peaks of the Paps of Jura provides commanding views, with the company of golden eagles, buzzards or hen harriers overhead.
While each of these islands has acclaimed whisky distilleries, the distinctive peaty characteristics of the single malts made on Islay make it some of the finest Scotch in the world. Be sure to visit its distilleries, from Ardbeg to Laphroaig and Lagavulin to Bowmore, to uncover some of the secrets of their craft dating back to the 18th century.
With panoramic views over the scenic Scottish borders to the north and the rolling hills of the Cheviots to the south, St. Cuthbert’s Way creates an enchanting dissection between England and Scotland. It’s a route steeped in the history of St. Cuthbert, one of the world’s earliest conservationists, and our new Walking St Cuthbert’s Way seeks to showcase his story.
As a venerated religious figure, Cuthbert was reported to have performed healing miracles. However, during his time as a hermit, his interest in local seabirds led to the creation of one of the earliest bird conservation laws.
From Melrose Abbey, where St. Culbert began his religious life in 650 AD and where the heart of Robert the Bruce is said to be buried, this pilgrimage navigates farmland, woods and villages. En route, both Lady Lilliard’s Tomb and the historic 15th-century Cessford Castle hold war wounds from battles with the English. Then, at the foothills of the Cheviots, Yeavering Bell stands as Northumberland’s largest Iron Age fort. Finally, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne is in sight, a short crossing over the causeway to reach the original burial site of this most revered saint.
Offering spectacular scenery, captivating wildlife and intriguing history and folklore, Scotland has immense allure. Each of our trips has been carefully curated to showcase the unique draws of each region while offering the very best in Scottish hospitality. If you’re feeling inspired, why not discover more of our brand-new, hand-crafted itineraries for 2023?
