Scotland – 14-day Tour in the West Highlands

Day 1 – Goatfell

Journey by car: 3 h 30 m, 150 km from Edinburgh including a ferry crosssing
Difficulty of the hike: Moderate
Duration: 4 h 30 m

Start your adventure in style by heading to the island of Arran, often referred to as “Scotland in miniature”. Conquer Goatfell, its emblematic peak, and marvel at one of the region’s finest panoramic views. No wonder this is the most popular hike on the island! Once at the summit, the reward is magnificent: a breathtaking view of the whole island of Arran, the Scottish coast, the islands of Jura and Islay, and, on a clear day, as far as the Irish coast.

Day 2 – Beinn Tarsuinn

Journey by car: 5 min, 2 km
Difficulty of the hike: Hard
Duration: 6 h 30 m

Set off to discover this magnificent hike in the heart of the majestic peaks of the Isle of Arran! This circuit offers an experience that is both varied and peaceful, far from the usual hustle and bustle. Expect exceptional views all along the route, especially on the ridge path, which offers breathtaking panoramas.

Please note: As you leave the island of Arran to the north, take the time to make a small detour to discover the majestic Skipness Castle.

Day 3 – Beinn a’ Bheithir

Journey by car: 3 h 40 m, 175 km including a ferry crossing
Difficulty of the hike: Hard
Duration: 8 h

Discover the magnificent Glencoe Valley today. Immerse yourself in the heart of the majestic Beinn a’ Bheithir (the Mountain of the Beast or Lightning in Gaelic). Located south of the village of Ballachulish and Loch Leven, this mountain is home to two Munros (peaks over 3000 feet): Sgorr Dhearg (1024 m) and Sgorr Dhonuill (1001 m). Crossing its ridge promises a fantastic experience with breathtaking views.

Alternatives: The Glencoe Valley is a hiker’s paradise.  Bidean Nam Bian, the highest peak in the area, and Buachaille Etive Mor, the iconic mountain of Glencoe Valley, are also excellent choices. If you are looking for a more accessible alternative, Buachaille Etive Beag is the ideal choice.

Day 4 – Blà Bheinn

Journey by car: 2 h 40 m, 175 km
Difficulty of the hike: Hard
Duration: 5 h

Blà Bheinn, the only Munro (peak over 3,000 feet) outside the Cuillins range on the Isle of Skye, offers an exceptional viewpoint. After about three hours of climbing, you will reach the summit and be rewarded with a 360° panorama, undoubtedly one of the most spectacular on the island. A demanding but unforgettable hike!

Not to be missed: Just before entering the Isle of Skye, stop at the beautifully restored Eilean Donan Castle, ideally located on the shores of Loch Duich. Its enchanting setting is well worth the detour!

Day 5 – Sgùrr na Stri

Journey by car: 20 min, 11 km
Difficulty of the hike: Hard
Duration: 5 h 30 m

At less than 500 meters above sea level, the summit of Sgùrr na Stri, although small, offers a breathtaking view of the entire Cuillins mountain range, thanks to its central position above Loch Coruisk. Some even claim that it is the most spectacular view in Scotland.

The hike starts at the pier in the village of Elgol, in the south of the Isle of Skye. You will need to take the boat out to Loch Coruisk, which leaves every hour or so.

Day 6 – Quiraing

Journey by car: 1 h 40 m, 95 km
Difficulty of the hike: Moderate
Duration: 4 h

Your third day on the Isle of Skye takes you to the Quiraing, an impressive geological formation created by a landslide on the Trotternish peninsula. Like the Old Man of Storr, this iconic site attracts many visitors, and for good reason: it offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland.

While many are content to admire the views from the car park or take a short stroll, the full loop promises total immersion in this timeless setting, with breathtaking panoramas and beautiful surprises along the way. A hike not to be missed!

Old Man of Storr

Journey by car: 20 min, 20 km
Difficulty of the hike: Easy
Duration: 2 h

On the agenda for the second excursion of the day: an unmissable walk to The Old Man of Storr, one of the most popular sites on the Isle of Skye.

The scenery is magnificent and the majestic pinnacles create a unique atmosphere. The ascent is not too difficult and leads to an exceptional viewpoint of the rock formations, the island of Raasay and the Applecross peninsula in the background.

Day 7 – Beinn Dearg Mhór

Journey by car: 30 min, 26 km
Difficulty of the hike: Hard
Duration: 5 h 30 m

This last day on the Isle of Skye is dedicated to the discovery of the “Red Cuillin Hills”, rounded hills composed mainly of granite, giving them a reddish hue in certain light. However, they remain mainly white and stand out clearly from the other surrounding mountains. The circuit includes the ascent of the two peaks of Beinn Dearg and a beautiful ridge walk. The views are magnificent throughout.

Alternatives: If you prefer a coastal circuit, the Preshal Hills are an excellent and very wild hike. If you have time afterwards or if the weather is not good, you may prefer to discover the Fairy Pools or the famous Neist Point Lighthouse.

Day 8 – Beinn Alligin

Journey by car: 1 h 55 m, 117 km
Difficulty of the hike: Very hard
Duration: 7 h

The Beinn Alligin (Gaelic for jewel mountain) hike is one of the great classics of the Torridon area. It takes you up two Munros: Tom na Gruagaich (922 m) and Sgùrr Mhòr (986 m). All along the ridge walk, the views are absolutely spectacular, making this an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Highlands.

Please note: This hike is rated very hard and includes some very vertiginous passages, particularly when crossing the Horns of Alligin. For a less demanding alternative, consider a round trip to the main summit. You will enjoy the same spectacular views while reducing the difficulty of the route.

Day 9 – Beinn Eighe

Journey by car: 20 min, 12 km
Difficulty of the hike: Hard
Duration: 8 h 30 m

Beinn Eighe is a majestic mountain in the region of Torridon. It forms a long ridge adorned with numerous peaks, two of which are Munros (over 3000 feet): Ruadh-stac Mòr, culminating at 1010 meters, and Spidean Coire nan Clach, at 993 meters. Unlike most of the other hills in the region, Beinn Eighe is covered with a layer of quartzite, which gives its peaks a characteristic light color.

This hike will take you along a ridge with breathtaking panormas. Loch Coire Mhic Fhearchair, nestled in the heart of a majestic cirque, adds a touch of grandeur to this route.

Day 10 – Ben More Coigach

Journey by car: 2 h 10 m, 144 km
Difficulty of the hike: Hard
Duration: 6 h

Continue your exploration north to the beautiful Coigach region, where Ben More Coigach stands proud. This majestic peak rises steeply from Loch Broom to a height of 743 meters. Thanks to its coastal location and its high prominence, it offers breathtaking views, stretching from Ullapool to the Summer Isles, and further north, from Coigach to the emblematic peaks of the splendid region of Assynt.

This horseshoe-shaped loop takes you to three summits linked by a spectacular ridge, offering exceptional views at every turn. Without a doubt one of the most beautiful walks in Scotland!

Day 11 – Cùl Mòr

Journey by car: 45 min, 34 km
Difficulty of the hike: Hard
Duration: 6 h

Continue your exploration of the magnificent Assynt region today with the ascent of Cùl Mòr, one of the iconic mountains that shape this unique landscape. Here, the peaks stand like isolated giants, dominating an enchanting landscape dotted with sparkling lochs and lochans.

Crossing the summit is simply magical, with breathtaking panoramas opening up at every turn, each more beautiful than the last. An unforgettable adventure for all lovers of the great outdoors!

Day 12 – Arkle

Journey by car: 1 h, 68 km
Difficulty of the hike: Hard
Duration: 7 h 30 m

Arkle is a majestic mountain located in the Sutherland region, in the far northwest of the Highlands. It is characterized by its composition of quartzite, a siliceous rock that gives it a distinctive bright white hue. The views from the summit are superb, with uninterrupted views of the neighbouring mountains of Foinaven and Ben Stack, as well as the incredible mosaic of rivers, lochs and lochans that dot the region.

Alternative: If you are looking for a shorter hike, the summit of Ben Stack, just opposite, is an excellent option. Less varied than Arkle, it is still spectacular and offers an equally magnificent panorama of this exceptional region.

Day 13 – Oldshoremore Bay

Journey by car: 30 min, 27 km
Difficulty of the hike: Easy
Duration: 3 h 15 m

Today, we head to the northern tip of Scotland for a day that is less physically demanding, but just as rewarding! Enjoy a beautiful route along the coast with absolutely stunning views. You will discover three long beaches of fine sand and clear water. The return journey is along a small, quiet road.

Faraid Head

Journey by car: 40 min, 35 km
Difficulty of the hike: Easy
Duration: 2 h 30 m

In the afternoon, set off to explore Faraid Head, a small wild peninsula located just five kilometers from the village of Durness. This enchanting site charms visitors with its vast Balnakeil beach, a true gem of the region. Behind this expanse of golden sand, you will be surprised by superb dunes and steep cliffs offering spectacular views of the coast and its rock formations.

Day 14 – Uath Lochans

Journey by car: 3 h 25 m, 230 km
Difficulty of the hike: Easy
Duration: 2 h

On your way back to the Scottish capital, take a well-deserved break halfway through the journey in the Cairngorms National Park. Enjoy this superb walk around four small lochs, remnants of the last Ice Age, for an immersion in the heart of nature.

Set in the heart of the majestic pine forest of Inshriach, this hike invites you to observe the local flora and fauna: red squirrels, dragonflies and other insects enliven this enchanting landscape. An ideal moment of relaxation before hitting the road again and returning to the hustle and bustle of the city!