Wild Scotland

Arrive in Inverness and check into your hotel – if you're arriving by air, Inverness airport (INV) is the most convenient. If you have time, take a short stroll to the compact city to explore before heading back for welcome drinks at 6pm, followed by dinner and a briefing from our Local Insider, who will accompany the group throughout the trip. Get an early night before your journey to the Isle of Skye tomorrow.

Your journey to the west begins. Look out for Nessie as you skirt the edge of Loch Ness, glimpse the mighty Ben Nevis and spy the 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct (a location made famous in the Harry Potter films) above Loch Shiel. Cross over from the mainland via a bridge to the Isle of Skye, in the heart of the primeval landscape of the Cuillin mountains. Hike from your hotel past a series of waterfalls to the tranquil Fairy Pools. It’s a tempting spot for a wild swim and, framed by dark, menacing peaks, there’s a showstopper of a view.

Take your pick this morning. There's a boat ride on offer around the Raasay, an island off Skye known for its distinctive flat-top summit, winding trails and views towards the Cuillins. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins. Alternatively, explore the pretty harbour town of Portree, where you’ll be staying. Cameras at the ready this afternoon. You’ll hike across one of the most spectacular landscapes in Britain – the Trotternish hills. The great ridge that forms its backbone is home to the Quiraing, a vast landslip that has created jagged pinnacles, grassy plateaus and pyramidal peaks.

Island-hop from Skye to Harris today as you board the ferry from Uig to Tarbert. Visit the Isle of Harris Distillery, where you’ll learn how whisky is made from the local spring water, as well as sample some yourself. After a local lunch, get ready for a tour of the renowned wild beaches on Harris. With miles of pristine, white sand and turquoise sea, this shoreline is worthy of any bucket list. Afterwards, journey to your hotel in Stornoway.

Get ready for a highlight today: exploring the beaches of the Isle of Lewis. Sweeping golden crescents of sand are backed by rolling moorland, looking out towards the North Sea. Favourites include Dalmor, a remote windswept spot on the north coast. Alternatively, choose an optional sea-kayaking excursion around the clear waters. In the afternoon, head back to your hotel – you have the afternoon to explore Stornoway at leisure. Walk through the grounds of Lews Castle, built in the mid 19th century, or take a stroll around the harbour – you might even spot a seal, if you’re lucky.

For your final full day, you’ll get a glimpse of Hebridean heritage at the Carloway Mill, a non-profit enterprise maintaining the tradition of Harris Tweed on the island. Here, you’ll meet skilled weavers working with traditional machinery. Afterwards, you’ll head south to visit one of the most complete stone circles in Europe, the 5,000-year-old Calanais Standing Stones on the west coast. In the afternoon, climb aboard the return ferry to Inverness, where you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner and a wee dram before one last sleep.

Wake to a traditional Scottish breakfast before saying your goodbyes and leaving Inverness at 10am.