Exploring the West Coast of Scotland & the Isle of Skye

Make your own way to the highland town of Fort William, check into your comfortable hotel and get ready for your adventure. Fort William is easily accessible from Inverness, Glasgow and Edinburgh by train or bus. Travel by train across the Scottish landscape is a wonderful way to begin to experience the grandeur of the landscape. Fort William is a bustling Highland town, with a proliferation of outdoor shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. If you are arriving early, we highly recommend taking a boat cruise on Loch Linnhe to “Seal Island” to see the grey seals or the daily “Sunset Cruise” for views of Ben Nevis and the surrounding mountains, should it be peeking out of the clouds. Accommodation: Two nights in a comfortable and stylish hotel in Fort William.

Travel by private transfer (included – 25 mins) along the Great Glen from Fort William to Gairlochy on the Caledonian Canal to join the Great Glen Way Trail. The walk follows one of the most accessible and enjoyable sections of the Great Glen Way, offering a gentle introduction to Highland walking. Leaving Gairlochy, the route joins the Caledonian Canal towpath, a largely level track that makes for relaxed walking underfoot. The path runs close to the water, with wide views across the canal and surrounding woodland, and the long, straight stretches give a real sense of journey through the Great Glen itself. To the west, glimpses open up towards Loch Linnhe, while ahead the bulk of Ben Nevis gradually comes into view. As you approach Fort William, the walk passes Neptune’s Staircase, an impressive flight of eight locks where boats are raised and lowered towards Loch Ness. The final stretch continues alongside the canal before dropping gently into Fort William, finishing close to the town centre.

Leaving Fort William by train, you will travel on one of the most celebrated railway lines in Britain, heading west through classic Highland scenery. The line skirts Loch Eil before climbing into open moorland and mountain landscapes, gradually revealing wider views as it approaches Glenfinnan. Here, the train crosses the sweeping curves of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, instantly recognisable as the route of the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films, with views down to Loch Shiel and the monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie at the water’s edge. Beyond Glenfinnan, the railway descends towards the coast, finishing at Mallaig, a working fishing port and historic gateway to the Scottish islands. From the harbour, a short ferry crossing carries you “over the sea to Skye” across the Sound of Sleat. Arriving at Armadale on Skye’s Sleat Peninsula, you will enjoy your first evening on the island, surrounded by sea views, wooded hills and a strong sense of having crossed into a very different landscape. Accommodation: Overnight in a comfortable, homely and welcoming B&B near Armadale in Ardvasar.

The walk from Torrin to Broadford is one of Skye’s most evocative coastal routes, combining wide-open scenery with a powerful sense of history. Setting out from Torrin, the path follows the shoreline of Loch Slapin, with the distinctive pyramid of Blà Bheinn rising dramatically across the water and the jagged outline of the Black Cuillin forming a constant backdrop. The route soon reaches the abandoned clearance villages of Suisnish and Boreraig, once thriving crofting communities cleared in the mid-19th century. Roofless stone houses, tumbled walls and old field patterns lie scattered across the hillside, creating a stark and moving landscape that speaks quietly of Skye’s past. It’s a place that invites slow walking and reflection, with seabirds overhead and the sound of the tide close at hand. “The Highland Clearances “remain a delicate subject in Scotland even now. Beyond Boreraig, the route turns inland to follow the old marble tramway, built to transport marble from the quarries above Torrin to Broadford. The wide, gently graded track provides easy walking and expansive views back towards the Cuillin, gradually leading you down towards Broadford. The walk finishes on the edge of the village, a satisfying conclusion that blends dramatic scenery, industrial heritage and some of the most poignant history on the island. Accommodation: Overnight in a guesthouse or small hotel in Broadford.

After a scenic morning transfer (40 mins) from Broadford to Sligachan, you will arrive at one of Skye’s most atmospheric crossroads, set where the road meets the River Sligachan beneath the dark, serrated peaks of the Cuillin Mountains. The old stone bridge here is steeped in legend, and the setting alone makes this feel like a true Highland departure point. From Sligachan, you set out on foot along a superb section of the Skye Trail, heading north towards Portree. The route begins on a quiet minor road through open moorland, with wide views back to the Cuillin before easing into more rural landscapes. As the walk progresses, the scenery gradually softens, passing scattered crofts and grazing land, while glimpses of the sea appear ahead. The final approach to Portree follows a path above the coast, offering views across the Sound of Raasay before descending into the town itself. Arriving on foot, you’re rewarded with the sight of Portree’s colourful harbour, its houses clustered around the water. It’s a satisfying end to a day that links Skye’s wild interior with its lively capital, and a fitting introduction to the island’s north. Accommodation: Three nights in a B&B or small hotel in Portree. As the island’s busiest settlement, accommodation here is in very high demand and choice can be limited, particularly in peak season. We will always request our first-choice property, but some flexibility may be required and supplements may apply.

Today you will enjoy a classic Skye experience hiking to the Old Man of Storr on the Trotternish Ridge. Take the local bus (20 mins) north from Portree to the start of the Old Man of Storr walk. The well-maintained path climbs steadily to the famous rock pinnacle and surrounding viewpoints, with sweeping views across the Sound of Raasay. From here you can either return the same way or continue by bus to the Quiraing where a spectacular circuit walk explores towering cliffs, landslip formations and wide open views over Staffin Bay. Regular local bus services link Portree with both walking areas, making this a straightforward and flexible day without the need for a car. If you would like to include private transfers on this day, please ask your consultant when you book.

There are two options for today – a visit to the island of Raasay or a full day tour of Skye. The Isle of Raasay is a tranquil Scottish island in the Inner Hebrides located between the Isle of Skye and the mainland. Known as the "Isle of the Roe Deer," it is roughly 14 miles long, featuring rugged landscapes, the 444m volcanic peak Dùn Caan, and a population of around 160–200. A short bus ride (payable locally) from Portree brings you to Sconser, where a small ferry makes the crossing to Raasay in around 25 minutes. The island offers peaceful walking, coastal views and a very different atmosphere from Skye, with well-marked paths and the option of shorter, relaxed walks. Return ferries operate throughout the day, allowing you to tailor the length of your visit before travelling back to Portree for the night. If you would like to include private transfers on this day, please ask your consultant when you book If you’d like to maximise your time on Skye and see more of the island we recommend taking a full day tour to see more of the island’s vast and varied landscapes. Travelling in a small group with a knowledgeable local driver-guide, the day is designed to give a broad, well-paced overview of Skye’s key sights, stories and scenery. The route typically takes in many of Skye’s most celebrated locations including the Talisker Distillery, the famous Fairy Pools for a short hike, Neist Point Lighthouse, the Fairy Glen and the Kilt Rock. Along the way, your guide brings the landscape to life with insights into Skye’s geology, history and folklore, from clan rivalries to clearance history and island life today. There is time to stop for short walks, photographs and refreshments, with flexibility built in to respond to weather conditions and group interests. Pick up and drop off will be in Portree. Please let us know when you book if you’d like us to add this tour to your booking (additional cost payable- approx £90 per person Jan 2026).

Your holiday comes to an end after breakfast. Accommodation services finish this morning, allowing you time to make your onward journey at a relaxed pace. From Portree, regular local bus services run south to Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland via the Skye road bridge, where you can connect with trains to Inverness, Fort William, Glasgow or Edinburgh or continue your journey by coach. This makes for a straightforward and scenic departure, bringing your journey through the Highlands and the Isle of Skye to a fitting close.