DAY 1

Soon after meeting your guides in Edinburgh for a short orientation, you depart on an approximate 1¼-hour drive to Callander, the capital of the Trossachs region. Walking away from the town center you follow a level path through some woodland, across an area of more open ground and to an open area with great views out over the countryside towards Stirling. Soon a long flight of steps is reached with a wooden hand rail. From the bottom of the steps it is only a short walk to the reach the bridge at the falls. The name Bracklinn comes from the Gaelic word Breac, meaning speckled or tawny and refers to the color of the peat-tinged water, and from Linn meaning pool. After viewing the falls you walk through a farm, by a fishing pond and an old disused railway line. The trail heads back into Callander.

In Callander lunch is served at an old wayside inn, where the menu features traditional Scottish favorites such as fish and chips, steak-and-ale pie, and haggis. After this fortifying lunch you then embark on the second of today’s walks which originally takes you on flat terrain alongside Loch Venacher. This walk affords some of the best scenery in the Trossachs. After walking along paved road for a while the trail then leads you through forest tracks where you are literally walking in the “Heart of the Trossachs.” On this walk there is also the chance to spot Whooper swans and other wildlife. Later arrive in Loch Achray, which is well known for its sheltered location, giving rise to placid waters offering magnificent reflections of the woodland to the south, the mountains and forests to the north ,and the majestic crags of Ben Venue to the west.

A gentle stroll leads down through the forest to the Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel, your home for the next two nights. This resort hotel is set in 25 acres of woods and beautifully landscaped gardens, close to the shores of stunning Loch Ard. This evening in your hotel’s restaurant, you dine on local specialties such as Perthshire Lamb and Scottish Salmon.
MacDonald Forest Hills Hotel, Kinlochard nr Aberfoyle

DAY 2

After a hearty Scottish breakfast, you transfer to Trossachs Pier at the eastern end of Loch Katrine. At the heart of the Trossachs, this is the most beautiful of its lochs, popularized in the early 19th century following the success of Sir Walter Scott’s narrative poem “Lady of the Lake” and his novel Rob Roy, which were both set in the area. An original 19th-century steamship named for the famous author has plied the waters of Loch Katrine for over 100 years, affording visitors the same sights that so charmed Queen Victoria. Today, you are among the morning passengers sailing to lonely Stronachlachar at the western end of the loch, 12 miles away.

From Stronachlachar (referred to locally as Strona), you travel a short distance to begin a morning walk up to Rob Roy’s viewpoint high above Loch Lomond, close to Inversnaid. Loch Lomond is the immortal subject of ballad and legend and is the longest stretch of fresh water in the United Kingdom, at approximately 24 miles long, up to 5 miles wide, and almost 600 feet deep. After enjoying the extensive views, you descend to the Inversnaid Hotel on the shores of the loch, then drive back to Kinlochard, where you eat lunch in a quaint village tea shop.

This afternoon includes a visit to Ledard Farm, which dates back to 1474. It served as an annual gathering place for the Gregor clan for over 500 years. A father-and-son team, Fergus and Gregor, show you around this working farm—an authentic Scottish experience. Alternatively you may opt for a pleasant walk taking you high above the tranquil southern shore of beautiful Loch Ard.

Tonight enjoy a traditional dinner in a typical Scottish pub.
MacDonald Forest Hills Hotel, Kinlochard nr Aberfoyle

DAY 3

This morning’s short transfer brings you to the start of the walk at Rowardennan, a truly picturesque village on the eastern side of Loch Lomond. Today you will walk to Balmaha which is situated towards the southern end of Loch Lomond. Balmaha lies on the Highland Boundary fault, the geological fault that separates the Highlands of Scotland from the Lowlands.

This walk follows a beautiful section of the West Highland Way, a trail that opened in 1980, and stretches for 95 miles. It begins just outside Glasgow in the Lowlands, crosses the Highland Boundary Fault into the Highlands, and finishes in Fort William. It goes close to the easterly shore of Loch Lomond with superb views of the loch and some of its 38 islands, and the mountains beyond, most notably Ben Lomond (3,192 feet). You may even spot some of the many 200 species of birds recorded in this area.

Concluding at the Oak Tree Inn in Balmaha , you enjoy a well-deserved rest and lunch. Afterwards begin the transfer (approximately three hours including stops) around the western side of the loch to the breathtakingly beautiful Glen Coe, which literally means "Valley of the Weeping." Your traditional, mountain hotel is located here in the heart of Scotland’s most famous glen.
Clachaig Inn, Glencoe

DAY 4

Today’s walk takes you along one of the most dramatic sections of the West Highland Way, the “Devil’s Staircase,” so named by the approximately 400 soldiers who endured great hardship to build it. This section of the trail was part of an old military road linking Fort William and Stirling, and is one of a series of such roads in this area. Many of them were constructed in the 18th century at the behest of England’s General Wade, with the aim of suppressing and dismantling the Highlanders’ way of life. By doing this they were ensuring that there could never be another Jacobite uprising like that led by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745-46.

After an initial 30-minute gradual ascent (elevation gain of approximately 800 feet) the path levels out at the top of the pass. This is the highest point on the West Highland Way with stunning views of Blackwater Reservoir and the remote and desolate Rannoch Moor. The trail then runs across an expanse of open countryside before descending into the sleepy town of Kinlochleven, which surprisingly in 1904 was home to Europe’s largest aluminum smelter. The town now serves as a welcome break for weary hikers, with its restaurants transformed from some of the abandoned, industrial premises. It is here where you are served a hearty lunch.

Next you proceed to the newly completed Glencoe Visitors Centre, where you learn more about the massacre of February 1692. Returning to the village of Glencoe you visit the memorial commemorating the MacDonald Clan, who perished during this tragic event. From here some may wish to take a pleasant walk back to the hotel on a quiet lane, which offers superb views of the Glen and the peaks.

This evening a delicious meal is served at the hotel’s restaurant.
Clachaig Inn, Glencoe

DAY 5

Following breakfast you depart on a short transfer back to Kinlochleven. You set off on the final section of the West Highland Way toward Fort William. After an initial ascent of approximately 750 feet, the route flattens as it follows the old drovers’ road, and later the military road, through the Lairigmor—the Great Pass—emerging high in the hills above Fort William. This is the largest town in the western Highlands and is picturesquely located on the shores of Loch Linnhe. It was originally developed as a settlement around the fort, which was constructed to control the population after Oliver Cromwell’s invasion of Scotland during the English Civil War.

Arriving in town in the mid-afternoon, a fine lunch is provided at your hotel. After lunch you can relax at the hotel in preparation for a free evening on your own in one of Fort William’s fine restaurants or pubs.
The Lime Tree, Fort William

DAY 6

Our journey today is truly unforgettable. You begin the day with a 1½-hour train ride, passing through some of Scotland’s most atmospheric scenery. You cross the famous 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct (featured in the Harry Potter movies), which offers views of the poignant Glenfinnan monument at the head of Loch Shiel. The final destination of Mallaig is a thriving fishing community, as well as one of the gateways to the islands of the Inner Hebrides; you can admire views of the jagged peaks of the Isle of Skye just a few miles away across the Sound of Sleat. The walk leaves Mallaig on paved road then leads across open countryside toward Loch an Nostarie, a picturesque loch surrounded by low hills, which feels remarkably remote despite being just a few miles from Mallaig. (For the shorter option, it is possible to return to Mallaig from here). The onward route leads to a viewpoint above the hamlet of Mallaiquaig, close to the spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed in 1746 after his exile on the Isle of Skye. From here you loop back to Mallaig on the “old crofter’s” path.

Mallaig offers a wide variety of lunch establishments, many selling local seafood. Before leaving this area you should try “Cullen Skink,” a delicious fish chowder made from smoked haddock. In the early afternoon you return to Fort William, and visit the Glenfinnan monument. This memorial was erected in honor of the clansmen who supported Bonnie Prince Charlie’s attempt to gain the British throne in 1745. Arriving back in Fort William you will have time to further explore the streets of the town before reuniting for a dinner celebrating your week in Scotland.
The Lime Tree, Fort William

DAY 7

After a leisurely breakfast you transfer to Edinburgh, which takes approximately three hours, and it is here in the late morning where you bid farewell to newfound friends.

A taxi brings you to the Edinburgh train station, where you board a train for the just under two-hour ride to the town of Penrith, crossing the border from Scotland to England. The gateway to the English Lakes region, your historic town-house hotel is located in the center of a charming town with traditional shops, restaurants, and a historic arcade all within walking distance. A comfortable place to relax between walks, Country Walkers and the hotel provide suggestions for dinner.
The George Hotel, Penrith

DAY 8

The North Lakes Hotel and Spa is your meeting point for your new group and guide(s), and from here you immediately transfer to the village of Askham to walk through the Lowther Estate, owned by Lord Lonsdale. Continuing on over the fell and into the Lake District National Park, you pass ancient prehistoric settlements and enjoy first views of the Cumbrian Mountains and Ullswater. Descending to the village of Pooley Bridge at the edge of the lake you pause for lunch in a local pub. This village was one of the earliest settlements on the lake, dating back to the Celts.

Following lunch, you transfer to the hamlet of Dockray, overlooking the lake, and walk by Aira Beck toward Aira Force, probably the most famous of the Lake District’s waterfalls. Here you admire the views and are regaled with tales from your guides about the romanticism that the region has long inspired.

The short drive to the hotel just a few miles outside of Keswick allows plenty of time to settle in before meeting for a pre-dinner drink and a fuller introduction to the week ahead. The hotel restaurant features local produce whenever possible, so tonight’s dinner promises excellent cuisine.
Borrowdale Gates Hotel, Grange-in-Borrowdale

DAY 9

After a breakfast buffet consisting of cereal, fruit, pastries, and cold meats, or a traditional hot Cumbrian breakfast, you follow in the footsteps of the men of Borrowdale, quarrymen and miners of yesteryear. In this valley there were many working slate mines, most of which are now closed. Beginning at the head of the valley you follow a rambling trail along the side of the dale before descending to the hamlet of Grange. This village is noteworthy for its double arched bridge of 1675 that crosses the River Derwent. Stone and whitewashed cottages sit snugly in this village set in the heart of the Borrowdale Valley. After lunch, take a lakeshore path which provides a relatively flat walk and traverses the pretty woodlands revealing glimpses of the lake. Finish the afternoon in Hawes End for a fun ride on a Victorian ferryboat back to town.

Dinner tonight is at the Lyzzick Hall Hotel located on the lower slopes of Skiddaw Mountain, with stunning views across the vale. The restaurant here prides itself on using freshly prepared local ingredients and herbs from their own garden.
Borrowdale Gates Hotel, Grange-in-Borrowdale

DAY 10

Today you cross Whinlatter Pass, which connects the beauty of the Keswick Valley to Buttermere and beyond. Here magnificent nature predominates, and as you take a walk which skirts Crummock Water, you can see the stirring views of the high mountains surrounding this pretty vale. Completing the walk at the hamlet of Buttermere, you enjoy a pub lunch and afterwards walk along the pretty shore of Buttermere Lake, before boarding the coach to ride over Honister Pass and back to the hotel via Borrowdale.

There is time to refresh at the hotel and enjoy its beautiful surroundings, before heading back into Keswick, where you enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.
Borrowdale Gates Hotel, Grange-in-Borrowdale

DAY 11

Today you meander through one of the region’s prettiest dales, walking in the area around two of the smaller lakes, Grasmere and Rydal Water and in the footsteps of William Wordsworth, one of England’s most famous poets of the early 19th century. You begin the walk around the valley along level tracks enjoying lovely views along the way. If you are feeling more adventurous, you ascend Loughrigg. This wooded fell hill was the backdrop for scenes filmed in the latest Beatrix Potter film. A free lunch is taken in the village of Grasmere, where you approach Dove Cottage, Wordworth’s first home. The day is complete with a walk to his last home at Rydal Mount, where you take a tour and admire the views and the gardens he designed.

At day’s end, you transfer to the next hotel on the itinerary, located on the edge of the lakeside town of Bowness-on-Windermere. Here a warm welcome awaits, and later enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by the hotel’s chef. Local favorites such as steak and ale pie or delicious Cumbrian beef are presented.
Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel, Bowness-on-Windermere

DAY 12

Following a full English breakfast, you set off for a walk that provides superb vistas across Lake Windermere—the region’s second deepest lake—snaking its way between the hills of the Southern Lakeland. Departing on foot from the hotel, you board the ferry to cross the lake, and once on land, amble up an easy path past small mountain tarns with open distant views of the undulating and treeless central hills. At the highest point of Latterbarrow, a maximum of about a 650-foot elevation gain, there are superb 360-degree views of all of the Lakeland. From this point, you descend to the charming village of Hawkshead for lunch in a traditional 18th-century pub featuring home-cooked fare. Not only the home of the poet William Wordsworth, Hawkshead was also the home of Beatrix Potter, and there is time to visit the gallery of her original paintings in a beautiful 17th-century building. The pedestrian streets, squares, and quant architecture of this ancient market town invite exploration. Later, you climb aboard a minibus returning to the lakeside ferry, in turn to reach your hotel, where your evening is free to explore the town of Keswick on the shore of Windermere Lake, and eat in a local pub or restaurant.
Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel, Bowness-on-Windermere

DAY 13

Coniston is a charming locale alive with history that reaches back to Roman times. Today you explore the famous Copper Mines Valley, a source of this valuable metal through the 19th century. In the 20th century, Coniston gained recognition as the site of Donald Campbell’s speedboat record attempts. After a morning walk you picnic by a mountain stream. This afternoon hardier souls can attempt an ascent to Lever Waters tarn (the name for a small mountain lake in Cumbria). Coniston Old Man is the mountain towering over the village and lake. Despite its relatively low height of 2,600 feet it forms a grand ridge with an east-facing escarpment. On our descent on clear days you can see breathtaking views over Morecambe Bay and the hills of Wales. If you decide not to take this option, you can descend into Coniston Village and visit the Ruskin and Campbell Museum. This museum is a celebration of the area’s heritage with exhibits relating to slate mining, geology, the copper mines, and Donald Campbell himself. You may then board the restored Victorian steam yacht “Gondola” for a ride on Lake Coniston.

This evening you toast your explorations with a farewell drink and celebratory dinner in a local restaurant.
Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel, Bowness-on-Windermere

DAY 14

Departing the hotel, you ascend Orrest Head, which presides above the village; magnificent, lasting views of Lake Windermere are yours to carry home. Orrest Head was the hill first climbed by Alfred Wainwright, Britain’s most famous hillwalker, on his first visit to the Lake District, an ascent that inspired him to begin authoring the guidebooks for which he is renowned. After the descent, you board the minibus, and transfer to the mainline train station of Penrith for your next destination.

Itinerary Changes

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Nights 1 & 2

Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel
Kinlochard nr Aberfoyle, Scotland

Set in 25 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and woodland, this 57-room resort hotel offers guests the complimentary use of an indoor pool, sauna, and steam room.

Nights 3 & 4

Clachaig Inn
Argyll, Scotland

Located in one of the most stunning walking areas of Scotland, this simple 23-room inn offers tasty traditional food and a lively atmosphere. Please note that rooms at this inn are often smaller than what you may be used to, but the setting, service and proximity to the walks are exceptional.

Nights 5 & 6

The Lime Tree Hotel
Fort William, Scotland

This stylish hotel is located in the hub of Scotland’s best outdoor activities, with beautiful views of Loch Linnhe and the hills beyond. The property blends old and new, and the contemporary decor extends into guest rooms with neutral colors and exposed oak and cedar. Common areas feature comfortable lounges with open fires, as well as original artwork from the Highlands.

Night 7

The George Hotel
Penrith, England

Steeped in over 300 years of history, this property has 35 comfortable en-suite rooms all tastefully re-furbished.

Nights 8, 9 & 10

Borrowdale Gates Hotel
Grange-in-Borrowdale, England

This property is set on two acres of woodland and located in a valley with beautiful views in every direction. All rooms are well equipped and individually decorated.

Nights 11, 12 & 13

Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel
Bowness-on-Windermere, England

A classic country house hotel, once owned by children’s author Beatrix Potter. The property features a sauna, swimming pool, and rooms overlooking a peaceful lake, gardens, and woodlands.

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.

Ruth Hackney

Raised near Manchester in northern England, Ruth Hackney has always been a passionate hiker and a history enthusiast. She majored in Oriental Studies at King’s College, Cambridge, then taught in India for 2 years, followed by a year in Australia on a Rotary Foundation Scholarship. She has lived in southern Greece since 1987, initially teaching English to Greek teenagers before she found her perfect vocation as a tour guide. On our Greek trips she loves to share her deep affection for the history and culture of her adopted homeland, while each summer she returns to her roots in the UK and guides our Scottish tours.

Stuart Hall

Stuart was born in Dundee, Scotland, and has traveled widely in Southeast Asia, Australia, and Europe. Stuart has lived in Aberfoyle, in the heart of the Trossachs, for 10 years and while not guiding for Country Walkers, he enjoys a variety of winter sports including climbing and hiking in the Scottish hills.

Rob Mulholland

Rob is a native of Glasgow, Scotland. He spends most weekends exploring the trails around the Trossachs, where he has lived and worked for over thirteen years. He has travelled throughout the world and is also a successful artist who creates public sculptures and exhibits.

Geoff Price

Geoff has been a registered tourist guide since 1990, specializing in hill-walking tours of northern England. Growing up on the edge of the Pennine Hills, near Manchester gave him a love of the mountains. He lived in Switzerland for 9 years, returning to England with his family and settling down in a small borders village near Carlisle. He is a fountain of local knowledge and enjoys sharing his love of this area.

Rob O'Hara

Rob O’Hara has taught in many different countries, schools, and work environments for 30 years. He loves new challenges and has varied interests from acting and singing in local plays to road running. He was once among the top 20 road runners in England. He is well-known for his keen sense of humor and positive attitude and is looking forward to showing Country Walkers guests the beauty of the English Lake District and the Scottish Highlands.

Peter Cooper

Peter Cooper lives in Snowdonia, North Wales with his wife, daughter, and two sons. Pete’s love of the outdoors began when he walked the Pennine Way (a 270-mile walk from the Peak District, U.K. to the Scottish Borders) at the age of 15. When not guiding Country Walkers tours he works as an activity instructor leading guided mountain walks, and teaching canoeing, kayaking, and rock climbing. In addition to guiding in North Wales he also guides in locations such as Scotland, Africa, Nepal, Morocco, and the Pyrenees. In the past he has worked for the Civil Service and as a college lecturer, but his real calling is to be in the outdoors, sharing his love of nature with his guests.