North Highlands Explorer Tour
Highlands
Itinerary Day by Day
The hikes below are suggestions to give you a sense of what's possible. Every private tour is fully customisable — we'll tailor the itinerary to your interests, fitness level, and dates.
Day 1
Travel to Inverness
Make your way to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and check in to your accommodation. Enjoy dinner at one of Inverness’ many excellent restaurants, before getting a good night’s sleep before your first day of hiking tomorrow! Your guide will contact you today to confirm plans for tomorrow – route choice, meeting place and time.
Overnight: Inverness
Day 2
Hiking in the Cairngorms
Head out for your first day of hiking today. A 30 min drive south will take you to the Cairngorms National Park – famous for its rolling mountains, ancient pine forests, and many lochs. Your guide will meet you at the trailhead of your agreed route, and take you on a hike tailored to your abilities and ambitions, which may be anything from a gentle stroll among the pine forests to a challenging hike to the summits of the Cairngorms themselves. Return to Inverness afterwards.
Overnight: Inverness
Day 3
Hiking in Torridon
Head north from Inverness today to meet your guide again amid the spectacular mountainous landscapes of Torridon. This area is famous for its towering and impressive peaks, and features some of the most famous mountains in the country. Whether you wish to admire them from a distance on a hike through the glens, or take on the challenge of summiting one of these rocky summits, the scenery is never less than breathtaking. Return to Inverness after your hike.
Overnight: Inverness
Day 4
Hiking in Glen Affric
Glen Affric is widely regarded as being the most beautiful glen in Scotland, thanks to its beautiful combination of impressive mountain peaks, roaring waterfalls, and ancient woodlands. Head west from Inverness today to visit the glen and meet your guide again. Here you can either enjoy a series of short walks to take in different parts of the glen; walk around a remote and beautiful loch; or head to one of the summits for more adventure. Return to Inverness afterwards for your final night. Once you return to your car your guide will make their farewells.
Overnight: Inverness
Day 5
Departure
Enjoy a final Highland breakfast and check out from your accommodation this morning. Say farewell to Inverness as you begin your onward travel – either homeward or perhaps continuing the adventure.
All elements of the itinerary are subject to change due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.
What's Included
Price includes
Accommodation
Hiking with an expert guide.
Not included
Insurance
Meals
Transport to and from the start point.
Upgrades & Extensions
Want to make this trip even more special? Here are some options to upgrade or extend your experience.
Go Fully Guided
+ £1,200 per personInstead of self drive, make this tour fully guided. Your guide will be your driver for the whole tour, collecting you from an agreed start location and returning there at the end of the trip. Adds two guided days to the tour, with options for more hiking on those days.
Accommodation Upgrade
POAUpgrade your accommodation to a superior room in an Inverness townhouse hotel or even higher. 5 star accommodations available.
Whales and Wildlife Cruise
From £100 per personJoin an incredible high seas adventure aboard a fast RIB, looking for whales and wildlife on the stunning waters of the MInch. Options ranging from 2 to 4 hours. Available mid April to mid September.
Distillery Tour
From £40 per personTake a tour of a Highland distillery to discover the secrets behind the making of Scotland's most famous export. Uisge Beatha - the Water of Life - more commonly known as whisky! Various tour options are available from a classic tour, to exclusive behind the scenes access.
Interested in any of these? Just mention it when you get in touch and we'll build it into your itinerary.
Accommodation
4 Star Guesthouse
Your accommodation for this tour will be a 4 star guesthouse where you will be accommodated on a B&B basis. Inverness has many welcoming, high quality options where you will be well looked after by friendly hosts.
Specific accommodation choice will depend on availability and will be agreed with you before booking confirmation.
Trip price based on 2 people sharing 1 room.
Trip Grading
Grade Flexible View full grading guide →
Grade: Flexible
This is your trip, tailored to your group's fitness level and goals. We'll plan each day's hiking together, choosing routes that suit your pace and aspirations — whether that's gentle glen walks or summit days with a view.
Gallery
About Highlands
Highlands, Scottish Highlands
Exclusively Private
Plan Your Own Departure
This tour runs on dates of your choice, exclusively for you and your group. There are no fixed departures — every trip is planned around you.
Prices from £1750 per person based on 2 people — contact us for a tailored quote for your group size.
Plan Your Dates & Enquire
Your guides
Our guides are local to the Highlands and bring years of experience leading trips in some of Scotland's most spectacular terrain. Qualified Mountain Leaders, warm and welcoming, they're passionate about sharing the places they know and love — from hidden glens to high ridgelines. Small group sizes mean every day can be tailored to what works best for your group.
Mountain Leader qualified Fully insured First aid certified Local to the Highlands Highly experienced Max 8 guests per guide
Get in touch
Got a question about this tour?
We'll get back to you within one working day. No obligation, just honest advice.
Reply within one working day No obligation Expert, personal advice
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