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Grading of the walks
You do need to be reasonably fit to get the maximum enjoyment out of a walking holiday. Our trips are graded - so you can choose the one most suited to your level of fitness and previous walking experience. No backpacking is involved (except for our two short trip camping trips). You will only have to carry a light daypack as you will be returning to your accommodation each evening.
The walk each day will be carefully chosen by the leader and will depend upon an assessment of factors which include the weather, group fitness and deer stalking restrictions.
MODERATE
The emphasis is on a leisurely pace with time to observe and interpret the area, its history and wildlife. We usually spend 5 or 6 hours walking (up to 10 miles / 16 km). Gradients are generally easy and much of the walking is on paths, although these are often rough.

INTERMEDIATE
There will be a mixture of mountain walks (typically 1500 to 3000 feet / 450 to 900 metres of ascent) and long low-level walks (10 to 15 miles / 16 to 24 km). You will be walking for 6 to 8 hours a day and at a slightly slower pace than that of the strenuous groups. There are few paths and the way is often over rough ground.

STRENUOUS
We go mountain walking with 3000 to 5000 feet / 900 to 1500 metres of ascent per day. On some days we will be walking for more than eight hours. You should have some previous mountain-walking experience, preferably in Scotland. The emphasis is on climbing Munros and some scrambling and steep ascents and descents may be involved.

Unsure which to choose? If so, please contact us for advice on which grade is appropriate.





What's included
Comfortable hotel, guesthouse or bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodation specific to each trip as detailed in the brochure trip description.
Our Moderate grade holidays are always based on Dinner, B&B. Dinner is not always included on our Intermediate and Strenuous grade holidays. (Packed) lunches are not included except on the Highlands & Hebrides Tour and Faroes holiday; they can usually be provided by the hotel/guesthouse/B&B at an extra charge of around £3.50 to £4.50 per day.
Five days’ expert guiding, unless otherwise stated in the brochure trip description. On some holidays one day in the middle of the week is kept free; no organised walk is arranged for this day, you are free to organise your own schedule or your leader will always be happy to suggest various options/activities.
Free transport by minibus from/to the holiday start/finish point and throughout the trip (except on the free day). Ferry tickets are not always included, check the specific brochure trip description for details.
Our holiday prices are based on two people sharing a room. A limited number of single rooms is usually available and we advise you to book early as they tend to book up very quickly. Single supplement charges are listed under each brochure trip description.
Transport: The following airlines fly to Inverness: British Airways (from London, Gatwick); Eastern Airways (from Manchester); Easyjet (from London, Gatwick and Luton). The London/Inverness flight takes approximately one-and-a-half hours. There are direct train links to Inverness from most UK cities (including sleeper from London, Euston) as well as to our other holiday start points. Regular bus services operate from most UK cities to our holiday start points.
Walking Only: If you wish to walk with us but prefer to arrange your own accommodation our charge for guiding and transport as detailed above is £275.

Equipment: You should bring comfortable, waterproof walking boots, warm clothing, hat, gloves, waterproof jacket and trousers. During the summer you are just as likely to need shorts, T-shirts, sunhat and sunscreen. You will need a daypack, first aid kit, thermos for hot drinks or a water bottle.

Extra information: If you have any questions, please contact us. On receipt of your booking we will send you further details of your holiday, what to bring, accommodation in Inverness and holiday insurance (UK residents only).

Private guiding: We can offer private guiding to suit your needs - from the Cuillin Ridge to bird- watching in the Hebrides. The cost starts from £80 per day plus accommodation and transport. If you would like us to organise a trip for you, just email us with the details and we will be delighted to quote a price.




About your Guides
Andrew Bluefield started leading groups in 1984 and has led many holidays overseas as well as in Scotland. Andrew was a mountain rescue team member for seventeen years, ten of those as a Search & Rescue Dog handler. His favourite holidays to lead are the Western Isles and anything in Nepal!



Ben Lowe lives in Glenelg and is a very popular leader. He loves the mountains and, when not leading for North-West Frontiers, is usually to be found exploring far-flung corners of the Highlands. He has a Summer Mountain Leadership Certificate and has almost completed his Winter Mountain Leadership Certificate. His favourite areas to lead are Mull and Knoydart.



Iain Thow has more than fifteen years experience of guiding. As well as the Summer Mountain Leader Award, he has an M.Sc. in Environmental Planning and an honours degree in Geography. He is particularly interested in the landscape and the way it has evolved over time. Iain completed his Munros (Scottish mountains over 3000 feet) in 1984 and has climbed and hiked all over the world. Notable ascents are the Matterhorn, Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. His good humour and entertaining stories make him a popular guide.



Winky O'Neale has worked as a leader for many years, with experience in Corsica as well as Scotland and the Lake District. She has a detailed knowledge of the Skye Cuillin and, although she may not know every rock, she certainly knows most of them! She has her Summer & Winter Mountain Leadership Certificate, Single Pitch Supervisors Award and has almost completed her Mountaineering Instructors Award. Winky has climbed in the Alps and the Indian Himalayas. She likes to lead the Strenuous holidays, especially Skye, Torridon and Glen Affric.