Moderate
Difficulty level
Hiking/Walking
Activity (Hike)

Scotland: West Coast Walking Tour

Six nights; seven days of walks and hikes on pathways and lanes, exploring the beaches, lochs, highlands, valleys, forests, and castles of western Scotland and the Isle of Mull.


“The Freewheeling company, and the tour guides did an excellent job. I was VERY pleased with the experience and will gladly recommend this tour company to my friends.”- Sue S.



WHY THIS TRIP?

  • Quiet paths and single-lane roads with varying terrain along glens, lochs, rivers, seashores, and across wide open moors.
  • Visit Duart Castle and Tioram Castle.
  • Wander the Hebridean white sandy beaches of Calgary, Camas an Lighe and Port Na Murrach.
  • Connections to the real-life history of the Jacobites and the fantasy world of Harry Potter at Glenfinnan.
  • ‘Road to the Isles’ route on the way to Mallaig.
  • Views of Ben Nevis and The Mamores from the Nevis Gorge.

 

ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:

Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.

3-9 miles/5-15 km per day of moderate walks and hikes on pathways and quiet paved roads with only one lane.


Daily Distance:

  • 1: Transfer from Glasgow to Oban; ferry to the Isle of Mull; and walk to Duart Castle, ~6km.
  • 2: Walk Treshnish Coast and the Whiskey Cave ~11km; and Calgary Bay, ~3km.
  • 3: Ferry to Kilchoan; walk Portuairk and Bay MacNeil, ~9km.
  • 4: Walk to Singing Sands ~10km; and hike Castle Tioram Loop ~6km.
  • 5: Hike Ariundle Oakwoods ~11km; walk Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail ~5km.
  • 6: Walk Port Nam Murrach ~5km; walk Mallaig Loop ~3km.
  • 7: Hike Steall Falls and the Nevis Gorge ~9km; transfer to Glasgow.


(Click image to enlarge)


Not sure about difficulties, and support level? Check out our What to Expect page!



Start: Radisson RED Glasgow, 09:30, day one. Glasgow can be reached by train from Edinburgh. Click here for schedule and fares.

Note: We are unable to collect you from locations within Glasgow's Low Emission Zone.

Finish: Fort William, 14:00; or Glasgow 17:00, day seven.

Meal inclusions: Listed for guided trips only, please see dates & pricing section for accurate inclusions per support level.


Please contact us to arrange alternate meeting and departure plans, if necessary.


1

DAY 1:

Transfer from Glasgow to Oban; ferry to the Isle of Mull; and walk to Duart Castle, ~6km.

Pickup in Glasgow for a transfer to Oban, known as “The Gateway to the Isles” where you will embark the ferry to Craignure and set off on your first walk to Duart Castle. Enjoy coastal trails, castle views and the tea shop before a 30-minute transfer to the town of Tobermory.

Meal Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner.

Strongarbh House, or The Tobermory Hotel, Tobermory.
2

DAY 2:

Walk Treshnish Coast and the Whiskey Cave ~11km; and Calgary Bay, ~3km.

Begin the day with a walk along the Treshnish Coast to the Whisky Cave where some of Mull’s best moonshine was once made. A quick transfer brings you to Calgary Art in Nature where you can pause at the café before a walk through a woodland sculpture exhibit. Emerge from the forest to expansive views of Calgary Bay, a perfect impression of what a beach in the Hebrides should look like. Return to Tobermory for the evening.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.

Same lodging.
3

DAY 3:

Ferry to Kilchoan; walk Portuairk and Bay MacNeil, ~9km.

Hop on the ferry to Kilchoan this morning where you will begin exploring the Ardnamurchan peninsula. Starting in the village of Portuairk, this lovely coastal walk winds through stretches of heathland with stunning coastal views of Sanna Bay and over the sea to Small Isles. A detour takes you to Ardnamurchan Point, with its lighthouse, exhibition centre and café (seasonal). Relax with views of Loch Sunart during an afternoon transfer to Strontian.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Strontian Hotel, Strontian.
4

DAY 4:

Walk to Singing Sands ~10km; and hike Castle Tioram Loop ~6km.

Attempt an early start this morning so you have lots of time to explore the beach at Singing Sands. Shuffle your feet along the sand to make it sing – a unique quality of the beach sands at Camas an Lighe. A short transfer allows for a lunch stop in nearby Acharacle, before an introduction to the second walk of the day near to the ruins of Castle Tioram, one of the most historically significant castles in the highlands. This fascinating hiking route has trail sections cut into the rock, with truly spectacular scenery.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.

Same lodging.
5

DAY 5:

Hike Ariundle Oakwoods ~11km; walk Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail ~5km.

Head out on a hike taking in the beautiful oakwood of Ariundle, the open moorland with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and the lead mines which once employed hundreds of miners. Transfer to Glenfinnan where you will be welcomed by your stunningly situated traditional Scottish country hotel. At your own pace, enjoy a walk along the Glenfinnan Trail with superb views of Loch Eil and the viaduct. Make sure to stop by the Glenfinnan Monument to discover the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the 1745 Jacobite Rising.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.

Glenfinnan House Hotel, Glenfinnan.
6

DAY 6:

Walk Port Nam Murrach ~5km; walk Mallaig Loop ~3km.

Today you will follow the famous ‘Road to the Isles’ as you make your way up to Mallaig, a bustling and thriving port and a gateway to the Isle of Skye. Stop on the way to hike the popular Port na Murrach, a secluded and sheltered sandy beach with great views to the Small Isles. Once you arrive in Mallaig, enjoy lunch at one of the many popular restaurants and cafés before heading out on a pleasant circuit walk from the town and over the surrounding hills. Depending on seasonal availability, return to Glenfinnan on the Jacobite Steam Train.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Same lodging.
7

DAY 7:

Hike Steall Falls and the Nevis Gorge ~9km; transfer to Glasgow.

Your tour comes to an end with one of the best short walks in Scotland, with a meander through the dramatic Nevis Gorge. Start out alongside the many hikers Munro-bagging around the grueling 16km Ring of Steall trail. Continue hiking over the iconic steel rope footbridge and up to Steall Waterfall before heading back to the trailhead. Return to Fort William, or transfer to Glasgow.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.

All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.

SELECT A DATE BELOW TO RESERVE, OR START A NEW DATE

2025 DATES:

2026 DATES:

Don't see what you want?

(Inclusions & pricing are listed below)


PRICING

Our tour costs are ALL IN, including fees & taxes.

Guided: C 6345 (per person, double occupancy)

Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 3 dinners, ferries, Jacobite Steam Train, luggage handling, ground transportation, full-time guide assistance, maps, trail notes, taxes.

Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.


Self-Guided: C 5845 (per person, double occupancy)

Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, ferries, luggage transfers, maps and route notes, essential shuttles, emergency support, taxes.

Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.


Single Occupancy: Add C 1595


Tour cost excludes airfare and travel to and from the starting point, costs for activities listed as optional, bar and beverage bills, meals not shown as included, gratuities for your driver and/or guides.


All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.


Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.

1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.

2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.

PLEASE NOTE: Trip Cancellation Insurance is highly recommended. If this is not provided by your credit card or elsewhere, please let us know and we can provide recommendations.

BEST TIMES

The best time to enjoy this tour is May - September.

  • Spring daytimes warm up to 10 to 12 °C (50 to 53 °F) by mid-June.
  • Summer, mid-June through August, is normally 15 to 19 °C (59 to 66 °F).
  • Autumn, September to mid-October, daytimes 8 to 12 °C range (47 to 53 °F). Nights can be chilly.

GET TO THE START

Fly into Glasgow (GLA), or Edinburgh (EDI); both international airports have regular flights arriving from major North American airlines.

Glasgow Central railway station, the starting point of your Freewheeling Adventure, is a quick train ride away. See Scot Rail for schedules and fares.


AFTER THE FINISH

Your tour ends early afternoon in Fort William, with option to transfer to Glasgow.


BEFORE AND AFTER

If you have one day:

Spend extra time exploring Fort William’s beautiful landscapes, either by foot or the famous Jacobite Steam Train.

The bustling city of Glasgow warrants an exploration if time allows, and boasts a large number of museums and galleries, most of which are publicly owned with free admission. The bus and subway system make the city easy to explore, and past guests have enjoyed the City Sightseeing bus tour.

If you have several days:

Consider joining a trip in nearby Ireland or Wales.

Please let us know if you would like us to make a pre- or post-tour hotel reservation for you.
Near Fort William we recommend staying at the Glenfinnan House Hotel.
In Glasgow, past guests have enjoyed:


MORE READING

The Glenfinnan Viaduct, the falls at Glen Nevis, Castles over the lochs, hardwood forests, heather and ferns on Mull, the cliffs of Treshnish, views of the Outer Isles; pubs in Tobermory; phoning home from a phone box surrounded by sheep, wool and tweed in Oban.

Your adventure begins in Oban where you’ll hop on the ferry over to Craignure on the Isle of Mull, where you will start your first of many walks. Each day offers an opportunity to learn about Scotland’s rich and savage history, which often sounds more like imaginative myth than fact, while you visit country estates, gardens, pubs, distilleries, and castles. Wander along quiet white sand beaches, watch the iconic Jacobite Steam Train chug over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and stroll around fishing villages. End your tour with an epic taste of Munro-bagging at the foot of Ben Nevis before bidding your guide farewell in nearby Fort William.