Wilderness Scotland

I booked with Wilderness Scotland last minute -- another trip fell apart, and I was desperately seeking something fun and outdoorsy to take its place. I don't remember what I searched to find Wilderness Scotland's website exactly, but I was thrilled to discover their "Arran: Scotland in Miniature" walking tour that lined up perfectly with the dates I had taken off from work. I've been really burnt out lately, so all I was hoping for was a trip where I wouldn't have to make any decisions, but would get some fresh air and exercise, and clear my head a bit. I got way more than I'd hoped or expected. Arran is such a beautiful island to visit. We went on a variety of great hikes, including a challenging one up Goatfell (a small peak), some beautiful coastal hikes, and to see a few sites including some standing stones, the King’s Cave, and a castle from the 1500s. We saw sheep and cormorants and swans and some seals balanced on rocks like bananas. We also toured a local brewery and distillery. We ate so much delicious food — I mostly eat a plant-based diet, and there were lots of choices for me everywhere we went. Kirsty is an outstanding guide. She's patient, unbelievably kind, and was so capable of handling every kind of situation that came up. There was a big storm in the first couple of days, and she rescheduled all of our hikes to minimize our chances of getting blown off a mountain; when a boat trip had to be cancelled because of wind, she had at least three other suggestions of things that we could do. She took such great care in everything she did, and made sure everyone in the tour felt included. As the only solo traveler on the trip, it probably would have been easy to feel excluded or weird about it, but she created such a comfortable environment that I felt right at home. It was very nice getting to know the other travelers as well — everyone had such interesting stories and histories. We also had the unusual perk of having Conor, the Wilderness Scotland’s videographer, along on our trip. He was a great addition — I spent a lot of time chatting with him, and he was so helpful and kind in so many ways. I am really going to miss seeing Conor and Kirsty (and the gorgeous Arran outdoors) every day. I love traveling, but usually by the end of a week-long trip, I’m desperate to get home, sleep in my own bed, and pet my cat. This trip, though, it didn’t feel like long enough. I will definitely be booking another trip with Wilderness Scotland, and can’t recommend them enough!

We had a most amazing ebike tour of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. Our guides, Tom and Graham, took great care of us and made our trip very enjoyable. The accommodations were perfect, the food was fabulous, and the scenery was amazing!

My mom went for a trip from London and had an amazing time on the 7 day trip starting from Inverness. They stayed in two nice hotels around Isle of Sky and went for 10-15 km walks everyday in extremely scenic locations. She went on one of their 'women only' trips and had a lovely time with the group. Most of all she really appreciated the team from Wilderness Scotland - their tour guide, Petra and also Becky, who she stayed with for a couple of days and who was a great help along the way: )

Walking tour hugely exceeded my expectations. Incredible tour guide (Emy) was knowledgeable, friendly, and great at reading the groups needs. Can't recommend this company enough!

I have been sea kayaking with Wilderness Scotland twice and both times they were faultless. Great guides who can adapt the itinerary and trip style (more history, wildlife, harder or easier paddling) to the group: you are in very safe hand. The quality of accommodation is always good, but it will vary from free camping to pretty luxurious, depending on which trip you book. They also do walking and biking trips.

Wonderful! As a female, solo traveller, I have participated in five walking trips with Wilderness Scotland and I'm booked for my sixth! I have travelled with other guided companies and none has matched the calibre of Wilderness Scotland. The guides are top notch as they really know their craft, and are able to share their knowledge of the flora, fauna, local culture and history in entertaining ways. It's their dynamic leadership skills that truly impress me, as the guide always seems to bring together 8 individuals and create a cohesive group that enhances the week's experience. Plus, the guides have all been fun people to spend time with! As a whole, Wilderness Scotland has been very easy and approachable to deal with and they truly care about their clients' experience. The trips have all flowed seamlessly, with logistics of catching ferries, the changeable weather and the participants' ability levels all taken into account by the guides who appear to effortlessly deliver a most enjoyable holiday. Thoroughly enjoyable!

Beautiful hikes and absolutely fantastic food made my trip to the Knoydart peninsula with Wilderness Scotland a great experience despite the often poor weather (do expect plenty of rain in the Scottish Highlands!). Our guide Gordon helped us get the most out of the best weather by updating the hike program day by day depending on the forecast. Highly recommended unless you are sensitive to some rain on your hikes!

Outstanding! We spent a week hiking the Isle of Skye. Breathtaking scenery, amazing variety, and fascinating history. Lovely accommodations. Excellent food. And a truly remarkable guide, Gordon; he was highly skilled, genuinely interested in every member of the group, and excellent company. I can't wait to hike again with Wilderness Scotland!