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Highland Drovers' Trail to Skye

Highland Drovers' Trail routeBased on an old Drovers' trail, this trek takes you into some of the most remote and magnificent areas in the Western Highlands. You start from Fort William and finish on the Isle of Skye. You can return on the famous West Highland Line from Mallaig or instead travel to the Highland Capital of Inverness.

On the Highland Drovers' Trail

Whilst there is some unavoidable tarmac walking on very quiet minor roads, this is compensated by the remoteness and truly stunning scenery. Among the highlights are a charter boat on a remote loch, especially arranged to take you to the isolated accommodation on the lochside and a visit to some Pictish Brochs.

There is now a choice of options on the walk please check the itineraries of OPTION 1. and OPTION 2. and let us know your choice.

OPTION 1. FORT WILLIAM TO SKYE
5 walking days/6 nights accommodation, no rest day

OPTION 1. ITINERARY
Day 1
 Arrive Fort William. Travel options include travelling north by bus from Glasgow or by rail on the scenic West Highland Line. Perhaps visit the Ben Nevis Distillery on arrival in Fort William.
Day 2

Walk from Fort William to Gairlochy/Spean Bridge following the famous Great Glen Way. Pass Neptunes Staircase - a flight of locks which lift boats by 64 feet: continue along the flat Caleddonian Canal towpath to Gairlochy.
Overnight Spean Bridge 10ml(16km)
Day 3

Transfer back to Gairlochy and continue along the Caledonian Canal beside beautiful Loch Lochy. Optional stay in a castle. Mostly forest track with open views over the loch. No significant height gain.
Overnight Invergarry 12.5ml(20km)
Day 4

Leave the Great Glen Way and walk through forest and glen towards the wild country. The route is mostly forest trail and drovers track with open views all the way. No significant height gain. Packed lunch included.
Overnight Tomdoun 11ml(17.5km)

Day 5
 Sail by chater boat to Arnisdale and continue trekking in this scenic wilderness area: perhaps catch a glimpse of otters, eagles or seals. A choice of routes depending on walking experience and weather:
Option 1. Walk right up into the hills enjoying superb views on a wonderful trail past the Pictish Brochs. The last 4miles is on a minor road. This route is only suitable for experienced walkers in good weather. Height gain 600m: overnight Glenelg 12ml(19km)
Option 2. Tarmac route on a very quite road with stunning scenery. perhaps take a diversion along a forest track for a picnic in the Gavin Maxwell area in Sandaig Bay overlooking the lovely isles in the loch. Possible diversion to the Pictish Brochs. Height gain 200m: overnight Glenelg 10ml(16km)
Day 6

Cross over to Skye on a quaint ferry to Kylerhea and walk in Sleat" the Garden of Skye". The walk starts neat Ardvasar and ends inTarkavaig.The first part is on paths and the second is on pathless rough ground. It is very remote with wonderful views over to the Inner Hebrides and tha Cuillins of Skye.
Height gain 150m: overnight Armadale on Skye 8ml(13km)

Day 7
 Return south via Mallaig and Fort William or travel to Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands

Package includes:

  • 5 days self-led walking
  • 6 nights accommodation with full Scottish Breakfast
  • 4 packed lunches
  • Daily baggage transfers
  • Taxis
  • Charter boat
  • High detail OS maps and route description

Evening meals
Evening meals are not included but are available at the accommodation or nearby

Cost
£465 per person - based on two persons sharing a double room.
Sorry but we cannot accommodate solo walkers on this trek.

Availability
May to September

Optional extra days
On request

Return travel(not included)
Transfer to the ferry teminal in Armadale for the ferry to Mallaig. Train to Fort William/Glasgow
To Inverness travel by bus from Armadaleto Kyle of Lochalsh and train to Inverness

Key symbols

TerrainDifficulty of Terrain Route findingRoute Finding NavigationNavigational Skills
Moderate
Basic (except for one of the options on Day 5 which is more suitable for experienced walkers)
Easy to moderate


OPTION 2. SPEAN BRIDGE TO SKYE
5 walking days/6 nights accommodation with first night in Fort William and then a taxi transfer to Spean Bridge. rest day Tomdoun
Day 1
 Arrive Fort William. Travel options include travelling north by bus from Glasgow or by rail on the scenic West Highland Line. Perhaps visit the Ben Nevis Distillery on arrival in Fort William.
Day 2

Taxi to the start of the walk. Follow part of Great Glen Way beside beautiful Loch Lochy. Optional stay in a castle. Mostly forest track with open views over the loch. No significant height gain.
Overnight Invergarry 12.5ml(20km)
Day 3

Leave the Great Glen Way and walk through forest and glen towards the wild country. The route is mostly forest trail and drovers track with open views all the way. No significant height gain. Packed lunch included.
Overnight Tomdoun 11ml(17.5km)

Day 4

Truly stunning scener yas you approach Knoydart: walk to Kinlochhourn with a taxi transfer back to Tomdoun. Follow a very quiet minor road with lovely mountain and loch views. Height gain 200m. Packed lunch included.
Overnight Tomdoun 13ml(
Optional alternative is to climb one of the many remote hills surrounding the Lodge. The host will advise.

Day 5
 Sail by chater boat to Arnisdale and continue trekking in this scenic wilderness area: perhaps catch a glimpse of otters, eagles or seals. A choice of routes depending on walking experience and weather:
Option 1. Walk right up into the hills enjoying superb views on a wonderful trail past the Pictish Brochs. The last 4miles is on a minor road. This route is only suitable for experienced walkers in good weather. Height gain 600m: overnight Glenelg 12ml(19km)
Option 2. Tarmac route on a very quite road with stunning scenery. perhaps take a diversion along a forest track for a picnic in the Gavin Maxwell area in Sandaig Bay overlooking the lovely isles in the loch. Possible diversion to the Pictish Brochs. Height gain 200m: overnight Glenelg 10ml(16km)
Day 6

Cross over to Skye on a quaint ferry to Kylerhea and walk in Sleat" the Garden of Skye". The walk starts neat Ardvasar and ends inTarkavaig.The first part is on paths and the second is on pathless rough ground. It is very remote with wonderful views over to the Inner Hebrides and tha Cuillins of Skye.
Height gain 150m: overnight Armadale on Skye 8ml(13km)

Day 7
 Return south via Mallaig and Fort William or travel to Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands

Package includes:

  • 5 days self-led walking
  • 6 nights accommodation with full Scottish Breakfast
  • 3 packed lunches
  • Daily baggage transfers
  • Taxis
  • Charter boat
  • High detail OS maps and route description

Evening meals
Evening meals are not included but are available at the accommodation or nearby

Cost
£495 per person - based on two persons sharing a double room.
Sorry but we cannot accommodate solo walkers on this trek.

Availability
May to September

Optional extra days
On request

Return travel(not included)
Transfer to the ferry teminal in Armadale for the ferry to Mallaig. Train to Fort William/Glasgow
To Inverness travel by bus from Armadaleto Kyle of Lochalsh and train to Inverness

Key symbols

TerrainDifficulty of Terrain Route findingRoute Finding NavigationNavigational Skills
Moderate
Basic (except for one of the options on Day 5 which is more suitable for experienced walkers)
Easy to moderate

 
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Telephone: (+44) 1324 714132
Fax: (+44) 1324 887766
Email: info@easyways.com