Boat and all staff friendly and helpful. Rides were great and quite challenging. Our fellow passengers were fun and we were all compatible. This was an excellent trip
Picture yourself standing before ancient castles that guard misty lochs and on stunning cliffs with waterfalls cascading down — this is Scotland. From the brightly coloured murals on the bustling streets of Glasgow, to Fort William, an adventurer's playground, you’ll spend eight days exploring cobblestone streets and grassy landscapes. Explore the mystical Isle of Skye and mythological Loch Ness, where the murky depths hide a Scottish legend. See Inverness, vibrant and historic and learn tales of battles and folklore. End your journey in Edinburgh, a city of contrasts, where the old and new coexist, where nature and culture and where every corner holds a piece of history. With the right balance of small-group adventure and free time to explore, this trip will allow Scotland's unique magic to captivate your heart.
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Edinburgh, Glasgow, Fort William
Edinburgh, Glasgow, Fort William, Isle of Skye, Cairngorms National Park
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Wonderful combination of coastal and countryside walking with interesting historical connections and not too strenuous. Dorchester in particular was worth the extra day's stay.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Resort
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
West Lulworth, Lyme Regis, Bridp
West Lulworth, Lyme Regis, Bridport, Abbotsbury, Dorcheste
Follow the Coast to Coast Walk from St Bees towards the historic villages and beautiful landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales. Experience the most dramatic section of Wainwright’s legendary Coast to Coast route on this self-guided walking holiday from the Irish Sea at St Bees to the market town of Kirkby Stephen. The western half of the trail showcases some of the most spectacular scenery in northern England, taking you across the rugged heart of the Lake District National Park and into the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
If you're short on time, new to long-distance walking, or prefer to explore the route in manageable stages, this itinerary is an ideal way to sample the best-loved landscapes of the Coast to Coast. It’s also perfect for hikers who simply want the thrill of crossing the Lake District on foot, experiencing the quiet valleys, shimmering lakes, towering peaks and traditional fellside villages. You’ll start your journey by dipping your boots in the Irish Sea at St Bees, then head east with the prevailing wind at your back. The route leads through dramatic valleys such as Ennerdale, Borrowdale, and Patterdale, with the chance to take optional high-level detours to iconic Lakeland summits like Helvellyn. As the Lake District fells give way to the gentler landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, your walk concludes in Kirkby Stephen, a charming town with rail links and a great place to relax after an inspiring week on the trail.
Looking to take things at a gentler pace? Our 9-day version of this trip (trip code WSK) breaks up the longer stage between Shap and Kirkby Stephen, offering a more relaxed alternative.
Scroll down to explore all our Coast to Coast walking options.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Hostel, Guest House, Resort
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
St Bees, Kirkby Stephen, Ennerda
St Bees, Kirkby Stephen, Ennerdale Bridge, Borrowdale, Grasmere, Glenridding, Shap
Classical Scotland is an ideal tour for a first-time visitor covering Scotland’s most famous highlights. Travelers will experience the beautiful Isle of Skye and other legendary places including Loch Ness, along with the historical cities of Edinburgh and Inverness. This journey includes some of Scotland’s most famous routes, going from the capital city of Edinburgh to the rugged Highlands. Take a road trip through the famous landscapes, ancient ruins and old settlements where many of Scotland’s greatest stories come to life.
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Ob
Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Oban, Isle of Skye, Inverness, Perth
Embark on an unforgettable eight-day journey through Scotland’s rolling hills, ancient ruins and the less-visited East Coast. Walk through the historic Royal Mile with an expert historian in Edinburgh, join a guided tour of Stirling Castle – the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots – and cruise the serene waters of Loch Lomond. Take a tartan weaving workshop, sit down to a malt whisky tasting at a local distillery along the Speyside Whisky Trail and explore the Isle of Skye on a daytrip through rugged landscapes. Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace and unwind at your Feature Stay in Meldrum house – a 13th-century mansion in the Aberdeenshire countryside.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Journey through Scotland on this eight-day adventure from Glasgow to Edinburgh. Travel along the scenic railway through the Scottish Highlands, take in the coastal views on a hike on the Isle of Mull and learn how cheese is made on a tour of the Isle of Mull Cheese Farm. Look for the famous mythical creature as you drive past Loch Ness on your way to Inverness, hear the folk tales about fairies as you explore the Fairy Glen on a daytrip to the Isle of Skye and enjoy plenty of free time to explore Scotland at your own pace with your new friends!
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This was my first trip with Explore but I hope it will not be my last. The trip was great, the food and accommodations were better than expected, and the guides were exceptional.
City sightseeingWalking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Inverness, Ullapool, Cul Mor, Ga
Inverness, Ullapool, Cul Mor, Gairlochy, Isle of Skye
Loved the organization of our Scotland trip! Steven, our guide, was excellent! Some of my favorite trips were Bosnia and Beyond and Baltics in Winter (older version). Great communication with the US office in planning.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Edinburgh, Dunblane, Loch Ness
Edinburgh, Dunblane, Loch Ness, Pitlochry, Cairngorms National Park
