Scot-Trek

Friday 24th May - Monday 27th May 2013

Kintail

Four days trekking in this West Highland area home to over 20 Munros. We plan to spend two days on the each side of Glenshiel. The walks here all share common characteristics - a steep climb up onto the main ridge followed by a long day spent following the undulations over the various tops and summits.



Staying at the famous and very comfortable Cluanie Inn we are in the ideal location surrounded by the Kintail mountains. A perfect spot and weekend for hillwalkers.



Most days involve a two hour climb onto the skyline and then between 3 -5 hours along the main ridge before a descent via one of various cols or ridges. The paths are excellent all weekend and the views can be amongst the best in Scotland. If the weather is good we hope to climb the Saddle which is a steep five hour trek with the option of climbing or avoiding the rocky Forcan Ridge. We would also hope to climb its neighbouring peak the Surr Sgine. If the weather is not good we shall climb easily onto the South Cluanie Ridge and then across 3 or 4 of its Munros. The other two days will be spent on the north side of Glen Shiel. One 6 - 7 hour day will be spent going onto the Five Sisters. Our last day would be on the high ridge above the Cluanie Inn such as A' Chralaig, Ciste Dubh and Mullach Fraoch-choire.



Days can be shortened if you prefer an easier day.

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Saturday 1st June - Saturday 8th June 2013

Netherlands: Limburg

Limburg is the most southerly province in the Netherland sitting between Belgium and Germany and is a mecca for walkers from all three countries. It is an area of lovely undulating countryside, meandering rivers and quaint villages. Criss-crossed by a network of excellent paths and dotted throughout by charming country inns. it is the perfect area to trek. We shall also spend a day in the local capital of Maastricht which epitomises the European café culture.



We are based in the quaint, historic and very comfortable Hotel Hoeve de Plei in the village of Mechelen which is less than five miles from both the German and Belgian borders. Mechelen may not be large but it boasts five inns one of which dates back to the 15th century. From our hotel we have immediate access to a series of paths which follow gentle rivers through attractive valleys, pass through historic villages and climb easily up gentle ridges for view across into Germany and Belgium. One of our walks visits all three countries in about four hours including the Dreilandenpunt where the borders of the countries meet at the highest point in the Netherlands. But don't worry its not a Munro! We shall also visit fascinating castles and try various local specialities. The day in Maastricht will include a guided tour of its historic centre, followed by a chance to enjoy its famous café culture and superb shopping.



We shall average 7 - 10 miles a day but there is always the option of shortening the trek if you want to. The hotel is so cosy that you might feel a day of complete relaxation is what you want!

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Friday 21st June - Tuesday 25th June 2013

Outer Hebrides: the Uists

We sail out to the main section of the marvellous Hebridean archipelago to the Uists. Staying at the Polochar Inn on the southern tip of South Uist we plan to walk on, from south to north, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist and perhaps Berneray as well. These islands are all linked by one road and a series of causeways. The walking is easy and the scenery varies from long sandy beaches to quiet inland lochs. This is a place to come and relax with the bonus of a lively inn as your base.

Tiny Eriskay is famous for its Bonnie Prince Charlie connection, as well as the SS Politician and the film Whisky Galore. We combine both in our walk and end up in the Am Politician the bar which commemorates the whisky-based episode in true spirit. South Uist is dominated by a long line of beaches on its western coast and we shall spend a day exploring the most beautiful of these and the neighbouring machair on the Machair Way. Benbecula is the lowest level island in the chain but despite that we climb a hill but must be the easiest 'highest hill' on Scotland! On North Uist we head to its northern point for an 8 mile walk around the narrow finger of land of Grenitote Headland with its machair, dunes and sands. Time permitting another causeway take us north again onto Berneray and an easy circular walk the highlight of which is magnificent views across to Skye and north to Harris.

If the weather is good, the sunsets from the Polochar Inn as you sit outside sipping your pre-dinner drinks are world-beating

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Thursday 4th July - Tuesday 9th July 2013

Ireland: Donegal

New six day holiday in the Republic of Ireland. Donegal epitomises all that's good about Ireland. Rugged green countryside, long sandy beaches, quaint pubs and friendly people. You also have the bonus of the luxurious Beach Hotel - our base on the shores of the long sandy beach of Sheep Haven bay.

Most walks are very local, one walk starting from the hotel itself as we follow the shore along glorious sandy beaches. Other walks are around the rugged peninsulas of Rosguill and Melmore Head on the Atlantic seaboard. We also visit the coastal Airds Forest Park on the far side of the lough and other local nature reserves. One day will be spent in Glenveagh National Park which has a definite 'Highland' feel to it. You have the choice of an easy walk along the lough to the castle and around the woodland that surround it. Or, a four hour circuit over one of the local 2000+ feet hills - either An Earagail or Slieve Snacht. The walks are on a mixture of new paths, through more rugged terrain and along sandy beaches.

Time will be found to visit craft shops, local pubs and shops. We shall visit the local pub for folk music on our first night.

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Friday 26th July - Wednesday 31st July 2013

Shetland Isles

Welcome six day return visit to this northern archipelago recently voted the top place to visit in Scotland. Now is your chance to see just why it won such an accolade. We are based in very comfortable 4* Guest Houses in Lerwick on the Mainland of Shetland. Our walks are mostly on the Mainland with one on a smaller isle.

You are never far from the sea on Shetland and our walks show this as we follow cliff tops to spectacular headlands and coastal paths along rocky coves and fine sandy beaches. One day will be spent all the way south near Sumburgh Head and visiting the multi-period settlement at Jarlshof. We also plan to sail across to visit Mousa Broch - the only complete broch in the world - and walk across to St Ninian's Isle. Weather permitting we shall get the ferry across to one of the northern isles.

Wildlife is always all around you on Shetland ... the famous ponies, innumerable seals, thousands of puffins along with a good number of skuas, porpoises and otters. Not forgetting the wonderful fiddle music and some very distinctive arts, crafts and food. Lerwick is an excellent base from which to enjoy these.

There are two ways to get to Shetland. Boat from Aberdeen or plane from Glasgow. Get in touch and we'll let you know the options. It costs about £150 extra to fly but this option is about 24 hours quicker. We make a contribution to this extra cost.

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Friday 9th August - Tuesday 13th August 2013

Islay and Jura

Islay is one of the most interesting and varied of the Inner Hebridean isles. Our holiday will include strolls along sandy beaches, visits to ancient ruins, and slightly more modern distilleries. We will spend one day across on Jura.

Islay is known for its sandy beaches and whisky distilleries. Both will be visited on our treks. We will also spend a day following the rugged coastline of the Oa peninsula ... the extreme southern point of Islay ... and discovering the abandoned townships hidden in this isolated corner. More time will be spent among the rolling dunes of Ardnave above Loch Gruinart on the north coast. Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve is well worth a visit itself. We will visit one of the important sites in early Scottish history - Finlaggan - home of the Lords of the Isles. Our day north in mountainous Jura will offer the option of an easy day below the Paps of Jura or a Grade 3 option up onto one of the summits. Islay itself offers quiet country lanes, empty beaches and green pasture, the buzz of the distilleries, the yachting community and some lively villages.

Price includes ferry from Kennacraig to Islay and from Islay to Jura. It also includes a distillery visit.

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Friday 23rd August - Tuesday 27th August 2013

Ullapool and the Northwest

Long weekend amongst the glens and coastline as we explore the beautiful Assynt and Coigach. A wonderful combination of sandy bays, rocky coastline and some of the most dramatic terrain in Scotland. Ullapool is a lively seaport with charming base.

This is always a very popular weekend due both to the unlimited walking opportunities and the excellent facilities in Ullapool. Wonderful food and retail opportunities abound. There are several new walks on this year's holiday including a half-day boat trip to and a walk on the Summer Isles.

Our programme will include an easy ascent of Ullapool Hill overlooking the town and providing glorious views out over Loch Broom to sea. We shall also explore the beautiful Coigach peninsula to the north of Ullapool and walk along and paddle in the wonderful horseshoe Achanaird Bay. We shall trek along the dramatic cliffs and coves beyond Reiff Point, and climb easily up Scotland's most impressive little mountain - Stac Pollaidh. You can climb as far ... or as little ... up it as you want. Half a day will be spent on a cruise near Coigach cruising amongst the idyllic Summer Isles with a chance to explore Tanera Mor and send a post a card from its famous post office. We also visit the dramatic Corrieshalloch Gorge.

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Friday 6th September - Monday 9th September 2013

Cairngorms

No place in Scotland offers such an enormous area of varied Munros all linked by perfect paths. From our base in Aviemore we have quick access to the northern slopes of the central massif. From there we create our routes linking these 4000 feet mountains. Excellent walking.

One day is spent on the main massif linking Cairngorm itself with Ben Macdui. We then have the option of completing a fine circuit above Loch Avon. Another day we head towards Braeriach and its magnificent corries and ridges. En route we visit the reindeer herd. Option of carrying on over Cairntoul. The other shorter day is to Bynack More. The days are long but if the weather is good it is trekking at its very best. We average 7 - 8 hours each day. There is the possibility of shortening the day if wished.

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Saturday 14th September - Saturday 21st September 2013

Barga and Tuscany

Barga was the home of the majority of Italian Scots and so is both a magnificent and very appropriate base for Scot-Trek's second visit to Tuscany. Situated high above the Serchio valley about 1.5 hours drive north from Pisa and Florence. Its position offers a fantastic view of the surrounding countryside and allows for most of walks to start directly from the village.

The countryside is a combination of fine chestnut woods which will be absolutely stunning in September, gentle ridges, tiny fields and attractive mountain hamlets. Good paths criss-cross this countryside and make for excellent walking. One half day will be spent exploring Barga as it is a beautiful town with a warm charm. It has a permanent exhibition to its people's connection to Scotland and a fair smattering of Scots accents amongst the locals! At over 1200 feet above sea level, the temperature should be perfect for walking. We average 8 miles a day.

We shall arrange a day off to Lucca for those who wish to explore this delightful walled Tuscan town. A walk along the walls is highly recommended as is climbing its two famous bell-towers. For those who want a more restful day its shops are magnificent.

For those who want a few days more challenging walking there will be guide available to take people up into the Appenine and Apuane mountains which lie north of Barga. This would be the equivalent of an easy day on a Munro although you will climb up to 6000 feet.

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Friday 11th October - Monday 14th October 2013

Rhinns of Galloway and the Solway Firth

Return visit after the very enjoyable weekend in 2012. We are based in the charming village of Portpatrick in the Rhinns of Galloway nestled on the coast of the Solway Firth. From our cosy inn you look across the harbour to Ireland only 20 miles away.

We spend one day exploring the fine coastal walk north of the village as we follow the westerly section of the Southern Upland Way. En route there are some spectacular cliffs, beaches and Killantringan Lighthouse. We then cut inland through green fields as we cross the Rhinns to Stranraer on Loch Ryan.

Other walks will include a trek around the cliffs of the Mull of Galloway - the most southerly point of Scotland - a climb up the Lighthouse and then walk along the shores of Logan Bay. There is the option to visit the Logan Botanic Gardens or the Logan Fish Pond. We also visit the beautiful Dunskey Glen and Castle. We average 8 miles each day.

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Friday 25th October - Sunday 27th October 2013

Arran

Always popular weekend in Arran with extra bonus of glorious autumn colours. Based in Brodick we have a selection of walks around Glen Rosa, Brodick Castle, Whiting Bay and various sections of the Arran Coastal Way. Also the option to climb Goat Fell.

Arran offers so much variety and in November it is at its best. Marvellous scenery and no crowds. We shall walk sections of the Arran Coastal Route either at Blackwaterfoot and the Kings Cave or between Whiting Bay and Lamlash, visit Glenashdale Falls, explore the splendour of Glen Rosa and the beauty of the grounds around Brodick Castle. Those who wish can climb Goat Fell. Arran always offers magnificent views across to the mainland and the sight from our comfortable Guest House of the morning sun on Goatfell is very special. We plan to walk 8 - 10 miles each day.

There is also the extra bonus, always much appreciated, of fantastic retail opportunities and the chance to make real progress on your Christmas shopping whether it be toiletries at Arran Aromatics or local produce such as cheese, beer, chocolates and preserves.

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Friday 22nd November - Sunday 24th November 2013

Fife Coastal Trail

Enjoyable weekend as we walk the coastal path in the St Andrews area of north eastern Fife. Glorious sea views as we follow the North Sea coast from Crail to Tayport on the River Tay. The paths are generally excellent. St Andrews is the prefect base for the weekend. From Crail or Fife Ness we head west towards St Andrews. This section is along dramatic cliff tops and through open countryside. We pass the rocky headlands of Cambo Ness - visiting the fine beach at Cambo Sands - Buddo Ness and Kinkell Ness as we edge along the coast. We finally drop down to St Andrews with its many architectural and historic treasures.

The other day starts beyond St Andrews as we take the new path along the Eden to Guardbridge. We cross the River Eden and continue north beyond Leuchars towards the Tentsmuir Forest and then onto Tentsmuir Point. We then follow the Firth of Tay, with views across to Buddon Ness and Broughty Ferry, as far as Tayport or Newport. 8 - 10 miles each day.

Our base is St Andrews which offers a great range of facilities to meet any taste.

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