Guided by Nature’s 10-day Highlights of Scotland tourScotland, UK

Always wanted to explore the Scottish Highlands but never had a reason to actually book the flight? Maybe Guided by Nature’s 10-day Highlights of Scotland tour – a.k.a not your run-of-the-mill, “look out the bus window now” type of tour – will be the thing that finally sways you.

You’ll explore Scotland in its purest, muddiest, most breathtaking form. In other words, you’ll lace up for not one, not two, but three of the country’s most prestigious trails. So, pack your hiking boots, a serious sense of adventure and maybe a kilt (optional but very much encouraged).

First up on the itinerary is the legendary Fife Coastal Path, where thundering waves, pebbled beaches, rocky shores, rural farmland and craggy cliffs straight off a postcard do a damn good job of reminding you that Mother Nature is the ultimate show-off.

There’s also a bit of trekking to be done along the Speyside Way, 16km to be exact. But if you think about it: every step you take in those 4-5 hours is a step closer to arriving in whisky country. Which is a welcome distraction when you think you can’t possibly look at any more spectacular views (or take any more weirdly-better-than-your-professional-camera iPhone photos).

Now you’ve arrived at the main event: a visit to a proper whisky distillery. Sip on Scotland’s liquid gold, toast to your new hiking pals, and savour the warm, smoky goodness while reminiscing on the incredible memories you’ve made together over the journey because, by day 10, you’ll have earned those blisters, all the bragging rights, and the knowledge that you’ve truly *done* Scotland.

---