Road to the Isles
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Road to the Isles Photo Gallery
About the Road to the Isles
Walking by Rannoch Moor, the Corrieyairack, Glen Affric and the Isle of Skye on our Road to the Isles walking holiday. The common theme of the trip is to follow some of the drove routes which the Island and Highland drovers and their cattle used to get to markets in the south, and eventually to wander through the ruins of ancient crofting townships where the cattle were reared.
“Sure by Tummel and Loch Rannoch and Lochaber I will go... and by Glen Affric and Glen Elg to the sea, finishing on the magical Isle of Skye.”
Unknown
These walks on our Road to the Isles walking holiday are ageless, following the routes of countless feet of Highland drovers, military men of all hues and tartans, and Scots as they traversed the glens. You'll pass through areas still the haunt of eagles and deer, allowing you to experience the true grandeur and beauty of the country and appreciate why the heart still beats strong in the Highlanders of today.
Probable routes will be Loch Rannoch / Loch Ossian / Loch Laggan (through the heart of Monarch of the Glen country), over the Corrieyairack Pass to the coast via Glen Affric, Shielbridge towards Glen Elg and finally crossing to Skye to explore Suisnish / Boreraig coast.
“I'm just back from the trek "Road to the Isles" and it seems my mind is still floating somewhere between Glen Affric and Skye. ”
A recent C~N~Do-er on the Road to the Isles
Part of the experience is walking to, and staying in, the two most remote hostels in Scotland - Loch Ossian and Glen Affric. On two pairs of days, therefore, you will have to carry a little bit more than a normal day pack (toothbrush, some spare clothes and some extra food in a medium sized rucksack). This will only add an extra 5-6lbs (2- 3kg) and we can assure you it's well worth the effort to be able to soak up the atmosphere of these wild locations.
Paths and tracks, some rough at times, and some unpathed terrain. A couple of days are a bit longer but straightforward. A sturdy stick is a good friend for the rougher bits.
Road to the Isles - Brief Itinerary:
Day 1: After a short briefing and re-packing of overnight things, we set off via Pitlochry, Loch Tummel and Loch Rannoch to start on our Road to the Isles. Today we walk to Loch Ossian (9ml / 15km on paths and tracks with about 300m ascent). Overnight at either Loch Ossian Youth Hostel.
Day 2: Continue on by paths and tracks over this corner of Rannoch Moor, the edge of Loch Treig and the Lairig Leacach to Corriechoille (12ml / 20km about 300m). Alternatively, weather may dictate that we head out to the road via Strath Ossian to Fersit, (12ml / 19km, 330m ascent) or to Moy (15ml / 23km, 350 ascent). Our mini-bus awaits to take us to our overnight independent hostel accommodation at Tulloch. On some departures we may stay at Spean Bridge or Laggan.
Day 3: Head up to Melgarve to start the classic Corrieyairack Pass to Fort Augustus (13ml / 21km, 500m ascent on a rough track). This old military road was constructed by General Wade in 1731 and has been designated an Historic Monument. Drive on to our accommodation at Loch Ness Youth Hostel.
Day 4: Pack up our extra things again heading for another night out, this time at the remote Alt Beithe Hostel situated in the heart of Glen Affric (9ml / 15km with about 100m ascent on paths and tracks).
Day 5: Continue on by the head of the glen and the impressive Bealach an Sgairne down to Morvich and the smell of the sea at Loch Duich (12ml / 20km with about 350m ascent on rough paths and a bit of unpathed terrain). Should weather dictate an alternative route is via Camban and Gleann Lichd which is also very impressive (10ml / 15km, 330m ascent). Overnight at the beautifully situated Ratagan hostel on the shores of Loch Duich.
Day 6: Head over to the Glenelg peninsula and Kylerhea (12ml / 20km with 450m ascent on tracks and rough paths) passing the remains of Brochs and with views over the sea to Skye. The cattle used to swim across the narrows, but don't worry, we'll take the ferry at Kylerhea then drive onwards to Broadford Youth Hostel, our accommodation for the last 2 nights.
Day 7: A final walk is on Skye around the Suisnish coast to find the remnants of villages from which the drovers came. (9ml /13km, 390m ascent).
Day 8: Depart Skye and drive back to Stirling via Glen Shiel, Fort William and Glencoe.
Road to the Isles - What's Included?
Your walking holiday includes:
- 7 guided walking days along the Road to the Isles
- 7 nights hostel accommodation (alternative available for 5 nights)
- Full board
- Transport from and back to Stirling
- Daily transport as required and for baggage
- Ferry to Skye
- Qualified Leader
- Support Manager
Maximum and Minimum Numbers:
- Minimum Number:
- 6
- Maximum number per leader:
- 10
Group Bookings & Private Guiding
Additional dates or spaces are available for group booking and private guiding by arrangement. Please phone us on 01786 445 703 or complete the Special Enquiry form.
Early Bird Bonus
Book your holiday more than 12 weeks in advance to claim 5% off.
You must quote “Early Bird 08” promotional code on your booking form as the discount will not be automatically applied.
Book Your Road to the Isles Walking Holiday
How would you like to pay for your CNDo Scotland activity?
If you would prefer to pay by:
- Cheque - download our postal booking form.
- Credit/Debit card securely online - use the form below
| Dates | SRS | Price | Spaces (?) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 May - 1 June | n/a | £569 |  |
|
| 15 - 22 June | n/a | £569 | |
|
| 12 - 19 July | n/a | £569 | |
|
| 10 - 17 August | n/a | £569 | |
|
| 6 - 13 September | n/a | £569 | |
Self Guided Extensions
Extend your holiday in Scotland for a few extra days planning your own explorations. We'll arrange the accommodation, neccessary transport and provide you with a dossier of tantalising information.
Check out the Self Guided Extensions available for this holiday
If you would like to do this holiday privately for your self and a small group - just get in touch!
Recommended Reading for your walking holiday
To get the most from your walking holiday or course you may wish to do some background reading prior to departure.
Books about the Drovers and the Road to the Isles which you may find informative are:
- The Drove Roads of Scotland by A.R.B Haldane
- The New Road by Neil Munro
- Go Listen to the Crofters by Alex D Cameron
- The Central Highlands - SMC District Guidebook by Peter Hodgkiss
Maps which you may find informative are:
- OS Landranger 1:50000 No. 41: Ben Nevis & Fort William
- OS Landranger 1:50000 No. 42: Glen Garry and Loch Rannoch
- OS Landranger 1:50000 No. 34: Fort Augustus, Glen Albyn and Glen Roy
- OS Landranger 1:50000 No. 25: Glen Carron and Glen Affric
- OS Landranger 1:50000 No. 33: Loch Alsh, Glen Shiel and Loch Hourn
- OS Landranger 1:50000 No. 32: South Skye & Cuillin Hills
