Treks and Guided Walks

Scottish National Trail: Stage 1

At nearly 540 miles the Scottish National Trail is no small undertaking. From the foothills of the Cheviot in Kirk Yetholm to the wild Cape Wrath, the North-West tip of Scotland, this long-distance trail truly has it all. Over the next 3 summers (2022-2024) we will be walking the length of Scotland in 6 stages. We invite you to join us for all or part of this incredible journey.

Stage 1 begins in Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders and follows sections of St Cuthbert's Way, the Southern Upland Way and the Water of Leith walkway, before finishing in Ratho on the outskirts of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh.

The Eildon Hills beyond the Tweed

St Cuthbert’s Way

St Cuthbert's Way is a 100km (62.5 mile) trek which begins at Melrose Abbey and finishes on Holy Island, just off the Northumberland coast. The trail follows in St Cuthbert's 7th century footsteps through the rolling borderlands of Northumberland and the Scottish Borders. The trek culminates in a unique finish across the tidal causeway to Holy Island. It offers a fantastic introduction to long distance walking; a route steeped in historical and cultural interest, we take our time so we can take it all in during 5 days of walking.

Affric Kintail Way moutains

Affric Kintail Way

The Affric Kintail Way is a superb cross-country route from Drumnadrochit on the banks of Loch Ness, to Morvich on the west coast. We extend the route to a 5-day, 62 mile, coast-to-coast walk by beginning in Inverness and following the Great Glen Way south to Drumnadrochit on our first day. We then follow the Affric Kintail Way for the remaining 4 days to Morvich. This trail works its way westwards through the stunning Glen Affric National Nature Reserve, taking us to some of the most remote places on any of our treks. On night 5 we will stay at the Glen Affric Youth Hostel (Alltbeithe) in the heart of Glen Affric, before our final day's trekking through the Kintail mountains to Morvich. A unique trek, different to anything else we have on offer and with only moderate distances of walking on most days it is an achievable adventure for many.

Trail Hikers on a clear day with An Teallach in the distance

Cape Wrath Trail

This is an 11 day walk on one of the most challenging hiking routes in the UK. Our Cape Wrath Trail is 158 miles of the most diverse walking in Scotland. Starting in Kinloch Hourn and finishing at the North West Point of Scotland, you will get to experience the most magnificent scenery, from stunning coastline to intimidating mountains and everything in between.

Loch Lomond on The West Highland Way

West Highland Way

The West Highland Way is the most famous and perhaps best loved long distance walking route in Scotland. It is 96 miles/154km in length and begins in Milngavie (on the edge of Glasgow) and ends in Fort William. It's an incredibly diverse trail which explores some of the best scenery Scotland has to offer. From mountains and lochs, to moorland and farmland, the West Highland Way trek really does have it all.

Old Man of Storr on the Skye Trail

Skye Trail

This is a seven day walk on the Isle of Skye, a beautiful, mountainous island off the west coast of Scotland. The Skye Trail is a challenging, unofficial long distance route, it is unmarked and many sections aren't even on paths. However, the challenge is well worth the effort as you will experience some of the most breath-taking scenery in Scotland. You will pass ruins of deserted villages, destroyed in the Highland Clearances. Have multiple views of the Cuillin Ridge and walk over the Trotternish Ridge. You will also have the chance to see The Isle of Skye's array of wildlife, including seals, otters and eagles.

Walking up Ben Nevis on a sunny day

Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis is the biggest and most popular mountain in Scotland. Its summit, which is 1345 metres high, more often than not even has patches of snow in the summer, due to its elevation. Thistle Trekking try and give you the best chance possible of succeeding in your attempt to summit Ben Nevis. We provide you with a qualified Mountain Leader, who will guide you up the classic tourist path. We also organise your accommodation, so all you need to do is concentrate on the walk itself.

Two prominent rocks on a hilltop - Snowdonia Way

Snowdonia Way

The Snowdonia Way is a long-distance trail through the heart of the mountains of North Wales, running 97 miles (156 km) from Machynlleth to Conwy. You'll pass by the most famous mountains in Wales, including Snowdon and Cadair Idris. Walk through the great valleys of Ogwen and Ffestiniog. You will also see ancient stone circles, castles, and market towns that have changed little over the years. Snowdonia's landscape is incredibly diverse, with large forests, open moorland, rocky mountainside and sandy estuary all within the National Park.

Foxgloves and marshland on The North West Wilderness Weekend

Cape Wrath Trail (Knoydart Expedition)

The Cape Wrath Trail Knoydart Expedition gives you the chance to walk the first 4 days of the Cape Wrath Trail, from Fort William to Kinloch Hourn. It is perhaps the most remote and wild section of the entire Cape Wrath Trail. Due to its extremely remote nature, two nights of this trek will be spent wild camping. Wild camping is camping away from all civilisation, so you will not even be on a camp site. Giving you the opportunity to really experience a part of Scotland that is otherwise inaccessible. Our Cape Wrath Trail Knoydart Expedition allows you to sample wild camping on the incredible Cape Wrath Trail.

Customers walking along a track on The Cape Wrath

Cape Wrath Trail (North)

This 7 day walk covers the Cape Wrath Trail from Ullapool to Cape Wrath. One of the most challenging treks in the UK, this 101 mile trek is not to be missed taking you through the spectacular far north of Scotland. Some big days allow you to see magnificent mountains and stunning coastlines as well as everything in between before finishing at Cape Wrath the north westerly point of the UK mainland.