From island cycling adventures to remote Highland journeys, the people behind Wilderness Scotland share the trips that keep them inspired.
Aviemore, Scotland. March 24, 2026 – This year marks 25 years of adventure for Wilderness Scotland, a milestone that celebrates a quarter-century of guiding travelers through the landscapes, culture, and wildlife of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands.
To mark the milestone anniversary, the team behind the award-winning adventure travel company is sharing a selection of their favorite trips—journeys that capture the spirit of sustainable exploration that has defined the company since its founding in April 2001.
From the remote northwest Highlands to whisky-soaked island roads and windswept Hebridean beaches, these picks reflect both the diversity of Scotland’s landscapes and the passion of the people who bring these experiences to life.
The Great Wild North
Chosen by Stevie Christie, Managing Director
For Stevie Christie—who has worked with Wilderness Scotland in nearly every role over the past 25 years—his favorite trip is the Great Wild North, a new-for-2026 luxury journey through the far northwest Highlands.
While a new trip for the company, the area is a longtime favorite for Christie.
“I’ve been taking annual trips to the Scotland’s northwest for almost 30 years now,” he says. “What I find remarkable is that I could take another 30 trips there and still not even be close to exploring all the places to want to get to.”
The itinerary forms a natural circuit through the northwest Highlands, located north of Inverness, taking in icons like Loch Ness and the majesty of Glen Affric before venturing far beyond the well-known landmarks.
“Some people say the region is busy now because of the NC 500 driving route,” Christie adds. “But as soon as you step away from the roads, it’s as quiet as ever.”
Christie has a deep personal connection to the region—he was married on a beach there more than 15 years ago and now returns every year with his family. “The kids love it as much as we do.”
Highlights of the Highlands
Chosen by Anna Brownlow, Head of Product & Partner Relations
For Anna Brownlow, the Highlights of the Highlands trip perfectly captures the diversity that makes Scotland such a compelling destination.
“It’s got a proper mix of wild, rugged landscapes and really lovely luxury places to stay,” she says. “You get the best of both.”
The journey brings together some of the country’s most iconic landscapes and stories—from the powerful history and evocative landscape of Glencoe to the royal links and ancient pine forests of the Cairngorms and the dramatic peaks and coastline of the Isle of Skye.
“It’s really a ‘best of Scotland’ experience,” Brownlow explains. “You see so many different sides of the Highlands in one journey.”
Wilderness Walking – Outer Hebrides & Skye
Chosen by Paul Easto, Founder
For company founder, Paul Easto, the standout journey after 25 years of exploration is Wilderness Walking: Outer Hebrides & Skye, a trip that captures the elemental power of Scotland’s Atlantic edge.
“What makes it so special is the sheer contrast,” he says. “Standing on the white sands of Luskentyre Beach, you’re flanked by turquoise waters and ancient mountains. It offers a rare sense of timelessness—from the prehistoric Callanish Stones to the living Gaelic culture found here.”
“It’s the ultimate reset and perfect for anyone who is craving a deep, authentic connection with the elements,” continues Easto. “It’s a place where the rhythm of life is dictated by the tides rather than the clock—or your social media feed.”
Road Cycling – Arran, Islay and Jura
Chosen by Craig Little, Head of Operations
Cyclists looking for a taste of Scotland’s island life will find it in the Arran, Islay & Jura road cycling journey, a trip that Craig Little helped bring to life during his very first scouting expedition.
“That trip confirmed something to me straight away—that the Isle of Arran may well be my favorite Scottish island,” he says. “It truly has a bit of everything: dramatic mountains, sweeping beaches, incredible views, and wonderfully varied cycling.”
Highlighting the many unique experiences that together make this trip such a standout for Little, the route takes riders to the iconic Laphroaig and Ardbeg distilleries, stops at the historic Kildalton Cross, adding a real sense of connection to the island’s past, while the wildlife of Islay brings the landscape to life. Riding along the quiet single-track roads of the Isle of Jura is another unforgettable element, which Little describes as “remote, peaceful, and wonderfully scenic.”
The journey concludes in dramatic fashion, with a boat transfer past the powerful Corryvrekan whirlpool before arriving at the final hotel.
“It’s an extraordinary way to round off the adventure,” Little says.
Wilderness Walking – The Orkney Islands
Chosen by MK Pascoe, Assistant Sales Manager
For MK Pascoe, a self-described enthusiast of ancient cultures and prehistory, the standout journey is Wilderness Walking: The Orkney Islands, a trip that brings travelers face-to-face with some of Europe’s most extraordinary ancient sites.
“For anyone interested in ancient history, it’s hard to beat,” she says. “The islands are home to some of the most remarkable Neolithic sites in Europe, from ancient stone circles to beautifully preserved villages like Skara Brae. Dating back around 5,000 years, it’s one of the oldest and most impressive prehistoric villages in Europe, and walking through it you get a real sense of how people once lived here thousands of years ago.”
Located just off Scotland’s northern coast, the Orkney Islands combine world-class archaeology with striking coastal scenery. Travelers explore dramatic sea cliffs, massive seabird colonies, and sweeping seascapes that make the islands feel wonderfully remote.
“What makes it a really special journey is you’re not just seeing history in a museum—you’re standing right in the middle of it,” MK explains. “It’s an incredible place for anyone fascinated by ancient cultures, or anyone who loves exploring places where the landscape and history are so closely connected.”
A Quarter Century of Sustainability-Focused Adventure
Since its founding in April 2001, Wilderness Scotland has grown from a small guiding operation into one of the UK’s leading active travel companies, while maintaining a focus on small groups, expert guides, and meaningful, sustainable connections with the landscapes and communities of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands.
Twenty-five years on, and the addition of brands Wilderness Ireland and Wilderness England, the passion for wild places remains unchanged. And if the team’s favorite trips are any indication, there are countless corners of the country waiting to be enjoyed.
For more information on the many hiking, cycling, wildlife-focused journeys and wilderness retreats available, visit WildernessScotland.com.
About the Wilderness Group
Wilderness Scotland, established in 2001, is rated Europe’s No.1 Rated Adventure Travel Company by National Geographic and is Scotland’s only five-star accredited adventure tour operator. In 2012, its outpost Wilderness Ireland was launched, and the launch of Wilderness England followed in 2020. Offering an unrivalled range of small-group departures, self-guided trips and custom vacations, Wilderness Scotland, Wilderness Ireland, and Wilderness England lead the way in active and nature-based travel to the remote and wild corners of Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and England. Popular outdoor experiences include hiking, road cycling, E-biking, and kayaking. Wildlife, culture & heritage, wilderness retreats, photography, and sailing adventures are also available. For more information, visit www.wildernessscotland.com.