FAQ

About The Scotland Trail

Who is this trip suitable for?

Anyone between 16 and 65 with a good level of fitness and a sense of adventure can tackle this trail. The trip involves a solid amount of physical activity, so good health is a must. Keep in mind that weather conditions can be unpredictable too. Looking to try your first multi day hike, but not entirely sure about your fitness level? These quick questions will help you figure it out:

  • How active have I been over the last three months?

  • What kind of physical activities do I do regularly, and for how long?

  • Have I had any recent injuries that could affect my enjoyment of this adventure?

  • Can I comfortably walk 15 kilometers across hilly terrain?

  • Am I able to train over the coming months to get fully prepped for this trip?

If your answers give you full confidence to hit the trail, then this trip is definitely for you! One week after booking, you will receive a training schedule designed to get you completely ready so you can hike comfortably.

Still feeling a bit unsure and want to test your legs before heading out? Give one of our micro adventures a go, like The Vosges Trail, The Mullerthal Trail, or The Packraft Trail.

Do you hike alone or as part of a group?

You’re completely free to walk at your own pace. To keep the hike safe and running smoothly, one guide leads the way, another brings up the rear, and additional guides are spread out along the route. You don’t have to stay near them the whole time, so you can easily find your own rhythm.

Each morning starts with a short briefing, and you can download the Travelbase app to have the route and all the practical information at your fingertips. A great group dynamic usually develops naturally along the way, but it’s always up to you whether you want to stick with the others. The only exception is extreme weather: safety comes first, so our guides will ask everyone to walk together as one group.

How far will I hike , and how difficult is it?

You’ll cover a total of 91 kilometres in the heart of Scotland’s Isle of Skye, spread across five days of hiking. Daily stages range from 13 to 22 kilometres, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the incredible scenery without wearing yourself out.

The route has been carefully designed, with a balanced progression in terms of distance and elevation gain. Each day is challenging while remaining perfectly manageable if you’re in good physical shape. You’ll find all the day-by-day details in the itinerary overview.

For a clear idea of what lies ahead, take a look at the section on route difficulty in our FAQ. You’ll find all the details there about the terrain, elevation gain and Scottish weather.

With how many people can I book this trip?

You can book the Scotland Trail solo, as a duo, or in a group.

Is this trip suitable for children?

No, Scotland Trail isn’t suitable for young children, as the minimum age for participation is 16.

Can I customise the trip to my own liking?

As we offer a fully organised trip, it is not possible to adjust the duration or itinerary. However, you are free to extend your trip independently by spending a few extra days on site afterwards, for example, or continuing your journey to another country.

When can I do this trip?

The calendar on the website shows all departure dates, available spots and prices.

Would you like to be notified personally when new departure dates are posted online? If so, please complete this form with your details.

What is the minimum age for taking part?

The minimum age for the Scotland Trail is 16, and travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Is there on-site support?

Upon arrival at the base camp, you will receive a warm welcome from your guides and driver. They will give you a detailed briefing about your week and provide you with any equipment you have rented.

Just before your departure, you will also have access to a group chat with all the participants leaving on the same date. This will allow you to communicate with each other and with our team. The chat will be available through the Travelbase app, so please make sure to download the app beforehand.

Prices & Booking Conditions

What is the payment procedure?

Within 5 days after your registration, you must pay a deposit to confirm your trip. After that, you still have until a few weeks before departure to modify your options and pay the remaining balance. If you make changes, the deposit is automatically recalculated.

There are various payment options, including Bancontact, Mastercard, iDeal. If you have a Travelbase voucher, you can use it as well.

If your payment fails, it is likely due to an incorrect reference number or exceeding your account limit.

Can I modify my registration?

Depending on availability, you can add or remove most options (except cancellation insurance) until a few weeks before departure. Generally, we follow a first-come, first-served principle, so early decision-makers are at an advantage.

What is included in the price?

The base price includes the following:

  • Detailed itinerary and full organization of the stay
  • 6 nights in a tent in unique locations
  • Showers and sanitary facilities (except at the 1st camp)
  • Tourist taxes
  • All internal transport on the island
  • Trail with guides
  • Travelbase Trail app
  • Complete equipment list and tips for preparing your trek
What are the additional costs?

The essentials are already included in the basic price, but while booking you can also add the following options:

  • Equipment: the rental of high-quality camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat) and walking poles.
  • Meals: handy food packs for on the go or organised local meals.
  • Comfort & Extras: options such as luggage transport or extra overnight stays before or after the trail.
  • Insurances: cancellation and/or travel insurance.

A detailed breakdown of the prices per option and any compulsory charges (such as tourist tax) can be found under the practical information section.

Transport

How do you get to the base camp?

We do not offer flights for the Scotland Trail. You can easily book flights or trains online to get to Edinburgh, and then use our shuttle service to reach the trailhead. You are free to book your transport for the dates that suit you best if you would like to spend more time exploring Scotland, but please make sure you arrive on time for the shuttle.

Find all the details and exact schedules directly in our Transport section ! (Tip: you can also use Rome2Rio, Skyscanner, or Google Flights to compare different routes.)

For the shuttles, you will have 4 options to choose from:

  • Day 1: shuttle from Edinburgh Airport to the base camp (€49) → Meet-up at 1:00 pm
  • Day 1: shuttle from Kyle Side car park to the base camp (free) → Meet-up at 5:30 pm
  • Day 7: shuttle from Staffin to Edinburgh city centre (€49) → Arrival between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm
  • Day 7: shuttle from Staffin to Kyle Side car park (free) → Arrival between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm

Although some of the Day 1 and Day 7 shuttles are free, please make sure to select them when making your booking so that we can ensure there is enough space for everyone.

For the airport shuttle, please make sure to arrive well in advance at the meeting point so that you don’t miss it.

As Staffin is connected to Edinburgh by only a limited number of roads, unfortunately, we are unable to provide a more precise estimated arrival time at the car park and in Edinburgh on Day 7.

What happens if you arrive by car instead of by plane?

You can park your car at Kyleside Car Park and then take our free shuttle to the base camp. Although this option is free of charge, please make sure to select it when making your booking so that we can reserve a seat for you. The meeting time at the car park is 5:30 pm.

Can I book flights through the Scotland Trail?

No, we don't offer flights for the Scotland Trail. However, there are plenty of other ways to get there easily, whether by plane, train, bus, or car.

You'll find all the detailed information and different route options in our Transport section.

Preparation

Is it possible to book luggage transport?

Yes, it is possible to book luggage transfer as an optional extra (€145).

With our luggage transfer service, you can hike light and keep only the essentials with you. Your belongings will be transported from one camp to the next while you make the most of your day on the trail.

Please note that all the belongings you wish to have transported must fit into a single bag. You can use a 90L duffle bag or a 70L hiking backpack. The total weight of this bag must not exceed 15 kg.

If you choose this option, please bring an additional backpack of around 40L alongside your transport bag to carry your essentials with you during the hikes (water, rain jacket and trousers, lunch, snacks, first-aid kit, fleece, etc.).

Do I need to bring cash for the trip?

We recommend bringing around €50 (in British pounds).

Are midges in Scotland really a problem?

Midges are tiny flies that can sometimes be annoying, but they are completely harmless and do not transmit any diseases. They can be found in spring and summer, especially in calm weather, around dawn and dusk. On windy days, at higher altitudes, or by the sea, they are generally much less noticeable.

To ensure you have the most enjoyable experience possible, our departures take place in May, when there is the lowest chance of encountering midges. If you do happen to encounter them, your guides will provide you with protective kits to help keep them at bay.

Where will I sleep?

During this trip, you will sleep in tents at campsites located close to the trail. You can either bring your own camping gear or rent it from us. Most campsites have bathroom facilities. However, there will be no showers at the first campsite.

Would you like to take a break from your week of camping and enjoy a little extra comfort? Our “Staffin Accommodation” option is perfect for you!

The package includes 2 nights in a real bed, in a pod that can accommodate up to 4 people. The perfect way to recharge your batteries before heading back out on the adventure!

Your driver will take care of the transfers between your accommodation and the trek’s starting and finishing points. Please note that this option does not include meals.

Can I rent camping gear?

Yes! You can easily rent a tent, sleeping mat, and/or sleeping bag directly from us. To make sure you have enough space for your gear, we provide larger tents: if you’re traveling alone, you’ll get a two-person tent so you can store your backpack inside, and if you’re sharing a tent with one other person, you’ll have a spacious three-person tent.

Do you need an international passport to go to Scotland?

Yes, you need a passport.

To enter Scotland, make sure you have both of the following documents:

  • A valid passport that remains valid for at least six months after your return date.

  • An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which is required to enter the United Kingdom. You can apply online via this link.

    Make sure to apply for your ETA through the official website! There are many scams online that may charge you additional fees.

  • Please note that processing an ETA application can take several days. We therefore recommend applying as soon as possible once your trip has been finalized. The fee is £20 (approximately €24) per person.

Do many participants choose the luggage transport service?

Yes, around 75% of participants choose the luggage transport service.

With luggage transport, you can hike comfortably during the day while carrying only a light backpack (30 to 35 L). However, if you’re looking for an extra challenge and want the full experience of an independent mountain trek, you can of course choose to carry all your gear and camping equipment in your main backpack!

Can I get to know the other participants beforehand?

Yes, you can get to know your fellow travellers two weeks before departure via the official group chat in the Travelbase app. Due to privacy legislation, we do not share personal contact details, but you can, of course, exchange details amongst yourselves during the trail.

What should I bring?

A few weeks before departure, you will receive a detailed packing list, carefully compiled by our experienced team. The packing list includes everything you need for your adventure, from clothing to equipment and useful extras.

Communication

How can my family get in touch with me during the trail?

Your family can contact the main Travelbase office line to pass on any urgent messages. Our office staff can then inform the guides or rangers via a satellite phone.

Where can I find more information about my trip?

You can find all practical information about Scotland trail step by step in the Travelbase app once you have completed your booking. You will also receive the most important updates by email.

When will I receive more information about my trip?

In the run-up to your trip, you will receive all practical information at the following stages:

  • Shortly after booking: you will receive a training schedule and a packing list, and gain access to the Travelbase app.
  • No later than 1 month before departure: you can find all trip information in the Travelbase app.
  • No later than 2 weeks before departure: you will receive the final practical details and gain access to the group chat so you can get to know your fellow travellers, guides or rangers.

General

What’s the best season for hiking the Scotland Trail?

May is the best time of year to hike the trail. The weather is generally at its most pleasant, making it the ideal time to fully enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Isle of Skye. During this period, you can expect:

  • Less rain: May is generally drier than the other summer months.
  • Few or no midges: These tiny biting insects are particularly common around sunrise and sunset.
  • Fewer people: Outside the summer months, the island is much less crowded, allowing you to enjoy nature in peace and tranquillity.
Can I bring my dog?

No, dogs are not allowed on this trek. If you're looking for a hike where you can bring your dog, please check out this page.

What kind of footwear is required for the hike?

High-top hiking boots are mandatory. Low-cut walking shoes, running shoes, trainers, or other low-cut footwear are not permitted. The terrain is often uneven and challenging, so high-top hiking boots are required to provide adequate ankle support and reduce the risk of injury.

Can you take food allergies or intolerances into account?

For the Day 5 dinner option, we only offer a vegetarian version.

For the freeze-dried meal option, we can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free diets. Please contact us by email so that we can note down your dietary requirements.

As all freeze-dried meals are prepared in the same facility, we unfortunately cannot rule out the risk of cross-contamination with allergens.

What are the gear specifications and dimensions?

The camping equipment that you can hire from us has a total weight of approximately 4.7 kg for one person and 7.2 kg for two people (which is easy to divide between two backpacks). Depending on the specific trail, the details below may vary slightly.

  • One-person tent: a spacious two-person tent weighing 2.7 kg (packed size: 51 x 17 cm).
  • Two-person tent: a 3-person tent weighing 3.19 kg (packed size: 51 x 20 cm).
  • A lightweight, self-inflating sleeping mat weighing 470 g (packed size: 13 x 26 cm).
  • A comfortable sleeping bag weighing 1.55 kg (packed size: 40 x 24 cm). The temperature varies depending on the trail.
  • Adjustable walking poles with a maximum length of 135 cm. To check whether the poles will fit, measure the distance from the ground to your elbow while holding your arm at a 90-degree angle. If this distance is 135 cm or less, the poles are suitable.
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