Ride Overview
Fort William, sections of the Great Glen Way, forests and wild untamed mountains – this trail showcases the Highlands in all their glory. You will ride through the areas of Invergarry, Glen Affric and Kintail finishing your week in the brooding shadow of Liathach and Ben Eighe, some of the highest mountains in the United Kingdom.
This is an active, fast and ground covering ride with somewhat longer days in the saddle. You also need to lead your horse on foot on steep and very rough ground. Any rider that does not meet the requirement of being able to ride at walk, trot, canter and gallop, or to hand lead their horse due to any terrain being boggy or steep in places, will not be allowed to continue with the ride. Such a rider will be asked to leave the ride and no refund will be issued, as well a 200£ fee will additionally be payable onsite for onward transport of their assigned horse.
2024 Dates: Aug. 6-13, Aug. 22-29
This is a 6 night, 7 day ride. If you need accommodation on the night prior or after the ride, we can easily assist.
2024 Rates: 3,772£ or $4,530.00 USD per person shared (Single Supplement: 450£ or $565.00 USD – on request and if available)
Included
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 days of riding
- All meals
- Horse and all tack
- Guiding services
- Luggage transfers
- All local taxes
Not Included
- Airfare
- Travel Insurance
- Pre and post night in Inverness
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities for the team at the end of your stay
Day 1
Drumnadrochit to Fort Augustus: 21 miles
We start our ride at Drumnadrochit on the shores of Loch Ness, riding high above the loch for some stunning views along the length of the Great Glen fault line and the Monadliath hills beyond.
From another viewpoint we get views to the north west of the Kintail range. We finish at the village of Fort Augustus where we spend the night.
Day 2
Fort Augustus to Tomich: 19 miles
From Fort Augustus, we ride up through the Inchcardoch Forest switching between an ancient drove road and one of General Cauldfields old military roads.
Stunning views again in all directions of the Monadliath hills to the South and the hills of Glen Affric and Kintail to the North and West.
We finish for the night in the beautiful village of Tomich.
Day 3
Tomich to Shiel Bridge: 23 miles
A long day today - leaving Tomich, we head west along beautiful Glen Affric. Some nice faster riding, before we hit the tough part of the trail, through the Allt Grannda gorge beside a stunning waterfall, then descend to the farm track taking us to Shiel Bridge for the night.
The scenery today is very wild and beautiful.
Day 4
Shiel Bridge to Dornie: 8 miles
A shorter ride today to give both the horses and riders a bit of a break! From Shiel Bridge, we ride beside the shore then head into the forest at Inverinate, before joining the tiny minor road that climbs high above Loch Duich for amazing views of the Five Sisters of Kintail and the length of Loch duich to the Cuillins on Skye.
We spend the night at Dornie - famous for Eilean Donan Castle - the most photogenic castle in Scotland!
Day 5
Isle of Skye
Today we get a well earned day off from riding and we hit the road and head over the sea to the Isle of Skye. This day trip will include visits to famous must-see areas such as Quiraing and the Old Man Of Storr.
Day 6
Dornie to Strathcarron: 17 miles
We are back on the horses again today, hopefully feeling well rested. Leaving Dornie behind, we ride the length of Loch Long, before heading over the hills on an old hill track to Strath Carron. Loch Carron is a very beautiful loch, surrounded by high hills on all sides.
Day 7
Strathcarron to Torridon: 15 miles
From Strathcarron, we follow the river through fields and forests, then join the hill path taking us high over the Bealach na Lice pass. There are a couple of places where we need to lead the horses, but not for long stretches.
We are really high in the hills here, with stunning views all around once again!
Once we cross the pass, the iconic Torridon hills stretch out before us - Liathach, Beinn Alligin and Beinn Eighe - an amazing view! We descend to Torridon, where we spend our final night before leaving for Inverness in the morning.
Day 8
You’ll depart for Inverness after breakfast, to arrive there around 11:00AM
* You will need to get to Inverness for the start of this ride, we will collect you from the town at 08.30AM on the morning of the ride. The ride finishes at Torridon and we will spend the night there, returning you to Inverness in the morning at about 11.00.
**Some weeks this ride is run in reverse, so begins in Torridon and ends in Inverness. Please check with us when making flight arrangements.
Wind your way on little known trails and forested roads from Inverness to Torridon. This is a truly amazing ride and one for folks that don't mind long days in the saddle (average of 23 miles per day) over varied and demanding terrain! Some places require you to lead your horse and it's others offer fun optional jumps over small ditches - you'll LOVE this ride!
