Aviemore, Scotland. May 11, 2023: As the summer months fast approach, for those eyeing a trip to the UK, the Wilderness Group – comprised of award-winning adventure travel companies Wilderness Scotland, Wilderness Ireland and Wilderness England – offers a range of unique and carbon-light itineraries throughout the UK and Ireland, including many island-hopping and coastal discovery trips bound to make a great summer escape.
With stunning natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, expert guides, and the opportunity to experience the UK in a whole new way, with Wilderness Scotland, Wilderness Ireland and Wilderness England, the emphasis is always on sustainability, including the carbon labeling of all its trips so travelers know the environmental impact of their adventure from the start.
· Isle of Skye: This stunning island off the west coast of Scotland is a must-visit destination for any traveler. Its rugged coastline, rolling hills, and towering cliffs make it perfect for hiking, cycling, and kayaking.
· Wilderness Walking – The Isle of Skye is a seven-day walking itinerary that offers some of the best hiking in Scotland – from gentle bays to wave-ravaged peninsulas, elegant glens to tortuous rock formations, Skye delights and surprises at every turn. With excellent accommodation and wonderful food, this trip takes guests away from the crowds and well-known routes, inviting them to really get under the skin of Scotland’s most famous island. Departures available June 3-9 & Aug. 12-18 (women’s only)
· Orkney Islands: Located in the far north of Scotland, the unique situation and environment here have combined to create a fascinating cultural and historical tapestry of stone circles, invasions and occupations, and isolation and extremity – all of which have left their marks through the ages.
· Wilderness Walking – The Orkney Islands is a seven-day walking trip in this stunning and little-visited archipelago of some 70 small islands and skerries. A mysterious place of long days and colorful night skies, the islands are home to a wealth of sea life and sea birds, and remarkable flora. In the company of a highly knowledgeable guide, every day travelers will walk in the wildest places of Orkney, before returning to enjoy memorable cuisine and the finest accommodations in the Isles. Departure available Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2023
· The Scottish Sea Kayak Trail: Traversing much of the west coast of Scotland, this 310-mile (500km) route, from the Isle of Gigha off the Kintyre peninsula to the Summer Isles near Ullapool, is an amazing adventure, full of opportunities to encounter a rich range of wildlife.
· Sea Kayaking – The Atlantic Coast is a six-day adventure that explores one of the finest paddling areas in the world – the Atlantic Coast of the Scottish Highlands. A popular itinerary, it is based on the central section of the Scottish Sea Kayak Trail, and offers stunning scenery, great paddling, wildlife sightings and more as the expert guides lead the group through marine wildlife reserves, past ruined castles, and gorgeous sandy beaches. Overnights are in comfortable accommodations along the route and meals at excellent local restaurants/pubs. Departures available June 10-15, July 22-27 & Aug. 19-24, 2023
· The Dingle Peninsula: Located in the southwest of Ireland, this area offers stunning coastal scenery, charming towns, and plenty of opportunities for in-depth, outdoor exploration.
· Hiking – The Dingle Way is a seven-day hiking trip that explore this internationally renowned trail in County Kerry, encompassing some of Ireland’s most extraordinary landscapes. From 16th century castles to the colorful lanes of Dingle town; from uninterrupted Atlantic views to some of the richest collection of archaeological sites in Europe – with Dingle’s wild crashing shores, glittering coves, and rolling mountains you can see what National Geographic called it the ‘most beautiful place on Earth.’ Departures available July 8-14 & Aug. 19-25, 2023
· Cork & Kerry: With some of the most scenic routes for hiking and cycling enthusiasts – including breathtaking views of rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and lush green landscapes – the outstanding natural scenery is wonderfully complemented by the quaint towns and villages that dot the way.
· Hiking & Island Hopping – Cork & Kerry is a unique, seven-day hiking tour to the spectacular southwest of Ireland. On foot and by boat, this trip takes guests to the wildest coasts and islands of beautiful Cork and Kerry. With stops in the historical town of Baltimore, known for its tales of private invasions, to the most westerly inhabited island in Europe, rich in literary history, this trip provides fascinating insights into the area’s rich cultural and geological history. Departure available July 15-21, 2023
· The West Coast: Known for some of Ireland’s most iconic sights, including the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and the Aran Islands, this remote and wild region has its own distinct culture and traditions.
· Bike Tour – The Wild Atlantic Way is a 14-day biking trip that is described as “the epitome of an adventure challenge” and “the bike tour of a lifetime.” A true bucket-list experience, guests pedal along iconic cycling routes and through the best of Ireland’s dramatic west coast. A point-to-point itinerary, it travels from Ireland’s southernmost to northernmost points, traversing wild mountain passes, past secret beaches, by steep cliffs, and through vast bogs, with stops in idyllic villages. You’ll traverse all of Ireland by bike, barring a quick transfer in and out of Galway city, where you’ll have the opportunity to stretch your legs and explore. Departure available July 29-Aug. 11, 2023
· Cornwall: Located in the far west of Great Britain, on a peninsula that tumbles into the vast Atlantic Ocean, and almost completely surrounded by the sea, Cornwall’s coastline extends for more than 400 miles. Known for its captivating fishing harbors, spectacular beaches, and the pounding surf, it’s hard not to fall in love with this place.
· Wilderness Walking – The Coast of Cornwall is a seven-day hike through areas of outstanding natural beauty, visiting medieval castles, azure blue lagoons, and salty sea arches as you go. With your expert guide, learn about the flora and fauna of the region, looking out for seal, dolphins, and porpoises. On this trip that showcases the dazzling Cornish coast, travelers will also have a chance to explore cobbled streets and stop at lovely cafés, local galleries, and independent artisan shops. Departures available July 15-21, Aug. 19-25 & Sept. 16-22, 2023
For more information on all the above trips and more visit WildernessScotland.com, WildernessIreland.com or WildernessEngland.com.