Highland Gateways, Scottish Borderlands, Dales and Fells: A Celtic, Roman and Norse Discovery 2027

This thoughtfully curated 20-night small-group journey offers an enriching exploration of the Scottish borderlands, ancient Northern England, Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District. It blends natural beauty, rich history, and contemporary culture with carefully chosen accommodation and a genuine respect for local communities and the surroundings. This tour is designed for travellers who enjoy gentle to moderate walking; each day unfolds at a relaxed pace, with scenic routes guiding you through some of the most captivating landscapes in the United Kingdom.

Beginning in Glasgow, you’ll discover a vibrant urban centre where green spaces, riverside paths, and innovative architecture coexist alongside a thriving food scene rooted in local, seasonal produce. Your journey continues to Stirling, a gateway to the Highlands, where cobbled streets and historic landmarks set the stage for unforgettable countryside walks through lochs, forests and glens, including a stunning, scenic section of the renowned Rob Roy Way. In Edinburgh, you’ll experience the perfect harmony of nature and history, from panoramic hilltop views to the atmospheric charm of the Old Town.

Crossing into England, the landscape shifts to the dramatic frontier of Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park, where guided walks along the Pennine Way reveal ancient Roman history amid sweeping countryside vistas. Stopping in Durham we step into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Durham Castle, where centuries of Norman history and living university tradition come together in a truly atmospheric setting. Next, accompanied by a local guide we uncover the history of the medieval walled city of York – from the Roman gatehouses to the gothic cathedral and modern bridges.

From York we set out to discover the Yorkshire Dales and World Heritage listed Lake District National Park. From Bolton Abbey, we follow trails to Skipton where we stay in a canal-side hotel, our base for exploring medieval castles, richly diverse woodland and the scenic limestone formations of Malham Cove and Gordale Scar. Continuing west, we spend the next four nights at a stunning luxury hotel from where our days are spent exploring some of England’s most breathtaking scenery, steeped in history and literary associations.

We wander the fells of Cumbria and explore its many lakes including Derwentwater, Windemere and Coniston whilst also making time for lazy pub lunches. Throughout, enjoy eco-conscious accommodation, expert local guides, and authentic regional cuisine, ensuring a travel experience that is both enriching and responsible.

• Explore the vibrant nature, culture and gastronomy of Glasgow on relaxed city and riverside walks
• Discover the historic charm of Stirling, a gateway to the Scottish Highlands
• Walk scenic paths to the towering National Wallace Monument, where sweeping hilltop views and powerful stories of Scottish heritage converge
• Follow peaceful woodland trails through the woods of the Abbey Craig to the elegant spa village of Bridge of Allan with its Victorian architecture, riverside paths and renowned local dining scene
• Walk a scenic section of the Rob Roy Way, taking in the striking views of lochs, forests and classic Scottish glens
• Experience the rich history and landscapes of Edinburgh
• Marvel at the sweeping views of this ancient city from her hilltops, castles and historic landmarks
• Step into the spellbinding world of Alnwick Castle’s eerie Poison Garden, where medieval grandeur meets a thrilling collection of deadly plants behind locked gates
• Follow ancient paths across one of Britain’s most iconic frontiers in Northumberland National Park
• Delve into the cultural and historical significance of Hadrian’s Wall, built in AD122, as you walk a path that follows craggy ridges offering dramatic landscapes with breath-taking scenery
• Discover centuries of history and sweeping riverside views inside Durham Castle
• Stroll the medieval lanes and uncover the rich heritage of York
• Explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks
• Enjoy waterfall and riverside trails plus a creamery visit in the Wensleydale region
• Take in breathtaking views of dazzling lakes, moorland dales, soaring fells & verdant valleys
• Uncover the world of children’s author, Beatrix Potter, one of the Lake District’s most passionate conservationists
• Savour the delicious, seasonal flavours of Scotland and England, showcasing locally sourced produce and regional culinary traditions
• Relax in carefully selected, characterful and centrally located accommodation after each day’s exploration

Price: Twin share/person (starts Glasgow / ends Manchester)

Regular Price: A$16,949

Advanced Early Bird Price: Twin share/person (if booked and deposited by 31 August 2026) A$16,449

Early Bird Price: Twin share/person (if booked and deposited by 30 November 2026) A$16,649

Single Supplement: A$4,350

Note: For guests who request a single room the single supplement will be charged. For single people who prefer to share, we will try to find a suitable roommate, but if this is not possible the single supplement surcharge will apply.

Minimum Group Size: 8 guests

Maximum group size: 12 guests

Special Interest: Nature, Wildlife, Culture, History, Architecture, Geology, Culinary, Hiking

Walking rating: Easy to moderately challenging – 3-16km per walking day (with some rough surfaces, steep ascents and descents on some walking days). Age is not necessarily as important as your fitness and recent walking experience, and anyone of reasonable fitness should be able to join this tour. We reserve the right to be flexible with the itinerary to allow for unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions and group fitness levels.

Inclusions

• 20 nights twin share accommodation staying in characterful 4-star, grade II listed, apartment and boutique hotels, country houses and B&B’s
• Meals (20 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 18 Dinners)
• All train and bus transfers as listed in the itinerary during the tour
• National Park, museum and other site entry fees as part of group activities
• Professional tour leader and local tour guides
• Basic group tips where required
• Pre-departure material including personalised A-Z tour information

Exclusions

• Airfares & taxes to start/from end of tour
• Airport transfers before and after the tour start/end dates
• Passport & visa expenses
• Travel insurance
• Heavy or excess baggage
• Personal expenses e.g., drinks (water, alcohol, tea & coffee), laundry, hotel city taxes, telephone, optional tours/excursions