The Highlands and the western islands of Scotland are a part of the world that really should be seen in rain and mist—this is the kind of weather that shows the countryside at its best. While the occasional partly sunny day on our trip was welcome, hill-walking in light rain and cool weather was very pleasant—especially so after we learned from our wonderful guide, Gordon Anderson, that most of the rocks in this part of Scotland maintain their grip even when wet! Gordon kept us going at a pace that allowed us to enjoy our surroundings but still cover plenty of ground. From the beautiful forest and hills of Glen Affric, to the surprising turquoise waters of Luskentyre Beach on Harris, to the dramatic rocks of the Black Cuillin, it is hard to pick a favorite among all the hikes on our WT adventure to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
When we weren’t on the trails, our congenial group enjoyed lingering by quirky garden decorations, identifying Scottish flora, and visiting historical sites. We learned about local traditions from a master tweed weaver on Harris, sampled products at an artisanal distillery, and savored wonderful locally sourced meals throughout our journey. This trip is a wonderful introduction to the many delights of this magical corner of the world. Here are some of our favorite photos from the adventure.
![Sunset from Glencoe House Scotland](https://i0.wp.com/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/012_Sheila-Murphy-Pax-OK-Scotland-WTblog-12-CRadj-CRadj.jpg?resize=770%2C514)
![Hiking near the Quiraing Scotland](https://i0.wp.com/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/001_TOP-Sheila-Murphy-Pax-OK-Scotland-WTblog.jpg?resize=770%2C356)
![The view across Portree Harbour Scotland](https://i0.wp.com/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/002_Sheila-Murphy-Pax-OK-Scotland-WTblog-14.jpg?resize=770%2C412)
![Callanish standing stones, Isle of Lewis Scotland](https://i0.wp.com/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/003_Sheila-Murphy-Pax-OK-Scotland-WTblog-5-CRadj.jpg?resize=770%2C357)
![Painter at Eilean Donan Castle Scotland](https://i0.wp.com/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/004_Sheila-Murphy-Pax-OK-Scotland-WTblog-6.jpg?resize=770%2C514)
![Luskentyre beach, Isle of Harris Scotland](https://i0.wp.com/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/005_Sheila-Murphy-Pax-OK-Scotland-WTblog-7-CRadj.jpg?resize=770%2C430)
![Blackhouse museum Scotland](https://i0.wp.com/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/006_Sheila-Murphy-Pax-OK-Scotland-WTblog-3-CRadj.jpg?resize=770%2C440)
![Iron Age Broch, Dun Carloway, Isle of Lewis Scotland](https://i0.wp.com/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/007_Sheila-Murphy-Pax-OK-Scotland-WTblog-4-CRadj.jpg?resize=770%2C514)
![Snack break, Isle of Scalpay Scotland](https://i0.wp.com/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/008_Sheila-Murphy-Pax-OK-Scotland-WTblog-8-CRadj.jpg?resize=770%2C398)
![A pause on a hike, Isle of Skye Scotland](https://i0.wp.com/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/009_Sheila-Murphy-Pax-OK-Scotland-WTblog-11-CRadj.jpg?resize=770%2C437)
![Black Cullain, Isle of Syke Scotland](https://i0.wp.com/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/010_Sheila-Murphy-Pax-OK-Scotland-WTblog-9-CRadj.jpg?resize=770%2C514)
![Quirang hike Scotland](https://i0.wp.com/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/011_Sheila-Murphy-Pax-OK-Scotland-WTblog-2-CRadj.jpg?resize=770%2C369)
-Photos by WT Adventurers Brian and Sheila Murphy, text by Sheila Murphy, Highlands and Islands of Scotland.