10 Guided walks with talks in Scotland

Descend into the Blair Street Underground Vaults with the master storytellers at Mercat Tours. This theatrical tour blends folklore and fact for a chilling dive into Edinburgh’s haunted past.

Theme: History & supernatural

Start point: Mercat Cross, Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Duration: 1.5 hours

Sustainability: Supports heritage tourism and local storytelling

Combine gentle hikes across Mull, Iona, and Ardnamurchan with traditional knitting workshops. An interesting way to explore the islands and learn more about a local craft.

Theme: Craft & culture

Start point: Glasgow (transfer to Oban/Mull)

Duration: 7 days

Sustainability: Promotes local craft and supports island economies

Led by ecologist Malcolm O’Reilly, this walk explores ancient pine forests and glens to spot golden eagles, red deer, and rare birds.

Theme: Nature & conservation

Start point: Aviemore

Duration: Full day (6–7 hours)

Sustainability: Low-impact wildlife watching with expert guidance

One of Scotland’s great coastal walking routes meets charming fishing villages and historic St Andrews. Highlights include Buddo Rock and ice cream in St Andrews! There is an optional chain-assisted scramble at Elie for the adventurous.

Theme: Coastal adventure

Start point: North Queensferry or Elie

Duration: 6–9 days (self-guided or guided)

Sustainability: A chance to try slow travel and stay in local Fife accommodation

Sail aboard a historic wooden yacht and hike remote islands like Rum, Canna, Eigg, and Skye. A unique way to explore wild Scotland.

Theme: Coasts & mountains

Start point: Mallaig

Duration: 7 days

Sustainability: Small group, low-impact travel by sail

Visit iconic filming sites like Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), and Culross (Cranesmuir). A must-try for fans of the series.

Theme: TV & time travel

Start point: Edinburgh (Apex Waterloo Place Hotel)

Duration: 1 day

Sustainability: Supports historic sites and cultural tourism

Follow the legendary outlaw Rob Roy’s trail through lochs, glens, and forests. The Rob Roy Way is a trek through time, not only due to its connections with the infamous Rob Roy MacGregor, but due to the amazing archeological sites along the route.

Theme: Highland heritage

Start point: Drymen

Duration: 9 days (self-guided with information pack)

Sustainability: Travel light on a long-distance walk and engage with quieter local areas

Explore the acoustically magical cave that inspired composer Felix Mendelssohn. There will of course be a chance to see puffins in season! The tour includes a boat trip and landing.

Theme: Geology & music

Start point: Ulva Ferry, Isle of Mull

Duration: 3 hours (1 hour ashore)

Sustainability: Supports marine conservation and island tourism

Led by guides who have experienced homelessness, these tours offer powerful, personal perspectives on Edinburgh’s history and culture.

Theme: Social impact & storytelling

Start point: Various central Edinburgh locations

Duration: 1.5 hours

Sustainability: Social enterprise model that empowers marginalised voices

Discover Glasgow’s legendary music scene, from iconic gig venues to stories of bands like Oasis, Franz Ferdinand, and Simple Minds.

Theme: Music & pop culture

Start point: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall or King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut

Duration: 2 hours

Sustainability: Supports local music heritage and cultural tourism