- Overview
- Map & Itinerary
- Essential Info
- Pics & Vids
- Dates & Prices
Highlights
- Take the plunge into the stunning Trossachs National Park, Scotland’s first national park
- Wild swim in iconic Scottish lochs including Lomond, Arklet, Achray and Katrine
- Hike woodlands, loch shores and mountain-backed paths to beautifully remote swim spots
- Swim at your own pace with a qualified, friendly local Scottish open-water coach
- Enjoy flexible days with private vehicle and driver support, hot cuppa always waiting
- Stay in eco-lodges overlooking Loch Katrine, perfectly placed for rest and reflection
- Finish with a sauna & dip at Loch Venachar with views over the Scottish Highlands
- Fully supported throughout, with experienced swim coach, tow floats and swim caps included.
Overview
Step into a slower, wilder rhythm of Scotland on this hike and swim journey through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park — Scotland’s first national park, and one of its most beautiful. Over four carefully crafted days, you’ll travel 48km west to east along the Great Trossachs Path, linking lochs, woodlands and mountain-backed paths with some of the finest wild swimming Scotland has to offer.
Each day blends steady hiking with immersive swims in iconic lochs including Loch Lomond, Arklet, Achray and Katrine. This is an adventure designed to meet you where you are. Whether you’re curious about cold water dipping, keen to build confidence in open water, or looking to refine your stroke, you’ll swim at your own pace with the support of a qualified, friendly local Scottish open-water swim coach. Alongside them is a dedicated driver who is also part of the swim support crew — with a private vehicle always nearby, warm layers ready and a hot cuppa waiting when you step back onto land.
You’ll stay in welcoming eco-lodges overlooking Loch Katrine, perfectly placed for rest, reflection and easy access to the trail. With flexible days, optional vehicle support on longer walking sections, and thoughtful end-of-journey touches like warm showers and onward transfers, everything is taken care of — so you can focus on the joy of immersing yourself in this stunning landscape.
Close to Glasgow yet wonderfully wild, the Trossachs are where many Scots first fall in love with the outdoors. On this journey, you’ll see why — loch by loch, step by step, swim by swim.
Is this trip right for you?
This adventure is ideal if you’re curious about wild swimming or already enjoy freshwater dips and relaxed open-water swims. Daily swim distances are kept short and flexible, with plenty of time to warm up, take breaks and simply enjoy being in the water. It’s designed as an immersive escape into some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes, rather than a test of endurance.
You’ll be travelling on foot along the Great Trossachs Path, so you should be comfortable with hiking between swim locations. The walking is an important part of the journey, linking lochs, woodland and viewpoints that you simply wouldn’t reach by road.
Whether you’re relatively new to wild swimming or already have a basic level of open-water confidence, you’ll be well supported throughout. Our qualified, friendly local Swim Coach offers calm guidance, practical tips and optional stroke correction where helpful. Some people choose to keep things gentle with dips and short swims, while others may opt for longer swims — with a maximum swim distance of around 2km on Day 4.
The swim element of this trip is graded Medium, reflecting a relaxed, confidence-building pace focused on enjoyment, skill development and shared experience. Please note this grading applies to the swimming only and does not account for the hiking distances along the trail.
If you’re looking to slow down, learn more about swimming outdoors, and experience Scotland’s lochs in a supported, flexible way — this trip is likely a very good fit.
Arrival, Welcome & First Dip in Loch Lomond
Your adventure begins in Scotland.
Meet the group at Glasgow or Stirling train station and transfer together into the heart of the Trossachs, arriving at your eco-lodge accommodation on the shores of Loch Katrine. If you prefer to travel independently, you can meet us directly at the lodges at 15:45, where free parking is available for the duration of the trip.
Once everyone’s arrived, you’ll settle in with introductions and a relaxed trip and safety briefing. This is also your chance to talk through what you’d like from the next four days — whether that’s gentle dips, longer swims, building confidence in open water, or simply soaking up time in wild places. The swimming element is flexible and supportive, with space to swim, float, or take personalised coaching as you go.
After check-in at 16:00, you’ll head out for your first wild swim — an early evening acclimatisation dip in Loch Lomond. Framed by craggy hills and Highland peaks, this vast freshwater loch marks the gateway between Scotland’s lowlands and Highlands. With its scattered islands, quiet bays and long-held place in Scottish history, it’s an atmospheric setting for your first swim and a gentle way to ease into the days ahead.
A calm, cold-water welcome. A moment to arrive. And the perfect start to your hike and swim journey.
Included
Accommodation: Eco-lodges (twin share basis)
Meals: Not included
Inversaid Pier to Stronachlachar
After breakfast, you’ll travel by private vehicle for around an hour to Inversaid Falls, where the day begins beside tumbling water and clear, peaty pools. A short walk leads you to a quiet spot where the Arklet Burn spills into Loch Lomond — an invigorating place to wake up the senses and ease into the day.
With a hot drink to warm up, you’ll set off on foot along the Great Trossachs Path, sharing this stretch with the West Highland Way. This section follows an old military road through one of the National Park’s RSPB reserves, a peaceful and wildlife-rich part of the Highlands where woodland, water and wide views come together.
The trail then opens out to Loch Arklet, beautifully framed by the Arrochar Alps. Quiet, remote and often empty, it’s the setting for today’s main wild swim. Supported by our qualified, friendly Scottish swim coach, you’ll choose how you experience the water — from a gentle dip to a longer swim, including an optional 1km out-and-back crossing. The support vehicle will be close by with warm layers, hot drinks and lunch waiting for you.
Rewarmed and refreshed, you’ll continue the final short walk to Stronachlachar, finishing the day’s hike at the pier. From here, you’ll board the 15:30 cruise on Loch Katrine, gliding back across the water to your eco-lodge base — a calm, scenic close to a full Highland day.
Walking distance: approx. 8km
Included
Transfers: Private vehicle
Cruise: Loch Katrine cruise ticket
Accommodation: Eco-lodges (twin share basis)
Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch
Stronachlachar to Trossachs Pier
After breakfast, you’ll travel by private vehicle to a beautifully quiet swim spot on the banks of Loch Katrine, right in the heart of the Trossachs. This is a landscape that has long inspired writers and wanderers alike — most famously Sir Walter Scott, who set The Lady of the Lake here in 1810, captivated by the loch’s still water and surrounding hills.
After a swim and a warming hot drink, you’ll set out on foot along the lochside trail towards Trossachs Pier. The route follows a smooth, gently undulating tarmac road that hugs the shoreline, offering long views across the water and a real sense of steady progress through the landscape.
You’ll pause for a packed lunch at Brenachoile Point, a scenic lochside spot that also featured in the TV series Outlander, before continuing on towards the pier to complete the day’s journey.
Walking distance: approx. 20km
Included
Transfers: Private vehicle
Accommodation: Eco-lodges (twin share basis)
Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch
Trossachs Pier to Loch Venachar Sauna
Setting out from Trossachs Pier, you’ll spend your final day walking deeper into the wooded heart of the National Park. The trail winds through quiet forest, past the still waters of Loch Achray, and into the postcard-pretty village of Brig O’Turk, home to one of the area’s much-loved tearooms. From here, the path follows the length of Loch Venachar, with long, open lochside views guiding you gently towards the end of your journey.
Your final swim takes place back at Loch Achray, framed by the dramatic, romantic scenery the Trossachs are famous for — a landscape that feels more like a painting than a place you can simply step into. With the support of our friendly, qualified Scottish swim coach, you’ll have the choice to enjoy a relaxed dip or a longer swim, including a memorable route out to an ancient crannog. These man-made island dwellings, built from stone and timber, once supported wooden homes rising above the water — a quiet echo of the people who lived and thrived on these lochs thousands of years ago.
You’ll round off the Great Trossachs Path with a well-earned sauna and refreshing dip at Loch Venachar Sauna, enjoying traditional Finnish-style heat therapy right on the water’s edge. With uninterrupted views across the loch and that perfect hot-and-cold contrast, it’s a fitting and deeply satisfying finale to your journey through the Trossachs. From here you can enjoy a hot drink at the cafe followed by an optional transfer available to Stirling or Glasgow train stations, making your journey home easy and relaxed.
Walking distance: approximately 14km
Included
Transfers: Private vehicle
Sauna: Loch Venachar Sauna session
Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch
Want to learn more about wild swimming & safety techniques, improve your swimming stroke and simply enjoy a few invigorating days amidst majestic landscapes?
These are just some of the benefits of our brand new hike & swim adventures. Whether you’re dipping in beautiful lochs or swimming across lakes to an ancient Crannog, wild swimming gives you opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while diving into a world of improved well-being and mental strength. Plus it’s a great opportunity to experience that ‘after swim high’.
Science is starting to back up the anecdotal evidence with studies that suggest that there are lasting positive effects of a bracing outdoor dip. Studies are still in the early stages and we are only just starting to understand how cold water immersion affects the human body. Initial results have indicated cold water swimming can help develop an increased tolerance to stress, a boost to self esteem, used as a mindfulness exercise, decreased inflammation, increased immunity, radiant skin and the post swim high. Yes, the fabled after swim high is a real thing. As the mix of exercise and cold water exposure triggers a release of dopamine, the body’s feel good hormone. If you swim with a buddy or in a group the chance to share and compare your experience with like-minded people intensifies the experience.
So whether you’re new to the world of wild swimming or wish to improve your skills and learn some techniques, our qualified local Open Water Swimming Coach will accompany you on your hike & swim adventure.
On booking this trip, you will receive all the exciting trip info via our free travel app. You’ll have access to your itinerary, trip countdown, live updates, contact info, weather forecasts, know before you go trip info, kit lists and much more at the touch of a button 24 hours a day via your mobile phone. No more unnecessary use of reams of paper to benefit the environment and the need of carrying around documents with you. A’ppy days.
With being a small family business we pride ourselves with providing personal, professional and friendly service. We appreciate that everyone has different levels of experience and reasons for wishing to embark on our Hike & Swim adventures and therefore require varying levels of support and guidance. We’re here to help you every step of the way from the moment you join the flock all the way through to completing the challenge and beyond. Jim and Sue’s knowledge and expertise stems from dozens of years of travelling and exploring the UK and Sue being a competent volunteer crew at our local RNLI Lifeboat Station; in order to fully support you in the lead up to your adventure.
Plus having created this adventure, both Jim and Sue are best placed to answer any questions you may have, no matter how big or small. We’re here to help every step of the way.
Adventurous Ewe puts the safety and well-being of you, our leaders & crew and the communities we visit at the centre of all our operations, always. Your safety and well-being is our top priority.
Rest assured we have a thorough Safety Management System, indepth risk assessments and risk management systems in place.
Paddleboard/Kayak Support
Paddleboard or kayak support is included on this trip for the open water swim sections together with a lifeguard rescue tube. Please note that this SUP/kayak support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.
For more info, please visit our Safety and Well-being page.
You will be accompanied by local Adventurous Ewe Hike & Swim Leaders who are certified Open Water Swim Instructors throughout your trip. Our Instructors have the relevant swimming and lifeguarding qualifications – current SLSGB beach lifeguard, Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification, Oceanman Open Water Diploma and American Swimming Association Coaching level 1.
They’re also a friendly bunch with a huge level of care and a great sense of humour. Rest assured they are fully experienced and first aid qualified. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group.
Leaders will carry safety equipment and first aid kits with them at all times. Please note, these kits are for emergencies only so please come prepared with your own personal first aid items.
Please note, the itinerary is there as a guide and may change due to unusual weather patterns, the strength of the group, and other unpredictable factors. We will do our very best to keep to the set itinerary; however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that may occur. In all such circumstances, your Leader will have the final say.
We pride ourselves in small group adventures to minimise the impact on the environment, to maximise your safety & well-being and to make your experience more authentic.
The minimum group size for this trip to run is 6 people. The maximum group size is 10 people.
Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. Over 50% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
If you have a group of over 6 people, we would be more than happy to run a private trip for you.
For any further info or to chat about running a bespoke trip, we’d love to hear from you at info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.
Our Hike & Swim adventures are a team event and not designed to be individual competitive races. We encourage team spirit and support of each other to ensure everyone has the best opportunity to complete the challenge, learn new skills and enjoy the journey along the way too. These trips are a fantastic way to meet like-minded people and share an incredible adventure whilst being accompanied and supported by friendly and qualified Adventurous Ewe Leaders and Crew.
Paddleboard Support
Paddleboard support is included on this trip for the open water swim sections. Please note that this SUP support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.
The Great Trossachs Path Hike & Swim is graded as ‘Medium’ dependent on weather conditions. This trip is designed for people who want to swim at a more relaxed pace, enjoy the scenery and learn new skills (be it cold water dipping or stroke coaching). A good base level of fitness will help you enjoy each of the activities.
Swimming: previous open water swimming experience is not required as full instruction and support will be provided. As a safety precaution we recommend that you’re able to swim 25m in distance. If you are not a confident swimmer please let us know so we can make the necessary plans. As a guideline, the maximum distance you may opt to swim is around 2kms on day 4. There’s also plenty of opportunities for cold water dipping with safety techniques provided by your Swim Leader.
Hiking: the route follows established paths and there are no technical sections. Hiking boots or trail runners are highly recommended given the terrain and potential weather conditions. The hiking sections are no longer than approximately 20kms per day.
Please note; our swim itineraries are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming in lakes and lochs is a fantastic experience, however, water quality can at times be affected by water runoff from local fields. Blue Green Algae and Weil’s Disease are possible contaminants, so if you do feel unwell at any stage during or after the trip, you should visit a GP immediately and inform them that you have been lake or loch swimming.
This trip is designed to be achievable and enjoyable, rather than physically intense — but a little preparation will help you get far more out of the experience.
You don’t need to be a strong or fast swimmer to take part. Daily swims are short and flexible, with the option to dip, float or swim at your own pace. If you’re comfortable swimming in open water for short periods and happy being in freshwater lochs, you’ll be well suited to the swim element of this trip. The longest optional swim is around 2km, and this is entirely choice-based.
The hiking element follows the Great Trossachs Path, linking lochs and swim spots through woodland and lochside terrain. While the walking is not technical, you should be comfortable with full-day hikes on mixed surfaces, carrying a daypack and spending several hours on your feet. Some days are longer than others, and optional vehicle support is available if you’d like to shorten sections.
In the lead-up to the trip, we recommend:
-
Regular walking or hiking to build stamina
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Practising short open-water swims or cold-water dips, if possible
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Gradually introducing cooler water temperatures, rather than sudden exposure
-
Spending time swimming in tow floats, if you haven’t used one before
Once on the trip, you’ll be fully supported by a qualified, friendly local Scottish swim coach, who will help you build confidence, refine technique if you wish, and manage cold-water exposure safely. There’s no pressure to push beyond what feels right — this is about learning, enjoyment and shared experience, not performance.
If you’re unsure whether your current fitness or swimming experience is a good match, we’re always happy to chat things through and help you decide if this adventure is right for you.
A full kit list will be provided when you book on this trip. In summary:
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Swimming caps
- Swim safety device/Tow float
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
BAGS
Soft duffel bag or rucksack for all your kit
Daypack (20-25 litres) for the trek/swim
CLOTHES
Waterproof jacket with hood
Waterproof trousers
Fleece jacket or similar
Trousers/shorts/skirts for hiking (not jeans)
T-shirts (merino wool or wick fabric)
Underwear and socks
Sunglasses
Sunhat
Warm hat/beanie
Something to sleep in
Waterproof hiking boots or trail runners (worn-in)
Lightweight shoes for around the lodge
SWIMMING
Wetsuit (these are available to hire, however we recommend bringing your own if you wish to use one)
Swim-suit x 2
Swim goggles x 2 (if you wish to swim as opposed to dipping)
Aqua shoes or neoprene socks
Neoprene gloves and socks (optional)
Beanie for cold water dipping
Quick dry towel
Changing robe or dryrobe (exclusive discount code will be provided for smoc smoc on booking)
OTHER
Power bank or solar charger
Suncream
Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
Towel for lodge
Hand sanitiser
Headlamp
Reusable water bottle (x1 litre)
Water bladder/camelbak or similar for trek (2 litre capacity)
Hot water flask
Favourite snacks and electrolytes
OPTIONAL
Earplugs
Card games for eco lodge
To help you get the very best from your multi activity adventure we will provide you with an exclusive Adventurous Ewe discount code to use in independent UK outdoor retailers both online and in store. They offer a large choice of kit that the staff themselves use while climbing, hiking, swimming, running, travelling or enjoying expeditions across the globe and they pride themselves on sharing their experience and knowledge of equipment so you can choose the right gear to suit you and your adventure.
The weather in the mountains in Scotland can change rapidly so it is essential that you are prepared for all conditions including rain, wind and heat. In the week leading up to your trip we recommend checking the Mountain Weather Information Service. You will also receive weather updates via our mobile travel app.
Weather Caveat
For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming trips require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your Adventurous Ewe Swim Instructors as quickly as possible.
Please note, the Swim Instructor/s reserve the right to change the itinerary at any time should the conditions require it as your safety and wellbeing is our top priority at all times. In these circumstances we will make the best alternative arrangements possible that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
We’re delighted to host you at Loch Katrine Eco Lodge in one of the most beautiful parts of The Trossachs overlooking Loch Katrine and Ben Venue. Three nights accommodation on a twin share basis are included in your package in the Ben lodges with bed linen provided.
Located 7 miles from Callander and 5 miles from Aberfoyle, your Eco Lodge is the perfect base for your Swim & Hike trip. There is a nearby café and takeaway a short walk away.
On Day 1, meet at Glasgow train station (13.30) or Stirling train station (14.30) and you’ll be transferred to your eco lodge accommodation at Loch Katrine. Alternatively you can meet us at the Loch Katrine Eco-Lodges at 15.45 where there is free parking available for the trip duration if this is more convenient for you.
On Day 4, you can be transferred back to Stirling or Glasgow train stations to make your journey home or you can extend your stay.
Breakfast and lunch packs are included.
Breakfast will be portions of cereal, porridge pots, pastries with tea and coffee.
Packed lunches include sandwiches, crisps, flap-jack (or similar) and fruit. Water bottles can be refilled and hot drinks will be provided following each swimming session.
Dinners are not included to give you the flexibility to eat where and what you wish.
All dietary requirements including vegetarian and vegan can be catered for: please just let us know on your booking form or email us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk.
Please bring your own water bottle/s, water bladder/camelbaks and hot water flasks to refill. This avoids the purchase of single use plastic water bottles.
The impact of single use plastic is having on our landscape, wildlife and oceans, it is now more important than ever that we all make changes in order to help our planet. We may not be a huge global company but we’re passionate about playing our part and trying to make a huge difference collectively. Together we can dramatically reduce our consumption of single use plastics and support our responsible travel ethos of ‘Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but boot-prints, keep nothing but memories.’
You can make a difference too with taking part in this Multi Activity and purchasing one of these environmentally friendly reusable alternative bottles compared to single-use plastic water bottles. Grab a Water-to-Go bottle through Adventurous Ewe and receive a 15% discount. Even better, Water-to-Go will donate a further 15% to our charity partner, Cool Earth. For more info please click here or email us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk to buy your Water-To-Go bottle.
Deposit: £95 per person required on booking and non-refundable
Remaining balance: £850 per person due for payment no later than 6 weeks prior to the trip start date
Total cost: £945 per person
Monthly payment plan
A monthly payment plan can be arranged for this trip. Please contact us for more information or to set up your plan. Simply email info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.
Book & Travel with Confidence
As well as carefully crafting amazing and meaningful adventures across the planet, we’ve made booking them as flexible, safe and as simple as possible.
For the latest info regarding booking and travelling with Adventurous Ewe, please visit our website.
All your trip info will be sent to you through our free mobile travel app. You will receive an email from Adventurous Ewe with your personalised log in code for this app.
For the latest and greatest from the land of adventures, simply follow us at:
Facebook: @adventurousewe
Instagram: adventurousewe
LinkedIn: Adventurous-Ewe-Ltd
Youtube: Adventurous Ewe
You are most welcome to use the hashtags
#ewecandoit #thisflockrock #adventurousewe #letsgoadventure
Your Adventurous Ewe Leader/s and Crew will have a mobile phones and radios communications in case of emergencies. The team are trained to deal with these situations. Please ensure you listen to your Leader during these times and refrain from putting any posts on social media during this time. Should you find yourself unable to continue with the trek, your Leader and crew will make the necessary arrangements. Depending on the situation, you will be met by the support vehicle (depending on access) and you will be transferred back to your accommodation or nearby medical facility as required. Your Emergency Contact at Adventurous Ewe HQ is Jim Young on 07747 346 588.
| Departure & Return | Duration | Availability | Deposit | Total Cost* | (*Total cost includes the deposit) |
| Jul 09, 2026 Jul 12, 2026 |
4 Days | Available | £95.00 | £945.00 | Book Now |
What's Included?
Pre-adventure:
- Personalised support in the lead up to your trip
- Exclusive discount on personal kit
- All trip info supplied via our free mobile travel app
- Public liability insurance
- Risk assessment and safety management.
On your adventure:
- 3 nights accommodation eco lodge (twin share basis)
- SLSGB Beach Life Guard cover
- Open water coaching
- Local Trek Guide
- Swimming caps
- Swim safety device/tow floats
- Swimming Teaching Association (STA) public liability cover for swimming
- Loch Katrine Cruise tickets
- Full back-up support including first-aid qualified staff and first-aid supplies
- Entrance permission to national parks & lakes
- Loch Venachar Sauna session
- Meals as outlined in the itinerary: breakfast x 4 and packed lunch x 4
- Hot drinks
- Water bottle refilling
- Private transfers
- All challenge management before, during and post trip.
What's Not Included?
- Clothing and equipment listed on your Kit List
- Wetsuit hire
- Getting to the start and finish – Stirling or Glasgow Train Stations or Lock Katrine Eco Lodges
- Dinners x 4
- Personal spending money
- Any expenses incurred with leaving the trip early.
SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Wild places deserve respect. The Trossachs are shaped by water, weather and time — ancient forests, freshwater lochs, long ridgelines and quiet glens. When you hike, swim and sauna through this landscape, you become part of it for a few days. The responsibility is simple: tread lightly and leave it as you found it.
Adventurous Ewe holds the Travelife Partner Award, the leading international sustainability certification for the travel sector. This recognises long-term commitment to responsible travel across office management, trip design, business partnerships and traveller information. The Travelife Partner standard aligns with ISO 26000 Corporate Social Responsibility themes, including environment, biodiversity, human rights and fair labour practices.
How this adventure operates responsibly
This Scotland Hike, Swim & Sauna Adventure is designed with care for both people and place:
• Local, qualified Swim Instructor to guide every dip and stride, sharing deep knowledge of cold water safety and the Trossachs landscape.
• Accommodation is chosen to reduce unnecessary vehicle transfers, keeping journeys short and impact lower.
• Water bottles and flasks are refilled throughout the trip to minimise single-use plastic.
• All swim kit and equipment is washed, dried and checked before and after use to prevent the spread of invasive non-native species between lochs.
• Leaders collect litter where possible and model responsible outdoor practice.
• Waste is recycled and reused wherever facilities allow, and recyclable versus general waste is recorded and reviewed to continually reduce impact.
• A strict Leave No Trace approach is followed at all times — take nothing but photos, leave nothing but boot prints, keep nothing but memories.
By joining this adventure, you also help support climate charity Cool Earth and local environmental charity Snowdonia Society through ongoing partnerships.
Supporting local communities
Time in Scotland is not just about landscapes. It is about people — local instructors, small accommodation providers and independent suppliers who bring character and expertise to the journey. Choosing local crew and services keeps economic benefit within the region and strengthens long-term relationships rooted in trust and respect.
Practical tips for sustainable travel on this trip
You play a key role in protecting the places you explore. A few simple actions make a real difference:
Leave no trace
Carry all litter out with you, including food scraps and biodegradable items. Wild swimming spots and hill paths remain clean because everyone takes responsibility.
Reduce plastic
Bring a reusable water bottle and insulated flask. Refill rather than replace.
Remove excess packaging
If bringing snacks or new kit, remove and recycle packaging at home before travelling.
Wash, dry and check
Before arriving — and again after returning home — wash, dry and thoroughly check clothing, footwear and swim kit to prevent transferring invasive species between waterways.
Respect wildlife and other loch users
Keep noise low, follow local access guidance and give wildlife space, especially during nesting and breeding seasons.
Big adventures can have a small footprint.
By hiking the Great Trossachs Path, swimming in clear Highland waters and warming in a wood-fired sauna, you experience Scotland at its most elemental. By travelling responsibly, you help protect it for those who follow.
Together, every careful step and every conscious choice keeps these lochs, forests and trails thriving for generations to come.
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