Travelling throughout Scotland is easy with the network of buses, trains and flights. Arriving via Glasgow or Edinburgh will require a bus or train ride north to Inverness. Arrival directly to Inverness Airport will require a shuttle or taxi to the Inverness Railway Station.

Transportation Options:

Flying

Scotland’s international airports – Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Glasgow Prestwick and Inverness – are all served by flights from a growing number of North American, European and other long haul destinations.
Visit Getting to Scotland for full details about traveling by air to Scotland.
A bus service links Inverness with Inverness Airport. For details, visit Traveline Scotland or call 0871 200 22 33 (24 hours) or visit Train Taxi for details of taxis available for hire.

Bus

All of Scotland’s major towns and cities are served by short and long-distance bus services. Long distance buses are known in Britain as coaches and are a popular way to travel across the country.
Visit Getting Around Scotland by Bus or Coach for full details about bus and coach networks throughout Scotland.

Train

There are rail connections to each of Scotland’s seven cities. The rail network links many of towns and villages across the country with main lines running north and south through the east and west, but you’ll find it is most dense in the central belt.
Visit Getting Around Scotland by Train

Group Rendezvous Point:

Date: Day 1
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Academy Street entrance of the Inverness Train Station

Notes about Pick-Up

Meet the group inside the Academy Street entrance of the Inverness Train Station under the electronic departure boards. Look for your guide with a Wild Women Expeditions t-shirt and sign.
Inverness Train Station address is: Academy Street, Inverness, Highland, IV2 3PY
Inverness Station Information

RECOMMENDED PRE-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS

If you plan on arriving early, Wild Women Expeditions recommends staying at the Strathness Guest House in Inverness. We are not holding any rooms, so early booking is strongly recommended.

Please book directly with the Strathness Guest House, by calling +44 1463 232765 or emailing info@strathnesshouse.co.ukIn the event the Strathness is fully booked, here are some additional recommendations:

Culloden House – very nice and only 15 mins from the airport
Leanach Farm Bed and breakfast – B&B on a working farm, 10 mins from the airport
Kingsmills Hotel – 4 star hotel closer to the town centre, 20 mins from airport
Best Western Inverness Palace – 3 star hotel in town centre, 25 mins from airport

DEPARTURES FROM INVERNESS

Accommodations are not included on this night, so if you plan on departing later, be sure you book this before the trip.

Drop Off Point:

Date: Day 8
Time: About 12:30 p.m.
Location: Inverness Train Station

RECOMMENDED POST-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS

If you plan to stay longer, here are our recommended accommodations:

Strathness Guest House
Culloden House – very nice and only 15 mins from the airport
Leanach Farm Bed and breakfast – B&B on a working farm, 10 mins from the airport
Kingsmills Hotel – 4 star hotel closer to the town centre, 20 mins from airport
Best Western Inverness Palace – 3 star hotel in town centre, 25 mins from airport

TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENTS

You are responsible for booking your own flights or other transport arrangements to the trip start location. These arrangements and any other independent arrangements that you may make are not a part of the trip booked with Wild Women Expeditions and are entirely at your own risk. Wild Women Expeditions accepts no responsibility, directly or indirectly, for any loss, damage or injury to property or person in connection with such arrangements. Should you require assistance with your travel arrangements, please contact:

Megan and Zale | Now Boarding Travel, Travel Specialists

Email: wildwomen@nowboarding.travel

Note: Now Boarding Travel only provides services of 3-star quality or greater. For budget alternatives, please refer to the Lonely Planet guide for your destination.

Important: For international and remote destinations, there is always the risk of flight delays, baggage delays and flight schedule changes which may cause late arrivals, which may, in return, result in you missing the group tour departure. We encourage you to consider arriving one or two days early, which will help you overcome any jet lag from traveling!

PASSPORTS & VISAS

You are fully responsible for your own visa requirements, permits, and certificates for your trip. It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. It is your responsibility to check with the country's Consulate and your country's travel website such as Canada’s for up-to-date information about traveling internationally.

Passport:

Most countries and airlines recommend passports be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to your home country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Important: A copy of your passport must be emailed to the Wild Women Expeditions office by 130-days pre-trip.

Visa:

Visa information is available via VisitScotland.com

Note: As fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.

TIPPING

It is customary to leave a tip to thank waiters and other service providers. At restaurants, bars and coffee shops, it is customary to leave 5-10% of the total amount of the bill; if the service was very good, you may wish to leave up to 15%. Some restaurants and bars include the tip in the final bill, so be sure to check this in order not to overpay.

Most participants tip their guides if they were provided great service and a satisfying experience. We are often asked what an appropriate amount is – most participants who provide a gratuity for their guides have each tipped in the range of £10 – £15 per day per guide.

ACCOMMODATION DETAILS

Rooming Arrangements:

Our trip prices are based on a twin share (min two people per room), so we’ll team you up with another solo wild woman to share with if you’re on your own, or of course, you can share with your travel partner.

If you’d prefer not to share a bedroom, we have a single supplement option. This is subject to availability (only 2 available) and we will confirm this with you following your request. If you have already indicated this preference on your registration form, you will be emailed a quote once availability is confirmed. If you are now interested, please email support@wildwomenexpeditions.com with your request.

Bathrooms

All rooms have en-suite bathrooms.

Electricity / Internet / Wi-Fi / Cell Coverage

Wireless Internet is available at some accommodations.

Potable Water

Tap water throughout Scotland is drinkable, unless otherwise specified.

If you would like to join Wild Women Expeditions in its commitment to reducing single-use plastic, you can travel prepared with your own water treatment system!

Lifestraw

GRAYL Canada | OnePress™ Global Protection

Travelers Against Plastic | Take the TAP pledge

Water-To-Go

Overnight Arrangements During Your Stay

Plockton Inn, Plockton

Located on the main street in Plockton, the Plockton Inn is owned and operated by Mary. This lovely small town accommodation features quaint rooms with twin beds, ensuite bathrooms, towels, etc. and has an on-site pub and restaurant. All amenities are within walking distance from the Inn.

Loch Eyre House, Portree, Isle of Sky

Loch Eyre House is a tastefully decorated Guest House, with 9 bedrooms en suite with views over Loch Eyre. Each room has tea and coffee making facilities and television. There is a comfortable lounge to sit and relax in front of our log fire (if cold enough), take in the views, read our books or watch our feathered friends visit our bird feeders.

Guisachan, Fort William

The bed & breakfast is located in a prominent hillside position set back from the A82 Belford Road in Fort William, overlooking the town and adjacent Loch Linnhe which means that the views from the guest lounge and dining room are stunning.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT SCOTLAND

Time Zone

Scotland is on Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+00:00)

Electricity

Scotland enjoys a constant electricity supply throughout the country (including the Highlands and Islands). Power cuts are rare and are usually fixed very quickly. You will need a Type G electrical adapter will be required. Voltage is 220-240 Volts. For North American appliances (110-120V electronics) you will also need a step-down transformer unless otherwise specified on the electrical device.

Power Plugs and Sockets

Climate & Weather:

As the old Scottish saying goes, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes!” September can still be quite chilly, especially while on the water or near the coast. Average temperatures range from 48 - 62°F (9 - 17°C) depending on cloud cover, sunshine and wind. Be sure to check the weather for Scotland and pack accordingly.

Scotland Weather

MONEY MATTERS

Wild Women Expeditions recommends that each participant should bring enough cash in local currency or available credit/debit funds to cover their meals during travel to and from their destination. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, meals not included in the trip package, shopping, etc., and we also suggest you have access to emergency funds.

Scotland's Currency

Being a part of the UK, Scotland uses the British Pound Sterling (£).

Currency Exchange Offices & Banks:

If you need to change currency you will usually find a currency exchange counter at international airports. You may have to show your passport in order to be able to exchange money and a fee is usually associated. Best to change large amounts so you only pay the fee once.

Please check online for current exchange rates. Wild Women Expeditions likes XE Currency Converter

We highly suggest you read this article: Where to Exchange Currency Without Paying Huge Fees for more information about this for your trip.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

One of the most convenient ways to get cash is by using an ATM. You will often receive better exchange rates, even though you have to pay a service fee, as with most ATMs outside your bank network. Ask your bank if there are branches at your destination where you can take advantage of free cash withdrawals. (ex. Scotiabank (in Canada) and Barclay’s Bank (in the UK) have this arrangement).

If you plan to use an ATM on arrival, do so at the airport or city centre, before you head out to the farm, where you will not have access to cash.

Credit Cards

Widely (but not universally) accepted in Scotland. If you have a credit card, you can use the ATM to purchase local currency directly. Your monthly balance usually shows the exchange rate you received on purchases made with the credit card.

Cash

This is the best way to pay for items in the communities we will be visiting. Local artisans and craft shops may not have credit/debit machines. As well, cash is best for tipping your guides.

Goods and Services Taxes

Scotland (part of the United Kingdom) is subject to VAT (Value Added Tax). VAT is included in prices and is redeemable on purchases over £50 upon exiting the UK. Ask for the VAT return slip at point of sale.

Budgeting

Here is a general guide to budgeting in Scotland:

Scotland Money Matters

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Useful Websites:

GETTING FIT

Please be sure to provide complete, accurate, and up-to-date information about your health & fitness level and keep us updated if there are changes. Wild Women Expeditions trips travel to remote areas where limited or no sophisticated medical facilities exist.

A medical emergency situation is extremely unlikely; however, should it arise we need to be prepared with the necessary information to help you.

Important Note: If you choose not to disclose a condition, infirmity, injury, or ailment herein and are subsequently deemed to be unfit for expedition travel due in whole or in part to such condition, infirmity, injury or ailment, Wild Women Expeditions guides, and partners shall have the right to remove you from the trip with no refund or compensation payable. Any evacuation expenses incurred are payable by the evacuee via their medical travel insurance or personal expense. Generally, our expeditions are intended for travelers in reasonably good health for their safety, along with that of their fellow travelers.

Wild Women Expeditions recommends that in the months leading up to your adventure, you prepare yourself by walking often on various types of terrain and exercising regularly to increase your level of fitness with cardio and/or weight training.

As there are some water-based activities on this itinerary, please notify Wild Women Expeditions if you are a non-swimmer.

Tips:

You don't have to be a professional athlete to enjoy your Wild Women expedition. Not by a long shot! You'll be surprised at what you can achieve with our experienced guides at your side and a little camaraderie.

That said, you’ll definitely enjoy yourself far more if you do some preparation so your body is conditioned and ready to enjoy and make the most of the outdoors.

Here are a few ideas to help you get ready:

Take every opportunity you can to be active.

You can improve your fitness a lot just by adopting some new habits; take the stairs at work, go for a walk at lunchtime, park your car away from work and walk. Aim for 30 minutes a day and keep a diary so you can look back on it and feel proud. These may sound trivial but they’re all building blocks!

Join a local walking or running group.

This is a great way to get fit and you’ll also see new places, meet great people… and make them all jealous when they find out what you’re about to go on your travels.

Warm up, cool down and stretch.

If you’re doing a workout then make sure you start and finish gently and stretch any tight muscles – this will help you avoid any aches, pains and pulled muscles. If you’re a member of a gym try some yoga, tai chi or pilates classes to build up your flexibility, stability and balance.

Break in your hiking boots.

Blisters and sore feet are no fun at all! So make sure that while you’re getting yourself ready you’re doing the same for your boots. Start by just wearing them around the house, then down the road, and walking the dog. Then ideally do a couple of decent length weekend hikes to prepare them for what is to come.

Hydration.

When you suddenly ask your body to walk or be active, it needs a bit more fuel than it needs when, say, sitting at a desk all day! The main thing your body needs is water, so stay hydrated and practice sipping water often. Getting a water bottle or hydration bladder is a great way to make sure you have it on hand at all times. Make a habit out of taking a bottle of water with you wherever you go.

Nutrition.

Eating little and often will keep your body well fuelled for outdoor exercise, especially food like nuts, dried fruit and bread. The odd bit of chocolate and a few boiled lollies are good for keeping your blood sugar levels up while you’re hiking as well!

Have fun!

The most important point of all! You are about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. You’re going to meet some amazing people, see some wonderful places and create memories that will stay with you for life. The more prepared you are to tackle the various challenges, the more fun you will have. Also, with all the endorphins you create from all this training, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear! It’s a great way to boost your happy vibes.

GENERAL FAQ'S

For general Wild Women Expeditions FAQs please click [HERE].