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Celebrate Spring with Wilderness Scotland, Wilderness England, and Wilderness Ireland
As the landscapes of the British Isles awaken with the colors of spring, Wilderness Scotland, Wilderness England, and Wilderness Ireland – leaders in sustainable and immersive hiking, cycling, and wildlife-focused small group adventures – invite travelers to explore the breathtaking beauty of these destinations on a wide range of carefully curated and expertly guided journeys. From wildflower meadows to ancient woodlands and rugged coastlines, April is an enchanting time of year to discover these islands’ wild spaces.
While many choose to visit the UK and Ireland in the summer months, the spring is also a fantastic time of year for a multitude of reasons: despite its reputation for rain, statistically the spring (and specifically April) is actually the driest time of the year in the UK; there are fewer visitors overall, making it easier to get around and explore; and, particularly for Scotland, there are no midges (if you know, you know).
Below are a few adventures to consider for a spring trip ‘over the pond.’
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Why Travel Here in the Spring? Spring in Scotland brings longer days, blooming heather, and the chance to witness iconic wildlife like red deer and golden eagles. It’s also the perfect time to explore the country’s serene landscapes without the summer crowds.
The Orkney Islands: Traveling by foot is a wonderful way to discover this little-visited archipelago of some 70 small islands and skerries located due north of the Scottish mainland. Home to a wealth of sea life and sea birds, as well as remarkable flora, the unique situation and environment of these islands have combined to create a fascinating cultural and historical tapestry of stone circles, invasions and occupations, isolation and extremity… all of which have left their mark through the ages. On Wilderness Scotland’s seven-day adventure, the itinerary visits sites on both the main island, such as Skara Brae, and neighboring islands, including Rousay (home to Midhowe Broch) and Hoy, where guests will get up-close to the iconic Old Man of Hoy sea stack, as well as visiting such historic sites as the Ring of Brodgar, the Stones of Stenness, and Maeshowe. Next departure: April 5-11
Can’t wait to visit Orkney? Wilderness Scotland also offers a winter itinerary with four departures available between mid-February and late March.
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Isle of Skye: Salt-stung bluffs, swathes of golden sand, soaring, dark spires, ethereal mists cloaking mountain peaks… everywhere you look and indeed everywhere you go on this island, there is no shortage of spectacular sites. It is an iconic place, and for good reason, and as such, tends to be quite busy with visitors during the summer. Wilderness Scotland’s itinerary balances hidden gems (such as Loch Coruisk, a strikingly beautiful freshwater loch located on Skye’s remote south-west coast) with beloved must-sees (hiking the Quiraing, which passes through some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes), showcasing at every turn the enchanting beauty of this place where folklore runs deep, and Scottish culture is distilled to its most vivid. Next departure: April 5-11
Wilderness Scotland also offers luxury departures on Skye, with the first trip of the season running April 19-25.
The West Highland Way: One of the world’s best hikes, the magic of exploring Scotland by foot can be distilled into this classic trek. The sense of challenge, purpose, and camaraderie envelope this love letter to long distance hiking. Covering 96 miles (154 km), the route runs from the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William in the Highlands, traveling along the “bonnie banks” of Loch Lomond, across the atmospheric Rannock Moor, past dramatic Glencoe, and over the high pass of the Devil’s Staircase to the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak. Next departure: April 9-16
Want a dash of luxury? Check out the new Highlights of the West Highland Way, which features the best sections of this classic trek along with stays at five-star hotels.
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Why Travel Here in the Spring? In England, spring transforms the countryside with carpets of bluebells, and the milder weather is ideal for exploring the many picturesque hiking trails and historic landmarks found here.
Highlights of England: Offering the best of southern England, complemented by stays in some truly exceptional, five-star hotels, this 10-day luxury adventure combines the charm of the Cotswolds, a region known for its romantic villages, with a visit to New Forest, a national park where the ancient rights of common pasture are still upheld, followed by time spent among the chalk hills of the South Downs. Traversing landscapes rich in history, there will be visits to ancient stones circles, fascinating museums, and Gothic castles. Next departure: April 11-20
For a deep dive into all things Cotswolds, Wilderness England offers both a winter itinerary (with one departure left – March 17-21), a classic hiking trip (with regular departures running from late April through mid-October), and an E-bike trip with departures available starting in May.
Coast-to-Coast: Hike the width of England, coast to coast, on this epic trail. Journeying from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, the Coast-to-Coast trail starts in the small town of St. Bees and finishes in Robin Hood’s Bay. During the 13 days it takes to complete this trip, guests – hiking along the most spectacular sections of Alfred Wainwright’s trail – will pass through three national parks (Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors), covering over 100 miles (160 km). Challenging but incredibly rewarding, this hike – which is set to gain national trail status later this year – showcases Northern England’s spectacular scenery and heritage. Next departure: April 20-May 2
Rather explore on two wheels and enjoy some of the best road cycling in the UK? Wilderness England also offers a coast-to-coast road cycling itinerary.
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Why Travel Here in the Spring? Ireland’s lush green landscapes truly shine in spring, with wildflowers adorning the rolling hills and coastal cliffs teeming with seabirds. It’s a magical time to experience places like the Wild Atlantic Way or the Burren, alive with rare flora and clear skies.
Highlights of Ireland: On Wilderness Ireland’s most extensive tour of the coast, over the course of 11 days, the itinerary travels from the Causeway Coast to Killarney National Park, visiting some of the most popular destinations in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland – the Giant’s Causeway, the Cliffs of Moher, and Croagh Patrick, among others. The trip also visits some of Ireland’s lesser-known highlights, such as Sligo, Westport, Derry, and Donegal. As a deluxe hiking trip, accommodations include boutique hotels, stately guesthouses, and beautiful manors. Next departure: April 5-12
Ireland’s Atlantic Coast: This seven-day wildlife adventure explores the rugged beauty and rich wildlife of the southwest coast of Ireland. Starting in the bustling town of Killarney, the itinerary includes seal spotting in South Kerry, a boat trip out of the island of Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a visit to the stunning gardens of Garinish Island, whale watching in West Cork, and kayaking on Lough Hyne, Ireland’s first marine nature reserve, before wrapping up in the vibrant city of Cork. Next departure: April 12-18
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For information on all the above trips and more, with departures throughout the spring and beyond, visit WildernessScotland.com,