Wilderness Scotland, the award-winning adventure travel company and leader in sustainable tourism, offers unparalleled opportunities to experience the serene beauty of Scotland’s iconic landscapes through its many expertly guided tours. From the iconic Highlands to the enchanting islands, travelers can immerse themselves in the country’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage as they explore such breathtaking regions as the Cairngorms, the Isle of Skye, Shetland, Orkney, the Hebrides, and more, discovering the many traditions shaped by the land and the people who call it home.
Among these traditions is Scotland’s renowned textile arts heritage – from weaving and wool production to the enduring legacy of tartan, closely associated with kilts and clans – these traditions are celebrated through connections to communities visited as part of Wilderness Scotland’s many small group guided itineraries. Offering a more modern reflection on tartan’s deep-rooted past, the newly introduced ‘Witches of Scotland’ tartan, designed by Claire Campbell, founder of the Prickly Thistle mill in the Highlands, memorializes the victims – primarily women – of the Scottish Witchcraft Act, which was in effect from 1563 to 1736. Featuring shades of black, grey, red, and pink, the design symbolizes a narrative that is deeply rooted in Scotland’s people, history and landscapes.
Exploring the places that have shaped these traditions – from the iconic New Lanark Mill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is committed to sustainable wool production, to the small yet innovative mills like Ardalanish (Isle of Mull) or Uist Wool (North Uist in the Outer Hebrides) – visitors can connect with the stories of artisans breathing new life into the country’s wool industry.
Scotland’s textile arts also carry echoes of centuries-old practices, such as ‘waulking’ newly woven tweed. Common in the Outer Hebrides – islands known for their tweed (particularly the Isle of Harris) – in the past, this was done by hand, traditionally by women, who would sing ‘waulking songs’ (òrain luaidh in Gaelic), as they worked to keep the rhythm of the beating process and to make the hours spent doing it more enjoyable (this scene from the Outlander series depicts this tradition).
Similarly, Shetland’s wool and textiles are as iconic as they are timeless. With sheep believed to be of Scandinavian origin, likely brought to the islands by Viking settlers, the wool produced here has special qualities not seen anywhere else. The Shetlanders themselves are also perhaps best known for their knitting, in particular the fine Shetland lace and distinct Fair Isle knitting.
Harris Tweed originates in the Outer Hebrides, on the Isle of Harris, and the weavers here and across all of these islands are celebrated for their skill. (Wilderness Scotland)
Here are a few Wilderness Scotland trips that immerse travelers in the cultural threads that are as enduring as the landscapes themselves:
Argyll & the Isles: A glorious coastal region of western Scotland, it is known for its glittering sea lochs, wild islands, hills, glens, and its own rich textile tradition. Perfect for exploring on foot, the scenery here is outstanding, and the ancient heritage, abundant wildlife, and many whisky distilleries (on Oban and Islay) offer equal appeal. Next departure: June 7-13, 2025.
Isle of Skye: Explore golden sands and stark, dark spires, as you learn about this island’s fascinating history. Visit the ruins of abandoned villages, explore ancient Iron Age brochs, hike out to lonely lighthouses, watch as red deer pick their way across heathery hills, and take home some Skye wool. Folklore runs deep here, and Scottish culture is distilled to its most vivid. This trip is also available as a luxury departure. Next departure: July 5-11, 2025.
Outer Hebrides: Uists, Barra & Mingulay: This guided walking adventure in the southern Outer Hebrides visits at least seven islands, including the wild, beautiful, and uninhabited island of Mingulay, as well as North Uist, home Uist Wool. Travelers will be rewarded here by uncrowded landscapes, wonderfully scenic walks, abundant wildlife, and welcoming accommodations. Next departure: July 19-25, 2025.
Highlights of Shetland and Orkney: Discover the salt-stung beauty of these Northern Isles on this unforgettable walking holiday. Known for their spectacular coastal scenery and rich history, folklore, and heritage (including its renowned weaving), this ‘deluxe’ itinerary offers a fascinating mix of iconic sea stacks, cavernous caves, sheer cliffs that shimmer with thousands of seabirds, famous archaeological sites, and thoughtful, engaging museums. Next departure: August 4-13, 2025.
The West Highland Way: One for the world’s best walks, this classic long-distance trekking adventure weaves together challenge, purpose, and camaraderie whilst learning about the area’s rich history and legends, identifying the flora and fauna, soaking up the atmospheric landscapes of Rannoch Moor and Glencoe, and discovering the many traditions born of this land. Next departure: July 2-9, 2025.
For more information on Scotland’s fascinating textile traditions, click here.
For details on all the above Wilderness Scotland trips and more, visit WildernessScotland.com. To discover the equally rich histories and heritages of England, Wales, and Ireland, visit WildernessEngland.com, and WildernessIreland.com.
About the Wilderness Group
Wilderness Scotland, established in 2001, is rated Europe’s No.1 Rated Adventure Travel Company by National Geographic and is Scotland’s only five-star accredited adventure tour operator. In 2012, its outpost Wilderness Ireland was launched, and the launch of Wilderness England followed in 2020. Offering an unrivalled range of small-group departures, self-guided trips and custom vacations, Wilderness Scotland, Wilderness Ireland, and Wilderness England lead the way in active and nature-based travel to the remote and wild corners of Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and England. Popular outdoor experiences include hiking, road cycling and kayaking. Wildlife, cultural, photography and sailing adventures are also available. For more information, visit www.wildernessscotland.com.