10 Jul 2020
New 2020/2021 Scottish and Irish Trips from KE Plus UK Self-Guided 2020 on Sale Now

KE Adventure Travel

NEW for 2020. KE launches Scottish trips plus UK self-guided holidays are ON SALE NOW.

NEW for 2021. KE launches Irish trips.

Today, KE Adventure Travel launches its brand new guided Scottish and Irish adventures which, true to the spirit of KE, explore each country's wildest places, either on foot or on two wheels. Plus our sister company Mickledore's UK self-guided walking holidays are also now on sale today.

Both the wilderness of Scotland and Ireland form a land and coast made for exploration and adventure. In Scotland, go hiking in the deep glens and high plateaux of the Cairngorm National Park or head to the fantastic North West Highlands and Islands – you can hike, trek, cycle and, NEW to KE for 2020, sea-kayak – the possibilities are endless.

In Ireland, hike through three national parks and summit each of the highest peaks, explore Connemara's savage beauty or cycle through Donegal, voted the Coolest Place on earth by National Geographic. On sale for 2021.

These aren't the cheapest trips, but when you add in most meals carefully sourced from local produce, all transfers and baggage transfers, accommodation in cosy guesthouses or wilderness lodges or fully supported camping plus the best guides in the business and maximum group sizes of 8 on most trips, they represent excellent value for money.

Across the UK, our sister company Mickledore, also based in Keswick, offers a wide range of classic self-guided trails, from the mighty Coast to Coast, to the Hadrian's Wall Walk and the cross-border trail, St. Cuthbert's Way. If you want a short break in the South, check out the South Down's Way or the Cotswold Round. In general, all Mickledore's holidays offer several shorter time-length variations to suit holiday-makers who need a compact adventure. www.mickledore.co.uk 

Our self-guided holidays across the UK and our Scottish trips are ON SALE NOW for 2020. Our Irish trips are on sale now from 2021. We also have 2021 dates for Scotland and the UK on sale. 

Further details:

NEW Scotland Trekking & Walking trips 2020 

Wilderness Walking - Wilds of Assynt
As the UK's first UNESCO Geopark, the beauty of the land north of Ullapool in Scotland's North West Highlands cannot be exaggerated. It's a land that's home to iconic and distinctive mountains such as Suilven and Stac Pollaidh which rise proudly from the loch-strewn moorland. The coastline is just as spectacular, strewn with the shining white sandy beaches that Scotland is famous for interspersed with steep cliffs and sea-stacks. On this holiday we hike a mixture of hill, glen and coastal walks and take a day to cruise the tiny Summer Isles, enjoying every aspect that this landscape of outstanding natural beauty offers.

01 Aug & 26 Sept departures, 7 days, Grade 5, Group size 2-8, Price £1625 all-inclusive land-only
https://www.keadventure.com/holidays/scotland-walking-assynt

Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside
National Geographic recognised how special the Cairngorms were, naming the area one of the 50 Must-Visit Places on Earth, while the Queen herself holds the spot especially dear – her Scottish residency is at Balmoral, Royal Deeside. Meanwhile, the Cairngorm National Park delights at every turn. National Geographic recognised how special the Cairngorms were, naming the area one of the 50 Must-Visit Places on Earth, while the Queen herself holds the spot especially dear – her Scottish residency is at Balmoral, Royal Deeside. Meanwhile, the Cairngorm National Park delights at every turn. On this walking holiday, we enjoy some of the greatest easier hikes in the Cairngorms National Park as we explore Strathspey, where the high plateau soars above charming villages, Royal Deeside and Highland Perthshire. Our exploration of Scotland's largest National Park will be based around two centres and wherever we hike we'll enjoy the fantastic scenery, sense of wilderness and rich history and heritage. As well as hiking in the wilderness, we'll visit a 13th century Highland Castle, a wildlife reserve and truly savour the heritage of the region at a whisky tasting in a local distillery.19 Sept & 24 Oct departures, 7 days, Grade 3, Group size 2-8, Price £1565 all-inclusive land-only
https://www.keadventure.com/holidays/Scotland-walking-cairngorms-deeside

The West Highland Way
The West Highland Way needs no introduction – a world-class hike through the majestic Scottish scenery and joining a guided walk will allow you to learn about the area's fascinating history and legends, as well as identifying the flora and fauna along the way. Along the 95 miles (152km)route, we'll travel along the banks of Loch Lomond, across the wilderness of Rannoch Moor with its herds of red deer and then reaching the dramatic and forbidding valley of Glencoe, we'll take the high pass of the Devil's Staircase over the mountains. We'll finish in Fort William, at the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. The trip includes all accommodation, delicious meals and full luggage support meaning guests can travel light, concentrate on the walking and immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery.

14 Sept (women only) & 28 Sept departures, 7 days, Grade 5, Group size 2-8, Price £1710 all-inclusive apart from 1 dinner, land-only
https://www.keadventure.com/holidays/Scotland-walking-cairngorms-deeside

NEW to KE, Sea-kayaking 2020

Sea-Kayaking The Scottish Highlands
Scotland is regularly voted the number 1 destination for sea-kayaking in the world so you should definitely have it on your bucket list. If you've never sea-kayaked before, then this is the perfect holiday for you combining expert tuition with the thrill of journeying though the spectacular coastal scenery of the Northwest Highlands. There's also a day off, mid-trip, to rest up or enjoy a gentle hike with your guide. We'll be staying at a cosy Highland Inn near the shores of Loch Torridon, and as with all our Scottish holidays, expect top notch local food prepared from fresh produce. A first-class introduction to sea-kayaking in Scotland with all your essential sea-kayaking gear included.

13 Sept, 6 days, Grade 5, Group size 2-8, Price £1395 all-inclusive apart from 3 dinners, land-only
https://www.keadventure.com/holidays/Scotland-torridon-sea-kayaking-beginner

Sea-Kayaking The Summer Isles
For many, the Summer Isles is the finest destination for sea-kayaking in Scotland. Journeying with our expert guide, we'll discover a coastline sprinkled with many islands and isolated white-sandy beaches. This is an area rich with marine wildlife and we might see dolphins, sea otters, seals on our travels as we pick our way through the myriad of inlets and channels between the islands. We'll also be land on the uninhabited islands so that we can explore on foot, camping there or in beautiful wild spots along the coast. If you have some previous sea-kayaking experience and want to venture into longer expeditions and overnight camping – this trip, based in one of the best areas in the world for sea-kayaking, is for you.

19 Sept, 6 days, Grade 6, Group size 2-8, Price £935 all-inclusive, land-only
https://www.keadventure.com/holidays/Scotland-summer-isles-sea-kayaking

NEW Scotland Cycling 2020

Scotland Road Cycling Coast to Coast
Cycling across the one of the most beautiful swathes of Scotland, right across the Highlands, through the Cairngorms National Park, along atmospheric Loch Ness and through the majestic mountains of Torridon, this route covers 262 miles (419km) from East to West. It also includes, arguably, one of the UK's highest and most challenging road climb. On the way you'll enjoy top-notch local cuisine dining in great local inns, finishing in Scotland's pub of the year in Applecross.Throughout the day, our support vehicle will on hand to hand out drinks, snacks and provide a friendly ride should you need it. It also transfers your luggage every day so you can have a lightweight and care-free ride.

8 August, 7 days, Grade 6, Group size 2-8, Price £1795 all-inclusive, land-only
https://www.keadventure.com/holidays/scotland-road-cycling-coast-to-coast

On sale from 2021

High Points of the Outer Hebrides
The Outer Hebrides are an enchanting destination, with an island culture and wildlife that is completely unique. The islands provide fantastic outings for keen hill enthusiasts who enjoy remoteness and summits with vistas across heather-clad slopes down to the sea. There's plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife too such as golden eagles and red deer. Highlights include the ascent of Clisham, the highest point in the Outer Hebrides and Mealaisbhal, the highest point of Lewis, plus with the aid of a private RIB boat, we'll also discover fantastic wild coastlines. Our accommodation is an all-inclusive private wilderness lodge set on a hillside, with spectacular views across the water and of the hills on its own 500-acre farm above Loch Erisort. During our week we have exclusive use of the lodge and its RIB boat and the staff will keep us well fed with freshly prepared meals using local produce. Please note that the majority of hiking in the hills is done on rough ground and not on paths.

8 days, Grade 5, Group size 2-8, Price £1895 all-inclusive land-only
https://www.keadventure.com/holidays/Scotland-walking-outer-hebrides-lewis-harris

Hiking the Mountains of Connemara and Mayo
Oscar Wilde described Connemara and Mayo as 'a savage beauty' and even today the region retains its unspoilt wildness. On this seven day hiking trip we'll summit three of the highest mountains in west of Ireland including the highest peak in west Ireland, Mweelrea and we'll tackle Ireland's most famous pilgrimage mountain, Croagh Patrick, in the remotest hills of Connemara. This really is the edge of the western world with stunning views across the Atlantic and the freshest breezes in Europe. Away from the touristy spots, you can Immerse yourself in Ireland's folklore, geology, archaeology and natural history as you experience the wildernesses of western Ireland.

17 April onwards, 7 days, Grade 5, Group size 2-8, Price £1710 all-inclusive except for 1 dinner, land-only
https://www.keadventure.com/holidays/hiking-the-mountains-of-connemara-and-mayo

Hiking Ireland's National Parks
The ideal trip for peak-bagging enthusiasts who want to discover hidden Ireland, this holiday explores three of Ireland's most spectacular national parks – the Wicklow Mountains National Park, Connemara National Park and Killarney National Park. Not only that, but you'll summit the highest peaks in all three parks, including Carrantuohil, Ireland's highest mountain at 1040m. As with all our Irish trips, we'll combine our exploration of its wild landscapes with the best Irish cuisine and what better way to celebrate our hiking achievements than with a traditional Irish music session in one of the great local pubs in lively downtown Killarney? This is a holiday designed for hikers who want a challenge but who also want to explore the stunning wilderness of Ireland as widely as possible.

8 May onwards, 7 days, Grade 6, Group size 2-8, Price £1615 all-inclusive except for 4 dinners, land-only
https://www.keadventure.com/holidays/Ireland-walking-national-parks-Wicklow-Connemara-Killarney

Cycling- Donegal From Cliffs to Coast
National Geographic voted Donegal the Number 1 Coolest Place on the Planet and it's true that this a region clings to its romantic remoteness, earning itself the Irish nickname of The Forgotten County. Biking here, it doesn't feel like the modern world has had much impact – traditional Irish cuisine and language still play an intrinsic part of Donegal. The scenery has a wild, rugged beauty and you'll cycle past Slieve League - some of Europe's highest sea cliffs - through the haunting wilderness of Glenveagh National Park to the shimmering shores of fjord Lough Swilly and along the coastline to Ireland's most northernmost point, Malin Head. We think that this is possibly the coolest, most remote, wildest part of Ireland!
24 April onwards, 7 days, Grade 6, Group size 2-8, Price £1615 all-inclusive except for 4 dinners, land-only
https://www.keadventure.com/holidays/Ireland-cycling-donegal

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KE Adventure Travel offers 400 active adventures in 90 countries, creating expertly guided small group adventures worldwide and self-guided walking and cycling holidays in Europe. Best known for its pioneering itineraries and challenging trips with an edge, KE also provides a range of easier holidays, creating unforgettable adventures for active travellers of all abilities. Based in Keswick in the Lake District, KE is passionate about creating unique travel experiences for their customers. Established in 1984, KE Adventure Travel is a member of ABTA (W4341), AITO (5075) and holds an ATOL license (2808). www.keadventure.com

Mickledore Walking Holidays specialises in self-guided walking holidays and cycling trips in the UK for the independent traveller. Mickledore is a member of ABTA (Y5967) and AITO (1166). www.mickledore.co.uk 

Please contact Head of Marketing Alexandra Greenwood for any further information or images.