The award-winning leaders in sustainable active travel, Wilderness Scotland, Wilderness England, and Wilderness Ireland are expanding their offerings with the launch of a brand-new trip style: Culture & Heritage journeys, with departures starting in Spring 2026. Designed under a new grading of “Gentle Discovery,” these new itineraries provide curious travelers with greater opportunity to slow down and engage more deeply with the people, history, and living traditions of each destination.
Unlike each of the brands’ classic hiking, cycling, or kayaking adventures, these new trips focus on cultural immersion over physical challenge. They are designed for travelers who still want to get outdoors and explore beyond the tourist trail, but without any arduous hikes or climbs to contend with. Instead, the emphasis is on uncovering stories and legends, exploring historic sites, and making meaningful connections with local people and communities.
“We’ve created these trips for people who love the outdoors but want to focus more on cultural discovery and want to spend more time digging beneath the surface of a destination,” says Anna Brownlow, Wilderness Scotland’s head of product and partner relations and designer of all of these new trips. “Our new Culture & Heritage journeys are about taking deep dives into the heritage, traditions, and local character of a place, while still enjoying time outside – breathing the fresh air and soaking in the landscapes – of some of the most beautiful corners of Scotland, England, and Ireland.”
Below is the line-up of new ‘Culture & Heritage’ trips for 2026 – two in Scotland, three in England, and three in Ireland.
SCOTLAND
Legends of Scotland: Over seven perfectly paced days, discover the rich cultural heritage and quiet beauty of southern and central Scotland through visits to captivating castles, engaging museums, and traditional villages. Starting in Glasgow, trace the stories behind national icons such as Robert Burns, Rob Roy, and William Wallace as you explore the grand rooms and gardens of Culzean Castle, wander the cobbled streets of Luss, and cruise across Loch Lomond to the peaceful wooded shores of Inchcailloch Island. In addition to being accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who is well-versed in Scotland’s myriad stories, heritage, and folklore, meet local characters who are experts in their field.
Royal & Ancient Scotland: This fully guided seven-day trip explores Scotland’s royal past, beautiful landscapes, and welcoming culture, from Edinburgh’s cobbled streets and winding closes to the heathery hills and royal connections of the Highlands. Visit such renowned places as Rosslyn Chapel, V&A Dundee, and Balmoral Castle. Enjoy a guided tour of the Old Course in St. Andrews, explore the former royal retreat of Falkland Palace, uncover the traditions of the Highland Games in Braemar, and savor a whisky tasting at Lochnagar Distillery. In addition to receiving information and insights from your knowledgeable guide, there will be local experts on hand to provide an even greater look into the people and places tied to Scotland’s royal heritage and ancient history.
ENGLAND
Cornwall: Legends & Landscapes: With its dramatic coastlines, age-old traditions, and deep sense of place, Cornwall offers a rich tapestry of stories waiting to be uncovered. On this carefully curated seven-day journey, discover the soul of the region at a relaxed pace, from picturesque villages and subtropical gardens to tidal islands and timeless fishing coves. Take in Cornwall’s unique culture and vibrant arts scene, while also visiting working farms and vineyards, and enjoy special access to historic sites that highlight the region’s past, from prehistoric settlements to industrial ingenuity.
Cotswolds: Stories & Stone: This seven-day, fully guided trip explores the rich heritage, literary history, and natural beauty of the Cotswolds. Beginning in the city of Bath, full of elegant architecture and Roman history, the journey then ventures into the bucolic countryside, with its honey-colored stone villages, traditional farms, and historic houses. You’ll visit the enigmatic Stonehenge, marvel at the incredible Roman baths, and take in the magnificence of Blenheim Palace, Winston Churchill’s birthplace and where he spent significant time over the course of his life. Beyond these famous landmarks, the trip also offers a chance to connect with the local community, visiting an organic dairy farm, an English vineyard, and more.
Lake District: Tales & Traditions: On this seven-day fully guided trip, discover the cultural and natural heritage of England’s iconic Lake District. From Neolithic stone circles to slate mines and shepherding traditions, this thoughtfully curated tour offers the chance to explore the region’s rich history and beautiful landscapes. Starting off by Windermere Lake, you’ll walk in the footsteps of such notable writers as William Wordsworth, John Ruskin, and Beatrix Potter, wander through the literary village of Grasmere, soak up the atmosphere of Keswick’s bustling market town, and so much more.
IRELAND
Legends of Northern Ireland: History, myth, legend, and pop culture collide on this seven-day exploration through Northern Ireland, a place of dramatic coastlines, deep-rooted traditions, and a vibrant cultural heritage waiting to be explored. Starting off in Dublin, the group travels north, heading first to the Cooley Peninsula to discover the ancient tale of Queen Maeve and the legendary Brown Bull of Cooley, as part of Ireland’s most iconic myth, the Táin Bó Cúailnge (‘Cattle Raid of Cooley’). Then it’s on to Carlingford, with its medieval street and towering Norman castle; the fascinating city of Belfast, and the Causeway Coast, with a boat ride to the famed Giant’s Causeway, which, according to legend, was built by the giant Finn McCool as stepping stones to Scotland to fight a rival giant, Benandonner. It’s then on to Derry and Donegal, both steeped in Irish folklore and myth (think selkies, saints, Celtic gods, and more giants), before wrapping up in Sligo, one of Ireland’s richest counties when it comes to folklore, with many tales of warrior queens, lake maidens, fairies, and more. departure: April 11-17, 2026.
Kingdom of Kerry: Set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and swirling seas from the iconic Killarney and Ring of Kerry to the soft contours of the Dingle Peninsula, this seven-day journey delves deep into the rich culture and heritage of Ireland’s southwest. Discover Neolithic wonders and medieval towers, 17th century mass rocks, and traces of the Industrial Revolution, while also having the opportunity to meet local artisans and craftspeople – a folklorist, a local skipper, a sheep farmer, storyteller, and more – who call this region home. As you go, you’ll enjoy the best this region’s stunning landscape has to offer, including the dramatic Skellig Islands, the windswept Blasket Islands, and beautiful Slea Head, Ireland’s westernmost point.
Ireland’s Ancient Islands: Spend seven days delving into more than 5,000 years of history while exploring the captivating shores of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way – where ancient islands, colorful towns, and rugged landscapes bring the country’s vibrant culture and rich history to life. Starting in historic Galway, with its colorful shopfronts, cobbled lanes, and foodie hotspots, head on to Connemara, full of wild beauty, followed by a trip to the tiny tidal island of Omey. The itinerary also takes you by ferry to Inis Mór, the largest of the legendary Aran Islands, where the Irish language and tradition still thrive, followed by a boat ride to Killary Fjord, with its rugged mountains, long-lost settlements, and sheep-dotted hills. There’s a visit to Achill Island, a rugged place of pirate legends, whiskey, and gin; and time to explore the Lost Valley, home to seven generations of one family who have farmed here through the ages. 2026.
