July 16-24, 2027
Join us in 9 Days in Scotland: A Gay Men’s Group Adventure on
9 Days in Scotland: A Gay Men’s Group Adventure
Our Scotland Pride Adventure starts in Glasgow with two nights centered around community, connection, and the excitement of Glasgow Pride. After celebrating together, we will travel by train to Edinburgh and set out on a seven day journey through Scotland’s cities, Highlands, lochs, castles, and legendary landscapes.
Hosted by Pride Adventures in partnership with California Gay Adventures, this gay men’s trip brings together the energy of Pride with the adventure of exploring Scotland as a small group. From Glasgow and Edinburgh to Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, Glenfinnan, and Glencoe, every part of the experience is designed to feel welcoming, social, and easy to enjoy.
From Glasgow Pride to the Scottish Highlands
Our adventure begins with a welcome dinner in Glasgow, followed by a full day celebrating Glasgow Pride together. It is a fun and social start to the trip, giving everyone time to connect before we head deeper into Scotland.
From Glasgow, we will travel together to Edinburgh and begin the touring portion of our journey. Over the next seven days, we will explore Cairngorms National Park, Culloden Moor, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, the Isle of Skye, Ben Nevis, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe, and a Scottish whisky distillery before returning to Glasgow for our final night together.
TRIP HOST
Chris Smith - Los Angeles, CA
Chris serves as Founder | Chief Adventure Officer at Pride Adventures, shaping the vision behind each journey and bringing people together through thoughtfully designed travel experiences around the world.
Chris Smith - Los Angeles, CA Bio
Chris has been leading group trips and outdoor adventures for more than 25 years, with roots that trace back to growing up in Arizona as the middle of seven children in an outdoor-loving family. That early connection to the outdoors and to shared experiences shaped his approach to travel and community from the very beginning.
Before founding Pride Adventures, Chris helped build California Gay Adventures (CGA), creating space for LGBTQ+ people to connect through hiking, camping, and shared outdoor experiences. Over time, that community-first foundation expanded into broader group travel, while staying true to the same values of connection, inclusion, and fun.
Today, Chris focuses on shaping the experiences behind Pride Adventures trips and supporting the hosts and partners who help bring them to life. He believes the best journeys are the ones where people feel welcomed, supported, and connected long after the trip ends.
Itinerary Overview
Experience Scotland in two unforgettable parts, starting with the energy and community of Glasgow Pride, then continuing through Edinburgh and into the Highlands. Along the way, we will explore historic cities, legendary lochs, dramatic mountain scenery, castles, coastal landscapes, and some of Scotland’s most iconic cultural sites.
Hosted by Pride Adventures in partnership with California Gay Adventures, this thoughtfully planned journey blends included experiences, shared meals, beautiful scenery, and time to explore at a comfortable pace.
Day 1: Glasgow
Arrive in Glasgow and settle into our centrally located hotel. That evening, we will gather for an included welcome dinner, giving everyone a chance to meet, connect, and start our Scotland Pride Adventure together.
Transportation: On your own to the hotel, walking as needed
Stay: Clayton Hotel Glasgow City or similar
Included Meals: Welcome Dinner
Highlights: Glasgow arrival, group welcome, first evening together
Day 2: Glasgow Pride
Celebrate a full day of Glasgow Pride with Pride Adventures and California Gay Adventures. We will enjoy the energy of the festival together, with flexibility to experience the events, entertainment, community, and nightlife that make Pride in Glasgow so special.
Exact Pride programming will be shared closer to departure as the official schedule becomes available.
Transportation: Walking and local transportation as needed
Stay: Clayton Hotel Glasgow City or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast
Highlights: Glasgow Pride, LGBTQ+ community, group celebration, free time
Day 3: Glasgow to Edinburgh
After breakfast and hotel checkout, we will travel together by train from Glasgow to Edinburgh. Once settled, we will meet our local trip leader and officially begin the touring portion of our Scotland adventure.
That evening, we will gather for an included dinner in Edinburgh and look ahead to the journey through the Highlands.
Transportation: Train, walking
Stay: The Place Hotel Edinburgh or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Highlights: Train journey, Edinburgh arrival, group meeting, included dinner
Days 4 to 5: Cairngorms, Inverness, Culloden, Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
Enjoy panoramic views of Edinburgh before traveling north toward the Highlands. We will visit Cairngorms National Park and take an easy guided hike through Glenmore Forest, one of Scotland’s remaining areas of ancient Caledonian pinewood.
The following day, we will explore the history of the Jacobite rising at Culloden Moor, then board a scenic cruise across Loch Ness. We will also visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle, dramatically positioned along the shore of Scotland’s most famous loch.
Transportation: Private vehicle, boat, walking
Stay: Glen Mhor Hotel Inverness or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast daily
Highlights: Cairngorms National Park, Glenmore Forest, Inverness, Culloden Moor, Loch Ness cruise, Urquhart Castle
Days 6 to 7: Isle of Skye, Ben Nevis and Glenfinnan Viaduct
Travel west toward the Isle of Skye, with views of iconic Eilean Donan Castle along the way. Once on Skye, we will visit Sligachan, take in views of the Black Cuillin mountains, and experience the dramatic scenery surrounding the Old Man of Storr.
The next day, we will enjoy an easy forest walk near Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles. Later, we will visit the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, known around the world for its appearance in the Harry Potter films. When operating schedules allow, we may also see the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the viaduct.
Transportation: Private vehicle, walking
Stay: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast daily
Highlights: Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan Castle viewpoint, Sligachan, Old Man of Storr, Ben Nevis forest walk, Glenfinnan Viaduct
Day 8: Glencoe, Whisky and Glasgow
Travel south through Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most dramatic and historically significant Highland landscapes. We will then visit a local distillery for a guided tour and Scottish whisky tasting before returning to Glasgow.
That evening, we will gather for our included farewell dinner and celebrate everything we have experienced together.
Transportation: Private vehicle, walking
Stay: Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Highlights: Glencoe, Highland scenery, whisky distillery tour and tasting, farewell dinner
Day 9: Departure Day
Enjoy breakfast before departing Glasgow at any time. Travelers may continue exploring Scotland independently or begin their journey home.
Transportation: On your own
Included Meals: Breakfast
Highlights: Final morning in Glasgow, departure day
Booking Options
Choose the option that fits your travel style. Whether you’re looking to share the experience with a roommate or enjoy your own private space, both options include the full itinerary, all group experiences, and the same welcoming Pride Adventures experience.
Your trip price includes more than the base itinerary. Pride Adventures adds dedicated hosting, private welcome and farewell gatherings, covered basic tips, pre-trip communication, access to our private Departure Lounge, and the added value of traveling through Scotland with an inviting gay men’s group from the start.
Shared Room | We Can Match You
$4,299
Traveling solo? No problem. We’ll match you with another traveler in our group.
Shared rooms are double occupancy with two beds, offering a great way to connect with fellow travelers while keeping costs lower.
Private Room | Your Own Space
$6,199
Enjoy your own private room throughout the trip.
This option is perfect if you prefer more space and privacy while still being fully part of the group experience.
Note: Private rooms are limited on this itinerary due to smaller rural accommodations in parts of Scotland. The higher price reflects the limited single occupancy availability across the trip. This option is best for travelers who prefer their own space while still being fully part of the group experience.
Adventure Activities
Experience the moments that make this journey through Scotland unforgettable. From historic castles and Highland traditions to scenic cruises and cultural discoveries, these curated experiences bring each destination to life.
Cairngorms National Park and Glenmore Forest
Explore the natural beauty of Cairngorms National Park with an easy guided walk through Glenmore Forest. This scenic route passes through one of Scotland’s remaining areas of ancient Caledonian pinewood and offers a peaceful introduction to the Highlands.
Culloden Moor and Visitor Centre
Visit Culloden Moor, the site of the final confrontation of the Jacobite rising. Explore the battlefield and visitor centre while learning more about this defining moment in Scottish history.
Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle
Cruise across the legendary waters of Loch Ness and learn about the history, folklore, and mystery surrounding Scotland’s most famous loch. The experience also includes time to explore the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle along the shoreline.
Isle of Skye and Old Man of Storr
Spend the day exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Isle of Skye. Along the way, we will take in views of Eilean Donan Castle, visit Sligachan, see the Black Cuillin mountains, and experience the scenery surrounding the Old Man of Storr.
Ben Nevis Forest Walk and Glenfinnan Viaduct
Enjoy an easy forest walk near Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles. Later, visit the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films, with the possibility of seeing the Jacobite Steam Train cross when schedules align.
Glencoe and Scottish Whisky Tasting
Travel through the unforgettable landscapes of Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most dramatic Highland valleys. Later, visit a local distillery for a guided experience and Scottish whisky tasting before returning to Glasgow.
Why Travel with Pride Adventures?
Travel is about where you go, but it is just as much about who you go with. With Pride Adventures, you are not just booking a trip, you are joining a curated group experience designed to feel welcoming, connected, and easy from the moment you arrive. Our travelers show up open, social, and ready to share the experience, creating a sense of community that turns a great trip into something far more meaningful.
We bring everything together through small group sizes, a dedicated host, and thoughtful touches like private group dinners and covered basic tips. The result is a seamless, elevated experience where you can relax, be yourself, and fully enjoy the journey without the usual stress of planning or logistics.
Inclusions:
What's Included:
✓ 8 nights of accommodations in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, the Fort Augustus area, and Glasgow again at the end of the trip, or similar
✓ Breakfast daily, beginning the morning after arrival
✓ Three hosted group dinners:
• Welcome Dinner in Glasgow
• Dinner in Edinburgh
• Farewell Dinner in Glasgow
✓ Glasgow Pride weekend experience, including two hotel nights, hosted group plans, and time to enjoy the Pride celebration together
✓ Train transportation from Glasgow to Edinburgh
✓ Transportation between destinations and to included activities, including private vehicle, walking, and boat transportation
✓ Included guided experiences:
• Cairngorms National Park and Glenmore Forest walk
• Culloden Moor and Visitor Centre
• Loch Ness cruise
• Urquhart Castle visit
• Isle of Skye sightseeing
• Old Man of Storr walk
• Ben Nevis forest walk
• Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint
• Glencoe visit
• Scottish whisky distillery tour and tasting
✓ Scenic Scotland highlights, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, Ben Nevis, Glenfinnan, Glencoe, and the Highlands
✓ Experienced trip leadership throughout the touring portion, along with knowledgeable local guides at select sites
✓ Pride Adventures host traveling with the group
✓ Basic gratuities for included local guides, drivers, meals, and services, along with a base tip for the trip leader
✓ Small group experience with Pride Adventures, California Gay Adventures, and fellow travelers, with a maximum group size of 16
What's Not Included:
× International flights, including arrival into Glasgow and departure from Glasgow
× Transportation to and from airports
× Travel insurance, which is required for participation
× Meals not specifically listed in the itinerary
× Optional activities and free time experiences not listed as included
× Ticketed Pride parties, nightlife events, or other special events unless specifically added to the final itinerary
× Pre trip and post trip hotel nights outside the included travel dates
× Personal expenses, including souvenirs, beverages, snacks, laundry, and similar purchases
× Additional tips for hotel staff, personal services, or optional gratuities beyond those already included
Physical Rating, Service Level & Travel Style:
Physical Rating: 2 Light
This trip is best for travelers who enjoy a comfortable pace with regular walking and sightseeing. Expect city streets, some stairs, forest paths, and uneven Highland terrain, including easy walks in Glenmore Forest, around the Old Man of Storr, and near Ben Nevis. Most days focus on discovery rather than physical challenge, but travelers should be comfortable on their feet for extended periods.
Service Level: Comfortable Adventure
Enjoy 8 nights of comfortable accommodations in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, the Fort Augustus area, and Glasgow again at the end of the trip. The itinerary includes centrally located city hotels and smaller Highland properties chosen for comfort, character, and convenient access to the route. Some Highland stays may be simpler, but they offer a more local and immersive setting.
Travel Style: Pride and Cultural Discovery
This trip is designed for travelers who want to combine the energy of Pride with meaningful cultural exploration and shared group experiences. The journey begins with Glasgow Pride, then continues through Edinburgh and the Highlands at a comfortable pace. Along the way, we will enjoy iconic scenery, historic sites, easy walks, local experiences, and time to connect with both the destination and the group.
Important Documents & Links:
JoinCGA.com – California Gay Adventures
Documents containing personal information will be delivered privately to attendees via email and/or text as the trip dates approach. For any questions, please contact [email protected].
Important Documents & Links:
We’ve included a few important links below to help you review trip details:
Adventure Updates
🟡 Trip Status: Not Yet Confirmed
This trip will be confirmed once we reach our minimum of 8 travelers.
Please do not book flights yet. We’ll notify all registered travelers as soon as the trip is officially confirmed so you can book with confidence.
🌈 Private Departure Lounge
Once the trip is confirmed, travelers will receive access to our private Travel with Pride Departure Lounge for Scotland.
This will be the main place for future trip updates, flight guidance, packing reminders, pre trip details, group introductions, and important departure information as we get closer to Scotland.
❓ Questions?
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
