Alpine Exploratory

Alpine Exploratory We research and interpret the trail to give you the finest walking holidays in the Alps, Scandinavia and the UK. We call this the Exploratory system.

Alpine Exploratory is a system of knowledge on the best mountain trekking in our areas, giving clients superb holidays based on this exploration. Our ongoing mission is to explore and interpret the Alps and the mountainous areas of the UK. We are systematic about our exploration and the result is a thoroughly human service that interprets trekking trails for our experienced clients. We run everyth

ing from our office in Edinburgh. We place great importance on a friendly and positive approach to organising our holidays. We are proud of our emphasis on knowledge of our routes, making regular research trips and writing our own detailed routecards describing each trek. Please contact us any time to discuss a trip.

The Alta Via 9 is unique amongst the famous Alta Via trails of the Dolomites in Northern Italy, crossing this spectacula...
23/08/2025

The Alta Via 9 is unique amongst the famous Alta Via trails of the Dolomites in Northern Italy, crossing this spectacular range of mountains from West to East (rather than North to South). For this reason, it’s also known as 'la Trasversale' (The Traverse). Beginning near Bolzano, we cross the Molignon Pass in the Rosengarten group, passing the Sassolungo to traverse the South face of the Sella group, with views of the Marmolada. Cross high meadows and ascend to Rifugio Lagazuoi, traversing hillsides with historic relics from the First World War before dropping to the resort town of Cortina d'Ampezzo. From Cortina continue East around the Monte Cristallo Massif, visiting Lago di Misurina before an epic finale around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Take in awe-inspiring views of the dramatic, rocky peaks of the Dolomites as you soak up the best of Italy's Südtirol.

Our 11 stage trip is a hike (without any Via Ferrata) and stays in beautiful mountain resorts, welcoming hotels, and cosy mountain huts. Experience the welcoming culture of Südtirol – influenced by Austria and Italy, the cultural contrasts are apparent. German, Italian and Ladin are the main languages spoken. On the way you'll also be staying in Corvara and Cortina, two charming Alpine resorts with plenty of shops and restaurants.

Elizabeth had great trip and sent us some amazing photos!

We've had photos sent to us by one of our guided groups and what an epic trip they had on the TMB!Being a guided trip, y...
22/08/2025

We've had photos sent to us by one of our guided groups and what an epic trip they had on the TMB!

Being a guided trip, you will be expertly led by one of our fantastic International Mountain Leaders (IMLs). Our IMLs are fully qualified mountain professionals who are extremely experienced on this route and other treks around the world. This allows you to relax and enjoy the walking, not having to think about logistics, whilst benefitting from their extensive knowledge; be that mountain flora, fauna, glaciers, the history of the area, or simply where does the best coffee! Our guides have vast experience in managing groups on the hill, which helps facilitate a full and challenging trip for each and every person.

We offer scheduled guided trips, whereby you can join an already formed group on set start dates, or we can offer privately guided trips where you would have full flexibility on your itinerary, start dates and accommodation options. Please do just get in contact for more details.

Norway stands out as a country for hiking; the Jotunheimen is a gem among the nation's National Parks. It’s the highest ...
21/08/2025

Norway stands out as a country for hiking; the Jotunheimen is a gem among the nation's National Parks. It’s the highest in its mountains; it contains Norway's highest peak, Galdhopiggen (2,469m); and it's the most popular for walkers. We cross high plateaus, walk under imposing peaks, and traverse deep valleys running with streams, rivers and waterfalls. In a single day, hikers see glaciers, sweeping valleys, flourishing meadows, and Nordic forests.

The Norwegian approach is orderly, with a time-honoured reverence to preserving natural spaces and maintaining the parks for the next generation. You'll find little sign of human life other than the huts and the paths. Our tour is a circular route through the park over 6 or 8 days. In 6 days you cover most of the park’s varied landscapes but if you have more time, the wilder and trickier Eastern side can be explored further. (This replaces the Leirvassbu-Gjendebu stage with a 3-day loop via Skogadalsboen and Fondsbu). The huts are comfortable and provide an amazing Norwegian hut experience which our hikers have thoroughly enjoyed.

We love hearing about your adventures! 🌍💬If you’ve travelled with us, leaving a review on Google or Tripadvisor not only...
20/08/2025

We love hearing about your adventures! 🌍💬
If you’ve travelled with us, leaving a review on Google or Tripadvisor not only makes our day, it helps future hikers choose their next adventure.

And if you’ve walked our Via Alpina… well, we especially want to hear about those epic Alpine views, quiet valleys, and storybook villages. 🏔✨ Tell the world why it’s one of our favourites!

📍 Share your thoughts, inspire others, and keep the hiking spirit alive - we can’t wait to read your stories.

The Hebridean Way crosses the chain of ten islands off the West Coast of Scotland, from Vatersay on Barra to Stornoway o...
19/08/2025

The Hebridean Way crosses the chain of ten islands off the West Coast of Scotland, from Vatersay on Barra to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Our Hebridean Way Highlights trip allows you to discover the best sections of the full walk in just one week! Hike along the flowering machair coast and sandy beaches and cross over wild moors and empty peatlands as you venture North.

Launched in 2017, the full route covers 166 miles and links up existing footpaths, road sections, causeways and ferry crossings to showcase the best the Outer Hebrides have to offer. Our Highlights trip option makes use of comfortable taxis to skip some sections and fully concentrate on the best stages of the full route. Enjoy the everchanging landscapes of these remote islands - from the carpet of flowers over the machair (the grass and sand by the beach) on Barra and the Uists, the turquoise sea surrounding Berneray to the stunning beaches of Seilebost and Luskentyre on Harris. You will finish your walk at Stornoway Castle, in the largest settlement in the Outer Hebrides. Watch out for eagles, seals and dolphins on your way, as well as for archaeological remains along the trail - standing stones, chambered cairns and the iconic blackhouses are scattered here and there and keep the unique island history alive.

Jenessa had a great time on her Adlerweg trip and sent us some incredible shots! The Adlerweg is Austria’s ultimate trek...
18/08/2025

Jenessa had a great time on her Adlerweg trip and sent us some incredible shots!

The Adlerweg is Austria’s ultimate trek, traversing the Tyrol from East to West. Translated as “The Eagle’s Way” this spectacular route winds through breathtaking alpine landscapes, and offers hikers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse ecosystems of the Austrian Tyrol region.

Our route passes through 6 mountain ranges - the Wilder Kaiser mountains, Brandenberg Alps, Karwendel Mountains, Tux Alps, Wetterstein Mountains and Lechtal Alps - as we traverse of the Austrian Tyrol from East to West. Our route follows the official Adlerweg route for the most part, though we avoid some of the more exposed sections. Instead these sections can be skipped by bus and train (on our main Adlerweg trip) or we take a route through the valleys (on our extended Adlerweg trip).

The trail is equipped with a network of accommodations, ranging from cosy huts to comfortable guesthouses and hotels, allowing for a range of lodging options to suit different preferences. The comfortable Tyrolean hospitality and high level of accommodation is a defining feature of the Adlerweg.

Which style of walking holiday works best for you? We offer both self-guided trips where you can customise one of our tr...
16/08/2025

Which style of walking holiday works best for you?

We offer both self-guided trips where you can customise one of our trips to best suit your needs, or join one of our scheduled guided trips with our experienced Mountain Guides. We hope to see you out on the trails soon! 🏔

Everyone’s heard of the Tour du Mont Blanc… but what about the Tour of the Vanoise? Or the Adlerweg? Or trekking through...
15/08/2025

Everyone’s heard of the Tour du Mont Blanc… but what about the Tour of the Vanoise? Or the Adlerweg? Or trekking through Slovenia’s Julian Alps or Sweden’s Kungsleden? 🗺️ These quieter trails trade the crowds for big views, peaceful paths, and a real sense of discovery.

If you’re looking for a hike that feels like your own little secret, we’ll help you find it. ✨

📌 Start planning your quieter adventure at alpineexploratory.com

Be first to hear about new routes, hiking tips, and seasonal offers from Alpine Exploratory. 🏔️ Sign up to our newslette...
13/08/2025

Be first to hear about new routes, hiking tips, and seasonal offers from Alpine Exploratory. 🏔️ Sign up to our newsletter and let the adventure come to you - straight to your inbox.

Evie’s back from an unforgettable recce in Switzerland on our Via Alpina - Bernese Oberland 🏔✨Starting from Engelberg, t...
12/08/2025

Evie’s back from an unforgettable recce in Switzerland on our Via Alpina - Bernese Oberland 🏔✨

Starting from Engelberg, to exploring Grindelwald (with a special hello from Mali the dog at Hotel Alpina 🐾), there were some particular highlights: seeing the Eiger emerge through the clouds, and the crystal-blue waters of Oeschinensee in Kandersteg were some great moments on the Bernese Oberland.

This route shows off the very best of the Swiss Alps - dramatic peaks, amazing valleys, turquoise lakes, and warm mountain hospitality.

Ready to explore it for yourself? The Swiss Alps are waiting....
📍 Via Alpina – Bernese Oberland | alpineexploratory.com

Wondering what rest stops there are on the way on your trip? Always check your routecards which have the latest informat...
11/08/2025

Wondering what rest stops there are on the way on your trip? Always check your routecards which have the latest information for refreshments and snacks.

Sometimes you may come across a small snack station with plenty of supplies for hiking!

Cash only! But a great way to refuel.

Address

Edinburgh

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+441312141144

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Our Story

Alpine Exploratory is a system of knowledge on the best mountain trekking in our areas, giving clients superb holidays based on this exploration. Our ongoing mission is to explore and interpret the Alps and the mountainous areas of the UK. We are systematic about our exploration and the result is a thoroughly human service that interprets trekking trails for our experienced clients. We call this the Exploratory system. We run everything from our office in Edinburgh. We place great importance on a friendly and positive approach to organising our holidays. We place great emphasis on knowledge of our routes, making regular research trips and writing our own detailed routecards describing each trek. We are based in Edinburgh. Please contact us any time to discuss a trip.