Hiking in the Highlands

Price: P.O.A.

Carbon Score: 240Kg

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

Overview

Escape to the Highlands of Scotland for a fantastic, fully-guided hiking trip. From the pine-fringed lochs of the Cairngorms National Park to the rugged, moor-clad mountains of Glencoe, the landscape is steeped in history, tradition and folklore. Along the way, look out for the secretive Scottish wildlife, spotting roe deer, red squirrels and golden eagles. Walk out to the dark, glittering water of Loch Muick tucked below the rocky peak of Lochnagar and meander through quiet glens full of old pine and aromatic juniper. From the majesty of Royal Deeside (home to Balmoral Castle, which has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since 1852) to the superb summit of Ben Vrackie – this adventure will reveal the enchanting nature of the Highlands.

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Highlights

Explore the iconic Glencoe Glen, hiking in the dramatic landscape and learning about its harrowing history.
Enjoy charming views of Balmoral Castle as you walk in the beautiful surrounding woodland.
Relax in charming accommodation, carefully hand-picked for their traditional character, lovely location and delicious food.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Meet your Guide & Hike in Glencoe

Meet your Wilderness guide in Edinburgh today and leave the bustling, cobbled streets behind as you travel north into the open countryside. Enjoy watching the rolling fields, flecked with grazing sheep, gradually change to heathery, rugged mountains and wild open moorland. Stop at a cafe for lunch, and afterwards, join your guide for a fantastic hike in the dramatic landscape of Glencoe. Carved out centuries ago by glaciers and volcanic eruptions, this iconic glen is a spectacular and special place to explore. Depending on how you feel, you may like to hike up the Devil’s Staircase to the nearby summit of Stob Mhic Mhartuin or perhaps wind your way to the Lost Valley, where the MacDonald clan used to hide their rustled cattle.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Exploring Below Ben Nevis

After breakfast, head out with your guide for a beautiful hike through the foothills of Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in the UK. Wind your way through deciduous woodland, enjoying the sunshine dappling the path ahead and the views growing larger and longer behind. The route today provides cracking views of the North Face, so make sure to keep a lookout for brightly coloured climbers ascending the rugged rock as you make your way to a classic mountaineering shelter. After a fantastic day in the hills, return to the Ben Nevis Inn and enjoy a celebratory dram.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Ben Vrackie & Arrive in Braemar

This morning, head out to hike up Ben Vrackie, a superb small summit in the Southern Highlands with big character and wonderful views. Located just outside the traditional town of Pitlochry, your trail today winds through old woodland, wild moorland and past the picturesque Loch a’ Choire. The final ascent offers incredible panoramic views across to Beinn a Ghlò and the Cairngorms beyond. This afternoon, your guide will transfer you to the pretty village of Braemar, a drive that takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. Upon arrival, settle into your luxuriously restored hotel, full of incredible artwork and offering a unique blend of modern and Victorian styles.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Loch Muick & Evening Whisky Tasting

Not too far from your hotel, the deep, dark waters of Loch Muick (pronounced ‘mick’) stretch out like a shimmering, glittering shadow below the rocky peak of Lochnagar. Your walk today winds through the tang of a pine forest, past one of Queen Victoria’s hunting lodges and around the stunning loch. A great place to spot red deer grazing or chattering grouse suddenly bursting from the heather – enjoy learning about the wildlife from your guide. This afternoon, enjoy free time to spend as you wish – perhaps visiting the local gallery and tiny patisserie. This evening, enjoy a private whisky tasting in the comfort of your hotel.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Balmoral Cairns & Free Afternoon

After a relaxed breakfast, enjoy a day spent exploring the beautiful countryside that surrounds Balmoral Castle. Ribbon your way through peaceful woodland, following a slender forest trail that meanders under the trees, bordered by short, springy heather, to arrive at a number of historical cairns erected by the Royal Family. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the castle and soak up the sights and sounds of the forest before enjoying a relaxing lunch at a welcoming local cafe. This afternoon, enjoy another free afternoon to spend as you choose.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Transfer to Edinburgh and Depart

This morning, leave the Cairngorms behind and begin your journey back to Edinburgh. Along the way, stop in Straloch for a beautiful walk out onto a wind-swept moor for a picnic lunch in a cosy bothy – a truly unique experience. Enjoy meeting the owner’s gentle labradors and saying hello to the grazing donkeys before continuing your drive back to the twinkling lights of Scotland’s capital. Your guide can either drop you at the airport or at your hotel before departing.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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Hiking in the Highlands

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Trip Details

Inclusions Read More

5 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 1 to Day 6
All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide
All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
- Entry to Balmoral Castle
- Privately Led Whisky Tasting in Berties at Fife Arms
Tips for accommodation and included meals
24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team