2026 HE Travel - Scotland Gay Multisport Adventure

Day 1 - Sunday 20^th September - Welcome to Scotland

Arriving in Edinburgh, you can hop on the tram or grab a taxi into the city center to check into our hotel. The afternoon is free to unwind, do a little exploring or even just relax and get excited about the week ahead.

We get together this evening, to meet your guide for a trip briefing and welcome dinner.

Overnight: Bruntsfield Hotel, Edinburgh 

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2 - Monday 21^st September - Edinburgh, Scotland’s Capital city

Today we have time to explore the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Edinburgh, with its world renowned historic castle, cobbled streets and medieval architecture. There is plenty of time to soak up the city and immerse yourself in its history. We take a walking tour of the ‘old town’ and include a visit to the world famous Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh is also home to many museums and art galleries, plus the Royal Yacht Britannia (affectionately known as Queen Elizabeth II’s ‘floating palace’) is also berthed here.

If history isn’t for you, then there are countless quirky side street stores to shop in, or maybe simply sample one of the city’s many trendy bars or eateries.

Overnight: Bruntsfield Hotel, Edinburgh

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Tuesday 22^nd September - Dundee / Dunnottar Castle / Cairngorm National Park

Today we leave Edinburgh behind and transfer north, stopping at the striking V&A Museum in Dundee, the first design museum in Scotland, and the first Victoria and Albert museum outside London. After lunch, our route takes us up the east coast and a 13th century cliff-top fortress, Dunnottar Castle. The castle is said to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and offers panoramic views of the Aberdeenshire coast.

Afterwards, we wind our way through the countryside, arriving at the Victorian village of Ballater, which sits in the heart of Royal Deeside in the Cairngorms National Park.

Overnight: Balmoral Arms, Ballater 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Wednesday 23^rd September - Hiking in Cairngorms National Park / Whisky tasting

After a hearty breakfast, we head out for a hike in the Highlands. We travel north across ‘The Lecht’ – a spectacular ridge-top road – to reach our trailhead in Speyside, Scotland’s most famous whisky-making region. Starting from the tiny settlement of Tomnavoulin (spot the distillery), we embark on a circular hike which takes us to the summit of Càrn Daimh.  With the hike complete, it is time to sample ‘a wee dram’ (a small measure of whisky), and take a tour of the famous The Glenlivet Distillery, which was founded in 1824. As we leave the distillery with the taste of whisky still lingering, we head to the highest village in the Highlands, Tomintoul, home to the ‘best whisky shop in Scotland’. Here you will have a chance to browse, buy and perhaps sample a wide range of whiskies and spirits, from all across the country.

A short transfer takes us back to the hotel, with time to relax and freshen up before dinner.

Hike distance 10.25km / 6.25 miles – Time 3.5 – 4 hours – Ascent 339m

Overnight: Balmoral Arms, Ballater 

Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Thursday 24^th September - Hiking in the Cairngorms / Wildlife Reserve in Perthshire

We start the day with a hike around a favorite local circuit with incredible views, and strong royal links. The hike takes us through the forest to various memorials to members of the Royal Family, each also offering fantastic views across the Cairngorms. After a late lunch in a nearby cafe, we transfer south-west to beautiful Perthshire. If time allows, we will stop at Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve near the picturesque village of Dunkeld. The reserve covers 130 hectares and all year round the reserve is host to a huge array of local wildlife including red squirrels, fallow deer and great-spotted woodpeckers.

From here, it is a short transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Hike distance 9.5km / 6 miles – Time 2.5 – 3 hours – Ascent 371m 

Overnight: Acarsaid Hotel, Pitlochry 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Friday 25^th September - Canoeing / Hiking in Perthshire

After breakfast, we take the crystal clear waters of Loch Tay, to try canoeing. Our local watersports guide will take us through everything we need to know and keep us safe on the water, while pointing out the stunning views. Back on dry land, enjoy a pub lunch before we stretch our legs on a short hike up Kenmore Hill. The viewpoint offers fantastic vistas along the length of Loch Tay and the surrounding hills.

Late afternoon sees us arrive in the lively village of Aberfeldy.

Distance 5 km / 3 miles – Time 2 hours – Ascent 245m 

Overnight: Acarsaid Hotel, Pitlochry 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Saturday 26^th September - Zip Lining / Gleneagles Hotel

A short transfer takes us into the heart of Loch Lomond National Park. Arriving in the charming village of Aberfoyle, we psyche ourselves up for a thrilling tree-top zip-lining adventure! Afterwards, let the nerves settle again over a pub lunch before a short transfer to one of Scotland’s finest hotels, Gleneagles – a glorious playground in the heart of the Scottish countryside.

On arriving at the luxurious 5-star hotel, the afternoon is yours to explore and enjoy the facilities. Work up a sweat at the gym, indulge in the award-winning spa, shop for luxuries, or just settle back and take in the exceptional surroundings in one of the hotel’s many bars. We finish the trip in style with dinner in the hotel’s ‘Birnam Brasserie’.

Overnight: Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Sunday 27^th September - Return to Edinburgh

In the morning, there is time for one more dip in the pool or walk around the grounds before checking out of the hotel.

A short transfer of 1-hour takes us back to Edinburgh, where you can choose to be dropped off at the airport or at a city center hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast