A Scottish Family Adventure

Adriane, Helen & Bill

Friday 24th May – Wednesday 29th May 2024

Number of Travellers: 3
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

Overview

Join us on a bespoke trip that immerses you in the heart of the Highlands, exploring the northern side of the Cairngorms National Park. From the slate blue peaks of the Cairngorm mountains to the shimmering waters of Loch Morlich, this landscape is rich in history, tradition, and folklore. Traverse breathtaking trails that wind through vibrant purple heather beneath ancient Caledonian pines. Wander along the shores of secluded lochans, keeping an eye out for roe deer and majestic golden eagles. Take your time to uncover the beauty of this distinct terrain. As the sun sets and the sky fills with stars, relax in hand-picked accommodations chosen for their authentic charm and delectable local cuisine. Afterwards, extend your journey to spend a few days exploring Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, where verdant hillsides and sparkling lochs await, completing your adventure through the enchanting landscapes of Scotland.

Highlights

  • Hike through one of the most beautiful glens in the Cairngorms National Park.
  • Uncover the beauty of lonely glens, clear rivers, and wild lochs with an expert local guide.
  • Learn more about the flora and fauna of the Cairngorms, looking out for red deer, roe deer, songbirds, raptors and red squirrels.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Friday 24th May - The Cairngorms & Clava Cairns

Meet your Wilderness Scotland guide, Gordon, at your accommodation in Nairn this morning and begin your journey south toward the Cairngorms National Park. Along the way, take the opportunity to visit Clava Cairns – a well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex of passage graves, ring cairns, kerb cairns and standing stones. Continuing into the mountains, enjoy the scenic journey as it skirts the national park and its ancient woodlands before descending into the quaint village of Newtonmore – your home for the next few nights and a haven for the Scottish Wildcat.

Overnight: Newtonmore | Coig na Shee
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 1 - Guide Details - Gordon Anderson Read More +

Name: Gordon Anderson
Contact Number: +44 (0)7900 114 184
Meeting Place: Cawdor House B&B, IV12 4QD | Meeting Time: 10:00

Day 2 - Saturday 25th May - River Feshie and Loch Insh

Glen Feshie is widely considered one of the most beautiful Cairngorm glens, and as the estate is undergoing an extensive rewilding program it is only getting more lovely. Today, we’ll hike in the lower reaches of the glen, where we will pass through a beautiful mix of young trees and magnificent old pines. Hiking up the banks of the dynamic River Feshie, we’ll reach a group of lochans hidden amongst the towering trees. Taking a hill path, we’ll reach a stunning viewpoint over the lochans and the mountains beyond. Descending back to the glen, there’ll be a chance to stop in at a local boathouse cafe for some refreshments and a moment to savour the views over the water.

Overnight: Newtonmore | Coig na Shee
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Sunday 26th May - Abernethy Forest

The Abernethy Forest is thought by many to be the most beautiful in Scotland, with beautiful lochs surrounded by ancient Scots Pine trees and framed by views of the high mountains. We’ll enjoy a circular walk, perhaps taking in a section of the Speyside Way long distance trail, and in the summer months we’ll finish at a wildlife reserve where we’ll hope to see red squirrels and many bird species including, in the early part of the summer, the osprey.

Overnight: Newtonmore | Coig na Shee
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Monday 27th May - Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

After breakfast, wind your way south, stopping in a pretty Highland village along the way. Enjoy pottering around, perhaps popping into a couple of artisanal shops and having a leisurely lunch. Join Gordon for a short walk up the side of a babbling brook, learning about the area’s literary history and soaking up the quiet tranquillity of an old leafy forest. After a nice leg stretch and lungfuls of fresh air, continue into the verdant embrace of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Later this afternoon, settle into your hotel before enjoying another delicious and locally sourced dinner.

Overnight: Luss | Loch Lomond Arms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Tuesday 28th May - Exploring Loch Lomond

After waking in the quiet peace of your countryside hotel, head out with Gordon for a scenic hike. The ascent is slow and steady from the start. Near the top, it levels off for a bit and the views over Loch Lomond and its many wooded islands are nothing short of stunning. On the summit, the loch views are replaced by mountain vistas as we look north towards the Arrochar Alps and across the loch to Ben Lomond. Returning to Luss after a picnic on the summit, choose to spend some time exploring Luss or chat through some options with Gordon and head out for a second hike this afternoon.

Overnight: Luss | Loch Lomond Arms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Wednesday 29th May - Loch Lomond to Lennoxtown

This morning, leave Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park behind and travel to the outskirts of Glasgow to visit Lennoxtown. Along the way, you may wish to stop for a final hike with Gordon before he drops you off at your chosen location and waves farewell. The afternoon is yours to explore Lennoxtown and your family heritage at your own pace.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 6
  • Most meals as indicated above
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 1 to Day 6
  • Ground transportation from Day 1 to Day 6
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • 24 hour in-country support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide

Get in Touch


Accommodation

Coig na Shee

Fort William Road | Newtonmore |
PH20 1DG | UK
Phone: +44(0)1540 670 109
Web: coignashee.co.uk

Loch Lomond Arms

Main Road | Luss | Argyll & Bute |
G83 8NY | UK
Phone: +44(0)1436 860 420
Web: lochlomondarmshotel.com


Meet Your Guide

Gordon Anderson

Contact Number: +44 (0)7900 114 184

I guess I have followed a diverse career path. Starting out as a research scientist, I then spent many years working in the corporate IT world. In 2009, I opted to put my lifetime’s experience of hillwalking to use and become a walking guide – one of the best decisions of my life.

I am passionate about the Scottish Highlands. Having been brought up on Skye and in Inverness, I have a native’s understanding of the landscape and culture of the area and I am always seeking ways to broaden my knowledge of geology, flora, fauna and history. I really enjoy sharing this passion and knowledge and get a big kick from seeing how this helps people to appreciate the places I love.

Full Web Bio