Murdaugh - Glencoe and the Cairngorms

Anne Murdaugh & JB Holston

Wednesday 13th August – Monday 18th August 2025

Number of Travellers:  2
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

Overview

The journey begins with a pick-up in Edinburgh, heading west to Glencoe – a valley renowned for its dramatic scenery, towering peaks, and unforgettable walking trails. After a few days exploring this iconic Highland landscape, we travel east via a scenic boat trip to the Cairngorms. Home to ancient forests, wide glens, and rugged mountain scenery, the Cairngorms offer a striking contrast and a peaceful finale to the adventure. Throughout the trip, there’ll be plenty of chances to soak up the rich history and stunning scenery that define the Highlands, before returning to Edinburgh on the final day.

Highlights

  • Hike in the stunning landscapes of the Cairngorms and Glencoe.
  • Enjoy a scenic boat trip along the west coast.
  • Discover the history and stories of the Scottish Highlands.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Wednesday 13th August - A Maritime Adventure

This morning, you’ll be picked up in Edinburgh and transferred west to Oban, where a privately chartered RIB (zodiac) awaits for a memorable journey to Glencoe by sea. Rather than taking a direct route, the trip includes stops at several islands, with time to step ashore and explore empty beaches and hidden coves. Speed up Loch Linnhe, keeping an eye out for seals, porpoises, or dolphins, before arriving in Loch Leven and transferring a short distance to your iconic Highland hotel.

Overnight: Glencoe | Kingshouse Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Thursday 14th August - Wilderness and a Waterfall

Today, we start from the village of Kinlochleven, where the trail climbs through the forest. Soon, the thunder of falling water becomes audible – the Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall is impressive, cascading nearly 60 m/197 ft. Continue the walk as the path emerges from the woods and eventually reaches a remote loch surrounded by mountains and wild moorlands. On the return journey, enjoy stunning views down the length of Loch Leven to the Pap of Glencoe.

Overnight: Glencoe | Kingshouse Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Friday 15th August - Hiking in Glencoe

Some of the best views in Glencoe are from a rarely climbed peak that serves as today’s target. Following a faint trail, we hike up the flanks of the open hillside, where the views quickly open up as height is gained. Upon reaching the summit, the views are simply sensational, offering a direct gaze across the valley at the north face of Buachaille Etive Mòr, the most iconic sight in Glencoe.

Overnight: Glencoe | Kingshouse Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Saturday 16th August - Journey into the Highlands

Begin your journey north on a scenic drive into the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, soaking in the changing landscapes of rolling hills and rugged moorland. Along the way, stop at a lovely café for a relaxed lunch before continuing into one of Scotland’s most beautiful and unspoiled areas. In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle guided hike through Glen Feshie, a breathtaking valley renowned for its wild beauty, ancient pines, and peaceful solitude. As evening falls, settle into a welcoming hotel, where you’ll stay for the next two nights, surrounded by the tranquillity of the Highlands.

Overnight: Aviemore | Ravenscraig Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Sunday 17th August - Hiking in the Cairngorms

Today, enjoy a hike in the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. At over 4500 sq km it is the largest National Park in the UK and with miles of winding rivers, make it Scotland’s most prolific whisky-making region. With your guide, choose a hike that suits you – perhaps head out onto the alpine plateau of the Cairngorms Mountain range and bag a sought-after Munro. Or choose to explore the Caledonian pine forest which is the oldest forest in Scotland and the last of the woodland that once covered the whole of the UK. Roam heather-covered glens and alongside jewel-like lochs for the perfect immersion into the ancient landscape. This evening, enjoy a meal and a drink in a traditional Highland pub.

Overnight: Aviemore | Ravenscraig Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Monday 18th August - Back to the City

Heading south from the Cairngorms, enjoy a scenic drive through the Highlands, stopping in Dunkeld & The Hermitage for a short but magical forest walk among towering ancient trees and cascading waterfalls. Soak in the tranquillity of this hidden gem before continuing to Edinburgh, arriving mid-afternoon.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

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 inclusive
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Privately chartered RIB
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 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
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
  • A 25% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed.
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision.
  • Activities are only private if so specified.
Pricing Read More

The price of this trip is £5,815 per person and is based on availability at the time of booking.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.