Family Adventure - Treasure Highlands

April, Dennis, Elise, Kaitlin, Adrian, Gianna & Nico

Sunday 2nd June – Saturday 8th June 2024

Number of Travellers: 7
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Overview

The renowned novel “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson is often regarded as a timeless adventure tale for young readers. What many are unaware of is that Stevenson penned this classic within the picturesque landscapes of Cairngorms National Park back in 1881! Inspired by this literary heritage, we’ve crafted an exceptional family adventure holiday, blending thrilling activities, secluded islands, and the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park to deliver an unforgettable experience for all ages. You’ll explore ancient castles, marvel at stunning vistas, and partake in sea kayaking, canoeing, and mountain biking amidst the enchanting Scottish Highlands – a region steeped in folklore and mystery.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Sunday 2nd June | Travel to Fort William & Glencoe | Overnight: Glencoe

Day 2 | Monday 3rd June | Canoeing in the Great Glen | Overnight: Glencoe

Day 3 | Tuesday 4th June | Sea Kayaking to Desert Islands | Overnight: Glencoe

Day 4 | Wednesday 5th June | Travel to the Cairngorms | Overnight: Kingussie

Day 5 | Thursday 6th June | Mountain Biking in the Cairngorms | Overnight: Kingussie

Day 6 | Friday 7th June | Hiking in the Cairngorms | Overnight: Kingussie

Day 7 | Saturday 8th June | Depart

Highlights

  • An action-packed family adventure holiday visiting both the beautiful west coast and the spectacular Cairngorms National Park.
  • Enjoy lots of family-friendly activities, all suitable for beginners, including sea kayaking, mountain biking, canoeing, wildlife watching and a treasure hunt.
  • Learn about the great outdoors and the natural environment from our expert guides.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Sunday 2nd June - Travel to Fort William & Glencoe

This is a self-drive itinerary so you make your way towards Fort William in the West Highlands. If you are coming from Edinburgh or Glasgow, you can drive via the stunning Glencoe valley. Or, if you are starting from Inverness, you will drive along the banks of Loch Ness. Settle into your B&B accommodation, perched on the banks of Loch Linnhe, ready for adventure tomorrow.

Overnight: Glencoe | Holly Tree Hotel
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Monday 3rd June - Canoeing in the Great Glen

A fun day which starts and finishes near Fort William. Collect your canoe equipment and start with a canal-side briefing on how to paddle canoes. Then jump in and paddle north up the canal, enjoying the easy paddling on the calm canal waters and the beautiful views of the hills, including the north face of Ben Nevis – the highest peak in Scotland. On reaching Gairlochy you’ll be collected and transferred back to the start point. Fort William.

Overnight: Glencoe | Holly Tree Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Canoeing the Great Glen Read More +

Activity: Canoeing the Great Glen
Rockhopper Sea Kayaking: Rockhopper Sea Kayaking
Start Location: Rockhopper HQ, Unit 17, Annat Industrial Estate, Corpach, PH33 7NA | Start Time: 10:00
Phone: +44(0)7739 837 344 | Website: https://www.rockhopperscotland.co.uk

Day 3 - Tuesday 4th June - Sea Kayaking to Desert Islands

Today we take to the water to try sea kayaking on this beautiful coastline. The normal location is in the Sound of Arisaig but this may vary depending on sea conditions. The Sound of Arisaig has lots of tiny desert islands, quite possibly with hidden treasure buried somewhere! This beautiful stretch of water offers excellent sea kayaking in fairly sheltered waters. It is also an excellent place for seeing marine wildlife such as seals, otters or even dolphins. There will be plenty of breaks during the day to ensure that no-one gets too tired. Late afternoon, return to your accommodation, perhaps stopping in Fort William for a bite to eat.

Overnight: Glencoe | Holly Tree Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Sea Kayaking to Desert Islands Read More +

Activity: Sea Kayaking to Desert Islands
Rockhopper Sea Kayaking: Rockhopper Sea Kayaking
Start Location: The Arisaig Hotel, Main Road, Arisaig, PH39 4NH | Start Time: 09:30
Phone: +44(0)7739 837 344 | Website: https://www.rockhopperscotland.co.uk

Day 4 - Wednesday 5th June - Travel to the Cairngorms

Embark on a captivating self-guided journey from Fort William to Aviemore, winding through the stunning Scottish Highlands. Begin by tracing the shores of Loch Linnhe and Loch Lochy, soaking in breathtaking views of rugged peaks and tranquil waters. Along the way, perhaps make a notable stop at the Highland Folk Museum near Newtonmore, an open-air museum showcasing Highland life through the ages with reconstructed buildings and immersive exhibits. Alternatively, consider a detour to the Highland Wildlife Park, home to native Scottish wildlife and exotic species in a natural setting. Arriving in Kingussie a little later this afternoon, settle into your comfortable accommodation and relax as a family.

Overnight: Kingussie | The Seelies
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Thursday 6th June - Mountain Biking in the Cairngorms

This morning, meet your guide for a morning hike before enjoying a spot of lunch. After, get kitted out and set off for a mountain bike trip through the ancient Caledonian Pine Forests of Rothiemurchus Estate. These forests are well-known for wildlife, which includes red deer, reindeer, ospreys, golden eagles and cute red squirrels – though it’s not always easy to spot! We’ll take our mountain bikes on an off-road journey through the ancient forests, seeking out the wildlife as we ride. The trails are suitable for all abilities and pass through spectacular scenery.

Overnight: Kingussie | The Seelies
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Mountain Biking & Hiking in the Cairngorms Read More +

Activity: Mountain Biking & Hiking in the Cairngorms
Wilderness Scotland: Alan MacBeth
Start Location: The Seelies, 15-17 High Street, Kingussie, Highland, PH21 1HS | Start Time: 09:30
Phone: +44(0)7960 181 321

Day 5 - Breakfast Details Read More +

Cafe: The Sugar Bowl | Location: 30 High St, Kingussie, PH21 1HR
Phone: +44(0)1540 661 641

The Seelies are self-catering apartments, however, as part of the package, breakfast is included in the cafe just across the road called The Sugar Bowl. Breakfast is available from 8:00 am during the week. No reservations are needed so just head on over in the morning and enjoy something tasty ahead of an action packed day.

Day 6 - Friday 7th June - 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, perhaps enjoy a drink in a Highland pub while listening to some traditional folk music.

Overnight: Kingussie | The Seelies
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Hiking in the Cairngorms Read More +

Activity: Hiking in the Cairngorms
Wilderness Scotland: Alan MacBeth
Start Location: The Seelies, 15-17 High Street, Kingussie Highland, PH21 1HS | Start Time: 09:30
Phone: +44(0)7960 181 321

Day 6 - Breakfast Details Read More +

Cafe: The Sugar Bowl | Location: 30 High St, Kingussie, PH21 1HR
Phone: +44(0)1540 661 641

The Seelies are self-catering apartments, however, as part of the package, breakfast is included in the cafe just across the road called The Sugar Bowl. Breakfast is available from 8:00 am during the week. No reservations are needed so just head on over in the morning and enjoy something tasty ahead of an action packed day.

Day 7 - Saturday 8th June - Depart

After breakfast, you can then begin your journey home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Breakfast Details Read More +

Cafe: The Sugar Bowl | Location: 30 High St, Kingussie, PH21 1HR
Phone: +44(0)1540 661 641

The Seelies are self-catering apartments, however, as part of the package, breakfast is included in the cafe just across the road called The Sugar Bowl. Breakfast is available from 8:00 am during the week. No reservations are needed so just head on over in the morning and enjoy something tasty before bringing your trip to a close and continuing your onward travel.

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 7
  • Breakfast each day
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide on Days 3, 4, 6 & 7
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 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
Important Additional Information Read More

Get in Touch

Tel: 866 740 3890

Email Chris

Accommodation

Holly Tree Hotel

Kentallen Pier | Glencoe | Argyll |
PA38 4BY | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 1631 740292
Web: hollytreehotel.co.uk

The Seelies

15-17 High Street | Kingussie | Highland |
PH21 1HS | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 7745 921431
Web: theseelies.co.uk

Meet Your Guide

Alan MacBeth

Contact Number: +44(0)7960 181 321

I live in Inverness with my young family and I am a Gaelic speaker. When I’m not guiding, you may spot me hiking or biking up a Scottish mountain or out on a family walk in the beautiful Highlands and Islands. I have over 25 years experience of in hiking, climbing and biking the mountains of Scotland and beyond. I have completed all 282 of Scotland’s Munro mountains as well as scaling Mont Blanc and the Dent du Geant in the Alps.

Full Web Bio

Virtuoso

Family Adventure – Treasure Highlands

Sunday 2nd June – Saturday 8th June 2024