Final Information - Scottish Discoveries

Dave Harrison & Haly Peper

Thursday 11th July – Friday 19th July 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Thursday 11th July | Welcome to Scotland | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 2 | Friday 12th July | Travel North | Overnight: Pitlochry

Day 3 | Saturday 13th July | Hike Perthshire | Overnight: Pitlochry

Day 4 | Sunday 14th July | Scenic Highland Hikes | Overnight: Pitlochry

Day 5 | Monday 15th July | Transfer to the West Coast | Overnight: Benderloch

Day 6 | Tuesday 16th July | Hike Fort William/ Glencoe | Overnight: Benderloch

Day 7 | Wednesday 17th July | Transfer to the Cairngorms | Overnight: Braemar

Day 8 | Thursday 18th July | A Day at Leisure | Overnight: Braemar

Day 9 | Friday 19th July | Depart

Day by Day

Day 1 - Thursday 11th July - Welcome to Scotland

On arrival at the airport, you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your luxurious city centre hotel. Your room will be available for check-in upon your arrival. Choose to relax at the hotel or head out to explore this unique city.

Please speak with the helpful hotel concierge team for recommendations, should you wish to explore.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: x1 Executive Old Town View Room
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: Air Canada | Flight Number: YYZ
Arrival Airport: Edinburgh | Arrival Time: 06:50

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2707874
Pick Up Location: Edinburgh Airport | Pick Up Time: 06:50 | Approx Duration: 0.5 hrs
Phone: +44 (0)141 883 2111

You will receive contact details for the chauffeur as an SMS 30 minutes prior to the reservation taking place. If you are unable to locate your chauffeur, please call the mobile number provided, or call the Little’s Office on +44(0)141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Ondine Restaurant, Edinburgh | Location: Ondine Restaurant 2 George IV Bridge Edinburgh EH1 1AD
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: Harrison
Phone: +44(0)131 226 1888 | Website: https://www.ondinerestaurant.co.uk/

Please note that this is a table reservation only, please pay directly.

Day 2 - Friday 12th July - Travel North

Meet your guide this morning, who will be with you for the next few days. Travel together from the bustling city, towards the highlands of Pitlochry. Stop off to visit Stirling Castle and enjoy lunch before an afternoon hike. Perhaps visit the Hermitage near Dunkeld. This historic woodland, known for its towering Douglas firs and picturesque waterfalls, offers a perfect spot for a refreshing hike. Wander along well-marked trails leading to Ossian’s Hall, where you can marvel at the Black Linn Falls. Continue your journey to Pitlochry, where the charming town and its surrounding landscapes await your discovery.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Room Type: x1 Castle Signature Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 2 - Guide Details - Mungo Ross Read More +

Name: Mungo Ross
Contact Number: +44(0)7887 617 572
Meeting Place: The Balmoral Hotel, Reception | Meeting Time: 09:00

Your guide will meet you in your hotel reception.

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Fonab Castle, Pitlochry
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: 3XE43733
Phone: +44(0)1796 470 140 | Website: http://www.fonabcastlehotel.com/

Please note that this is a table reservation only, please pay directly.

Day 3 - Saturday 13th July - Hike Perthshire

Pitlochry, nestled in the heart of Perthshire, offers an array of picturesque walking routes that cater to all levels of hikers. From a leisurely stroll along the River Tummel and surrounding woodlands; to climbing Ben Vrackie to gain stunning vistas of the Highland scenery. Your guide will discuss options for today with you, to suit your energy levels and weather.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Room Type: x1 Castle Signature Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Sunday 14th July - Scenic Highland Hikes

This morning another day of hiking awaits you. Venture into the majestic Cairngorms, offering a plethora of trails amidst some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery. Alternatively, you might opt to tackle the nearby Schiehallion, a prominent peak known for its distinctive conical shape and rewarding summit views.

After your adventurous hike, you can look forward to returning to your luxurious hotel to refresh and wind down.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Room Type: x1 Castle Signature Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Monday 15th July - Transfer to the West Coast

Leaving Pitlochry behind, embark on a journey westward through Scotland’s breathtaking mountainous landscapes. En route, you have the option to stop for a hike in one of several stunning locations, from Loch Tay to the Trossachs, there are so many landscapes to hike.

As you continue your journey, the scenic drive will take you past serene lochs and rugged hills, eventually leading to your luxurious accommodation on the Isle of Eriska. Here, surrounded by the natural beauty of this private island, have time to stroll the grounds and coastline.

Overnight: Benderloch | Isle of Eriska
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Isle of Eriska
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: Harrison

Please note that this is a table reservation only, please pay directly.

Day 6 - Tuesday 16th July - Hike Fort William/ Glencoe

Today’s options will be discussed with your guide, taking into account weather conditions and energy levels. You might consider heading north to the highland town of Fort William and tackling the iconic Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK, offering a challenging yet rewarding ascent with panoramic views from the summit. Alternatively, explore the majestic trails of Glencoe, where dramatic peaks and glens offer something for everyone.

After your adventure, return to your hotel to indulge in a much-earned culinary delight at your island retreat.

Overnight: Benderloch | Isle of Eriska
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Isle of Eriska
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: Harrison

Please note that this is a table reservation only, please pay directly.

Day 7 - Wednesday 17th July - Transfer to the Cairngorms

Enjoy a scenic drive from the West Highlands to the highland village of Braemar in the  Cairngorms National Park.( Approximately 3/3.5 hours) Depending on energy levels, enjoy a short hike en route, or simply relax and journey on to your destination.

Your guide will depart this evening, leaving you to enjoy your last day at leisure.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: x1 Nature & Poetry
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Balmoral Arms, Ballater | Location: 13-15 Victoria Road Ballater Aberdeenshire AB35 5RA Scotland
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: Harrison
Phone: +44(0)1339 755413 | Website: https://www.crerarhotels.com/balmoral-arms/

Please note that this is a table reservation only, please pay directly.

Day 8 - Thursday 18th July - A Day at Leisure

Today is for you to rest and relax. Spend time at your stylish retreat, or perhaps take a stroll around the highland village.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: x1 Nature & Poetry
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Darroch Learg Hotel | Location: 56 Braemar Road Ballater, Aberdeenshire AB35 5UX Scotland
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: Harrison
Phone: +44(0)13397 55443 | Website: https://www.darrochlearg.co.uk/

Please note that this is a table reservation only, please pay directly.

Day 9 - Friday 19th July - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation this morning and take you to the airport to make your onward connections (approx 2.5 hours drive time). Waving farewell for now; taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2707875
Pick Up Location: The Fife Arms, Reception | Pick Up Time: 03:00 | Approx Duration: 3 hrs
Phone: +44 (0)141 883 2111

Departing transfer for Dave.

You will receive contact details for the chauffeur as an SMS 30 minutes prior to the reservation taking place. If you are unable to locate your chauffeur, please call the mobile number provided, or call the Little’s Office on +44(0)141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 9 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: Air Canada | Flight Number: YYZ
Departure Airport: Edinburgh | Departure Time: 09:00

Departure details for Dave.

Day 9 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: Air France | Flight Number: 1387
Departure Airport: Edinburgh | Departure Time: 14:20

Departure details for Haly.

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • Pre night for early arrival in the 11th
  • 8 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 2 to Day 7 inclusive
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by your guide on guided days
  • Private Airport Transfer on Arrival Day, includes Meet & Greet
  • Private Airport Transfer on Departure Day (Braemar to Edinburgh)
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Admission – Stirling Castle
    • 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

Activities are only private if specifically stated.

 

Notes On Weather & Flexibility

Weather – July in Scotland can be a very wide range of weather, and very changeable. Suitable clothing and footwear is essential, as well as a flexible attitude. Plans may have to be changed to accommodate Mother Nature, and your guide will have back-up plans that they will discuss with you if required.

 

Essential Packing List

  • Waterproof jacket with hood
  • Waterproof over-pants
  • Sturdy footwear for hiking
  • Day pack 20-30 litre for carrying water and extra layers
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Warm layers, including warm hat and gloves
  • Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Smart casual attire for dinners

 

Tipping Guidelines

For tipping our guides – We don’t generally recommend a set amount as tipping is not expected in the same way that it is in North America. However, similar North American travel companies generally suggest something along the lines of £10-30 per person per day for your guide, which is a wide range to choose from. Generally, we would encourage you to ask yourself what you were expecting from your guide, and then think about how they have exceeded those expectations and choose an amount you are comfortable with.

For local services such as restaurants again tipping is not expected but if you receive great service then 10-15% of the bill is normal.

Important Contact Numbers Read More
Wilderness Scotland Office | 9:00am – 5:30pm BST

UK: +44 (0)1479 420 020
US: 866 740 3890

Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am BST

+44 (0)7766 794 640

Emergency Services

999

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Accommodation

The Balmoral Hotel

1 Princes Street | Edinburgh |
EH2 2EQ | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)131 556 2414
Web: roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel

Fonab Castle Hotel

Foss Road | Pitlochry | Perthshire |
PH16 5ND | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1796 470140
Web: fonabcastlehotel.com

Isle of Eriska

Benderloch | Near Oban |
PA37 1SD | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1631 720 371
Web: eriska-hotel.co.uk

The Fife Arms

Mar Rd | Braemar | Royal Deeside |
AB35 5YL | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1339 720 200
Web: thefifearms.com

Meet Your Guide

Mungo Ross

Contact Number: +44(0)7887 617 572

Having had the most extraordinary good fortune and privilege to travel on adventures and lead expeditions to all seven continents, allowing me to become more familiar with the Khumbu Valley in Nepal than the Lairig Ghru in the Cairngorms, I am still as passionate as ever to share my enthusiasm for my home country, Scotland.

Whether travelling on skis or snowboard; by kayak, canoe, raft, boat or windsurfer; shod in rock-shoes or snow-shoes or equipped with ice axe and crampons – whether out on my own, with friends, or leading and teaching others, I am still often not able to tell the difference between days of work or play.

Virtuoso

Final Information – Scottish Discoveries

Thursday 11th July – Friday 19th July 2024