Havlak Group - Self Drive - Cairngorms National Park

Dirk, Dixie, Richard, Nancy, Scott and Connie

Thursday 2nd May – Monday 6th May 2024

Number of Travellers:  6
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

Overview

Covering over 4,500km2 and with 5 out of the 6 highest peaks in the UK the Cairngorms National Park is the largest in the UK. Home to wild mountains and glens, beautiful lochs and winding rivers as well as rare and endangered wildlife, there is much to discover and enjoy during your nature-based self-driving short break.

As you hike, cycle and paddle through the varied landscape you will experience each day from a different perspective, safe in the company of your expert guide. Spend your evenings in warm and welcoming Highland accommodation and enjoy fresh local produce. Learn about the rich history and culture of the Cairngorms by visiting historical sites and museums in your free time.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Thursday 2nd May | Travel to the Cairngorms | Overnight: Aviemore

Day 2 | Friday 3rd May | Guided Hiking in the Cairngorms | Overnight: Aviemore

Day 3 | Saturday 4th May | Guided Biking in the Cairngorms | Overnight: Aviemore

Day 4 | Sunday 5th May | Canoeing the Lochs | Overnight: Aviemore

Day 5 | Monday 6th May | Depart

Highlights

  • Discover the majesty of the mountains and lochs of the Cairngorms National Park
  • Enjoy a combination of hiking, cycling and paddling through the heart of the Cairngorms
  • Seek out the native wildlife
  • Explore at your own pace with self-guided options and time to relax

Day by Day

Day 1 - Thursday 2nd May - Travel to the Cairngorms

Make your way through scenic mountain landscapes and native woodlands into the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Your destination is the Strathspey valley where you will have time to explore the surroundings, visit some of the small towns and villages or simply enjoy a short walk to stretch your legs before settling into your accommodation at The Rowan Tree.

Overnight: Aviemore | The Rowan Tree Country House Hotel
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Rowan Tree Hotel Restaurant
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 (0) 1479 810207

Dinner reservations have been made on your behalf. If you wish to make alternative arrangements please contact the hotel to do so. You may need to reference Wilderness Scotland when speaking with them.

Day 2 - Friday 3rd May - Guided Hiking in the Cairngorms

The Cairngorm mountain range boasts five out of six of the highest peaks in the UK as well as miles of awe-inspiring native Caledonian pine forests, tumbling rivers and magical lochs. There are numerous fantastic hikes to choose from and along with your guide Scotty, you’ll decide what suits best based on how much you feel like taking on today. There are many delights to discover at any difficulty level. If you’re keen to stay lower there is a fine short walk round one of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland, complete with a ruined island castle.

Overnight: Aviemore | The Rowan Tree Country House Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Guide Details - Scott McNeish Read More +

Name: Scott McNeish
Contact Number: +44 (0)7533356572
Meeting Place: Rowan Tree Hotel | Meeting Time: 09:00

Scotty will meet you at reception this morning at 9am.

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: La Taverna | Location: 1 Grampian Rd, Aviemore PH22 1PT
Reservation Time: 18:00
Phone: +44 (0) 1479 810683 | Website: https://www.latavernaaviemore.com/

Dinner reservations have been made on your behalf for yourselves and your guide. If you would prefer to make alternative arrangements or dine as a private group please let me know.

Day 3 - Saturday 4th May - Guided Biking in the Cairngorms

Meet Scotty at reception again this morning at 9.30am for a bike fitting before heading out on your cycling adventure. Trail riding is a great way to explore deep into the landscape and the route will be tailored to your experience and the distance you want to cover. Choose a gentle forest ride, land-rover trails or technical single tracks. You’ll ride through spectacular scenery on some of our favourite local routes. Today is guaranteed to be a fun and exciting way to experience the wild Cairngorm landscape. Confirm with Scotty what time you would like to meet at your accommodation for the morning.

Overnight: Aviemore | The Rowan Tree Country House Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Old Bridge Inn | Location: Dalfaber Road, Aviemore, PH22 1PU
Reservation Time: 18:00
Phone: +44 (0)1479 811137 | Website: https://www.oldbridgeinn.co.uk/

Dinner reservations have been made on your behalf for yourselves and your guide. If you would prefer to make alternative arrangements or dine as a private group please let me know.

Day 4 - Sunday 5th May - Canoeing the Lochs

Enjoy some guided canoeing today on the shores of a beautiful loch surrounded by native forest. Under the expert tuition of Scotty, you’ll practise different strokes and get comfortable before venturing out to explore the water and shoreline. Canoeing provides you with a unique opportunity to view this wild, mountainous corner of Scotland from a different perspective as well as the chance to spot wildlife. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the national park at your own pace. Options include an open-air museum, a Highland safari park, or sites of historical interest. Scotty will be able to help with recommendations if you’re undecided.

Overnight: Aviemore | The Rowan Tree Country House Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Rowan Tree Hotel Restaurant
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: + 44 (0) 1479 810207

Dinner reservations have been made on your behalf. If you wish to make alternative arrangements please contact the hotel to do so. You may need to reference Wilderness Scotland when speaking with them.

Day 5 - Monday 6th May - Depart

After a free morning to relax and explore you can start your homeward journey.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 4 nights accommodation with breakfast each day
  • 1 day of guided hiking with a qualified and experienced Wilderness Scotland Guide
  • 1 day of guided mountain biking plus equipment hire, led by a qualified and experienced Wilderness Scotland Guide
  • 1 day of guided canoeing plus equipment hire, led by a qualified and experienced Wilderness Scotland Guide
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Expert local suggestions for restaurants and activities
  • Detailed trip itinerary and map
  • Pre-trip care and 24 hour in country support from the Wilderness team
Notes Read More

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you require any assistance or support prior to or during your trip then please contact our office on the details below:

Wilderness Scotland Dalfaber Drive Aviemore PH22 1ST

E‐Mail: [email protected] Tel: +44(0)1479 420020.

The Wilderness Scotland out-of-office hours number is +44 (0)7766 794640.

Please only call this number for things that cannot wait until the office is open again.

Important Additional Information Read More

Accommodation

The Rowan Tree Country House Hotel

Loch Alvie | Aviemore | Highlands |
PH22 1QB | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 1479 810207
Web: rowantreehotel.com

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Meet Your Guide

Scott McNeish

Contact Number: +44 (0)7533 356 572

I work within the operations team at Wilderness Scotland and am incredibly lucky to be able to be part of the guiding team too.  After a nomadic childhood growing up in Austria, Hong Kong, Norway, and Canada I caught the bug for adventure travel and have spent a lifetime skiing, climbing and canoeing and have been lucky enough to join trips all over the world.

Following a career in the Royal Air Force I settled in the Highlands and love the wildness of a winter’s day out in the Cairngorms. To me, Scotland is the world ‘distilled’ into one great mini adventure playground and offers so much I just need to keep exploring it.

Full Web Bio

Virtuoso

Havlak Group – Self Drive – Cairngorms National Park

Thursday 2nd May – Monday 6th May 2024