Durkin - Winter Highlands

Erin Durkin & Co

Thursday 2nd January – Monday 6th January 2025

Number of Travellers: 7
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

Day by Day

Day 1 - Thursday 2nd January - Into the Highlands

After breakfast, head to Waverley Train Station; the only station in the world to be named after a novel. As you journey north, you’ll pass through small towns, pastoral landscapes and wild moors before reaching the Cairngorms National Park. On arrival, meet your Wilderness Scotland guide for the next stage of your adventure on a short but spectacular walk. The Uath Lochans, known locally as the Paw Print Lochans, are a hive of biodiversity. Raised boardwalks wind through reedy marshlands. Climbing a short way to Farleitter Crag, this small hill offers incredible elevated views of the water, forest and surrounding Cairngorm Mountains. Relax into your accommodation this evening and enjoy your first Highland dinner.

Overnight: Aviemore | Ravenscraig Guest House
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Friday 3rd January - Unique Foodie & Whisky Workshop

Set out into the whisky hills to a private remote kitchen this morning and spend a fascinating day in the home and kitchen of the charismatic writer, broadcaster and ‘food anthropologist’ Ghillie Basan. Set in an idyllic location you will discover a colourful and well stocked kitchen with inspiring views over the local hills. Ghillie will guide you in cooking a delicious feast (including local ingredients foraged from the surrounding hills) while you share stories and learn about the dishes you are creating.

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

Day 3 - Saturday 4th January - 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 choosing 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. This evening, enjoy a drink and dinner in a cosy Highland pub.

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

Day 4 - Sunday 5th January - The Drovers Road & The Faeries Lochain

After a relaxing breakfast meet your guide and make your way to Glenmore and the starting point of our walk, which takes us over the Ryvoan pass. This was part of an old droving road through to Glenmore forest which has spectacular views of the Cairngorm mountains. Our route passes the unique green coloured ‘Lochain Uaine’ where the faeries wash their clothes. If the weather is clear and you feel adventurous, you could head further up onto the nearby summit to enjoy the expansive views across the Spey Valley.

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

Day 5 - Monday 6th January - Depart for Edinburgh

After breakfast, your guide will take you to the train station where you can board your train south, returning to Edinburgh for your onward travels.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 5
  • Most meals as indicated above
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 1 to Day 5
  • Ground transportation from Day 1 to Day 5 (excluding train travel to/from Edinburgh)
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Private food and whisky experience with esteemed chef Ghillie Basan
  • 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
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
Pricing Read More

The price of this trip is £2,095 per person and is based on availability at the time of booking.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Get in Touch

Tel: 0044 1479 420 020

Email Bridget

Accommodation

Ravenscraig Guest House

141 Grampian Road | Aviemore |
PH22 1RP | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1479 810278
Web: ravenscraighouse.co.uk

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Durkin – Winter Highlands

Thursday 2nd January – Monday 6th January 2025