Saturday 5th October – Tuesday 15th October 2024
On arrival in Glasgow Airport you will pick up your self-arranged rental car and start your journey north. Enjoy the scenery becoming more mountainous as you go.
Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe Inn
Room Type: Classic Double Loch View
Meals Included: None
Free day to explore locally – maybe head down to Oban and admire the views out to the island castles
Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe Inn
Room Type: Classic Double Loch View
Meals Included: Breakfast
Full free day to follow your curiosity locally.
Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe Inn
Room Type: Classic Double Loch View
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you’ll make your own way along the stunning Road to the Isles, this is frequently listed as one of the most beautiful drives in the world and it is easy to see why. Pass Glenfinnan monument and take a moment to think of the doomed Jacobite rebellion before heading onward past the scenic white beaches of Arisaig.
At the fishing port of Mallaig you will carefully board the ferry for the short journey over the sea to Skye. Then enjoy the views as you wend your way north to Portree, where your hotel enjoys sweeping views out over the coast.
Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Premier Room With SeaView
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you make your own way over the Skye bridge heading towards Inverness. You may wish to visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Set on it’s private island in a sea loch, this is an image that many people around the world have admired. Then carry on, choosing your own route towards your welcoming hotel.
Overnight: Near Inverness | Boath House
Room Type: Grand Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you have a full day of hiking with an expert guide in the Cairngorm mountains. There are many different options to choose from and your guide will advise you on the best choices based on the weather and what you want to explore. This mountain range boasts 5 out of 6 of the highest peaks in the UK, so you can choose if you want to head up onto the peaks or stay lower down in the romantic Caledonian pine forests and glens.
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel so that all you have to worry about is enjoying the superb hiking on offer.
Overnight: Near Inverness | Boath House
Room Type: Grand Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today you head deep into the Cairngorms National Park following the ‘Snow Road’. There are several intriguing art installations along the way, all inviting you to focus on certain views in this wild landscape.
You could choose to meet up with your hiking guide for an exploration along the way. There are some great shorter routes which are local favourites.
Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast
Superb hiking options abound in Royal Deeside and you will be spoilt for choice with all the possible routes. Together with your guide you will decide on an option which suits your preferred level of challenge, energy, and the weather. Your guide will do the driving today, allowing you to relax and enjoy the incredible scenery and hiking.
Perhaps hike around the sparkling waters of Loch Muick, where the mountains of the Cairngorms rise up from the loch shores. This beautiful location has a long standing association with the British Royal family and a pretty hunting lodge built for Queen Victoria sits on the northern shore. Admire the atmospheric crags and corries of Lochnagar mountain which Lord Byron immortalised in verse, including the line “I sigh for the valley of dark Lochnagar”.
Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Take a fascinating stroll with your guide in the Balmoral Estate this morning, which has been one of the favourite retreats of the Royal Family since it was bought for Queen Victoria in 1852. Wind your way through the woodland to visit some of the unique memorial cairns erected by the royals over the years, including a pyramid dedicated to Prince Albert.
At lunchtime your guide will wave farewell and this afternoon you are free to explore the charming streets of Braemar village and the local area at your leisure.
Note: the Royal Cairns hike may not be possible if the Royal Family are in residence at Balmoral Castle. If this is the case then your guide will discuss alternative with you (of which there are many superb options!).
Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you depart the Cairngorms National Park as you head to Edinburgh for your final night in Scotland. Dropping off your self-arranged rental car to leave you free to head out and explore the local culinary offerings.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Rutland Hotel
Room Type: Castle View Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations in Scotland.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Note:
The majority of hiking in Scotland is often on rough and unmarked trails, so generally requires knowledge of how to use a map and compass and the right equipment. We do not recommend hiking by yourselves. Please note that your guide will discuss the route options and safety requirements with you and advise which routes will suit your requirements best. There is a huge range of options to explore in these locations, and your expert guide will ensure that each day with them is flexible and can be personalised to your requirements.
Please also note that the weather in October can be very varied and the right attire is essential. This includes warm layers, hiking boots and full waterproofs over layers.
Please see our booking terms here.
Saturday 5th October – Tuesday 15th October 2024