Stanley Family Adventures in Scotland

Day 1 - Friday 6^th June - Welcome to Edinburgh

Today Kate and Annie arrive in the architecturally stunning city of Edinburgh today and settle into your lovely accommodation. This afternoon meet your city guide in the foyer of your hotel and head out for a half day spent exploring the beautiful cobblestone streets of the city. Full of history, the capital is very accessible by foot. Wander up the Royal Mile, stopping to visit the architecturally stunning St Giles Cathedral, and enjoy panoramic views from Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy your first night swapping stories of the fun you had in the city over dinner.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Tigerlily
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Saturday 7^th June - Edinburgh to the Cairngorms

After breakfast, take an early train out of Edinburgh north to Scotland’s Highland Capital of Inverness. As the train winds north from Edinburgh to Inverness, the scenery unfolds in breathtaking layers: rolling green hills give way to rugged mountains, shimmering lochs mirror the skies, and patches of dense forest blanket the land, while distant castles and quaint villages appear like timeless guardians of the misty Highlands. Once in Inverness your guide will meet you and after introductions we will head to Culloden Battlefield to explore the historic battlefield where the 1745 Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end. From here we will had to the Eastern Cairngorms and your luxurious and unique accommodation for the next two nights at the Fife Arms.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Sunday 8^th June - Exploring Balmoral Estate

This morning after breakfast, head out with your guide for a stunning hike in the beautiful Balmoral Estate. A Highland residence of the Royal Family since it was bought for Queen Victoria in 1852, walk through the ancient Caledonian pine forests, listening out for the white-water rush of a river and the bright sing-song call of a blackbird. Whether you fancy a mellow circular walk or a more demanding high-level stomp, your guide will be able to suggest the perfect option for you. After lunch, enjoy a tour of the castle and a glimpse into royal life set against Scotland’s stunning natural beauty. Once you have finished exploring your guide will transfer you back to the Fife Arms for your final night.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Monday 9^th June - Journey north to the Cairngorm National Park

After a hearty breakfast,  bid farewell to the Fife Arms and from here head South to meet Clayton and John they will be transferred by private car to meet you.  From here your guide will take you on a scenic drive, absorbing the breathtaking landscapes en route and perhaps stop to stretch your legs en route to Straloch and the venue for a fabulous picnic in a lunch hut up in the hills. Over some delicious food in a spectacular location you can catch up with each other on your adventures of the past few days and look forward to the days ahead.

After a wonderful lunch you will enjoy the walk down hill from the hut and enjoy the views all around.  Your guide will take you onwards from here to settle into your boutique accommodation for the next three nights at Old Manse of Blair.

Overnight: Blair Atholl | The Old Manse of Blair
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Tuesday 10^th June - Perthshire Hiking and explore the Crannog Centre

This morning you will head off with your guide for a hike the are many options whether you opt for the Birks of Aberfeldy, a lovely woodland trail that follows the Moness Burn, offering waterfalls, lush greenery, and panoramic views, as well as the gentle climb up Weem Hill for picturesque vistas of the town and surrounding Highlands. After some lunch, we will explore the crannog  centre. This roundhouse (perched on stilts in the water) is a reconstructed iron age dwelling. Learn about what life would have been like for people living here over 2500 years ago.

Your guide can drop you into the enchanting town of Pitlochry in the late afternoon  where you can browse the small range of artisan  shops and galleries before heading back to your peaceful accommodation.

Overnight: Blair Atholl | The Old Manse of Blair
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Wednesday 11^th June - Explore Perthshire

After breakfast, your guide will discuss hiking options for this morning .  There are many walking options in the picturesque Perthshire countryside through its myriad hiking trails, offering diverse landscapes and breathtaking vistas. Whether you seek a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek, Perthshire’s hiking options promise unforgettable experiences amidst nature’s splendor. This afternoon you will take  tour of nearby Blair Castle and grounds with it’s beautiful walled garden, enjoy exploring the charm of this Scottish estate together. Your guide will take you back to your accommodation for your final evening in Perthshire.

Overnight: Blair Atholl | The Old Manse of Blair
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Thursday 12^th June - Back to Edinburgh

Enjoy  your final breakfast in Scotland before your guide transfers you  back to Edinburgh airport for your onward flight.

Meals Included: Breakfast