MacKenzie - A Scottish Adventure

September 2024

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes, starting with a warm welcome at Glenapp Castle Hotel on the west coast. Accompanied by your Wilderness guide, relish scenic walks along sea cliffs, explore Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, and indulge in award-winning dinners. Traverse to Fort William, stopping by Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Rannoch Moor, and Inverlochy Castle for a taste of Scotland’s beauty and history. Venture into Glencoe for invigorating hikes amidst dramatic scenery before journeying eastward to Cairngorms National Park. Here, explore the park’s expansive landscapes and enjoy whisky tasting, local hikes, and traditional folk music. Conclude your adventure with a reflective stroll amid ancient pines before departing from Edinburgh or Glasgow, filled with memories of a week filled with exploration and discovery.

Highlights

  • Traverse Scotland's rugged coastlines and visit Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, perched dramatically on sea cliffs, for a taste of maritime history.
  • Embark on scenic hikes through Glencoe's majestic landscape, where jagged peaks and hidden valleys reveal centuries-old tales of the Macdonald clan.
  • Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Cairngorms National Park, exploring ancient forests and tasting local whisky amidst stunning mountain vistas.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Welcome to Scotland

Arriving in Scotland, meet your Wilderness guide and transfer to the luxurious Glenapp Castle Hotel on the beautiful west coast of Scotland. Travelling by vehicle, there are plenty of things to see along the way – perhaps accompany your guide on a scenic ramble to stretch your legs or explore a local village. On arrival, relax into your comfort before cosy aperitifs around the fire and a delicious award-winning dinner.

Overnight: Ballantrae | Glenapp Castle
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Lighthouse Keeping

After a leisurely breakfast, join your guide on a stunning walk along the sea cliffs to Scotland’s most southerly point, Mull of Galloway Lighthouse. Perched on the edge of the headland, with waves crashing in from below, it was first lit in 1830 and remains a guiding light today. Explore the exhibition, perhaps enjoying tea and sticky gingerbread, before returning to Glenapp Castle this afternoon. Choose to head out for a bit more sightseeing with your guide or enjoy the afternoon relaxing at your hotel.

Overnight: Ballantrae | Glenapp Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Travel to Fort William

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before transferring north to the foothills of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain.  in Inverlochy Castle, a beautiful country hotel, nestled below Scotland’s highest mountain. Along the way, pass through the beautiful Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and stop off to explore some of the quaint villages along the way. Continuing north, you’ll cross the atmospheric planes of Rannoch Moor, perhaps stopping at one of Scotland’s oldest licensed inns which first opened its doors in the 18th century. Later, arrive at your luxurious cattle hotel and relax after a lovely, busy day.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Hiking in Glencoe

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before meeting your guide and heading out to explore Glencoe. The spectacular Glencoe, carved out centuries ago by glaciers and volcanic eruptions, offers some wild and scenic hiking. One great option is to hike along a narrow rowan-hung gorge until you reach the Lost Valley. This enclosed meadow – high, green, and hidden by precipitous tors, is said to be where the Macdonald clan used to conceal their rustled cattle. Surrounded by jagged peaks that shift in and out of mountain mist, visit the Glencoe Center to learn about the landscape’s haunting history.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Travel to the Cairngorms National Park

Leaving the west coast behind us, we’ll head east to the Cairngorms National Park – your home for the final few nights of your trip. Wind your way through scenic mountain landscapes and native woodlands into the heart of the 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, enjoy a tour and tasting of a local distillery followed by a short walk to stretch your legs before settling into your Highland accommodation.

Overnight: By Kingussie | Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 - 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 head out onto the alpine plateau of the Cairngorms Mountain range and bag a sought-after Munro. Or choose 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. Roam heather-covered glens and alongside jewel-like lochs for the perfect immersion into the ancient landscape. This evening, enjoy a drink in a Highland pub while listening to some traditional folk music.

Overnight: By Kingussie | Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 - A Local Loop in the Cairngorms

There are many reasons why we love being based in the Cairngorms, but this great loop is definitely one of them. A firm favourite with our team, your route takes you along quiet roads that undulate just enough to keep things interesting as you pass wooded hillsides and sparkling lochs to reach the village of Kincraig. Heading back to Aviemore, you complete the loop along a road that weaves past lochs and great mountain vistas before a final wee climb back into town. For a longer ride, it’s worth extending the loop to the small town of Kingussie. On these extra miles, you’ll pass the atmospheric ruins of Ruthven Barracks and the Insh Marshes Nature Reserve. It’s also a short detour to the Highland Folk Museum, which is well worth a visit.

Overnight: By Kingussie | Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8 - Depart

Depending on what your onward travel plans look like, you may wish to head out for a final wander among the ancient pines and rumbling rivers as a chance to reflect on a week filled with discovery. Travel south with your guide to Edinburgh or Glasgow or, opt to hop on the train from the nearby town and enjoy a scenic rail journey back to the city.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 8
  • Meals as indicated above in the itinerary
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified Wilderness guide throughout
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • 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
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
Virtuoso

MacKenzie – A Scottish Adventure

September 2024