Marek Family Highlights of Scotland - Final Information

Monday 9th June – Wednesday 18th June 2025

Number of Travellers: 3
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Overview

Final Information Document for v1 – Confirmed 22nd Jan 2025

 

On Trip;

While we hope things run smoothly for the duration of their stay, we know that unforeseen circumstances do happen and there are times when the clients may need to contact us for assistance. Please see below for ways to get in touch while on the trip;

Please note that on days with your main driver-guide, please ask your guide for assistance in the first instance. As they are best placed to answer any queries directly & in a timely manner.

Email: If you have a general question please feel free to email your Sales Consultant or Agent.
Note – Emails are monitored during office hours only.

Call us directly: Office number ++44 (0) 1479 420 120
Please note: Office hours are Mon- Fri 9:00 – 5:30

Out of Office Hours Number: +44 (0)7766 794 640 for use after 5:30pm and at the weekends.
Note: If you require immediate assistance for an issue, problem or emergency, please call or Whatsapp our Out of Office Hours Number

Day by Day

Day 1 - Monday 9th June - Welcome to Scotland!

On arrival at the airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your city centre hotel. Depending on your arrival time you can choose to relax at the hotel or head out to start exploring this unique city.

Note – Check In time is from 3pm, but reception will be happy to keep your bags safe earlier.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Gleneagles Townhouse
Room Type: 1 x Town Room & 1 x House Room (for Solo Occ)
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: British Airways | Flight Number: BA 1438
Arrival Airport: Edinburgh Airport EDI | Arrival Time: 10:30

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Little's Chauffeur Services
Pick Up Location: Edinburgh Airport Arrivals | Pick Up Time: 10:30 | Approx Duration: 45 mins
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

Your private driver will have a sign with your name on.

Transfer Company system will send contact details for the chauffeur as an SMS 30 minutes prior to the reservation taking place, to the mobile number for the travelling passenger. If the client is unable to locate our chauffeur, they must call the mobile number provided, or call the Little’s Office on +44(0)141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Grill Room at The Dome | Location: 14 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PF
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: 6ET4V6332HYZ - Irene Marek
Phone: +44 131 624 8624 | Website: https://www.thedomeedinburgh.com/

Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.

Please see the following notes from the restaurant;

Irene Marek
Monday, 9 June 2025
3 guests · 19:00 – 21:30
Please note that a £10 per person deposit has been pre-paid.
A note from us
Thank you for your reservation to dine in The Grill Room. Should your plans change, please let us know 24 hours before your reservation time. In the event of no-shows or cancellation after this time, your deposit will be retained. Full details of our deposit and cancellation policy can be found on our website.​By making a reservation at The Dome, you agree to our cancellation terms.please see our full cancellation policy Tables will only be held for 15 minutes. Should you be running late, we kindly ask you to call our reservations team to advise. Online customer requests may not be read until the day of your booking. To advise us of dietary requirements or other special requests, please contact our reservations team on 0131 624 8624. We look forward to serving you.
Cancellation Policy
We ask that any cancellation to your reservation be made no less than 24 hours prior. In event of no shows or late cancellations, your deposit will be retained.
Please use these links if you do need to manage reservation  or cancel reservation

Day 2 - Tuesday 10th June - Exploring Historic Edinburgh

This morning immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you enjoy a private walking tour with an expert local guide. Discover the highlights of this unique capital as you wander up the ‘Royal Mile’ to the mighty ancient fortress which is Edinburgh Castle itself, perched on the top of a volcanic rock overlooking the city.

Walk the ramparts atop castle rock and hear the tales of the One O’Clock gun and the stories of locals of times past. Your guide will leave you here so that you can spend as much time in the castle as you wish. You then have most of the afternoon free to continue your explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.

Finish your day with a completely different perspective as you head underground to discover a unique site. Here a narrow street fell into disrepair and ended up getting completely buried and closed off to the world back in the 1700s. It was rediscovered in 2003 and opened up to the public. As you can imagine it is a fascinating and eerie experience with many tales associated with the hidden rooms.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Gleneagles Townhouse
Room Type: 1 x Town Room & 1 x House Room (for Solo Occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Private Walking Tour Read More +

Activity: Private Walking Tour
Expert City Guide: Hannah Tait
Start Location: Your Hotel Reception | Start Time: 09:00 | Approx Duration: 4 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 7920 408 507

Includes entry to Edinburgh Castle

Day 2 - Underground Streets Tour Read More +

Activity: Underground Streets Tour
Start Location: On the Royal Mile, across from St. Giles’ Cathedral and the Mercat Cross. - The Real Mary King’s Close 2 Warriston’s Close High Street Edinburgh EH1 1PG | Start Time: 15:00 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs
Booking Reference: 41938392 - Reinnette Marek
Phone: +44 (0) 131 225 0672

MEETING LOCATION = On the Royal Mile, across from St. Giles’ Cathedral and the Mercat Cross.

Please be there 15 minutes before your tour starts.

On arrival please give your name and your booking reference 41938392

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Witchery - Original Dining Room | Location: Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2NF
Reservation Time: 18:00 | Booking Reference: BJJTDZVH - Irene Marek

Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.

Please see notes from the restaurant below;

Dear Irene Marek

This email is to confirm your reservation at The Witchery on Tuesday, 10 June 2025 at 6:00 PM.

Your reservation details are below:

Ref: BJJTDZVH
Date: Tuesday, 10 June 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Guests: 3
Area: The Original dining room
Leave Time: We respectfully require your table back by 8:50 PM

Thank you for choosing The Witchery, we look forward to welcoming you soon.

We ask for 4 hours’ notice of a cancellation or reduction in numbers and reservations that fail to give this notice will automatically incur a £50pp fee.

We respectfully require all guests to order a minimum of one main course, for any lunch or dinner reservations.

Please advise us in advance if you have any special dietary requirements. We take the utmost care to ensure that all reasonable dietary requests are accommodated when dining at The Witchery; however, due to the nature of our offering we are unable to guarantee that any item will be 100% allergen free.
Thank you for your reservation. We look forward to welcoming you to the Witchery by the Castle.

With kindest regards
The Witchery

If you need to CANCEL your reservation, please use this link to do so.

Day 3 - Wednesday 11th June - Meet Guide & Head North via National Heroes

This morning your Private Guide (who will also act as your driver) will meet you at your hotel and together you will head north. Head north this morning to the imposing Wallace Monument, which celebrates Scotland’s first national hero William Wallace. Admire the huge Wallace Sword and climb the steps to gain the beautiful vista of the surrounding hills.

There are many options for gentle strolls taking in the beautiful scenery, which your guide will bring to life for you as you travel. We would recommend continuing the theme of national heroes with a visit to the grave of Rob Roy and a short hike to the cairn summit of Creag an Tuirc, which means Hill Of The Boar. This crag is an ancient rallying point for Clan MacLaren and enjoys superb views.

Then continue north through the grand scenery of Glencoe and onward to your unique castle hotel.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Large Double & 1 x Large Double (for Solo Occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Guide Details - Andrew McMurtrie Read More +

Name: Andrew McMurtrie
Contact Number: +44 (0) 7741 314 872
Meeting Place: Your Hotel Reception | Meeting Time: 09:00

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Factors Inn Country Pub | Location: Factor's Inn and Factor's Cottage At Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Torlundy, Fort William, PH33 6SN
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: IM-11062025-01 - Irene Marek
Phone: 01397 702177 | Website: https://www.inverlochycastlehotel.com/food-drink/factorsinnpub

Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.

The pub is a short 10 minute walk from the Castle.

Please see the following notes from the restaurant;

Reservation Confirmed
Factors Inn Country Pub
Table for 3 people on Wednesday, 11 June, 2025 at 19:00
Ref #: IM-11062025-01
Name: Irene Marek
Message from Factors Inn Country Pub
Thank you for making a reservation to dine with us at Factors Inn Country Pub.

We are delighted to confirm your reservation as per the above.

We kindly ask you to advise prior to your arrival, if not already done so, of any adverse dietary requirements so that our chefs can prepare accordingly.

We would be happy to cater for your dietary requirements, however, we cannot guarantee absolute separation of allergens and cannot take responsibility for any adverse reaction that may occur.

Dinner reservations hold a 24 hour cancellation policy, should you cancel or move your table within 24 hours you will automatically be charged £10 per person.

We look forward to welcoming you to Factors Inn Country Pub

Warmest regards

Factors Inn Country Pub Team

Day 4 - Thursday 12th June - Exploring Atmospheric Glencoe

The dramatic mountains and ridges of Glencoe have featured as the backdrop in many films and once you are looking up at these summits it is easy to see why! Today you will explore this famous valley with your guide, there are plenty of options to suit every level of energy and challenge. After your hike settle down with a celebratory beverage in a traditional climbers pub and listen to local legends and fascinating tales of the dark past of Glencoe told by a local storyteller.

Your guide will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Large Double & 1 x Large Double (for Solo Occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Seasgair Dining Experience | Location: Your Hotel
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: IM-12062025-01 - Irene Marek

Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.

NOTE the dress code.

Please see the following notes from the restaurant;

Reservation Confirmed
Dining Rooms – Seasgair
Table for 3 people on Thursday, 12 June, 2025 at 19:00
Ref #: IM-12062025-01
Name: Irene Marek
Message from Dining Rooms – Seasgair
Thank you for making a reservation to dine with us at Seasgair by Michel Roux Jr, Inverlochy Castle.

We are delighted to confirm your reservation as per the above on one of our individual tables and we look forward to welcoming you.

We kindly ask you to advise prior to your arrival, if not already done so, of any adverse dietary requirements so that our chefs can prepare accordingly and ensure a menu is available to suit your needs as the menu is set.

We would be happy to cater for your dietary requirements, however, we cannot guarantee absolute separation of allergens and cannot take responsibility for any adverse reaction that may occur.

Please note, dress code is jacket for Gentlemen for dinner. 

Dinner reservations hold a 48 hour cancellation policy, should you cancel or move your table within 48 hours you will automatically be charged the full cost (£145 per person).

We look forward to welcoming you to Seasgair and Inverlochy Castle.

Warmest regards

Inverlochy Castle Team 

If you do need to CANCEL your booking, please use this link to do so.

Day 5 - Friday 13th June - Steall Falls, Steam Train & Over The Sea To Skye

Explore the atmospheric Glen Nevis at the foot of the tallest mountain in the UK this morning. Walk along the dramatic gorge to reach the secluded but impressive Steall Falls. There is a notorious wire bridge crossing the water nearby, but most people are content to admire it rather than use it!

Ready your wands this afternoon as you step aboard the Jacobite Steam Train for a magical journey to the coast in the train that featured in the Harry Potter films. Puff your way through glorious mountain scenes and over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, hopefully with no flying cars though! On arrival at Mallaig you will be met by your guide and will take the short ferry ride over the sea to the Isle of Skye. You should just have time to settle in before dinner (approx arrival time at hotel is likely 7pm).

Your guide will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Sleat | Kinloch Lodge
Room Type: 1 x Luxury Double & 1 x Cosy Double (for Solo Occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Your Hotel
Reservation Time: 19:00

Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.

Day 6 - Saturday 14th June - Exploring Skye

Today you have a full day to explore some of the special corners of this magical island with your guide. You will be spoilt for choice with fascinating history and dramatic landscape on offer, with unique hiking routes through stark and unusual rock formations and sweeping coast and mountain views to enjoy in almost every direction.

This ‘misty isle’ is also home to so many curious stories and legends of fairies and islander culture, your guide will share some of the best hidden gems and personalise the day to your interests.

Your guide will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Sleat | Kinloch Lodge
Room Type: 1 x Luxury Double & 1 x Cosy Double (for Solo Occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Your Hotel
Reservation Time: 19:00

Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.

Day 7 - Sunday 15th June - To Inverness via Loch Ness Thrills & Whisky Distillery

Returning to the mainland this morning, by way of the graceful Skye bridge, it is not long before you see one of the prettiest castles in Scotland. Eilean Donan occupies an island at the confluence of three sea lochs and stands in defiance of the towering peaks surrounding it. Maybe stop to snap a photo of the iconic view before continuing onwards through mountain glens. On arrival at Loch Ness set out onto the deep secretive waters for a thrilling zodiac ride, keeping your eyes open for ‘Nessie’ herself. 

Before heading to your welcoming accommodation in Inverness, divert to discover the secrets behind Scotland’s ‘water of life’ or  ‘uisge beath’. Take a tour of a classic whisky distillery and raise a glass to taste the layers of flavours captured by this history. The perfect way to round off your day.

Your guide will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: 2 x Oak Room Double (1 for Solo Occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Mustard Seed | Location: Fraser Street 16, IV1 1DW Inverness
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: 146583256
Phone: +44 1463 220 220 | Website: http://www.mustardseedrestaurant.co.uk/

Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.

Please see the following notes from the restaurant;

A table by the window has been requested for you.

Your reservation is confirmed
DATE
15.06.2025
TIME
19:00
GUESTS
3
GUEST NAME
Irene Marek

If you need to CHANGE or CANCEL your reservation, please use the appropriate link.

Change
Cancel

Day 8 - Monday 16th June - South To Gleneagles & Afternoon Gundog Experience

This morning you transfer south, but there are plenty of options for a quick explore or a leg stretch on the way. Perhaps stop for a stroll at a tranquil loch or a thundering waterfall before heading towards your luxurious resort destination. Once you are settled in (check in is at 3pm) your guide will depart, leaving you to head out for a short introduction to some enthusiastic and hardworking gundogs. This is sure to be a fun and immersive experience, giving you plenty of stories to discuss over dinner.

Your guide will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Large Manor Double & 1 x Manor View Double (for Solo Occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Introductory Gundog Experience Read More +

Activity: Introductory Gundog Experience
| Start Time: 15:30 | Approx Duration: 45 mins

Day 8 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Strathearn | Location: Your Hotel
Reservation Time: 19:00

Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.

Day 9 - Tuesday 17th June - Traditional Scottish Pursuits at Gleneagles

Enjoy a full morning enjoy the expert guidance of an experienced Gleneagles fishing guide discovering the delights of fishing for Brown Trout. The art of fly fishing is elegant and nuanced and the morning will be full of new techniques surrounded by beautiful nature.

This afternoon enjoy nature of a different type as you explore the hotel estate hacking with some of the best steeds in the stables. Your guide will share the best routes with you, and you can relax and enjoy the freedom of the ride.

Note: Hacking option is for experienced riders only and the rider must be confident galloping across open fields. Includes 15 minute assessment

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Large Manor Double & 1 x Manor View Double (for Solo Occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Half Day Fly Fishing - Brown Trout Experience Read More +

Activity: Half Day Fly Fishing - Brown Trout Experience
Start Location: Front Steps of Your Hotel | Start Time: 09:30 | Approx Duration: 3 hrs
Booking Reference: 375839099

Please see below notes from Gleneagles about your booked activity. Reception staff will be able to assist if you have any additional questions prior;

Brown Trout River Fishing Experience

Scotland, with an abundance of rivers, streams, and lochs, is home to the finest brown trout fishing on the planet.

At Gleneagles, we offer guided wild brown trout fishing on local streams and rivers, several of which are only a short drive from the hotel where an experienced member of the Gleneagles Fly Fishing team will host you.

We provide the very best Hardy Fly-Fishing tackle, waders, boots and jackets.

Transport to and from our brown trout rivers is provided. All fishing is catch-and-release only and so no fish can be kept.

Duration: 3 hours

Day 9 - Horse Riding - Hacking Experience Read More +

Activity: Horse Riding - Hacking Experience
| Start Time: 14:00 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs 30 mins

Please note that riding experience must be provided prior and riders must have suitable experience to participate.

Note: Hacking option is for experienced riders only and the rider must be confident galloping across open fields. Includes 15 minute assessment

Day 9 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Andrew Fairlie Restaurant | Location: Your Hotel
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: R4TF4O - Irene Marek

Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.

Please see the following notes from the restaurant;

Thank you for reserving a table with us for 3 people on Tue, 17 Jun 2025 at 6:00 pm.  

May I take a moment to draw your attention to our cancellation policy, detailed below.We are looking forward to welcoming you.

With kindest regards, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie 01764 694267

Cancellations must be made directly with Restaurant Andrew Fairlie.
Cancellations with less than 48hrs notice, non-appearance, or reduction in number of diners will incur a cancellation fee of £135pp which will be charged to the credit card details used to secure your reservation.

Day 10 - Wednesday 18th June - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to Edinburgh Airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Little's Chauffeur Services
Pick Up Location: Gleneagles Reception | Approx Duration: 1 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

Transfer Company system will send contact details for the chauffeur as an SMS 30 minutes prior to the reservation taking place, to the mobile number for the travelling passenger. If the client is unable to locate our chauffeur, they must call the mobile number provided, or call the Little’s Office on +44(0)141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 10 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: British Airways | Flight Number: BA 1443
Departure Airport: Edinburgh Airport | Departure Time: 11:25

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 9 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 3 to Day 8 inclusive
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • Private Airport Transfer on Arrival Day, includes Meet & Greet
    • EDI to Gleneagles Townhouse
  • Private Airport Transfer on Departure Day
    • Gleneagles to EDI
  • All Ferry Travel Included in the Itinerary
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Private Morning Walking Tour in Edinburgh with Expert Local City Guide
      • Includes entry to Edinburgh Castle
    • Tour of Mary King’s Close
    • Entry to Stirling Castle
    • Private Storyteller Experience – Glencoe
    • Jacobite Steam Train Ride
      • First Class Tickets, Fort William to Mallaig, Afternoon Service
    • Entry Fee on Skye (Eg. Dunvegan Castle or a distillery tour)
    • Zodiac Ride on Loch Ness (approx 90 mins)
    • Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting
    • Gundogs Experience at Gleneagles
      • Introductory Gundog Lesson (approx 45 mins)
    • Half Day Tour Fishing with Gleneagles
      • Includes Experienced Fishing Guide & all Equipment
    • Horse Riding Experience at Gleneagles
      • Hacking in Gleneagles Estate – approx 90 mins
      • Note: Experienced riders only and the rider must be confident galloping across open fields. Includes 15 minute assessment
  • £100 Per Person WOW Moment Budget
  • T-Shirt Drop Moment – FOC
  • £20 Per Person Per Guided Day Hosting & Enhancement Budget
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 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 for the main driver guide
Notes Read More

Activities are only private if specifically stated in the inclusions.

 

Notes On Weather & Flexibility

Weather – June in Scotland can be a very wide range of weather, and very changeable. Suitable clothing and footwear is essential, as well as a flexible attitude. Plans may have to be changed to accommodate Mother Nature, and your guide will have back-up plans that they will discuss with you if required.

 

Essential Packing List

  • Waterproof jacket with hood
  • Waterproof over-pants
  • Sturdy hiking boots/shoes (sneakers or tennis shoes are not suitable for any hiking in Scotland)
  • Day pack 20-30 litre for carrying water and extra layers
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Warm layers
  • Warm hat, gloves and a neck gaiter
  • Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Smart casual attire for dinners
  • Smart attire for Seasgair Dining Experience at Inverlochy Castle – Jacket required for men

Note: If you would like us to provide trekking poles for your use then please just let us know and we will ensure these are available for you.

 

Tipping Guidelines

We don’t generally recommend a set amount. We would encourage you to ask yourself what you were expecting from your guide and then think about how they have exceeded those expectations. Choose what you think reflects this and you are comfortable with.

For local services such as restaurants again tipping is not expected but if you receive great service then 10-15% of the bill is normal.

 

Luggage Notes

Please note that we expect travellers to bring an average of One Large Holdall or Suitcase and up to Two smaller day-bags or hand-luggage sized pieces. If you expect to bring more than this then please let us know well in advance of arrival so that we can ensure there is capacity for this (additional charges will apply if separate luggage transfers are required).

Important Contact Numbers Read More
Wilderness Scotland Office | 9:00am – 5:30pm

UK: +44 (0)1479 420 020
US: 888 351 5707


Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am

+44 (0)7766 794 640


Emergency Services

999

Pricing Read More

The NET price for this itinerary, based on 3 clients rooming as per the itinerary, and including a £12 per person conservation contribution is:

  • £11,645 GBP per person

Conservation Contribution
This voluntary donation of £12 per person goes towards conservation projects in the locations we operate.  If you would like to opt out just let your trip designer know. Click here for more information.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.


Accommodation

Gleneagles Townhouse

39 St Andrews Square | Edinburgh | Mid-Lothian |
EH2 2AD | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 131 322 3780
Web: gleneagles.com/townhouse

Inverlochy Castle Hotel

Torlundy | Near Fort William |
PH33 6SN | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1397 702 177
Web: inverlochycastlehotel.com

Kinloch Lodge

Sleat | Isle of Skye |
IV43 8QY | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1471 833 333
Web: kinloch-lodge.co.uk

Ness Walk

12 Ness Walk | Inverness |
IV3 5SQ | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1463 215 215
Web: nesswalk.com

Gleneagles Hotel

Auchterarder, Perthshire | Auchterarder |
PH3 1NF | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1764 290 020
Web: gleneagles.com


Meet Your Guide

Andrew McMurtrie

Contact Number: +44 (0) 7741 314 872

Me In Three : Reliable | Interested | Calm

Growing up in Glasgow, the Scouts took me on many adventures, close and far, mainly by foot. I studied Topographic Science (the making of maps), thinking I’d get paid to walk up hills, but ended up working offshore on boats and rigs making sure all the infrastructure was put in the right place, then surveying it once it was there. Having spent over 30 years in the offshore survey sector serving the energy industries, with nearly half of that time offshore, my career has taken me all over the world from Australia to Brazil, and Angola to Vietnam – always looking for a hill to walk or run up – although living in Aberdeenshire at all times. I gained a few outdoor qualifications along the way in my adult Scouting roles, and I’m now able to ‘work’ in the outdoors, which truly is my passion.

I regularly orienteer competitively, including winter night-time events, so my navigation skills are well-honed! I have twice competed in Finland at Jukola an 11-person relay and the world’s largest orienteering event where approximately 1700 teams compete through the night. I have also completed 17 mountain marathons in various regions of the UK. These involve 2 days running over mountainous terrain while navigating a route and carrying all the kit you need.

Hiking and biking are my two main passions nowadays, but I’ve been known to sail and ski too, mostly in Scotland. My wife says I have an addiction to bikes – buying them!

Place to Play

Living on the edge of the Southern Cairngorms, much of my ‘play time’ is spent here and it is a great place to bike and hike. The journey over to the west coast is one I enjoy and there is always a sense of excitement when I’m in the campervan heading west. It is hard to leave Scotland for adventure though I have managed the occasional trip – climbing Mt Toubkal in Morocco, cycling and sailing holidays in Mallorca and skiing trips to the Alps.

Not a lot of people know this

I spent five summers in a row as a teenager on some form of Scout camp/expedition: Switzerland, Massachusetts, Austria, Bavaria and Norway. Scouts played a large part of my teenage life and the reason for my love of the outdoors, camping and adventuring. My first Munro was Ben Nevis, aged 12, at my first summer camp on the banks of Loch Sunart – 38-years later I compleated (yes, correct spelling) my Munros on Beinn Sgritheall, overlooking the dramatic Loch Hourn, Knoydart and with stunning views to the Skye Cullins and beyond. I’ve also managed 50 Corbetts so far but still climb Munros too.