Exploring the Cairngorms and Torridon

Day 1 - Saturday 24^th May - Journey begins Cairngorms National Park

Tim will meet you at Inverness train station from your train and your adventures will begin. There are so many great walks to choose from so we will enjoy a scenic hike of your choice: either explore the tranquil trails around Loch Vaa, known for its peaceful seclusion and mirror-like waters, or venture to Loch an Eilean, where woodland paths lead to a picturesque island castle and breathtaking Highland views. After an afternoon well spent Tim will take us to the village of Newtonmore and our home for the next three nights.

Overnight: Newtonmore | Coig na Shee
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Sunday 25^th May - The Uath Lochnans

After breakfast  we will head out to the Uath Lochans, known locally as the Paw Print Lochans, are a hive of biodiversity. Raised boardwalks wind through reedy marshlands. Look out for a glimpse of the occasional frog and the glittering wings of dragonflies as they dart over the wetlands. Climbing a short way to Farleitter Crag, this small hill offers incredible elevated views of the water, forest and surrounding Cairngorm Mountains. Enjoy a lovely dinner in a great eatery in a nearby local village this evening.

Overnight: Newtonmore | Coig na Shee
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Monday 26^th May - Insh Marshes then Glenmore and Green Loch

After breakfast we begin the day with a peaceful walk through the Insh Marshes, one of the most important wetlands in Europe. This gentle route offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and photography, surrounded by dramatic views of the Cairngorm mountains. This afternoon we head to Glenmore Forest Park and enjoy a serene walk to the magical Green Lochan (An Lochan Uaine). This enchanting spot, known for its vivid green waters, is a favourite among locals and offers a short, rewarding hike through ancient pinewoods.

Overnight: Newtonmore | Coig na Shee
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Tuesday 27^th May - West to Applecross and Torridon

This morning we will enjoy our final breakfast in the Cairngorms, Tim has two options today and will discuss them with you.

Plan A: We travel West to the  Glencoe valley, stopping for a short walk and to take in the breathtaking scenery. We will head from here to the lovely Highland Soap Company Café in Fort William, which also offers a charming shop full of locally made skincare products. Afternoon: Indulge in handcrafted treats at Chocolates of Glenshiel, a small artisan chocolatier nestled in the mountains. Before we reach the Isle we will stop to photograph the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, beautifully situated at the meeting point of three sea lochs.

Plan B – We head North-West enjoying a quiet hike on the Silverbridge Circuit near Garve, a scenic loop through forested landscapes and across historic bridges. This afternoon we continue to Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve and explore the woodland trail by Loch Maree, a rich habitat of ancient pines, lochside views, and native wildlife.

After this we will continue to Shieldaig a picturesque village with whitewashed cottages and stunning views across the bay. The calm waters of the loch reflect the rugged hills, and Shieldaig Island adds to the village’s tranquil, scenic charm, making it a perfect stop in this remote corner of the Highlands and our home for the next three nights.

Overnight: Shieldaig | Tigh an Eilean
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Wednesday 28^th May - Exploring Torridon

This morning after breakfast we begin with a refreshing hike through classic Torridonian scenery to the  Falls of Balgy walk, this walk offers panoramic views of Loch Torridon, glimpses of ancient Scots pines, and the dramatic cascade of the falls themselves. After a lovely lunch  we had back to Shieldaig for a scenic coastal walk around the Shieldaig Peninsula. This gentle route is rich in natural beauty, with sweeping sea views across Loch Shieldaig and opportunities to spot otters, seals, and seabirds along the way. The ancient pinewoods and tranquil shoreline make for a peaceful contrast to the morning’s more dramatic terrain.

Overnight: Shieldaig | Tigh an Eilean
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Thursday 29^th May - Applecross Peninsula and Sunset Paddle

After breakfast today we will head to The Applecross Peninsula. This breathtaking coastal walk follows a rough track along the shores of the Peninsula, starting at the remote settlement of Sand and making its way to the white sands of Applecross Bay. One of the most scenic shoreline walks in the Highlands, the route offers endless views across the Inner Sound toward the islands of Raasay and Skye. There is an alternative option the Loch Coulin and Loch Clair circuit near Torridon is a beautiful alternative. This peaceful route weaves through pine forests, along two pristine lochs, and offers sublime reflections of the towering peaks of Liathach and Beinn Eighe in calm weather. It’s a superb location for photographers and nature lovers, and ideal for a slower-paced exploration of Torridon’s hidden beauty.

We will return to our hotel for an early dinner in anticipation of our sunset paddle. We meet our guide at 6.30pm almost outside of our hotel before we take to the waters to explore, glide past pine-fringed shores and around Shieldaig Island, home to nesting sea eagles, with views stretching toward the distant Cuillin hills of Skye. As the sun dips behind the mountains, the loch becomes mirror-like and still — a perfect setting for spotting seals, otters, and seabirds. Peaceful and immersive, this paddle offers a magical perspective on the Highlands as day turns to dusk.

Overnight: Shieldaig | Tigh an Eilean
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Friday 30^th May - Transfer to Inverness and depart

After our final breakfast overlooking Shieldaig Island we will head through  Torridon and perhaps enjoy a final hike at Beinn Eighe or Garve before we begin happily meandering our way back towards Inverness. Tim will bid you farewell at the train station in plenty of time for your train.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch