Hampson - Scottish City and Highland Adventure

Philip & Cheryl Hampson

Saturday 7th June – Sunday 15th June 2025

Number of Travellers:  2
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Overview

This 9-night journey offers a perfect balance of adventure and tranquillity, combining Scotland’s rich history with its wild, untamed landscapes. Starting with two nights in Edinburgh, explore the city’s hidden gems, including Edinburgh Castle. Then, escape into the Cairngorms National Park for four nights, split between two locations, where guided hikes through remote glens, ancient forests, and quiet mountain trails reveal the true beauty of Scotland away from the crowds. Discover hidden castles, serene lochs, and charming countryside along the way. The trip concludes with a scenic return to Edinburgh for a final night, ensuring a seamless blend of cultural immersion and off-the-beaten-track exploration.

Highlights

  • Hiking in the Wild Cairngorms – Explore remote glens, ancient forests, and quiet mountain trails with a private guide, immersing yourself in Scotland’s raw, untouched beauty away from the crowds.
  • Edinburgh’s Hidden Gems – Explore Scotland’s historic capital with a private guide, uncovering its fascinating past and iconic landmarks, including a visit to Edinburgh Castle and other highlights of the city.
  • Scenic & Cultural Discoveries – Experience the charm of Scotland’s lesser-known spots, from secluded lochs and Castles to The Hermitage, where waterfalls and ancient woodland create a magical final stop.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Saturday 7th June - Arrive in Edinburgh

Make your own way to your hotel and take some time to relax and settle in, enjoying the calm as the city’s characterful streets buzz and bustle beyond the window.

In the afternoon, delve into Edinburgh’s hidden history with a tour of The Real Mary King’s Close and the Vaults, uncovering the city’s eerie and fascinating past. Enjoy a relaxing evening in your gorgeous accommodation.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Kimpton Charlotte Square
Room Type: Twin En-Suite
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - The Real Mary King's Close Read More +

Activity: The Real Mary King's Close
Start Location: Royal Mile, across from St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh | Start Time: 15:00 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs
Booking Reference: 41967218
Phone: +44 (0) 131 225 0672 | Website: https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/

Your tour is booked for 3 p.m. Please be sure to arrive 10 minutes before the start time. Your ticket is below in the Important Additional Information section.

 

 

Day 2 - Sunday 8th June - Exploring Edinburgh

Immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town on a private walking tour with an expert local guide. Along the way, you’ll take in some of the city’s most iconic sights and hidden corners, with stories that bring its rich past to life — from royal residences and ancient closes to dramatic views at the top of Edinburgh Castle.

You then have the rest of the day to continue explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Kimpton Charlotte Square
Room Type: Twin En-Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Guide Details - Fergus Halliday Read More +

Name: Fergus Halliday
Contact Number: 077198 35759
Meeting Place: Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel | Meeting Time: 09:00

Enjoy your morning walking tour of Edinburgh Old Town. Take in all the fantastic sights and learn about the rich history of Edinburgh with your Blue Badge guide. You will finish at Edinburgh Castle on time for the one-o’clock gun. Your Guide will join you for about half an hour and leave you after that to enjoy the rest of your day.

Day 3 - Monday 9th June - Journey into the Highlands

You will meet your Wilderness Scotland guide this morning, and you can begin your journey north on a scenic drive into the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, soaking in the changing landscapes of rolling hills and rugged moorland. Along the way, stop at a lovely café for a relaxed lunch before continuing into one of Scotland’s most beautiful and unspoiled areas. In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle guided hike through Glen Feshie, a breathtaking valley renowned for its wild beauty, ancient pines, and peaceful solitude. As evening falls, settle into a welcoming hotel, where you’ll stay for the next two nights, surrounded by the tranquillity of the Highlands.

Overnight: Aviemore | Ravenscraig Guest House
Room Type: Twin En-Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Guide Details - Liam Allan Read More +

Name: Liam Allan
Contact Number: +44 (0) 7745133639
Meeting Place: Lobby of your Hotel at Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh | Meeting Time: 09:30

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Old Bridge Inn | Location: Aviemore
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 (0) 1479 811137 | Website: https://www.oldbridgeinn.co.uk/

Your booking is under the name Philip Hampson.

Day 4 - Tuesday 10th June - Remote Highland Hiking

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 meal and a drink in a traditional Highland pub.

Overnight: Aviemore | Ravenscraig Guest House
Room Type: Twin En-Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Boat Country Inn | Location: Boat of Garten
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: 5NB4M93C48RY
Phone: + 44 (0)1479 831 258 | Website: https://boathotel.co.uk/dine/

Your booking is under the name Philip Hampson.

Day 5 - Wednesday 11th June - Hiking in the Cairngorms

Travel deeper into the Cairngorms National Park, transferring to a new location for the next two nights. Along the way, pause for a visit to Corgarff Castle, a striking white-walled fortress set against the wild Highland landscape, or take a peaceful lochside walk in a secluded spot. In the afternoon, set out on a guided hike in Glen Banchor, a hidden gem known for its vast open landscapes, rolling hills, and complete tranquillity away from the crowds. As the day winds down, settle into another great hotel, where a comfortable room and a hearty evening meal await.

Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: Twin En-Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Balmoral Arms | Location: Ballater
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 (0)1339 755413 | Website: https://www.crerarhotels.com/balmoral-arms/

Your booking is under the name Philip Hampson.

Day 6 - Thursday 12th June - Hiking in Balmoral and a Royal Lochnagar Distillery Tour

This morning, 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 private tour and tasting at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, which was issued with a royal warrant by Queen Victoria in 1848. Learn about the history of Scotland’s most famous tipple while also having the chance to indulge in a tasting.

Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: Twin En-Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Fish Shop | Location: Ballater
Reservation Time: 18:15 | Booking Reference: 58487A4GBAGG
Phone: +44(0) 1339 720250 | Website: https://fishshopballater.co.uk/

Your booking is under the name Philip Hampson.

Day 7 - Friday 13th June - Back to the City

Heading south from the Cairngorms, enjoy a scenic drive through the Highlands, stopping in Dunkeld & The Hermitage for a short but magical forest walk among towering ancient trees and cascading waterfalls. Soak in the tranquillity of this hidden gem before continuing to Edinburgh, arriving mid-afternoon. Your guide will drop you off at Norton House Hotel. Settle in for the night at an excellent hotel near the airport, with the evening free to relax or explore the city.

Overnight: Newbridge | Norton House Hotel & Spa
Room Type: Twin En-Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Saturday 14th June - Exploring The Edinburgh Area

If you’re spending a day in the Edinburgh area, there are some brilliant coastal spots worth visiting. North Berwick is a top choice – it’s just 30 minutes by train, with a charming town centre, a stunning beach, and great spots for seafood. For something a bit quieter, Aberdour offers peaceful coastal walks and a lovely historic castle. If you’re happy to venture further, Crail and Pittenweem on the East Coast are a real treat– they take a bit more effort to reach, with a couple of bus journeys, but the quaint harbours and relaxed vibe make it well worth the trip.

Overnight: Newbridge | Norton House Hotel & Spa
Room Type: Twin En-Suit
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Sunday 15th June - Depart Edinburgh

After breakfast, head to the airport and depart for home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 8 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 7 inclusive
  • Blue Badge Edinburgh City Guide on Day 2
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • The Real Mary King’s Close and the Vaults
    • Corgaff Castle
    • Lochnagar Distillery Tour
  • 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 itinerary above
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
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

Important Additional Information Read More
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.


Accommodation

Kimpton Charlotte Square

Charlotte Square | Edinburgh | Midlothian |
EH2 4HQ | Scotland
Phone: 800 44445 566
Web: kimptoncharlottesquare.com

Ravenscraig Guest House

141 Grampian Road | Aviemore |
PH22 1RP | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1479 810278
Web: ravenscraighouse.co.uk

The Balmoral Arms

13-15 Victoria Road | Ballater |
AB35 5RA | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1339 755413
Web: crerarhotels.com/balmoral-arms

Norton House Hotel & Spa

Harvest Rd | Newbridge | Edinburgh |
EH28 8LX | Scotland
Web: nortonhousehotel.com-edinburgh.com


Meet Your Guide

Liam Allan

Contact Number: +44 (0) 7745133639

I grew up in Glasgow but always had a feeling there was not enough mud to jump into in the city. I moved to the Highlands six years ago to study an adventure tourism degree and completely fell in love with life here in the mountains.

I now spend my summers working and playing in Scotland. I have discovered that sharing the locations that I have found over the years with other people is as fun as the initial exploring. I like to leave my winters as free as possible to explore our vast and varied planet.

Full Web Bio