Hampson - Scottish City and Highland Adventure

Philip Hampson

Saturday 7th June – Sunday 15th June 2025

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

Overview

This 7-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, a private guide will unveil 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. After working up an appetite, enjoy a delicious dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Sunday 8th June - Exploring Edinburgh

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 city, from the Palace of Holyroodhouse all the way up the ‘Royal Mile’ to the mighty ancient fortress, Edinburgh Castle. Walk the ramparts atop Castle Rock and hear the tales of the One O’Clock gun and the stories of locals of times past.

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

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 charming hidden-gem 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/ Boat of Garten
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

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 drink in a Highland pub while listening to some traditional folk music.

Overnight: Aviemore/ Boat of Garten
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

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: Braemar / Tomintoul Area
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

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: Braemar / Tomintoul Area
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

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. Settle in for the night at an excellent hotel near the airport, with the evening free to relax or explore the city.

Overnight: Edinburgh
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.

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
  • 7 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:
    • Corgaff Castle, Lochnagar Distillery tour & The Real Mary King’s Close and the Vaults
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Activities are only private if so specified.
Pricing Read More

The price of this trip is £6,140 per person and is based on availability at the time of booking.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

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