Cairngorm National Park and the Scottish Highlands (Draft) - v4

Day 1 - Welcome to Edinburgh and transfer onwards to the Cairngorms

We meet this morning in Edinburgh and then transfer north to Braemar, a charming village located in the heart of Royal Deeside in Aberdeenshire.

We’ll then set out on a short hike at The Linn of Dee, a dramatic natural feature where the River Dee flows through a narrow gorge, creating a stunning waterfall. The hike allows us to both stretch our legs and savour the surroundings. After working up an appetite, a short transfer will take us to the neighbouring village of Ballater, where we will stay for the next two nights.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and a good night’s sleep, ready for the adventures ahead.

Overnight: The Balmoral Arms Hotel, Ballater (or similar)

Meals Included: Lunch, Welcome Dinner

Walk Details: 3 km, 140 ft elevation gain, Approx: 1 hrs

Total transfer time: c.2.30 hrs by private transfer.

NB: Pre-night accommodation available upon request

Day 2 - Royal Deeside

This morning we head out to explore Royal Deeside, famous for its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and its association with the British Royal family.

We embark on circular hike, offering magnificent vistas of Deeside and even Balmoral Castle (the King’s Scottish residence), itself.  After lunch, a castle visit awaits, a historical landmark, offering a glimpse into Scotland’s past. The rest of the afternoon is free to discover the serene and picturesque village of Ballater.

Dinner is not included this evening, but that’s okay as the village boasts several bars and restaurants so there are plenty of options to choose from.

Overnight: The Balmoral Arms Hotel, Ballater (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch (Dinner is not included tonight)

Walk Details: 10 km, 1,200 ft elevation gain, Approx: 3 hrs

Day 3 - Discovering Abernethy Forest

This morning, we depart from Ballater and journey through the national park.

The road winds its way through a landscape of undulating heather-clad hills, offering a transition from dense forests to stretches of vibrant purple moorland. This scenic route is characterized by its steep and undulating sections, particularly as you ascend and descend one of Scotland’s infamous snow roads, the Lecht Pass.

We arrive in the pretty village of Nethy Bridge, in the heart of the Abernethy Forest, mid morning. From here, we explore the forest on foot, along one of the many enchanting trails adorned with ancient Caledonian pine trees, and home to rare wild and bird life such as red squirrels, pine martens and Ospreys.

A short transfer takes us to the charming village of Boat of Garten, where we’ll enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening at the welcoming hotel bar.

Overnight: The Rowan Tree, Aviemore (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Walk Details: 5 km, 226 ft elevation gain, Approx: 2 hrs

Day 4 - Meet the locals!

This morning, we set off for the mountains, to some authentic albeit furry, local residents!

The Cairngorms reindeer herd, is the only free-ranging reindeer in the UK and we’ll witness these majestic creatures up-close in their natural mountain habitat. After lunch at the highest beach in the UK, we’ll then follow a picturesque trail around a local loch, Loch an Eilein, which is known for its tranquil scenery and the ruins of a 13th century castle on its island.

The town of Aviemore is just a short drive away, and it is here where we will have a delicious evening meal at one of the town’s best known pubs.

Overnight: The Rowan Tree, Aviemore (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Walk Details: 7 km, 230 ft elevation gain, Approx: 2 hrs

Day 5 - Uath Lochans and Ruthven Barracks

Today is our last day in the Cairngorms, but one final hike awaits us.

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.

After lunch, we visit the historic Ruthven Barracks, which stands prominently in the glen. We will take a moment to wander through the ruins, built in the early 1700s by George II’s government after the unsuccessful Jacobite uprising of 1715, before continuing our journey to Fort Augustus, our base for the next two nights.

Overnight: Inch Hotel, Fort Augustus (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch (Dinner is not included tonight)

Walk Details: 5 km, Approx: 2 hrs

Transfer time: c.1.30 hr by private transfer.

Day 6 - Magnificent Glen Affric

Today is a special one as we hike the scenic trails of Glen Affric, widely regarded as one of Scotland’s most beautiful glens.

Blanketed by Scots pines, the glen’s slopes reach up to resplendent peaks that overlook the pristine waters of Loch Affric. There are countless options for great hikes in this glen, so we’re spoiled for choice of magnificent views of this unique wilderness of pinewoods and moorland. If you’re up for it, we may hike to a summit for an elevated panorama across the numerous peaks of the Highlands.

Overnight: Inch Hotel, Fort Augustus (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walk details: Flexible to suit – no more than 10km, 300m elevation gain, rough ground in places, 4 hours

Transfer time: c.1.30 hrs by private transfer.

Day 7 - Perthshire

After breakfast our journey continues, as we travel south to rural Perthsire, stopping along the way for a gentle walk through the leafy woodlands, perhaps at the Hermitage and passed Ossian’s Hall, or maybe some easy walking trails around the grounds of the iconic stately Blair Castle on the Atholl Estate.

After we return from our walk, we stop at a small Highland whisky distillery for a private tour to learn about the magical Uisge Beatha (water of life) – and maybe even enjoy a dram or two afterwards, before checking in to our last accommodation of the trip and then meeting to enjoy our farewell dinner together.

Overnight: The Dunkeld House Hotel, Perthshire (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walk Details: Flexible to suit – to be agreed

Total transfer time: c.2.00 hrs by private transfer.

Day 8 - Perthshire / Blair Atholl (TBC)

Today we spend the day in Perthshire.

Walk details and activity details TBC – possibly Blair Atholl

Overnight: The Dunkeld House Hotel, Perthshire (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walk Details: Flexible to suit – to be agreed

Day 9 - Transfer South to Edinburgh

After a leisurely breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the Highlands as we depart for Edinburgh where the trip ends mid-day.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Total transfer time: c.1.30 hrs by private transfer.

NB: Post-night accommodation available upon request