Schafer Scottish Adventure - Final Information

Friday 27th June – Friday 4th July 2025

Number of Travellers:  3
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Overview

Final Information for v4 – Confirmed trip – 4th Feb 2025 (Updated Inverlochy Rooms)

 

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 020Please 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

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Friday 27th June | Exploring Edinburgh | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 2 | Saturday 28th June | Meet Your Guide & Head North via Stirling Castle | Overnight: Near Fort William

Day 3 | Sunday 29th June | Exploring Atmospheric Glencoe | Overnight: Near Fort William

Day 4 | Monday 30th June | Road To The Isles Explorations & Sea Kayaking Afternoon | Overnight: Near Fort William

Day 5 | Tuesday 1st July | Transfer East to The Cairngorms National Park | Overnight: Braemar

Day 6 | Wednesday 2nd July | Local Explorations & Relaxation As Required | Overnight: Braemar

Day 7 | Thursday 3rd July | Foodie Workshop With Unique Chef | Overnight: Braemar

Day 8 | Friday 4th July | Transfer to Edinburgh Airport & Depart

Highlights

  • Explore some of Scotland’s wild and dramatic landscapes hiking with your private guide
  • Discover hidden corners of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town with a private tour from a local city guide
  • Create unique family memories together as you adventure throughout the Highlands

Day by Day

Day 1 - Friday 27th June - Exploring Edinburgh

On arrival at Edinburgh Airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your city centre hotel. Here you can drop your bags before you head straight out to start exploring with an expert local city guide.

This afternoon immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you enjoy a private walking tour. Discover the highlights of this unique capital as you wander up the ‘Royal Mile’ to the mighty ancient fortress which is Edinburgh Castle itself. Walk the ramparts atop castle rock and hear the tales of the One O’Clock gun and the stories of locals of times past. This evening is free for you to explore the local culinary options.

Notes: Rooms would have to be secured for the previous night to ensure early check in would be possible. Pricing on request.

A morning flight arrival would be required to allow this day to run as planned. A later flight will mean that the itinerary has to be revisited.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Virgin Edinburgh
Room Type: Family Chamber (which consists of 2 rooms with a private entry)
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: Delta Airlines | Flight Number: DL 254
Arrival Airport: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) | Arrival Time: 08:00

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Little's Chauffeur Service
Booking Reference: 2721950
Pick Up Location: Edinburgh Airport Arrivals | Pick Up Time: 08:00 | 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 - Private Walking Tour Read More +

Activity: Private Walking Tour
Expert City Guide: Shauna Ansell
Start Location: Your Hotel Reception | Start Time: 13:00 | Approx Duration: 4 hrs
Booking Reference: Schafer
Phone: 07989 664 023

Includes entry to Edinburgh Castle.

Day 2 - Saturday 28th June - Meet Your Guide & Head North via Stirling Castle

This morning your Private Guide (who will also act as your driver) will meet you at your hotel and together you will head north towards the Highlands. Immerse yourselves in the past as you visit Stirling Castle on the way, one of the grandest castles in Scotland with a turbulent history. This is where the World’s Oldest Football was discovered, thought to be hidden by Mary Queen of Scots behind wood paneling to keep it safe from witchcraft. Continue your journey through time with an immersive 3D experience taking you into the midst of Robert The Bruce’s greatest victory at The Battle of Bannockburn.

Then sit back and enjoy the changing scenery as you head further north, which your guide will bring to life for you as you travel. So maybe take a leg stretch to discover a special beauty spot before you reach your unique castle hotel, which is your home for the next 3 nights.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Walled Garden Attic Suite right above 1 x Small Walled Garden Room - accessed by private corridor
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 2 - Guide Details - Colin McKerchar Read More +

Name: Colin McKerchar
Contact Number: +44 (0) 7359 289 803
Meeting Place: Your Hotel Reception | Meeting Time: 09:00

Day 3 - Sunday 29th June - Exploring Atmospheric Glencoe

Explorations of a different kind are calling this morning. Head out for a fun mountain biking experience in this superb outdoor playground. A qualified bike guide will lead you on your explorations of gentle off-road trails.

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.

Other hiking options are possible for today too. Your guide will discuss the best options to suit your aspirations today with you.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Walled Garden Attic Suite right above 1 x Small Walled Garden Room - accessed by private corridor
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Monday 30th June - Road To The Isles Explorations & Sea Kayaking Afternoon

Today you will enjoy superb views as you drive west along the stunning Road to the Isles, this is frequently listed as one of the most beautiful drives in the world and it is easy to see why. Your guide will share the tales of the local area as you go, making the landscape come alive with characters and history. You may wish to stop at the historic Glenfinnan Monument, and see if you can spot the famous ‘Harry Potter Train’ puffing its way over the graceful arches of the viaduct. Take a stroll on the white sand beaches of Arisaig and soak in the views of the Small Isles before you carry on.

This afternoon you take to the crystal clear waters of Arisaig in sea kayaks. Your qualified instructor will give you tips and tricks to ensure that you get the most out of your time here in this world-class paddling destination. Discover white sandy beaches, tiny rocky islands and hopefully spot the curious local seal population popping up to say hello. At the end of this wonderful day your guide will take you back to your hotel for some well earned relaxation.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Walled Garden Attic Suite right above 1 x Small Walled Garden Room - accessed by private corridor
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Tuesday 1st July - Transfer East to The Cairngorms National Park

Today you transfer East, deep into the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Your day starts driving past the base of the mighty Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK, but you have some thrilling fun awaiting you once you reach the edge of the National Park. Fly through the trees on a fun zip-wire adventure, the perfect introduction to the heart of the Highlands. Then test your skills at fire-lighting and other bushcraft survival skills with a short session led by a survival expert.

Your afternoon transfer route takes you over the ‘snow roads’ to your destination, the Fife Arms Hotel. This accommodation is a fabulously unique and opulent experience created by acclaimed Hauser & Wirth. Here you will find many remarkable conversation pieces and an experience not to be forgotten.

Note: Alternative option for today would be to take a different route & visit Blair Castle on the way

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Discovery Family Suite (which consists of 1 x Scottish Culture interconnected with 1 x Nature & Poetry)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Clunie Dining Room | Location: Your Hotel
Reservation Time: 18:45 | Booking Reference: 549B323PNXY5

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

Day 6 - Wednesday 2nd July - Local Explorations & Relaxation As Required

Today is flexible depending on your wishes. Perhaps you want to have a relaxing morning being pampered with a spa treatment. Or choose to head out with your guide, exploring the local area or hiking in this beautiful mountain scenery. You could immerse yourselves in the Royal connections to this area, visit Balmoral Castle and take a stroll in the estate. This area has been a favourite destination of the Royal family since it was bought for Queen Victoria in 1852.

Note: Spa Treatments not included. Please advise if you would like us to add them. Booking asap is recommended.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Discovery Family Suite (which consists of 1 x Scottish Culture interconnected with 1 x Nature & Poetry)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Fish Shop | Location: 3 Netherley Place, Ballater, AB35 5QE
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: 549948SZX8LV
Phone: 01339 720 250 | Website: https://fishshopballater.co.uk/

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

Please see notes from the restaurant below;

Mr Schafer
Wednesday, 2 July 20253 guests · 18:30 – 20:30
Reserved for Restaurant table
A note from us
Thank you for your reservation. Should your plans change, please let us know 24 hours before your reservation time. We look forward to welcoming you.
Cancellation Policy
For table up to 4 guests – We ask that any cancellation to your reservation be made no less than 24 hours prior. For no shows or late cancellations, you will be subject to a fee of £25 per person will be applied.
Your reservation number is 549948SZX8LV

If you need to edit or cancel your reservation please use the links provided;

Day 7 - Thursday 3rd July - Foodie Workshop With Unique Chef

Set out into the whisky hills this morning and spend a fascinating day discovering the rich foodie offerings of the local area. Your experienced chef host will guide you in a cookery workshop creating a delicious meal, as well as sharing some of the local wild foods which you can forage for. She will also advise the adults on the best dram of whisky to match the flavours, while you share stories and learn about the dishes you are creating. This is an experience you are sure to treasure for a lifetime.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Discovery Family Suite (which consists of 1 x Scottish Culture interconnected with 1 x Nature & Poetry)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +

Pub: The Flying Stag | Location: Your Hotel
Reservation Time: 19:15 | Booking Reference: 549BXTH5VLUD

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

 

Day 8 - Friday 4th July - Transfer to Edinburgh Airport & Depart

Your guide will transfer you to Edinburgh Airport to make your onward connections this morning. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Important;

Please note that Edinburgh Airport is approx 2.5 hours drive from Braemar.
So you will be leaving your hotel very early this morning to be arriving at EDI 3 hours before your flight. Your guide will discuss the details with you.

We will request boxed breakfasts from your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: Delta Airlines | Flight Number: DL 123
Departure Airport: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) | Departure Time: 11:20

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 host guide from Day 2 to Day 8 inclusive
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by your guide on guided days
  • Private Airport Transfer on Arrival Day
  • All Ferry Travel Included in the Itinerary
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Private Half Day Walking Tour of Edinburgh with Local Expert City Guide
      • Includes entry to Edinburgh Castle
    • Entry to Stirling Castle
    • Entry to Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre
    • Private Mountain Biking with Qualified Guide on the morning of D3
      • Includes all equipment hire
    • Private Storyteller Experience in Glencoe
    • Private Afternoon Sea Kayaking Experience
      • Includes all equipment hire & qualified instructor
    • Zip Wire Experience (up to 2 hours)
    • Private Bushcraft Skills Session (max 2 hours)
    • Entry to Balmoral Castle
    • Private Foodie Workshop with Experienced Chef, with foraging element
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Hosting Budget of £20 per person per day for every day with Wilderness Guide
  • B&R WOW Moment of £100 pp
  • B&R T-shirt drop – FOC
  • 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 & July 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
  • For Sea Kayaking
    • Swimming costume/trunks
    • Wetsuit socks, waterproof socks or warm wool socks
    • Footwear that you don’t mind getting wet
    • Non-cotton moisture-wicking base layer top
    • Non-cotton quick-dry leggings or trousers
  • For Mountain Biking
    • Padded Cycling shorts for comfort
    • Leggings or similar (not loose wide pants)
    • Gloves for comfort

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.

Please note that some hotels and restaurants will add a discretionary service charge to your bill.  This is to be paid entirely at your discretion and at your own expense.

 

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).

 

Transfer Notes

Please note that the transfer company reserves the right to amend the pick up times and / or locations due to local traffic incidents such as road closures, diversions and volume of traffic.  They will communicate any changes with the clients directly on the day or the day prior.

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 (2 adults & one 13 year old) rooming as per the itinerary, and including a £12 per person conservation contribution is:

  • £9,975 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

Virgin Edinburgh

1 India Buildings, Victoria Street | Edinburgh | Midlothian |
EH1 2EX | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)131 526 4810
Web: virginhotels.com/edinburgh

Inverlochy Castle Hotel

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

The Fife Arms

Mar Rd | Braemar | Royal Deeside |
AB35 5YL | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1339 720 200
Web: thefifearms.com

Meet Your Guide

Colin McKerchar

Contact Number: +44 (0) 7359 289 803

Me In Three = Enthusiastic – Compassionate – Service

Mini Bio

Growing up in rural Perthshire in the heart of Scotland was a gift for a young man with a desire to be outdoors. I’ve lived and worked in the countryside for the best part of my formative years working in Farming, Forestry and Landscape Gardening.

However, I’ve always been consistently curious about Stories, People and Culture and I joined the BBC as a Broadcast Journalist in the 1990’s which turned into a long lasting creative and wonderful career.

I’m also a qualified Executive Business coach with over 15 years experience specialising in Personal and Professional development within Corporate Organisations and Not for Profit companies.

A recent career break cycling through Vietnam was a revelation and consolidated my passion to guide and provide unique, immersive experiences for visitors to Scotland.

 

Favourite Place to Play – Where to start! Walking through the Quiraing on Skye. Swimming in the Sea at Elie, Fife. Cycling into Applecross on the West coast having climbed the Bealach na Ba (Applecross Pass).
Not A Lot Of People Know This – As a young television reporter on an Outdoors activity programme I had a near death experience filming a tandem skydive. Full story on request!
Virtuoso

Schafer Scottish Adventure – Final Information

Friday 27th June – Friday 4th July 2025