Wedding Anniversary Adventure

Sean and Sarah Tuley

Friday 16th August – Monday 26th August 2024

Number of Travellers:  2
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Overview

Join us on a carefully crafted, tailor made adventure that visits some of Scotland’s most beautiful destinations. From the slate blue mountains of the Cairngorms National Park to the ethereal beauty of the Isle of Skye, experience the best of this diverse and ancient land. Enjoy a boat trip to the most remote loch in the British Isles and a tour of a local whisky distillery. Discover atmospheric battlegrounds and captivating castles. Accompanied by a knowledgeable Wilderness guide, hike in Glencoe, bag a munro in the Cairngorms, and sea-kayak on the west coast. As you explore, look out for red deer, otters and sea eagles. As the golden light of August spills across the heathery moors, settle into hand-picked accommodation carefully chosen for their relaxed luxury and traditional charm. On a trip designed just for you, enjoy discovering the bewitching beauty of Scotland.

 

Highlights

  • Enjoy the Fringe Festival – one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture in the world.
  • Discover the elemental, wild beauty of the Isle of Skye.
  • Hike in the stunning and diverse Cairngorms National Park.
  • Stay in handpicked accommodations and experience the famous Highland hospitality

Day by Day

Day 1 - Friday 16th August - Welcome to London

On arrival in London, transfer to your centrally located hotel and take some time to relax after your journey. An unmissable destination for travellers, the capital city is an international melting pot that brims with culture, history and iconic landmarks. As red buses and black cabs trundle down the city streets, head out to visit the London Eye and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views. With plenty of amazing restaurants to choose from, you may like to book a table for dinner this evening or instead enjoy eating in the comfort of your hotel.

Overnight: London
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Saturday 17th August - Edinburgh Fringe Festival

After breakfast, catch the train from London Kings Cross up north to Edinburgh. In the throws of the Fringe Festival, Scotland’s architecturally stunning capital city will be filled with performers, actors and musicians. This afternoon, after settling into your luxurious, historic hotel, enjoy exploring the cobbled streets, perhaps seeing some impromptu shows and music sessions. Later this evening, head to the iconic Edinburgh Castle to watch a fantastic performance of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and enjoy the fireworks display.

Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Sunday 18th August - Head to the Highlands & Clava Cairns

This morning, catch the train north to Inverness. Meet your Wilderness guide on the platform and head out of the city to visit Culloden Battlefield. Learn about one of the most harrowing battles in Scottish history, discovering the true story of the Jacobite Rising from the thoughtful and accredited museum. Afterwards, step back into the Bronze Age, visiting the burial chambers and standing stones of Clava Cairns – an iconic destination used in the Outlander TV Show. Then, make your way into the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, checking into a lovingly restored farmhouse first built in the 1850s and now refurbished in cosy Scandinavian style.

Overnight: Kingussie | Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Monday 19th August - Ride to Ryvoan and Distillery Tour

After breakfast, join your guide for a fantastic bike ride to a whisky distillery. Pedal along a mellow path that slowly ribbons its way deeper into the wilderness. Admire the summit of Meall a Buachaille (Hill of the Shepherd) as it rises through the canopy of Abernethy Forest. As the trail skirts the edge of a deep green loch, stop briefly to admire the water before continuing to Ryvoan Bothy – the perfect stop for a break. From here, traverse the stunning open moorland, dropping down to skirt the River Spey to arrive at the innovatively built Cairn Distillery. Recently opened, enjoy a sleek, contemporary tour before sampling a handful of whisky expressions expertly blended to emulate the style of whiskies the Cairn aims to release in the future.

Overnight: Kingussie | Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Tuesday 20th August - Hiking in the Cairngorms

This morning, join your guide for a day of hiking in the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. At over 4500 sq km, it is the largest National Park in the UK and home to 55 out of Scotland’s 282 Munros and 5 out of the 6 highest peaks in Britain. There are many wonderful walking options to choose from today. You may like to head up the peak of Sgòr Gaoith, winding your way through tangy pinewoods before ascending onto a vast, heathery plateau and reaching a craggy, dramatic summit that plunges down to the dark waters of Loch Einich. Return to Killiehuntly this evening and relax, enjoying a delicious and well-earned dinner.

Overnight: Kingussie | Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Wednesday 21st August - Over the Sea to Skye

As the soft morning mist recedes across the fields, rise early and enjoy the beautiful journey to the Isle of Skye. Wind your way through a landscape that shimmers with dark water and where hardy sheep graze amongst the bracken, heather and golden grasses. Cross the arching Skye bridge and head to Talisker Distillery, enjoying a bespoke tasting menu inspired by Uisge Beatha (Water of Life). Afterwards, enjoy a walk on Talisker Bay – a truly enchanting beach with black sand and views of a lonely sea stack. Later, head to the bustling town of Portree and wander around the colourful streets, tucking into salty fish and chips down at the harbour. Relax at your luxurious hotel this evening, which commands arresting views across the waves to the mountains beyond.

Overnight: Portree | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Thursday 22nd August - The Fairy Pools & Wild Loch Coruisk

This morning, head out early to visit the Fairy Pools. Enjoy following a crystal clear burn with many beautiful pools and waterfalls before most have even had their morning coffee. Afterwards, travel to Elgol – a tiny hamlet scattered along the western cliffs of the Strathaird peninsula. From a small jetty, board the charming Bella Jane and sail over Loch Scavaig into the very heart of the Black Cuillin. Upon reaching the shore, leave the boat to explore Loch Coruisk, also known as the Cauldron of the Waters, a deep dark loch that stretches like a shadow below the impressive volcanic peaks. Join your guide to hike up the rugged mountain of Sgurr na Stri – which is considered by many to offer one of the wildest and most spectacular views in Scotland.

Overnight: Portree | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Friday 23rd August - Return to the Mainland & Sea Kayaking

Today, catch the ferry back to the mainland and enjoy a morning of sea-kayaking. On the sandy beaches of Arisaig Sound, meet your expert guide and head out into the turquoise water to explore. Paddle around hundreds of tiny islands, spotting seals, otters, and coastal birds. The seal colony here is friendly and curious, often slipping beneath your boat only to pop up on the other side to peer at you with their big dark eyes. Enjoy a picnic lunch on a deserted island, looking out for white-tailed eagles. Later this afternoon, travel along the stunning Road to the Isles to the brooding melancholy of Glencoe Glen and your welcoming accommodation.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Saturday 24th August - Hiking in Glencoe & Clachaig Inn

Enjoy a lovely breakfast this morning, looking out onto the rugged, wind-swept landscape. Afterwards, join your guide and head out to explore Scotland’s most iconic glen. Carved out centuries ago by glaciers and volcanic eruptions, Glencoe is a spectacular place to hike. With many great options for walking – from climbing towards cloud-snagged summits to winding your way to a hidden meadow –  today will undoubtedly be a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable adventure. As the day fades and light slides down the moor-clad mountains, duck into Clachaig Inn, a traditional climbers’ pub which offers hearty Scottish food, local ales and live music.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Sunday 25th August - Doune Castle and South to Edinburgh

This morning, leave the Highlands behind and enjoy the scenic drive from Glencoe to Edinburgh, passing through the stunning Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Along the way, stop to visit Doune Castle – a 14th-century courtyard castle which is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Scotland. Fans of the show Outlander will recognise it as Castle Leoch. With a striking gatehouse and a labyrinth of rooms connected by narrow doorways, it’s a brilliant and evocative place to explore. Back in Edinburgh this evening once your guide has left you, enjoy a ghost tour down into the vaults of the city, a fun way to bring your Scottish adventure to a close.

Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Monday 26th August - Depart for Home

After breakfast, begin your journey home. With great public transport links, you may wish to jump on the tram or take a taxi to the nearby airport. Arrive with plenty of time, feeling relaxed and refreshed after your lovely celebratory trip and with many memories to cherish for the years to come.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 11
  • Most meals as indicated above
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 3 to Day 10
  • Ground transportation from train to Edinburgh on Day 2 to drop of at Edinburgh Airport on Day 11
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • London Eye tickets
  • Edinburgh Tattoo tickets
  • Entry to Culloden
  • Guided Biking including all equipment hire
  • Distillery tour and paired local lunch in the Cairngorms and on Skye
  • Boat trip
  • Ferry from Skye
  • Guided sea kayaking including all equipment hire
  • Glencoe Center entry
  • Doune Castle entry
  • Edinburgh ghost tour
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • 24 hour in-country support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Transport in London
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Pricing Read More

The price of this trip is £12,110 per person and is based on availability at the time of booking.

Pay a 25% deposit

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.