Hiking in Scotland V8 - Final Information Document

Taggart & Friends - 10 pax

Monday 9th September – Monday 16th September 2024

Number of Travellers: 10
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Overview

Absorb the character and history of Scotland as you hike in stunning landscapes with your private guides who love to share this beautiful land and its wild places. Play a classic green right where ‘the great game’ came to life and enjoy exploring classic Scottish landscapes. Taste delicious meals created with local produce by the best chefs and enjoy the unique locations and character of your 5* accommodation at the end of every day.

 

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;

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

Highlights

  • Explore some of the most beautiful landscapes in Scotland hiking with your qualified and knowledgeable guides
  • Play a round of golf on 'The New Course' at St Andrews, the birthplace of golf
  • Relax and get pampered in luxurious 5* accommodation

Day by Day

Day 1 - Monday 9th September - Welcome To Scotland & Transfer North

This morning you will meet your private trip Guides, who will also act as your drivers for your days together, as they pick you up from your Edinburgh hotels. Together you will head north towards your luxury castle accommodation in the Highlands. Depending on your arrival time, there may be time to stop for explorations on the way. Maybe a scenic warm up hike in a mountain glen, or explore a castle, before arriving in time to settle in before dinner.

Your Guides will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: 5 x Large Double
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Noted that you are all arriving prior to the start of this part of your trip, and that the pre-trip hotels and activities are self-arranged.

Your guides will collect you from your Edinburgh hotels on the morning of the 9th. These are noted as below;

  • 4 Pax – The Balmoral
    • Mike & Suzanne
    • Michael & Angela
  • 2 Pax – Gleneagles Townhouse
    • Scott & Tracy
  • 4 pax – BrewDog Edinburgh
    • Bradley & Renee
    • Julie & Andrew

Day 1 - Guide Details - Andrew McMurtrie Read More +

Name: Andrew McMurtrie
Contact Number: +44 (0) 7741 314 872

Day 1 - Guide Details - Scott McNeish Read More +

Name: Scott McNeish
Contact Number: +44 (0)7533 356 572

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Seasgair Dining Experience | Location: Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: T-09092024-01 - Taggart

Mary Shaw’s Table has been reserved for you.

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

From The Restaurant;

Thank you for making a reservation to dine with us at Seasgair by Michel Roux Jr, Inverlochy Castle.

We are delighted to confirm your reservation as per the above on our Mary Shaw Table, we look forward to welcoming you.

As our menu is set, we kindly ask you to advise prior to your arrival, if not already done so, of any adverse dietary requirements so that our chefs can prepare accordingly and ensure a menu is available to suit your needs.

We would be happy to cater for your dietary requirements, however, we cannot guarantee absolute separation of allergens and cannot take responsibility for any adverse reaction that may occur.

Please note, dress code is jacket for Gentlemen.

Your reservation will hold a 48 hour cancellation policy, should you move or cancel your table within 48 hours you will be charge the full cost (£145 per person).

We look forward to welcoming you to Inverlochy Castle.

Warmest regardsInverlochy Castle Team

Day 2 - Tuesday 10th September - Highland Hiking Options

You have the full day to explore the surrounding mountains and glens on foot today and you will be spoilt for choice with all the possible routes. Together with your guides you will decide on an option which suits your preferred level of challenge (and energy!), and the weather. We would recommend heading to the stunning scenery of Glencoe.

These dramatic mountains and ridges have featured as the backdrop in many films and once you are looking up at these summits it is easy to see why! Explore this famous valley with your guides  and after your hike settle down with a well earned 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.

Your Guides will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: 5 x Large Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Brown's Restaurant | Location: Nevis Bank Inn, Fort William
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: Taggart

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

Day 3 - Wednesday 11th September - Transfer To Royal Deeside

Today you transfer East to a wonderful exclusive use house in the Cairngorm National Park. On route you can enjoy a scenic hike, maybe in the history-filled whisky hills. Then continue onwards to your unique exclusive use Scottish mansion, where the house staff will make sure you feel right at home as you settle in before dinner.

Your Guides will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Strathdon | Candacraig, Strathdon - Exclusive Use
Room Type: Exclusive Use
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 - Thursday 12th September - Hiking The Highlands

Superb hiking options abound in Royal Deeside and you will be spoilt for choice with all the possible routes. Together with your guide you will decide on an option which suits your preferred level of challenge, energy, and the weather.

Perhaps take in the views as you hike around the sparkling waters of Loch Muick, where the mountains of the Cairngorms rise up from the loch shores. This beautiful location has a long standing association with the British Royal family and a pretty hunting lodge built for Queen Victoria sits on the northern shore. Or maybe head up to the atmospheric crags and corries of Lochnagar mountain which Lord Byron immortalised in verse, including the line “I sigh for the valley of dark Lochnagar”.

Tonight celebrate your Highland adventure in style with a delectable dinner in your luxurious exclusive use house, created by your private chef.

Your Guides will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Strathdon | Candacraig, Strathdon - Exclusive Use
Room Type: Exclusive Use
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 - Friday 13th September - Transfer To Perthshire Via Golf At St Andrews

Today you transfer to the rolling countryside of Perthshire, but take the scenic route via St Andrews. This allows you to play a special piece of history, ‘The New Course’, the second course ever built in ‘the birthplace of golf’ back in 1895. Take your time enjoying this fabulous links course (or exploring the local area with your guides) before your guides transfer you to the luxurious resort of Gleneagles. You will have the rest of the day free to settle in and enjoy the hotel facilities.

Note: The round of the New Course can take up to 5 hrs. 

Drive time today is approx 2 hrs to St Andrews and 1 hr to Gleneagles from there.

Your Guides will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: 5 x Double Manor Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Golf for 8 Pax - St Andrews 'New Course' Read More +

Activity: Golf for 8 Pax - St Andrews 'New Course'
| Start Time: 13:28 | Approx Duration: 5 hrs

Please note that you will be playing in groups of 4.

This activity is booked for 8 pax.

Tee Times are 13:28 & 13:36

This includes your Tee Time, Hire of Clubs & an Electric Trolley, and the services of a Caddy.

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Dormy | Location: Gleneagles
Reservation Time: 20:30 | Booking Reference: Taggart

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

Day 6 - Saturday 14th September - Hiking in Perthshire

You have the full day to explore the surrounding landscape on foot with your guides today. There are many fabulous options to consider and discuss with your guides, either all together or splitting into different parties. Maybe conquer a local summit for fabulous views, or enjoy a gentle atmospheric exploration to discover a waterfall along the glens. No matter what you pick, your guides will make the landscape come alive with stories and local insights as you hike.

Your Guides will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: 5 x Double Manor Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Strathearn | Location: Gleneagles
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: Taggart

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

Note that you will be on two separate tables.

Day 7 - Sunday 15th September - Free Time To Enjoy Gleneagles Facilities Or Hiking

Today you could choose head out for a full day hiking with your guides, or perhaps a short hike with your guides to round off the day after a relaxing morning at the hotel. Or choose to spend your whole day simply relaxing within the grounds to make the most of your time here and sample some of the huge variety of facilities here at Gleneagles.

Your Guides will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: 5 x Double Manor Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Birnam | Location: Gleneagles
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: Taggart

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

Day 8 - Monday 16th September - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from Gleneagles and take you to Edinburgh Airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Noted that Bradley & Renee will make their own departure arrangements.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Little's Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2709349 & 2709350
Pick Up Location: Gleneagles Receoption | Pick Up Time: 05:00 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

6 Pax – Scott & Tracy, Mike & Suzanne, Julie & Andrew

2 Vehicles

Finish Destination = Edinburgh Airport (EDI)

Main Contact Number Given = Andrew Edmonson

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 0141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 8 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: Air Canada | Flight Number: AC 807
Departure Airport: Edinburgh (EDI) | Departure Time: 09:00

6 Pax – Scott & Tracy, Mike & Suzanne, Julie & Andrew

Day 8 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Little's Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2709351
Pick Up Location: Gleneagles Receoption | Pick Up Time: 06:00 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

2 Pax = Michael & Angela

Finish Destination = Edinburgh Airport (EDI)

Main Contact Number Given = Michael Taggart

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 0141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 8 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: British Airways | Flight Number: BA1439
Departure Airport: Edinburgh (EDI) | Departure Time: 09:30
Arrival Airport: London Heathrow (LHR)

2 Pax = Michael & Angela

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 7 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
    • Including Catering by a private chef at Candacraig House
  • The services of Two qualified and experienced Guides from Day 1 to Day 7 inclusive
  • All transfers in Two private vehicle driven by your guides from Day 1 to Day 7
    • Please note that the vehicles will be 9-Seater Minivans, so luggage space will be limited to 1 item of hand luggage and 1 item of main luggage per person.
      • If clients are bringing their own golf clubs additional luggage space will be required. Pricing on request. This must be advised at least 6 weeks before travel.
  • Airport transfers on departure day
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • D1 – Entry Fee on journey north if required
    • D2 – Private Storyteller Experience in Glencoe
    • D5 – Round of Golf on ‘The New Course’ St Andrews for 8 pax
      • Includes Green Fees, Club Hire, Electric Trolley & Individual Caddy
    • D5 – Entry Fees as per interest (max x 4) for the 2 pax exploring with guide while rest of party golf
  • 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

Activities are only private if so stared in the inclusions

 

Notes On Weather & Flexibility

Weather in Scotland can be 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 for Hiking

  • 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

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.

 

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).

 

Useful Contacts

24 hour in-country support (Wilderness Scotland):  +44 (0)1479 420 020, or out with regular office hours +44 (0)7766 794 640 (urgent calls only)

Emergency services:  999 or 112NHS 24 (24 hour free medical advice):  111

 

Tipping Guidelines

For tipping our guides – We don’t generally recommend a set amount as tipping is not expected in the same way that it is in North America. However, similar North American travel companies generally suggest something along the lines of £10-30 per person per day for your guide, which is a wide range to choose from. Generally, we would encourage you to ask yourself what you were expecting from your guide, and then think about how they have exceeded those expectations and choose an amount 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.

Important Contact Numbers Read More
Wilderness Scotland Office | 9:00am – 5:30pm

UK: +44 (0)1479 420 020
US: 866 740 3890


Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am

+44 (0)7766 794 640


Emergency Services

999

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.


Accommodation

Inverlochy Castle Hotel

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

Candacraig, Strathdon - Exclusive Use

Strathdon | Aberdeenshire |
AB30 8XT | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 1975 651461
Web: candacraighouse.com

Gleneagles Hotel

Auchterarder, Perthshire | Auchterarder |
PH3 1NF | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1764 290 020
Web: gleneagles.com


Meet Your Guides

Andrew McMurtrie

Contact Number: +44 (0) 7741 314 872

Me In Three : Reliable | Interested | Calm

Growing up in Glasgow, the Scouts took me on many adventures, close and far, mainly by foot. I studied Topographic Science (the making of maps), thinking I’d get paid to walk up hills, but ended up working offshore on boats and rigs making sure all the infrastructure was put in the right place, then surveying it once it was there. Having spent over 30 years in the offshore survey sector serving the energy industries, with nearly half of that time offshore, my career has taken me all over the world from Australia to Brazil, and Angola to Vietnam – always looking for a hill to walk or run up – although living in Aberdeenshire at all times. I gained a few outdoor qualifications along the way in my adult Scouting roles, and I’m now able to ‘work’ in the outdoors, which truly is my passion.

I regularly orienteer competitively, including winter night-time events, so my navigation skills are well-honed! I have twice competed in Finland at Jukola an 11-person relay and the world’s largest orienteering event where approximately 1700 teams compete through the night. I have also completed 17 mountain marathons in various regions of the UK. These involve 2 days running over mountainous terrain while navigating a route and carrying all the kit you need.

Hiking and biking are my two main passions nowadays, but I’ve been known to sail and ski too, mostly in Scotland. My wife says I have an addiction to bikes – buying them!

Place to Play

Living on the edge of the Southern Cairngorms, much of my ‘play time’ is spent here and it is a great place to bike and hike. The journey over to the west coast is one I enjoy and there is always a sense of excitement when I’m in the campervan heading west. It is hard to leave Scotland for adventure though I have managed the occasional trip – climbing Mt Toubkal in Morocco, cycling and sailing holidays in Mallorca and skiing trips to the Alps.

Not a lot of people know this

I spent five summers in a row as a teenager on some form of Scout camp/expedition: Switzerland, Massachusetts, Austria, Bavaria and Norway. Scouts played a large part of my teenage life and the reason for my love of the outdoors, camping and adventuring. My first Munro was Ben Nevis, aged 12, at my first summer camp on the banks of Loch Sunart – 38-years later I compleated (yes, correct spelling) my Munros on Beinn Sgritheall, overlooking the dramatic Loch Hourn, Knoydart and with stunning views to the Skye Cullins and beyond. I’ve also managed 50 Corbetts so far but still climb Munros too.

Scott McNeish

Contact Number: +44 (0) 7533 356 572

Me In Three – Easy-going | Mischievous | Patient

I work within the operations team at Wilderness Scotland and am incredibly lucky to be able to be part of the guiding team too.  After a nomadic childhood growing up in Austria, Hong Kong, Norway, and Canada I caught the bug for adventure travel and have spent a lifetime skiing, climbing and canoeing and have been lucky enough to join trips all over the world.

Following a career in the Royal Air Force I settled in the Highlands and love the wildness of a winter’s day out in the Cairngorms. To me, Scotland is the world ‘distilled’ into one great mini adventure playground and offers so much I just need to keep exploring it.

Place to play

I absolutely love climbing and skiing in the Cairngorms in winter and camping on the west coast beaches in summer.

Not a lot of people know this

I’m definitely not royalty but I cracked a joke with the late Duke of Edinburgh, had lunch with Princess Ann and Prince Harry used to bring us cakes!