Scotland Adventure - Final Information

The Watermans

Sunday 19th May – Wednesday 29th May 2024

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

Overview

Explore Scotland’s vibrant and historic cities, book-ending your journey between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Venture into mountains and subarctic landscapes, staying in a luxuriously restored 19th-century farmhouse in Cairngorms National Park, where you might conquer a “Munro” (a mountain in Scotland with an elevation over 3,000 feet). Hike in dramatic scenery in Glencoe, and spend a day on the high seas exploring the islands of the west coast. Savour local flavours with farm-to-table cuisine, neighborhood pub fare, and true Scottish hospitality. Enjoy it all with your knowledgeable guide, who brings the landscape and history to life on this wonderful 10-day adventure.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Sunday 19th May | Welcome to Edinburgh | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 2 | Monday 20th May | Exploring Edinburgh | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 3 | Tuesday 21st May | Hiking in the Cairngorms | Overnight: By Kingussie

Day 4 | Wednesday 22nd May | The High Peaks Of The Cairngorms | Overnight: By Kingussie

Day 5 | Thursday 23rd May | Battles and Barrels | Overnight: By Kingussie

Day 6 | Friday 24th May | Hiking in Glencoe | Overnight: Argyll

Day 7 | Saturday 25th May | West Coast Islands by Boat | Overnight: Argyll

Day 8 | Sunday 26th May | West Coast Hiking | Overnight: Argyll

Day 9 | Monday 27th May | Glasgow | Overnight: Glasgow

Day 10 | Tuesday 28th May | Explore Glasgow | Overnight: Glasgow

Day 11 | Wednesday 29th May | Depart

Highlights

  • Explore a traditional Whisky Distillery and raise a wee dram to your adventures
  • Find the secret sandy beaches and island trails of the less-travelled west coast with your expert guide
  • Hear the tales and local legends with a walking tour of Edinburgh's cobbled streets, storytelling in a traditional pub and a fascinating tour of Glasgow street art

Day by Day

Day 1 - Sunday 19th May - Welcome to Edinburgh

Arrive at Edinburgh Airport where a private transfer will take you to your hotel. Depending on your energy level, you may wish to explore the city, or simply relax at your hotel. Edinburgh is a delightful mix of Medieval history, vibrant trending neighbourhoods, and craggy landscape. Grab a pint at a local pub or wander the halls of the National Gallery.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Kimpton Charlotte Square
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: May 19, 2024 | Airline: Air France | Flight Number: AF1686
Arrival Airport: Edinburgh (EDI) | Arrival Time: 10:30

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2700042
Pick Up Location: Edinburgh Airport | Pick Up Time: 10:30 | Approx Duration: 0.75 hrs
Phone: +44 (0)141 883 2111

Your Private Driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall with a sign showing your name.

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 Little’s Office on +44 (0)141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Pub: Auld Hundred | Location: 100 Rose St, Edinburgh EH2 2NN
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: 47295 - John Waterman
Phone: 0131 225 1809 | Website: https://www.auldhundrededinburgh.com/

Please note that this is a Table Reservation only.  Please pay directly

Day 2 - Monday 20th May - Exploring Edinburgh

This morning you are picked up by a local guide and taken for a wonderful tour of Scotland’s hilly capital to discover the secrets that are hidden in plain site. Admire Edinburgh Castle overlooking the sea and the spires of St. Giles’ Cathedral. Revel in the ancient exploits of Sir William Wallace (known as Braveheart) and the hometown of actor Sean Connery.Your guide will leave you at lunchtime and the rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at your own pace, or simply sit back and relax and watch the world go by in one of the many cafes in the Grassmarket.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Kimpton Charlotte Square
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Private Morning Walking Tour Read More +

Activity: Private Morning Walking Tour
Local Expert City Guide: Shauna Ansell
Start Location: Kimpton Charlotte Square | Start Time: 09:00 | Approx Duration: 4 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 7989 664 023

Your local expert guide will meet you at the reception of your hotel

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Scran & Scallie | Location: Edinburgh
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: BCRJFNZ3
Phone: +44 (0)131 332 6281 | Website: https://scranandscallie.com/

Please note that this is a Table Reservation only.  Please pay directly

Day 3 - Tuesday 21st May - Hiking in the Cairngorms

Head out of the city this morning toward the mountains of Cairngorms National Park. On arrival set off on a wonderful warm-up hike through the Scots pines to a viewpoint that stretches across the Spey Valley to the mountains beyond. Established as a National Park in 2003, Cairngorms’ mountain peaks give way to lush forests, enchanting walking trails, sparkling rivers, and local wildlife. Small villages and traditional farms dot the dramatic landscape. Arrive at your unique farmhouse accommodation in the late afternoon in time to settle in before dinner.

Overnight: By Kingussie | Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Room Type: Alder Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 4 km / 3 miles | 162 m / 530 ft elevation gain | Approx: 2 hrs

Day 3 - Guide Details - Kirsty Duncan Read More +

Name: Kirsty Duncan
Contact Number: +44 (0) 7879 549 691
Meeting Place: Kimpton Charlotte Square eception | Meeting Time: 09:00

Your main guide, Kirsty will meet you at the reception of your hotel this morning.

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Hotel: Your Accommodation - Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Reservation Time: 19:30

Pre-Dinner Drinks available in the Farmhouse from 19:00

Day 4 - Wednesday 22nd May - The High Peaks Of The Cairngorms

Cairngorms National Park is home to 5 of the 6 highest peaks in Scotland, and people come to Scotland every year to “bag a Munro,” or scale a mountain over 3,000 feet. Today this could be you—and if you are up to the challenge you could even bag two!

Alternatively, hike to a green lochan (small lake) where, legend has it, fairies come down every night to wash their clothes. From here you can continue up the Hill of the Shepherd with great views over the adventure town of Aviemore. Whatever you decide, this will be a day to remember.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: By Kingussie | Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Room Type: Alder Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 18 km / 11 miles | 932 m / 3,057 ft elevation gain | Approx: 8 hrs

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Hotel: Your Accommodation - Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Reservation Time: 19:30

Pre-Dinner Drinks available in the Farmhouse from 19:00

Day 5 - Thursday 23rd May - Battles and Barrels

After an active day yesterday, spend today delving into the history of Scotland, beginning with a visit to Culloden Battlefield where the final battle of the 1745 Jacobite Rising took place. You could also visit Clava Cairns, a wonderful collection of burial chambers dating back to the Bronze Age.

After lunch, stretch your legs on a walk alongside the River Findhorn where it squeezes through narrow rocks. End the day at a whisky distillery for a tour and tasting of the famous spirit before heading back to your accommodation for another delicious dinner.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: By Kingussie | Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Room Type: Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 18 km / 11 miles | 932 m / 3,057 ft elevation gain | Approx: 8 hrs

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Hotel: Your Accommodation -Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Reservation Time: 19:30

Pre-Dinner Drinks available in the Farmhouse from 19:00

Day 6 - Friday 24th May - Hiking in Glencoe

Bid farewell to the mountains of the Cairngorms and head west towards the Nevis Mountain Range. The scenery on this journey is incredible; be sure to keep your eyes out for the summit of Ben Nevis, poking her head through the clouds. Your destination for today’s hike is the dramatic Glencoe, with hidden valleys steeped in history and jagged mountains rising from the ground which you can summit today if you wish. After the hike head to a traditional walkers’ tavern where you will meet a local storyteller who will entertain you with the myths and legends of days gone by. You are then taken to your luxury accommodation with time to settle in before your evening meal.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Argyll | The Airds Hotel
Room Type: Superior Room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Hotel: The Airds Hotel & Restaurant
Reservation Time: 19:00

Day 7 - Saturday 25th May - West Coast Islands by Boat

The clear blue waters and the white sandy beaches of Scotland’s west coast could lead you to believe you are in the Caribbean instead of the British Isles. Your morning trip on the boat will take you on a spectacular journey around some of the islands of the west coast, where the local seal colony, and perhaps some dolphins, may pop their heads up to say hello. After being dropped off back in Oban at lunchtime the afternoon is free to explore more of the coastline or head back to your hotel and relax with some afternoon tea.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Argyll | The Airds Hotel
Room Type: Superior Room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Airds Hotel & Restaurant
Reservation Time: 19:00

Day 8 - Sunday 26th May - West Coast Hiking

This part of the west coast offers excellent hiking, with some of the best trails found on the isles. Board a local ferry this morning and head to the Isle of Kerrera, where you follow a wonderful circuit of the island before stopping at a beautiful spot for lunch with a view.  This afternoon, head back to the mainland, where there’s time to explore the town of Oban before returning to your hotel.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Argyll | The Airds Hotel
Room Type: Superior Room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 11 km / 7 miles | 275 m / 902 ft elevation gain | Approx: 5 hrs

Day 8 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Airds Hotel & Restaurant
Reservation Time: 19:00

Day 9 - Monday 27th May - Glasgow

Today you head back to the bright lights of the city. On the way to Glasgow, stop off at Kilmartin Glen, site of one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age artefacts in Scotland. En route to Glasgow, take a stroll in the small village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond before arriving in the city in the late afternoon. After arriving at your hotel, you can relax after your journey or head out to explore the city.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Glasgow | Kimpton Blythswood Square
Room Type: King Premium Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Oran Mor | Location: Top of Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8QX
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: John Muir Bar - DMN-16850020027
Phone: +44 (0)141 357 6200 | Website: https://oran-mor.co.uk/

Please note that this is a Table Reservation only.  Please pay directly

Day 10 - Tuesday 28th May - Explore Glasgow

This morning, you are met by your local city guide for a journey through the centre of Glasgow following some of the wonderful murals that are dotted about the city. These works of art can pop up overnight and are helping to revitalise neighbourhoods within Glasgow. Your afternoon is free to continue exploring Glasgow independently, enjoying your final evening in Scotland.

Overnight: Glasgow | Kimpton Blythswood Square
Room Type: King Premium Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Private Glasgow Street Art Walking Tour Read More +

Activity: Private Glasgow Street Art Walking Tour
Walking Tours in Glasgow:
Start Location: Kimpton Blythswood Square | Start Time: 10:30 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs
Booking Reference: John Waterman
Phone: +44 (0)141 474 0746

Your expert local guide will meet you at the reception of your hotel.

Day 10 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Ubiquitous Chip | Location: 12 Ashton Lane, Glasgow, G12 8SJ
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: A La Carte - BDWHZFGN
Phone: +44 (0)141 334 5007 | Website: https://ubiquitouschip.co.uk/

Please note that this is a Table Reservation only.  Please pay directly.

Please note that late cancellations (within 48 hours) or no-shows will incur a £25 per person fee.

Day 11 - Wednesday 29th May - Depart

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

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2700043
Pick Up Location: Kimpton Blythswood Square | Pick Up Time: 06:00 | Approx Duration: 0.5 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

Your private transfer driver will meet you at the reception of your hotel.

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 11 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: May 29, 2024 | Airline: KLM | Flight Number: KL 936
Departure Airport: Glasgow Airport (GLA) | Departure Time: 09:15

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 9 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above, plus snacks available in van
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 3 to Day 9
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on Day 3 to Day 9
  • Private Transfer from Edinburgh Airport to Hotel on Arrival Day, with Meet & Greet
  • Private Transfer to Glasgow Airport from City Centre on Departure Day
  • All Ferry Travel mentioned in the itinerary
  • All guided hikes, activities, entrance fees specified in the itinerary as follows;
    • Private Morning Walking tour of Edinburgh
    • Entry to Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre
    • Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting
    • Private Storyteller Experience in Traditional Pub
    • Morning boat trip around the West Coast
    • Private Guided Walking Tour of Glasgow Street Art
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Scotland Team
  • Gratuities for included meals and local activities
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

Notes On Weather & Flexibility

Weather – May 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

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.

 

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.

 

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).

Arrival & Departure Read More

Your guide will meet you at Edinburgh at on the first day of your trip.

You will be returned to Glasgow at on the final day of your trip.

Important Additional Information Read More
  • Scotland General Info - PDF: View Now
  • Eat | See | Stay - Edinburgh - PDF: View Now
  • Eat | See | Stay - Glasgow - PDF: View Now
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Accommodation

Kimpton Charlotte Square

Charlotte Square | Edinburgh | Midlothian |
EH2 4HQ | Scotland
Phone: 800 44445 566
Web: kimptoncharlottesquare.com

Killiehuntly Farmhouse

By Kingussie | Highlands |
PH21 1NZ | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)154 661 619
Web: killiehuntly.scot

The Airds Hotel

Port Appin | Argyll |
PA38 4DF | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1631 730236
Web: airds-hotel.com

Kimpton Blythswood Square

11 Blythswood Square | Glasgow |
G2 4AD | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 141 248 8888
Web: kimptonblythswoodsquare.com

Meet Your Guide

Kirsty Duncan

Contact Number: +44 (0)7879 549 691

After many years in the hospitality industry, I became a Senior Event Coordinator for a large hotel and leisure resort in Perthshire where I coordinated a huge variety of conferences, weddings and special occasions.  On the year of my 30th birthday, I decided to take some time out of work to chill out for a few months and so I bought myself a little camper van.  In the summer of 2014, me and my trusty Turbo Alick spent over 3 months exploring the stunning landscapes of the North West Coast, Skye and the Outer Hebrides.

Place to Play

It has to be Glenshee which was on my doorstep growing up.  My family still live in the area so I love going home to enjoy Glenshee’s mountains, peaceful glens, lochs, forest tracks and of course the ski centre.  Gleann Taitneach in particular has been one of my favourite places to go ever since I was a little girl when we used to go swimming in the ‘secret’ pools.

Not a lot of people know this

I used to be really shy (apparently not so much anymore!)

Virtuoso

Scotland Adventure – Final Information

Sunday 19th May – Wednesday 29th May 2024