V4 - B&R Butterfield & Robinson - Jan & Mary Return To Scotland

Day 1 - Wednesday 28^th August - Meet Your Guide & Into The Cairngorms National Park

On arrival in Inverness you will be met by your guide and head over the ‘snow roads’ to your opulent hotel. Depending on your arrival time there may be options for explorations or a hike along the way. There are a few fascinating art installations along the route where you can see the mountains from the artist’s viewpoint. Enjoy a warm welcome back to the unique Fife Arms and settle into your room.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Culture
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 2 - Thursday 29^th August - Hiking Royal Deeside - Loch Callater

Enjoy a full day hiking and exploring the mountains and rivers of beautiful Deeside area with your expert guide, who will discuss the options with you and tailor the day to your preference. Maybe ease in with a gentle out & back to the scenic Loch Callater where mountain slopes swoop down towards the sparkling waters and Callater Lodge enjoys the serene views. Soak in the peaceful location while you hear about the tumultuous tales of access controversy which built the foundations for the access rights the country enjoys today.

Possible Route Choice: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/cairngorms/loch-callater.shtml

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Culture
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Friday 30^th August - Foodie/Whisky Celebration

Head into the hills of Glenlivet to the private home and kitchen of the charismatic writer, broadcaster and ‘food anthropologist’ Ghillie Basan, who has been called a ‘World Food Expert’. Set in an idyllic and remote location you will discover a colourful and well stocked kitchen with inspiring views over the hills. You can choose if you wish a slightly longer hike in over the hills, to take a short stroll along the track or arrive by vehicle. Ghillie will guide you in creating some delicious food while you share stories and learn about the matched whisky drams you enjoy alongside. A unique celebration and a special experience for you both.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Culture
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 - Saturday 31^st August - Enjoy the Views From A Summit OR Enjoy Relaxed Free Time / transfer west

You may choose to make the most of your holiday free time today, relax in the hotel or stroll the charming village of Braemar to discover the local shops. If you are full of energy and want to keep exploring then Ailsa will discuss the best route options with you, as the local area is full of choices. A great view can be gained by heading up Morrone, a small peak which overlooks Braemar itself and enjoys a wonderful sweeping vista of the surrounding hills. Or keep to lower trails to enjoy a half day hike with sheltered forest trails and discover the crenellations of Braemar Castle (which may even be finally open for a visit after recent renovations)

In the afternoon you will transfer west to your charming farmhouse in the heart of the cairngorms in time to enjoy a delicious dinner of local produce.

Possible Route Choices: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/cairngorms/morrone.shtml OR https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/cairngorms/lions-face.shtml

Overnight: West Cairngorms - Kingussie | Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Room Type: Double En-Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 - Sunday 1^st September - Hike the West Cairngorms

There are a huge range of superb possible hikes today, so Ailsa will chat through the top options with you to match your energy levels as well as interests and weather. One of the local favourites is Meall a’ Bhuachaille, which takes you past the startling green waters of the ‘fairy lochan’. Visit the photogenic Ryvoan Bothy (which features in the work of many local artists) and earn superb views back to the main Cairngorm massif from the summit cairn.

Possible Route Choice: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/cairngorms/meallabhuachaille.shtml

Overnight: West Cairngorms - Kingussie | Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Room Type: Double En-Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 - Monday 2^nd September - Over the Sea to Skye

Today you head ‘over the sea to Skye’ (just like the traditional Scottish song), passing the lower slopes of mighty Ben Nevis and along the ‘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. Take a stroll along the white sandy beaches of scenic Arisaig, with its views out to Skye & the small isles. Then a short ferry journey over to the island and Ailsa will take you to settle into your welcoming hotel.

If you prefer, then you can divert via Glen Shiel to cross onto Skye via the graceful arch of the Skye Bridge. If you take this route then you have the option to stop at Eilean Donan Castle. This is possibly the most iconic sight in Scotland and no wonder, it is set out on the water at a confluence of 3 sea lochs and is surrounded by majestic scenery. There are also some nice short hiking options along this route if you would like to stretch your legs and soak in the views. 

Overnight: Isle Of Skye | Kinloch Lodge
Room Type: Luxury Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Tuesday 3^rd September - Hiking Quiet Corners of Skye (OR the Highlights If You Prefer!)

Your experienced guide knows all the best hiking options to get away from the crowds on this popular island, but still take in the gorgeous and varied scenery. You will be spoilt for choice with fascinating history and dramatic landscape on offer, with unique hiking routes through stark and unusual rock formations and sweeping coast and mountain views to enjoy in almost every direction. This ‘misty isle’ is also home to so many curious stories and legends of fairies and islander culture, your guide will share some of the best hidden gems and personalise the day to your interests.

For a quiet day you could keep the driving to a minimum and discover the lonely lighthouse of Sleat, with a perfect hidden cove secreting turquoise waters nearby. Or you can choose to see some of the famous landscape highlights of Skye in person, if you have always admired the rocky spire of the Quiraing or the imposing face of Dunvagan Castle for instance.

Possible Route Choices: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/pointofsleat.shtml OR  https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/coralbeaches.shtml OR https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/quiraing.shtml

Overnight: Isle Of Skye | Kinloch Lodge
Room Type: Luxury Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Wednesday 4^th September - Raasay & Explorations

This morning you board the small ferry to the Isle of Raasay. This small island is an often overlooked gem, much quieter than Skye, and with unparalleled views over the Cuillin mountain ranges. There are a variety of excellent hikes to choose from, including up to the uniquely shaped high point of the island. Raasay has a fascinating history and you will celebrate this fully in the afternoon as you visit the first legal distillery on the island. Enjoy hearing about this unique approach to a special single malt and take a guided tasting with paired chocolates before you catch the ferry back to Skye. There should also be a chance today to spend some time taking a wander in Portree if you wanted to peruse some of the local shops.

Possible Route Choice: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/duncaan.shtml

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Kinloch Lodge
Room Type: Luxury Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Thursday 5^th September - Transfer to Torridon via Plockton

Departing the ‘misty isle’ you will make your way up the coast towards the stark mountain ridges of Torridon. There are various lovely hiking options on route, one lovely option for a stop is the charming seaside village of Plockton where you can explore the shoreline and maybe admire the local castle. Then carry onwards, following the coastline north through Lochcarron towards Torridon.

Possible Route Choice: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/kintail/Duncraig.shtml

Overnight: Torridon | The Torridon
Room Type: Master Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Friday 6^th September - Hiking in Torridon

There are many superb hiking options locally, and your guide will discuss which will be the best fit for the day. The iconic ridges soar above the glen and you don’t have to scale the heights to appreciate them. A beautiful option is a low-level trail passing serene Loch Clair before reaching Loch Coulin. The views of the towering peaks of Beinn Eighe and Liathach reflected in the lochs is one of the finest mountain views in Scotland and rewards your efforts many times over.

Possible Route Choice: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/torridon/Lochclair.shtml

Overnight: Torridon | The Torridon
Room Type: Master Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Saturday 7^th September - Hiking or Relaxing

Today could be a good day to slow the pace down and recharge your batteries as you enjoy the unique location of your hotel and the facilities on offer. However, if you have energy to spare then there are wonderful hiking options all around. You could explore the rugged coastline, hike up to a viewpoint or stroll along one of the deep glens. The choice is yours and Ailsa will help you choose the best route for your day.

Possible Route Options: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/torridon/Shieldaig.shtml OR Part of https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/torridon/falls-of-balgy.shtml

Overnight: Torridon | The Torridon
Room Type: Master Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Sunday 8^th September - Transfer East towards Inverness

Today you transfer East towards Inverness, and your tranquil accommodation in the Black Isle. There are various options for hiking along the route, perhaps taking in a sleepy village with a unique ‘touchstone maze’ created of Scotland’s geological make-up. Or maybe a coastal stroll with high chance of dolphin spotting just off the beach. You could also choose to spend some time in Inverness, or even fit in a round of golf if you fancied (would have to be booked well in advance of arrival).

Possible Route Choice: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochness/Knockfarrel.shtml OR https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochness/Chanonry.shtml

Overnight: Near Inverness | Newhall Mains
Room Type: Fraser Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 13 - Monday 9^th September - Depart from Inverness Airport

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your guide takes you to Inverness Airport to make your onward connections. Taking with you wonderful memories together and so many stories of your explorations of the beautiful landscapes of Scotland.

Meals Included: Breakfast