Ballou - Glencoe, Skye and the Cairngorms National Park

Nathan Ballou & Co

Autumn 2025

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Day by Day

Day 1 - Meet in Edinburgh

Meet your guide in Edinburgh this morning and head northwest to the small city of Stirling. Enjoy a coffee at a lovely cafe before exploring Stirling Castle, an impressive medieval fortress atop a steep crag. After lunch, we continue our adventure west, travelling into the lush, green folds of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, en route to the majestic Glencoe, where you’ll arrive and settle into your luxury historic mansion accommodation, and your own private suite. Enjoy a relaxing evening before more adventures tomorrow.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: 1 Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Hiking in Glencoe

Enjoy breakfast before meeting your guide and heading out to explore Glencoe. The spectacular Glencoe, carved out centuries ago by glaciers and volcanic eruptions, offers some wild and scenic hiking. One great option is to hike along a narrow rowan-hung gorge until you reach the Lost Valley. This enclosed meadow – high, green, and hidden by precipitous tors, is said to be where the Macdonald clan used to conceal their rustled cattle. Surrounded by jagged peaks that shift in and out of mountain mist, visit the Glencoe Center to learn about the landscape’s haunting history.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: 1 Bedroom Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Kayaking in Arisaig & Over to Skye

Depart Glencoe this morning and travel along the stunning Road to the Isles to the beautiful white sandy beaches of Arisaig Sound. Meet your expert sea-kayaking guide and head out into the turquoise water to explore. Sea kayak around hundreds of tiny islands, spotting seals, otters, and a host of 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. Once back on shore, a short ferry will take you from Mallaig to the iconic Isle of Skye where you can settle in to your accommodation for the evening.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Premier Sea View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Exploring the Misty Isle

This morning head out with your guide to explore the dramatic landscape of the Quiraing on the northern peninsula of Skye. As you walk, admire the stark rock formations that rise from the rugged ground like the great ruined battlements of a long-forgotten war. Chat with your guide about the geology and history of the area, enjoying the incredible sweeping views of the islands, mountains and sun-clipped shores that stretch in every direction. This afternoon, visit Dunvegan Castle, a Hebridean fortress which has been home to the same family for over 800 years. Learn about the family ancestry and stroll around the formal gardens, perhaps pausing for a home bake and cup of tea, all the while admiring the stunning views.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Premier Sea View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Wild Loch Coruisk & The Black Cuillin Mountains

Feeling rested, head south with your guide, arriving in 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. As the lovely first mate provides some fascinating history about the surrounding islands, look for sleepy seals lounging on the warm rocks. 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. Choose to walk around the loch or climb 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: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Premier Sea View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Heading East & Rewildling

Travel back to the mainland this morning, passing Eilean Donan Castle along the way, an iconic fortress perched upon a tidal island at the intersection of three sea lochs. We continue our journey through the striking landscape, arriving at Dundreggan Rewilding Centre to enjoy lunch. Afterwards, join an expert guide to visit their specialist tree nursery and learn about the centre’s important biodiversity. Transfer through Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, to Boath House in Nairn, a sanctuary on Scotland’s northern coast and your home for the night.

Overnight: Auldearn | Boath House
Room Type: Grand
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Johnstons of Elgin and The Fife Arms

After a tasty breakfast, journey to Johnstons of Elgin, a historic gem in the world of fine textiles. Here, starting with a glass of bubbles, you’ll be treated to a private Archive Experience Tour, a unique exploration of over two centuries of craftsmanship including VIP access to their Archive Room. Delve into the rich heritage of cashmere and wool production, witnessing intricate processes and learning about the artistry that has made Johnstons of Elgin renowned worldwide. Depart and enjoy a scenic transfer southward through rolling hills and picturesque glens to The Fife Arms, an extraordinary hotel in Braemar. Nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms, The Fife Arms blends Victorian charm with modern elegance, making it a haven of art, culture, and warm hospitality.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Nature and Poetry
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Balmoral and Royal Lochnagar

Spend the morning exploring the beautiful countryside that surrounds Balmoral Castle. We wind our way through the tangy pine forest and out onto the open hillside to a number of historical cairns erected by the Royal Family. With breathtaking views and the opportunity to see Balmoral from up high, it’s a true cracker of a walk. This afternoon, head to Royal Lochnagar Distillery for a guided tour and tasting, learning how they produce their smooth, grassy character using traditional ways of working.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Nature & Poetry
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Gourmet Bothy Picnic & Return to Edinburgh

This morning, leave the Cairngorms behind and begin your journey back to Edinburgh. Along the way, stop at a Highland estate where you will take a Land Rover into the heather-covered hills, arriving at a remote bothy for a luxury picnic lunch – a truly unique experience. Enjoy meeting the owner’s gentle labradors and saying hello to the grazing donkeys before continuing your journey with your guide to arrive back in the bustling streets and twinkling lights of Scotland’s capital. Enjoy your evening exploring the cobbled streets of this historic city before settling in for your final night in Scotland.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Kimpton Charlotte Square
Room Type: King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Depart Edinburgh

After breakfast, head to the airport and depart for home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 10
  • Most meals as indicated above
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 1 to Day 9
  • Ground transportation from Day 1 to Day 9 including ferries
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance to Stirling Castle
  • Entrance to Glencoe Visitor Centre
  • Privately guided Sea Kayaking in Arisaig
  • Entrance to Dunvegan Castle
  • Bella Jane Boat trip
  • Private tour at Dundreggan Rewiling Centre
  • Private tour including VIP access at Johnstons of Elgin
  • Expressions tour and tasting at Royal Lochnagar Distillery
  • Private gourmet picnic on Straloch Estate
  • 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
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking
  • A 25% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision
Pricing Read More

The price of this trip is £11,795 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.

Get in Touch

Tel: +44 1479 420 020 / 866 740 3890

Email Bridget

Accommodation

Glencoe House

Glencoe | West Highlands |
PH49 4HT | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1855 811 179
Web: glencoe-house.com

Cuillin Hills Hotel

Portree | Isle of Skye |
IV51 9QU | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)147 861 2003
Web: cuillinhills-hotel-skye.co.uk

Boath House

Boath House | Auldearn | Nairn |
IV12 5TE | Phone: +44 (0)1667 454 896
Web: boath-house.com

The Fife Arms

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

Kimpton Charlotte Square

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

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Glencoe

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Linn Of Dee

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Deeside

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Balmoral Castle

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Distillery Tour

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Photo looking across a beach and out to sea on a calm and clear sunny day.

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Virtuoso

Ballou – Glencoe, Skye and the Cairngorms National Park – V1

Autumn 2025