Mountains and Glens of Scotland

Friday 7th February – Thursday 13th February 2025

Number of Travellers: 8
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Overview

Embark on a thrilling 7-day journey through Scotland’s wild and rugged landscapes, where you’ll discover ancient pine forests, take a refreshing dip in a shimmering loch, marvel at the untamed beauty of Glencoe, and meet inspiring women who will make the experience even more enriching.

A trip to Scotland isn’t just about hiking, it’s an extraordinary adventure. The country’s breathtaking landscapes and the warmth of its people will leave you with a sense of fulfilment and achievement, creating memories to last a lifetime.

 

Arrival & Departure

Your guide will meet you at Aviemore at 12:00 pm on the first day of your trip.

You will be returned to Fort William at 11.15 am on the final day of your trip.

Highlights

  • Explore the stunning Cairngorms National Park
  • Discover the history and rugged wilds of Glencoe
  • Experience the genuine warmth of Highland hospitality

Day by Day

Day 1 - Friday 7th February - Welcome to the Highlands!

Today marks the commencement of your thrilling Scottish adventure, with Aviemore serving as our meeting point nestled within the Cairngorms National Park, the UK’s largest national park. What better setting to meet your guide than a local pub, at 12pm, conveniently situated just across the road from Aviemore train station! Following a warm welcome briefing, we’ll bond over a light lunch before embarking on a leisurely trail walk to stretch our legs on a short, local hike.

The Loch an Eilein Ord Ban hike is a popular route favoured by locals, winding through towering pines, often with glimpses of wildlife such as red squirrels and deer. Situated on the island within the loch are the historic ruins of Loch an Eilein Castle.

The hike should take approximately 2-3 hours and is particularly stunning at this time of year. Afterwards, it’s a short transfer back to our accommodation and home for the next three nights. Dinner is out this evening in one of the towns many eateries.

Overnight: Aviemore | Cairngorm Guesthouse
Room Type: Standard Double/Twin
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 - Saturday 8th February - A Day of History - Culloden

Today, your journey takes you to Culloden Battlefield, the historic site of the last battle of the Jacobite rising in 1746.  Here you will embark on a guided tour of the battlefield and explore the immersive visitor centre, delving into this pivotal moment in Scottish history.  Following this, you will visit the fascinating Clava Cairns, an exceptionally well-preserved collection of Bronze Age burial chambers and standing stones.  This ancient site, dating back over 4,000 years, offers a captivating glimpse into Scotland’s prehistoric past.

In the afternoon, stop at a delightful local bakery to pick up a freshly brewed coffee and tempting pastry – an ideal way to savour the charm of this area.  Take a leisurely stroll along a nearby beach, a renowned spot for dolphin watching.  If fortune smiles upon you, you might spot these playful creatures just metres away, frolicking in the waves as they hunt for fish.

Overnight: Aviemore | Cairngorm Guesthouse
Room Type: Standard Double/Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 - Sunday 9th February - Relax and invigorate with a dip to remember!

Today we will make our way to Glenmore, a stunning forested area known for its ancient pine trees, enchanting emerald lochans, scenic trails, and rich wildlife. Today’s hike is a local favorite: Meall a Bhuachaille. This accessible trail features well-maintained paths leading to the summit,passing through heather-covered slopes and along a rugged, windswept ridge.

It offers a taste of the Cairngorms’ wild beauty without the distance or isolation of some of the more remote Munros. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a well-earned treat by Loch Morlich, where golden sands stretch along the UK’s highest beach, framed by towering mountains.

In the afternoon, we’ll switch things up with a refreshing experience. The national park is home to numerous pristine spots perfect for wild swimming, an activity renowned for its physical and mental benefits. Not only does it improve cardiovascular health, but it also helps reduce stress and boost your mood, offering a natural way to recharge in these tranquil surroundings. Warmed up from the beach sauna, and with time to get changed, dinner is not included this evening, leaving you free to explore the town.

Overnight: Aviemore | Cairngorm Guesthouse
Room Type: Standard Double/Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Monday 10th February - Meet two inspirational women, then sample Scotland's famous export!

After breakfast, no hiking today as we’ll venture to a croft undergoing loving restoration by two inspiring women. Crofting, once widespread across the Scottish Highlands, has diminished significantly over time. Here we spend time in their company, exploring the croft and learning of their utilization of traditional methods fused with modern rewilding principles. Seeing the innovative hen mobile is a must! Lunch is at a local cafe, renowned for its delicious tray bakes and charming atmosphere.

The afternoon offers a taste of Scotland’s finest, whisky, at Dalwhinnie Distillery, the UK’s highest at 1,164 feet. Established in 1897, it crafts exceptional Highland single malts inspired by its rugged surroundings. After wild swimming and a dram or two, sit back and relax as we journey west to Fort William. Upon arriving at our guest house, there will be time to check in and settle before we head out to enjoy an evening meal in the heart of this adventure-filled hub.

Overnight: Fort William | Myrtle Bank Guest House
Room Type: Double En-Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 - Tuesday 11th February - Hike in the iconic Glencoe

Glencoe is a breathtaking glen (valley) in the Scottish Highlands, known for its steep mountains, stunning scenery, and turbulent, significant history, notably for the infamous Glencoe Massacre of 1692. Its rugged landscape features dramatic peaks, cascading waterfalls, and sparkling lochs, making a stunning backdrop to many films such as ‘Skyfall’, ‘Braveheart’ and the popular TV series, ‘Outlander’.  Your guide will discuss all the options for hikes today – from hidden valleys to secret glens, there are many choices where you can get off the beaten track and hear stories about the tragic past of this beautiful area.  To end your day, you will arrive at a traditional hikers tavern where you will meet a local storyteller.  Sit back, relax and enjoy a warming dram as you let the stories of the area wash over you and immerse yourself in the history and culture of this magical part of Scotland.

This evening, take the opportunity to explore the lively town centre and enjoy a meal at a restaurant of your choosing.

Overnight: Fort William | Myrtle Bank Guest House
Room Type: Double En-Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Wednesday 12th February - Experience the beauty of the Nevis Range

Explore the atmospheric Glen Nevis at the foot of the tallest mountain in Scotland. Walk along the dramatic gorge to reach the secluded but impressive Steall Falls. There is a notorious wire bridge crossing the water nearby, but most people are content to admire it rather than use it!

Embark on a breathtaking journey up the slopes of Aonach Mor, the majestic 8th highest mountain in Britain.  As you ascend the scenic gondola, marvel at the sweeping panoramic views of the Nevis Range, with its rugged peaks and lush valleys stretching far into the horizon.  Along the way, your guide will share captivating stories of the region, weaving together its natural beauty and rich history for an unforgettable experience.

Overnight: Fort William | Myrtle Bank Guest House
Room Type: Double En-Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 - Thursday 13th February - A fond farewell to the Highlands

After a well-deserved rest and a hearty Scottish breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your guide team and the majestic Scottish Highlands. Your final adventure is the Highland Line train journey from Fort William to Glasgow. Before boarding, enjoy a moment to admire the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, an engineering marvel celebrated for its role in the Harry Potter films.

As the train travels south, the scenery shifts from picturesque glens to rolling hills and farmland, much of it immortalized on screen. The journey concludes in Glasgow, Scotland’s vibrant cultural hub. Here, you can explore the city’s attractions or easily catch a train back to Edinburgh to continue your travels.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 6 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 1 to Day 7 inclusive
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Entrance and guided tour of Culloden Battlefield
    • Private wild swimming experience with a local guide
    • Private croft / farm visit
    • Distillery tour & tasting (not private)
    • Story teller (private)
    • All gratuities
    • Return train from Fort William to Edinburgh (via Glasgow)
  • 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
  • All alcoholic drinks except D1 & D6 celebrations glass of fizz
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
  • A 20% 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.
  • Activities are only private if so specified
Optional Upgrades Read More
  • Room Upgrades are available in some locations, subject to availability. Pricing on request.
Arrival & Departure Read More

Your guide will meet you at Aviemore at 12:00 pm on the first day of your trip.

You will be returned to Fort William at 11:15 am on the final day of your trip.

Pricing Read More

Pricing:

The NET price for this itinerary, based on 8 clients on a twin-share basis, and including a £12 per person conservation contribution is:

  • £3,280 GBP per person.

Conservation Contribution

This voluntary donation of £12 per person goes towards conservation projects in the locations we operate.  If you would like to opt out just let your trip designer know. Click here for more information.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.