Scotland’s National Parks and the Highlands (Draft concept)

Prepared with pleasure exclusively for Wander Your Way

Dates TBC - May to October 2026

Number of Travellers: 14
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Overview

This itinerary offers a mix of culture, history and unforgettable experiences within the Scottish capital city of Edinburgh, the Highlands, magical Loch Ness and rural Perthshire. A perfect blend of heritage, nature, and awe-inspiring landscapes, immersing you in the true splendour of Scotland.

The trip would start and finish in the Scottish capital city of Edinburgh, we’ll then explore Royal Deeside, the location of Balmoral Castle, the Scottish residence of the King; before moving on to Scotland’s largest National Park – The Cairngorms, where we’ll meander through the fragrant pine forests and wildlife-rich heather-clad moors, relishing the enchanting wilderness in the Highlands.

Itinerary Concept:

  • Explore Edinburgh’s historic Old Town and The Royal Mile, with a guided tour of the iconic city
  • Explore the UK’s most expansive National Park, teeming with native wildlife, flora and breathtaking landscapes
  • Walk the ruins of one of Scotlands most iconic castles on the banks of Loch Ness and then cruise the famous Loch
  • Walk through some break-taking trails in rural Perthshire. Visit a Highland whisky distillery
  • Relax each evening with locally-sourced meals of seasonal produce, in accommodations hand-picked just for you
  • Visit some picture-postcard highland locations and maybe even a Highland Coo

 

Start / Finish – Edinburgh / Edinburgh

Edinburgh is easily accessible, connected by regular flights from various cities in the UK and Europe, as well-as some direct flights from the US. It’s also on the UK mainline rail network, with the sleeper train being an attractive option for the journey to/from destinations in the south of the UK. The airport is just 20 minutes from the city center and is connected by tram, bus and taxi.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Arrive - Walking tour of Edinburgh

Our Scottish adventure begins in the afternoon with the best way to see this historic city….. a walking tour.

Immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you enjoy a tour with our local experts. We’ll see the highlights of this unique capital city from the Palace of Holyrood house, all the way up the “Royal Mile” to the mighty ancient fortress which is Edinburgh Castle itself.

After working up an appetite we gather for a welcome dinner.

Overnight: The Bruntsfield Hotel, Edinburgh (or similar)

Meals included: Dinner

Walk Details: To be agreed

NB: Pre-night accommodation available upon request

Day 2 - Edinburgh and transfer onwards to the Cairngorms

After a hearty Scottish breakfast, we transfer north to Braemar, a charming village located in the heart of Royal Deeside in Aberdeenshire.

We’ll then set out on a short hike at The Linn of Dee, a dramatic natural feature where the River Dee flows through a narrow gorge, creating a stunning waterfall. The hike allows us to both stretch our legs and savour the surroundings. After working up an appetite, a short transfer will take us to the neighbouring village of Ballater, where we will stay for the next two nights.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and a good night’s sleep, ready for the adventures ahead.

Overnight: The Balmoral Arms Hotel, Ballater (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walk Details: 3 km, 140 ft elevation gain, Approx: 1 hrs

Total transfer time: c.2.30 hrs by private transfer.

Day 3 - Royal Deeside

This morning we head out to explore Royal Deeside, famous for its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and its association with the British Royal family.

We embark on circular hike, offering magnificent vistas of Deeside and even Balmoral Castle (the King’s Scottish residence), itself.  After lunch, a castle visit awaits, a historical landmark, offering a glimpse into Scotland’s past. The rest of the afternoon is free to discover the serene and picturesque village of Ballater.

Dinner is not included this evening, but that’s okay as the village boasts several bars and restaurants so there are plenty of options to choose from.

Overnight: The Balmoral Arms Hotel, Ballater (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Walk Details: 10 km, 1,200 ft elevation gain, Approx: 3 hrs

Day 4 - Discovering Abernethy Forest

This morning, we depart from Ballater and journey through the national park.

The road winds its way through a landscape of undulating heather-clad hills, offering a transition from dense forests to stretches of vibrant purple moorland. This scenic route is characterized by its steep and undulating sections, particularly as you ascend and descend one of Scotland’s infamous snow roads, the Lecht Pass. We arrive in the pretty village of Nethy Bridge, in the heart of the Abernethy Forest, mid morning. From here, we explore the forest on foot, along one of the many enchanting trails, before returning to the village for lunch at a local cafe. After lunch we head deeper into the Abernethy Forest for a circular loch hike, adorned with ancient Caledonian pine trees, and home to rare wild and bird life such as red squirrels, pine martens and Ospreys.

A short transfer takes us to the charming village of Boat of Garten, where we’ll enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening at the welcoming hotel bar.

Overnight: The Boat Country Inn Hotel, Boat of Garten (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Walk Details: 5 km, 226 ft elevation gain, Approx: 2 hrs

Day 5 - Meet the locals!

This morning, we set off for the mountains, to some authentic albeit furry, local residents!

The Cairngorms reindeer herd, is the only free-ranging reindeer in the UK and we’ll witness these majestic creatures up-close in their natural mountain habitat. After lunch at the highest beach in the UK, we’ll then follow a picturesque trail around a local loch, Loch an Eilein, which is known for its tranquil scenery and the ruins of a 13th century castle on its island.

The town of Aviemore is just a short drive away, and it is here where we will have a delicious evening meal at one of the town’s best known pubs.

Overnight: The Boat Country Inn Hotel, Boat of Garten (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Walk Details: 7 km, 230 ft elevation gain, Approx: 2 hrs

Day 6 - Loch Ness

Today we travel to the magical Loch Ness for a walk along the banks of the famous loch.

We’ll enjoy some of the most iconic Scottish scenery, have some wonderful photo opportunities, and maybe even see the elusive monster on a cruise on the famous Loch. We’ll visit the famous ruins of Urquhart Castle, with its strategic setting on a rocky promontory with an open outlook up and down Loch Ness. This is undoubtedly one of the most iconic castles in Scotland, which saw great conflict during its 500 years as a medieval stronghold.

We finish the day with a boat trip on the famous loch before transferring back to our cozy accommodation.

Overnight: The Boat Country Inn Hotel, Boat of Garten (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Walk Details: To be agreed

Total transfer time: c.1 hr each way by private transfer.

Day 7 - Leaving the Cairngorms for Rural Perthshire

Today is our last morning in the Cairngorms but before we head south one final hike awaits us.

The Uath Lochans, known locally as the Paw Print Lochans, are a hive of biodiversity. Raised boardwalks wind through reedy marshlands. Look out for a glimpse of the occasional frog and the glittering wings of dragonflies as they dart over the wetlands. After lunch, our journey continues as we travel south to rural Perthsire, stopping along the way for a gentle walk through the leafy woodlands, perhaps at the Hermitage and passed Ossian’s Hall, a folly where you can look out over the cascading falls of the River Braan.

We check in to our next accommodation and enjoy a well-earned evening meal together

Overnight: The Dunkeld House Hotel, Perthshire (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walk Details: To be agreed

Total transfer time: c.1.30 hrs by private transfer.

Day 8 - The Glens of Blair Atholl

Today is a more relaxed day, with some easy walking trails around the grounds of the iconic stately Blair Castle on the Atholl Estate and through the magical forest trails. We might even see a Highland Coo today!

For those that are feeling a bit more adventurous, perhaps take one of the longer trails into the surrounding glens.

After we return from our walk, we gather to visit a small Highland whisky distillery for a private tour to learn about the magical Uisge Beatha (water of life) – and maybe even enjoy a dram or two afterwards, before meeting again to enjoy our farewell dinner together.

Overnight: The Dunkeld House Hotel, Perthshire (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walk Details: To be agreed

Day 9 - Transfer South to Edinburgh

After a leisurely breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the Highlands as we depart for Edinburgh where the trip ends mid-day.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Total transfer time: c.1.30 hrs by private transfer.

NB: Post-night accommodation available upon request

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 8 nights accommodation in small hotels and inns, as detailed above
  • 8 breakfast, 7 lunches and 6 evening meals
  • The services of qualified and experienced guides throughout the trip (1:8 ratio)
  • All transfers throughout the trip
  • All guided activities and visits as mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Day 1 – Walking tour of Edinburgh
    • Day 3 – Lochnagar OR Braemar Castle
    • Day 4 – RSPB Abernethy
    • Day 5 – Cairngorm Reindeer Centre
    • Day 6 – Urquhart Castle
    • Day 6 – Boat trip on Loch Ness
    • Day 8 – Highland whisky distillery tour.
  • All gratuities except for the lead guide(s)
  • Trip Design and Delivery
  • 24/7 in-country support during trips
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for lead guide
Arrival & Departure Read More

Your guide will meet you at Edinburgh at 2:00 pm on the first day of your trip.

You will be returned to Edinburgh at 12:00 pm on the final day of your trip.

Pricing Read More

Total group size up to 14 travelers

Pricing in 2026 will range from £x to £x pp, depending on group size (based on 5-13 guests).

The above total includes 1 x free place for Wander Your Way expedition leader (Lynne)

Single supplement: £TBC (max. 2 single occupancy rooms available)

NB. Trip confirmed on 5 guests

NB. Pre & Post TBC:

  • Pre-night options – Edinburgh – £TBC
  • Post night options – Edinburgh – £TBC

The above prices includes 1 x free place for Wander Your Way expedition leader (Lynne), not included from the above group size allocation ( 13 x guests and 1 x expedition leader – 14 travelers).

Get in Touch