Hiking the Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,039
FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: Hike your way into the heart of Scotland’s beautiful north. On this active tour through Scotland’s most pristine wilderness, you’ll pass through ancient pine forests, cross over mystical glens, and spot local wildlife, all while learning about Scottish history and admiring the stunning mountain peaks.
This 7-day Scottish vacation takes you to the country’s north to hike some of the picturesque trails of Cairngorms National Park and Royal Deeside.
Connect from Inverness in the north of Scotland to begin your United Kingdom vacation. On your first hike, head to Strathspey southeast of Inverness and hike along the whiskey smuggler trails, finishing up at a distillery to try some single malt for yourself. The next day, head to Royal Deeside to hike around Glen Muick, in the shadow of Lochnagar Peak. Hike through an ancient pine forest and pass Queen Victoria’s former hunting lodge before reaching Loch Muick, where you’ll spot red deer in the forest and golden eagles overhead. Another day, hike one of the best routes in Deeside, heading north to the Cairngorm Plateau, where you’ll see the highest peaks of Scotland and admire the rugged landscape.
Transfer west to Highland Perthshire and explore the estate of a 13th-century castle, hiking through the forest and glen around the castle. Continue to Strathspey and small Cairngorm Village, which will be your base during days exploring the Cairngorm Valleys. Hike through Glen Feshie and pass through ancient pines on the banks of the River Feshie. The next day, pass into the Abernathy Forest, arguably the most beautiful forest in all of Scotland. Hike through a landscape of high mountains, ancient Scottish pine trees, and magnificent lochs. On your final day of hiking, choose from a variety of trails through Cairngorms National Park before returning to Inverness to continue your onward journey.
This Scotland vacation makes for a great add-on to a longer trip to the United Kingdom.
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,039
Itinerary View Trip Map
Hiking the Whisky Smugglers Trails
From Inverness, a short transfer south-east takes you to eastern Strathspey, Scotland’s most famous whisky-making region. You’ll enjoy a short walk, following the ancient trails once used by whisky smugglers, keen to avoid the law! You finish up at one of Scotland’s most iconic distilleries, where you'll enjoy a private tour (with samples!) before transferring south into Royal Deeside and the guest house accommodation.
Walk details: 6km, 100m ascent
| Meal Plan | Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 Nights |
The Shadow of Lochnagar
This superb circular hike explores Glen Muick, which lies in the shadow of the famous peak of Lochnagar. It takes you through ancient pine forest, past one of Queen Victoria’s hunting lodges and beneath towering cliffs as you circumnavigate beautiful Loch Muick.It’s also a great spot for spotting wildlife – look out for red deer and golden eagles! Overnight Royal Deeside.
Walk details: 12km, 200m ascent
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
The Cuckoo Glen and the Devil's Punchbowl
This circular hike is one of the best in Royal Deeside. You'll follow a good trail north to the edge of the Cairngorm plateau, where some of the highest peaks in Scotland rise from the deep glens. The wilderness is striking and the beauty is all around. The rivers are a real highlight with the striking rock features of the Linn of Dee and the Devil’s Punchbowl most notable. Overnight Royal Deeside.
Walk details: 17km, 200m ascent
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Highland Perthshire and Strathspey
You will transfer west into Highland Perthshire, where you will make your way to a 13th century castle for a hike on its vast estate. You'll enjoy a level route through a beautiful forest in a steep-sided glen. You finish back at the castle, with time for a tour of its interior and perhaps the gardens too. A short transfer north takes us into Strathspey and your base for the next 3 nights, a small hotel in a sleepy Cairngorm village.
Walk details: 9km, 100m ascent
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Into Glen Feshie
Despite being considered by many to be the most beautiful of all the Cairngorm valleys, Glen Feshie is overlooked by many hikers, meaning that a walk here is one which has a real wilderness feel. The circular route follows the banks of the bubbling River Feshie, through ancient pines to an old mountain hut. The route offers great wildlife-spotting potential with red deer golden eagles and even the rare capercaillie being found in the glen.
Walk details: 12km, 250m ascent
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Abernethy Forest and Wildlife Reserve
The Abernethy Forest is thought by many to be the most beautiful in Scotland, with beautiful lochs surrounded by ancient Scots Pine trees and framed by views of the high mountains. You'll enjoy a circular walk, perhaps taking in a section of the Speyside Way long distance trail, and finishing at a wildlife reserve where you'll hope to see red squirrels and many bird species including, in the early part of the summer, the osprey.
Walk details: 8km, 100m ascent
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Hike in Cairngorms National Park
There are so many great walks in the Cairngorms that you'll like, to keep the itinerary flexible you will decide which hike to take in on the day. One option is a hike close to the hotel, a favourite of the locals. It ventures into the eastern edge of the Monadh Liath mountains on a circular route to Loch Gynack. It's a wild and beautiful place, so an apt location to end our trip. After the hike, you complete the circumnavigation of the Cairngorms National Park by transferring north back to Inverness for the trip end.
Walk details: 8km, 200m ascent
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Lunch |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2022/23: Please inquire
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 6 nights in moderate to first-class accommodation
- The services of an experienced and knowledgeable guide & driver throughout
- All transport throughout the trip starting and finishing in Inverness
- Entrance fees to a whisky distillery, Highland castle and wildlife reserve
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 7 lunches, 6 dinners
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
23 Oct 2020
