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    | Loch Muick, Royal Deeside

    Luxury & Deluxe

    Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside

    7 reviews


    Deposit From: £774£774
    Region: Cairngorms and Central Highlands
    Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
    Confirmed: When 2 Travellers Book

    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

      From: £2,895 View Prices & Dates

      Trip Overview

      Created by: Stevie Christie


      Join us on a carefully crafted, fully-guided walking tour in the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. Home to some of Scotland’s highest peaks and ancient Caledonian pine forests, it’s a stunning wilderness full of natural beauty.

      Accompanied by an expert Wilderness guide, enjoy exploring Strathspey, Royal Deeside and Highland Perthshire, staying in hand-picked, deluxe accommodation nestled in quiet Highland villages. From the slate blue Cairngorm mountains to the glittering waters of Loch Muick below the rocky peak of Lochnagar, this is a landscape steeped in history, tradition and folklore. Spend time on trails that ribbon along rushing rivers, meander through remote glens, and traverse ancient pinewood forests. From the majesty of Royal Deeside (home to Balmoral Castle, which has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since 1852) to Glenfeshie – a wild glen considered by many to be one of the most captivating in the Cairngorms, this adventure will reveal the enchanting nature of Scotland.

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      Day by Day
      Itinerary

      Day 1 – Arrive in the Cairngorms Read Less

      Day 1

      Arrive in the Cairngorms

      Arrive in Aviemore this morning, a town nestled in the northern reaches of the Cairngorms National Park and meet your Wilderness Guide. A short drive, with views into the Northern Corries and out across Insh Marshes, will take us towards our lovely local guesthouse. Along the way, enjoy a pretty walk around a local loch. It’s common to see highland cows grazing in the fields here, so keep an eye out for their caramel coloured manes and soft, friendly faces. Take some time to settle into your accommodation this evening before enjoying a delicious dinner.

      Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 8 km / 5 miles | 200 m / 656 ft | Approx: 5 hrs

      Day 2 – Hiking in Abernethy Forest and Wildlife Reserve Read Less

      Day 2

      Hiking in Abernethy Forest and Wildlife Reserve

      After a relaxed breakfast, lace up your boots and head out with your guide for a hike in the nearby Abernethy Forest and Wildlife Reserve. An important, fragile mosaic of ancient Caledonian pinewood, moorland, bog and mountain plateau, it’s also home to some of our most charming wildlife, including red squirrels and roe deer. We enjoy a circular walk with your guide here, taking in a section of the Speyside Way long distance trail and enjoying the views access the springy purple heather to the mountains beyond.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 8 km / 5 miles | 100 m / 328 ft | Approx: 5 hrs

      Day 3 – Exploring Glen Feshie Read Less

      Day 3

      Exploring Glen Feshie

      As the soft morning sun creeps slowly across the fields, we head out for a walk in Glenfeshie. Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland, the estate (which encompasses 47,000 acres) is carefully managed and protected, supporting wildlife such as pine martens, ospreys, black grouse and ptarmigan. Chat with your guide about the rewilding of this enchanting glen as we wind our way up the banks of the River Feshie, reaching a small collection of lochans hidden below the towering trees. This evening, relax back at the guesthouse, taking some time before dinner.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 12 km / 7 miles | 240 m / 787 ft | Approx: 5 hrs

      Day 4 – Highland Perthshire and Strathspey Read Less

      Day 4

      Highland Perthshire and Strathspey

      After breakfast, the group leaves the northern folds of the Cairngorms behind, making our way south into Highland Perthshire. The morning is spent visiting a 13th-century castle, followed by an engaging hike through its beautiful estate. With marginal elevation, the walk leads through the leafy forest in a steep-sided glen before finishing at the castle, allowing time for a fascinating tour of its interior. The journey continues to the Victorian village of Ballater, where we will settle into cosy accommodation boasting pretty views and an excellent whisky collection.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 9 km / 6 miles | 100 m / 328 ft | Approx: 5 hrs

      Day 5 – The Devil's Punchbowl and Cuckoo Glen Read Less

      Day 5

      The Devil's Punchbowl and Cuckoo Glen

      Waking to birdsong and the smell of fresh coffee, enjoy breakfast before the first day of exploring Royal Deeside. Set off for a charming circular hike, following a good trail which takes us past the thundering waters of the Linn O Dee, a place where the river cuts deeply into the rock, forming strong swirling currents and turquoise pools, crystal clear and deliciously cold. Return to Ballater this evening, perhaps taking a wee wander into the village before dinner, enjoying a pint at a local pub before a good night’s sleep.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 17 km / 11 miles | 200 m / 656 ft | Approx: 6 hrs

      Day 6 – Loch Muick and Queen Victoria's Hunting Lodge Read Less

      Day 6

      Loch Muick and Queen Victoria's Hunting Lodge

      Not too far from our hotel, the deep, dark waters of Loch Muick (pronounced ‘mick’) stretch out like a shimmering, glittering shadow below the rocky peak of Lochnagar. The hike today winds through the tang of a pine forest, past one of Queen Victoria’s hunting lodges and out around the stunning loch. A great place to spot red deer grazing or hear the chatter of grouse as they suddenly burst from the heather – enjoy learning about the wildlife from your guide. A nip of whisky or a hot cup of tea awaits us back at the hotel this evening.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 12 km / 7 miles | 200 m / 656 ft | Approx: 5 hrs

      Day 7 – Balmoral Castle and Return to Aviemore Read Less

      Day 7

      Balmoral Castle and Return to Aviemore

      Head out this morning for a walk exploring the beautiful countryside surrounding Balmoral Castle. We make our way out onto the open hillside to a number of historical cairns erected by the Royal Family. With breathtaking views and the opportunity to see the castle from up high, it’s a fantastic and interesting walk. After lunch, travel back through the hills to Aviemore. Bid farewell to your guide and catch the train towards your next destination. As the rugged beauty of the Highlands unfurls beyond the window, reflect on a week well spent in the great outdoors.

      Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
      Walk Details: 9 km / 6 miles | 370 m / 1,214 ft | Approx: 4 hrs

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      Luxury & Deluxe
      Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside

      To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

      Fields marked with * are mandatory

      The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

      Trip Dates & Prices

      All payments taken in local currency GBP

      Trip Dates for 2025AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
      10th May - 16th May 20254 place(s) leftGuaranteed £2,895Book Now
      21st Jun - 27th Jun 20256 place(s) leftGuaranteed £2,895Book Now
      1st Jul - 7th Jul 20258 place(s) leftAvailable £2,895Book Now
      19th Jul - 25th Jul 20258 place(s) leftAvailable £2,895Book Now
      13th Sep - 19th Sep 20257 place(s) leftAvailable £2,895Book Now

      Make This Trip Private

      Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your preferred departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

      Enquire Now
      X
      Luxury & Deluxe
      Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside

      For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

      Trip Details

      Accommodation Read More

      We’ll spend our first three nights in Strathspey in a gorgeous guest house with the most welcoming hosts, for the next three nights we’ll move to a deluxe hotel in Royal Deeside which boasts lovely views views across the valley of the River Dee to the hills around Glen Muick.

      Single Rooms

      There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of £620.00 is charged.

      Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

      Meals Read More

      This tour is all-inclusive.

      Food is of paramount importance and our meals are prepared from the best local produce. We’ll enjoy wonderful home-cooked meals each evening, with good, healthy portions. Naturally, vegetarians and other dietary requirements are willingly catered for – simply let us know at the time of booking.

      On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations. Included dinners are two courses as standard.

      Inclusions Read More
      • 3 nights accommodation in a carefully selected guest house and 3 nights in a deluxe hotel.
      • All meals during the trip.
      • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable guide/driver throughout.
      • All transport throughout the trip starting and finishing in Aviemore.
      • Entrance fees to a Highland castle and wildlife reserve.
      Grading Read More

      Green Graded 1-3

      Green graded walking holidays are suitable for active travellers who are reasonably fit and enjoy moderate hikes. We walk at a comfortable pace and you can expect to be out for 5-6 hours a day. The terrain will be mostly good paths and hill trails but these can still be muddy and rough in places. Some hikes may involve an ascent up to a max of approx 1,500 feet / 450m. Distances will be typically 8-10km but there may be the odd slightly longer day. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

      Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

      You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide at Aviemore Railway Station at 10.00am on Day 1 of your trip. You will be returned to Aviemore Railway Station for 4.00pm on the final day.

      If you would like to use your own vehicle on the trip please get in touch with our team to discuss.

      Speak to an Expert

      Bridget Brown

      Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Scotland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

      Ask Bridget a Question

      Difficulty Grades Explained

      Green Graded 1-3

      Green graded walking holidays are suitable for active travellers who are reasonably fit and enjoy moderate hikes. We walk at a comfortable pace and you can expect to be out for 5-6 hours a day. The terrain will be mostly good paths and hill trails but these can still be muddy and rough in places. Some hikes may involve an ascent up to a max of approx 1,500 feet / 450m. Distances will be typically 8-10km but there may be the odd slightly longer day. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

      Find Out More

      Trip Reviews

      Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 7 review(s) of Deluxe Walking – Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside

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      Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.

      That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.

      TF

      Tony Forward

      Reviewed on 13/08/2024

      Age: 60 - 70
      Country: Australia
      Trip Date: 28/07/2024
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      EK

      Elisabeth Key

      Reviewed on 07/08/2024

      Age: 60 - 70
      Country: Italy
      Trip Date: 28/07/2024
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      MH

      Marian Hotopp

      Reviewed on 06/08/2024

      Age: 30 - 40
      Trip Date: 28/07/2024
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      Mom and I had a great time on our trip to with Wilderness Scotland. Our guide, Will Snow, was able to provide us with a great adventure. The small group size 6 allowed us to really get to know each other. Accommodations and food were top notch.

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