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    | Cairngorms National Park

    Wilderness Retreat

    Winter Highlands

    4 reviews


    Deposit From: £407£407
    Region: Cairngorms and Central Highlands
    Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
    Confirmed: When 4 Travellers Book

    Next Departure: 24th - 28th Feb 2025
    Accommodation: Classic

    Grading:

    Carbon Footprint: 78kg ? What does this mean?
    Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

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

      From: £1,495 View Prices & Dates

      Trip Overview

      Created by: Anna Brownlow


      As the bright, frosty days of winter glow with golden light, join us on a wonderful trip into the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.

      Led by an expert Wilderness guide, relax and recharge in an exclusive-use mountain lodge tucked away in a wild glen. Secluded and cosy, this lovely women’s only retreat offers every contemporary comfort without forgoing its rustic roots. From its door, hike to hidden waterfalls and around stunning lochans; chat with your knowledgeable guide about the unique biodiversity of the Highlands and the hardy wildlife which call it home. Enjoy the exhilaration of a wild swim and warm up in a toasty, mobile sauna. In the soft afternoon light, stretch off in a private yoga session; and as darkness unfurls across the river, listen to tales of local folklore under a starry sky.

      Surrounded by snow-dusted mountains in this stunning part of Scotland, gift yourself the time and the space to truly relax.

      Marker Icon

      Day by Day
      Itinerary

      Day 1 – Welcome to the Highlands Read Less

      Day 1

      Welcome to the Highlands

      Meet your Wilderness guide in Aviemore this morning, a small town tucked in the western folds of the Cairngorms National Park. After joining the rest of your lovely group, have lunch at a cafe and chat with your guide about the trip ahead. Afterwards, set out for a beautiful walk around Loch an Eilein. As we wind our way around the shore, enjoy the reflections of evergreen pines in the smooth, icy water and admire the ruins of a 14th-century castle perched on a tiny island which gives the loch its name. Later, a scenic drive will take us deep into an ancient valley to our private lodge where a delicious dinner awaits.

      Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 7 km / 4 miles | 70 m / 230 ft | Approx: 2 hrs

      Day 2 – Forest Bathing and Wild Swimming Read Less

      Day 2

      Forest Bathing and Wild Swimming

      After a hearty and nourishing breakfast, join your guides for a Forest Bathing session. With no need to drive anywhere, simply set off from the lodge into the woods. We’ll meander our way through old trees veined in white, immersing ourselves in nature and reaping the benefits from magic little things called ‘phytoncides’ and receiving mental calmness from the fractal patterns, vibrant shades of green and calming blues. After lunch back at the lodge, we head out this afternoon for a wintery dip. Led by an experienced guide, enjoy an exhilarating swim in a local loch and warm up in the toasty, mobile sauna – hot drink in hand. This evening, curl up in an armchair or sink into the sofa, relaxing with your group after a day well spent.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 5 km / 3 miles | 120 m / 394 ft | Approx: 2 hrs

      Day 3 – Yoga and Storytelling Read Less

      Day 3

      Yoga and Storytelling

      Wake to the song of a robin (one of the few UK birds that sing all year round) and savour a cup of coffee while gazing out at the peaceful countryside. Afterwards, feeling both energised and relaxed, take part in a yoga session led by a local instructor. Stretch out the kinks and release any tension in both body and mind, taking time to slow down, recharge, and focus inward. Later this afternoon, experience a magical blend of star-gazing and storytelling. Wrapped up warm under a velvet sky, listen to the Gaelic and Pictish tales entwined with the stars. Sip aromatic foraged tea or smooth, warming whisky, soaking up the wild magic of the landscape.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 6 km / 4 miles | 100 m / 328 ft | Approx: 4 hrs

      Day 4 – Walking in the Wilds and Sound Healing Read Less

      Day 4

      Walking in the Wilds and Sound Healing

      As the soft, wintery sun creeps slowly across the fields, head out for a walk in Glenfeshie – one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland. The estate (which encompasses 47,000 acres) is carefully managed to preserve the Caledonian pine forests and the wildlife, such as pine martens, ospreys, black grouse, and ptarmigan, which call it home. Chat with your guide about the rewilding of this enchanting glen as you wind your way to some hidden waterfalls that cascade, fairytale-like, through the forest. After lunch at your lodge, enjoy a guided sound bath session, recharging and re-energising in a calming environment. Enjoy some free time this evening before all coming together for a lovely final dinner.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 4 km / 2 miles | 90 m / 295 ft | Approx: 2 hrs

      Day 5 – Depart Read Less

      Day 5

      Depart

      After a relaxed breakfast, join your guide to travel back into the hustle and bustle of Aviemore. If there’s snow on the hills, we’ll see folk dressed brightly for a day on the mountain – click-clacking with skis, snowboards and sledges. Bid farewell to your guide at the Railway Station and catch the mid-morning train back south. As the wintery beauty of the Highlands unroll beyond the window, happily reflect on a wonderful and relaxed week spent in lovely company.

      Meals Included: Breakfast

      X
      Wilderness Retreat
      Winter Highlands

      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
      24th Feb - 28th Feb 2025 Women only departureTrip FullFULLY BOOKED £1,495

      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
      Wilderness Retreat
      Winter Highlands

      For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

      Trip Details

      Accommodation Read More

      This retreat enjoys accommodation in a private mountain lodge set in the beautiful surroundings of Glen Feshie in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. The Lodge comfortably accommodates our group in a choice of double and twin bedrooms, all with en-suite facilities. There is a light and airy two-tier lounge and a dining room, full of rural charm, which allows everyone to get together over a good meal.

      Single rooms

      There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you may be required to share a room with another woman. On this trip, we have 7 rooms available and a mix of doubles and twins. There is no supplement for single rooms as we have exclusive use of the lodge. Solo occupancy rooms are allocated on a first come, first served basis, please get in touch with our team to chat about availability.

      Meals Read More

      This trip is “All Inclusive” meaning all meals from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on the final day are provided.

      The lodge team will keep us well-fed with freshly prepared cooked breakfasts, lunches and evening meals using local produce. Special dietary requirements can be catered for.

      The lodge has an honesty fridge (cash only) which stocks local beers, gin, water, kombucha, diet coke, cheese, crackers, venison salami and chorizo, oat bars and crisps. There will also be an opportunity to stop at a local shop on the first day to purchase any other alcoholic drinks you would like during your stay.

      Inclusions Read More
      • 4 nights accommodation in an exclusive-use lodge.
      • All meals during the trip. (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
      • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable Wilderness Scotland guide throughout.
      • All transport throughout the trip starting and finishing in Aviemore.
      • All activities mentioned in the itinerary including: guided walking, an introduction to winter swimming, yoga, sound bath, storytelling and stargazing.

      The introduction to winter swimming will include a safety cover, a pre-swim safety talk, breathing exercises and then a short guided swim or dip experience. Swim accessories, such as neoprene gloves, socks, hats, mini hot water bottles and a big warm DryRobe, will be provided. We’ll also have hot drinks immediately post-swim and a mobile sauna set up on the beach. Please bring your own swimming costume, and you’re welcome to bring your own wetsuit if you prefer, as these won’t be provided.

      Grading Read More

      Green Graded: Difficulty 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. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

      The introduction to winter swimming will include safety cover, a pre-swim safety talk, breathing exercises and then a short guided swim or dip experience. Swim accessories, such as neoprene gloves, socks, hats, mini hot water bottles and a big warm DryRobe, will be provided. We’ll also have hot drinks immediately post-swim and a mobile sauna set up on the beach. Please bring your own swimming costume, and you’re welcome to bring your own wetsuit if you prefer, as these won’t be provided.

      Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

      You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide at Aviemore Railway Station at 10:30am on Day 1 of your trip.

      The trip will conclude at Aviemore Railway Station at 10:30am on the final day of the trip.

      Speak to an Expert

      Jane Gillies

      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 Jane a Question

      Difficulty Grades Explained

      Green Graded: Difficulty 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. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

      The introduction to winter swimming will include safety cover, a pre-swim safety talk, breathing exercises and then a short guided swim or dip experience. Swim accessories, such as neoprene gloves, socks, hats, mini hot water bottles and a big warm DryRobe, will be provided. We’ll also have hot drinks immediately post-swim and a mobile sauna set up on the beach. Please bring your own swimming costume, and you’re welcome to bring your own wetsuit if you prefer, as these won’t be provided.

      Find Out More

      Trip Reviews

      Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 4 review(s) of Wilderness Retreat – Winter Highlands

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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.

      PP

      Peggy Primicerio

      Reviewed on 19/03/2024

      Age: 60 - 70
      Country: United States
      Trip Date: 04/03/2024
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      Wilderness Scotland does a great job of providing a wonderful adventure. Hope to experience another in the future.

      MT

      Mara Taylor

      Reviewed on 18/03/2024

      Age: 50 - 60
      Country: United States
      Trip Date: 04/03/2024
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      HS

      Hélène Sagne

      Reviewed on 13/03/2024

      Age: 70 - 80
      Country: Switzerland
      Trip Date: 04/03/2024
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      It was an amazing experience. My first trip to Scotland. Everything from Guide to Yoga Sound Bath,Wild Swim,Storyteller team at the lodge, Accommodation Food Weather was superb. Thank you

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