Winter Highlands

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 you wind your 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 you deep into an ancient valley to your private lodge where a delicious dinner awaits. (L, D)

Walk details: 7 km/4 miles | 70 m/230 ft ascent | approx. 2 hours

Day 2 – Uath Lochans and Wild Swimming

After a hearty and nourishing breakfast, join your guide for a mellow walk around the Uath Lochans. With no need to drive anywhere, simply set off from the lodge into the peaceful wilds of the Cairngorms. Meander your way through old trees veined in white, soon reaching a spectacular viewpoint that looks out across the lochans and into the windswept, snow-dusted flanks of the mountains. After lunch, head out this afternoon for a wintery dip. Led by an experienced guide, enjoy an exhilarating swim 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. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 5 km/3 miles | 120 m/395 ft ascent | approx. 2 hours

Day 3 – Yoga and Storytelling

Wake to the song of a robin (one of the few UK birds that sing all year round) and enjoy a cup of coffee looking out at the peaceful countryside. Afterwards, feeling energised and relaxed, enjoy a yoga session led by a local instructor. Stretch out the kinks and release any tension in the body and mind as you enjoy taking time to slow down, recharge, and focus on yourself. Later this afternoon, enjoy a magical blend of star-gazing and story-telling. Wrapped up warm under a velvet sky, listen to the Gaelic and Pictish stories entwined with the stars. Sip aromatic foraged tea or smooth, warming whisky as you soak up the wild magic of the landscape. (B, L, D)

Walk details: approx 6 km/3.5 miles | 100 m/330 ft ascent | approx. 4 hours

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. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 4 km/2.5 miles | 90 m/295 ft ascent | approx. 2 hours

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, you’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. (B)