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      | Cairngorm Plateau

      Wilderness Retreat

      The Highlands

      22 reviews

      Deposit From: £617£617
      Region: Cairngorms and Central Highlands
      Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
      Confirmed: When 4 Travellers Book

      Next Departure: 21st - 27th Jun 2025
      Accommodation: Classic

      Grading:

      Carbon Footprint: 120kg ? 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.

      icon-download Download Itinerary

        From: £2,395 View Prices & Dates

        Trip Overview

        Created by: Rachael Gavan

        The wilds of the Cairngorm National Park await on this unique women’s only wilderness retreat. Based in a bright and airy Highland lodge that specialises in fresh, locally sourced seasonal food, participants will experience the magic of Scotland alongside like-minded women. Over the course of a week, you will explore the varied landscape, learn and practise new wilderness skills, and embrace challenges in a friendly and supportive environment.

        With a maximum group size of 8, this inspiring guided trip combines breathtakingly scenic hikes with mini adventures and the opportunity to acquire new skills. From wild swimming and restorative yoga to navigation and rewilding, there are chances to participate and share new experiences. This retreat offers a reconnection with nature and oneself against the backdrop of Scotland’s magical wild spaces, shared with a fantastic group of women in the wild Cairngorms National Park.

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        Day by Day
        Itinerary

        Day 1 – Welcome To The Cairngorms Read Less

        Day 1

        Welcome To The Cairngorms

        Meeting in the Highland town of Aviemore, we arrive ready to discover beautiful landscapes and share experiences with like-minded women. Over lunch, we chat about plans for the week before setting off on a local hike with fabulous views of the Strathspey valley and the Cairngorms Mountain range – the perfect introduction to our week in the UK’s biggest national park. Arriving at our welcoming lodge accommodation we’ll settle in and relax before dinner.

        Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
        Walk Details: 9 km / 5 miles | 543 m / 1,781 ft | Approx: 4.5 hrs

        Day 2 – Wild Swimming In A Mountain Loch Read Less

        Day 2

        Wild Swimming In A Mountain Loch

        Much has been said about the exhilarating and transformative nature of wild swimming, and the morning begins at one of our favourite local lochs to experience this firsthand. Led by a qualified local expert, the group will test the silky, fresh waters. Whether it’s just a toe dip or a full swim, everyone can choose the level of challenge that feels right. Post-swim hot drinks and homemade cake are a must to warm up from the inside out. After the exhilaration of the morning, we will enjoy a gentle hike through the native forest, with bird songs and the breeze through the trees providing a peaceful soundtrack. The quiet atmosphere sets the tone for a reflective afternoon before heading back to the lodge for a well-earned dinner.

        Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
        Walk Details: 7 km / 4 miles | 222 m / 728 ft | Approx: 2.5 hrs

        Day 3 – Yoga & Navigation Read Less

        Day 3

        Yoga & Navigation

        The wilderness surroundings of our lodge are the perfect backdrop in which to relax. Stretch out the kinks and release any tension in the body and mind this morning on a relaxing and accessible yoga session led by a local instructor. After lunch, it’s time to spread out our maps and chat navigation with your guide. Whether you’re new to navigation or always carry a map and compass we’ll spend the afternoon learning new skills and putting them into practice. We’ll hone your technique as we adventure through the Cairngorms, feeling and following the contours and features of the map through our feet.

        Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
        Walk Details: 9 km / 6 miles | 110 m / 361 ft | Approx: 3 hrs

        Day 4 – Summiting Cairn Gorm Read Less

        Day 4

        Summiting Cairn Gorm

        Today we’ll head out on a full-day hike. The aim today is to summit Cairn Gorm Mountain. The 6th highest peak in the UK which has leant its name to the mountain range and national park. This hike will take us straight into a wild mountain environment. Passing under the impressive cliffs of the Northern Corries, keep an eye out for wildlife including mountain hare, ptarmigan, and the UK’s only heard of reindeer which often graze here. A steady but significant climb takes us up and on us to the Cairngorm plateau, an arctic landscape. We’ll enjoy incredible views to the surrounding mountain as well as sweeping panoramas of the Caledonian pine forest and the mountains of the west coast in the distance. From here, we can pick our route, using our new-found navigation skills to find the best viewpoint of the remote Loch Avon before a final steeper climb takes us onto the summit of Cairn Gorm Mountain. This will be the most challenging day of the week but an incredibly rewarding one.

        Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
        Walk Details: 11 km / 7 miles | 775 m / 2,543 ft | Approx: 7 hrs

        Day 5 – Rewilding the Highlands Read Less

        Day 5

        Rewilding the Highlands

        After a relaxed breakfast today we’ll enjoy a morning walk in Glen Feshie, this glen is often overlooked by hikers but it is one of the most beautiful. This area is also very special as it is the location of an innovative and ambitious rewilding initiative. Your guide will share some of the details of this flagship project that aims to restore the unique rich biodiversity in the Highlands. This is a long term project, spanning generations but we’ll see up close how the work has already transformed the local landscape, flora, and fauna. This afternoon you can choose from some different options depending. You may want to join your guide on a short hike to a small summit, visit the open-air Highland Folk Museum with their reconstructed dwellings detailing what life was like for Highlanders dating back to the 1700’s, or alternatively, you may want to remain at the lodge to have a quiet afternoon to yourself to relax.

        Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
        Walk Details: 7 km / 4 miles | 655 m / 2,149 ft | Approx: 2.5 hrs

        Day 6 – Wild Swimming & Wild Trails Read Less

        Day 6

        Wild Swimming & Wild Trails

        Enjoying another outdoor swimming session this morning, we really put ourselves in the present moment, invigorated and calmed by the fresh wild water. Later this afternoon in the wild Cairngorms, we’ll enjoy a final hike to soak in the beauty of these untamed vistas and reflect on our week together. Over dinner tonight, we share our insights and take the time to appreciate and celebrate the adventure.

        Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
        Walk Details: 11 km / 7 miles | 775 m / 2,543 ft | Approx: 6.5 hrs

        Day 7 – Depart for Home Read Less

        Day 7

        Depart for Home

        After a relaxed breakfast this morning we’ll pack up and leave our Highland lodge. Invigorated, connected and with new friends, you’ll depart the Cairngorms carrying memories of your adventure and the time you spent in this ancient, wild landscape.


        Walk Details: 5 km / 3 miles | 302 m / 991 ft | Approx: 3 hrs

        Download Itinerary

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        Wilderness Retreat
        The Highlands

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

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        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
        21st Jun - 27th Jun 2025 Women only departure8 place(s) leftAvailable £2,395Book Now
        6th Sep - 12th Sep 2025 Women only departure7 place(s) leftAvailable £2,395Book 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
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        Wilderness Retreat
        The Highlands

        For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

        Trip Details

        Expand All
        Accommodation Read More

        This retreat enjoys accommodation in a private mountain lodge set in the beautiful surroundings of Glen Feshie. The area around the lodge has abundant wildlife to spot and the grass outside is grazed by Highland cattle. Accommodation is a choice of double or twin rooms with ensuite facilities.

        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
        • 6 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.
        Grading Read More

        Blue Graded 4-6

        Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. We walk at a good pace and you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will not always be on a path and the terrain underfoot can be rough and boggy, including boulder fields and mountain tops. Some of the daily walks will involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. Daily distances will be typically up to 16km but may be longer occasionally. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

        Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

        Your Guide will meet you at the entrance of Aviemore Railway Station at 10.30am on Day 1 of your trip.

        You will be returned to Aviemore Railway Station at 10:30am on the final day of your 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

        Meet Your Guide

        Caroline Hart
        6th Sep - 12th Sep 2025

        View guides for all departures

        Difficulty Grades Explained

        Blue Graded 4-6

        Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. We walk at a good pace and you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will not always be on a path and the terrain underfoot can be rough and boggy, including boulder fields and mountain tops. Some of the daily walks will involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. Daily distances will be typically up to 16km but may be longer occasionally. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

        Find Out More

        Trip Reviews

        Rated 4.95 out of 5 based on 22 review(s) of Wilderness Retreat – The 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.

        BG

        Briana Gruenewald

        Reviewed on 16/09/2023

        Age: 40 - 50
        Country: United States
        Trip Date: 05/08/2023
        Trips Taken: 2

        The Bottom Line

        The Bottom Line

        This trip exceeded my expectations. I had an incredible time. It's clear Wilderness Scotland takes a lot of care and thought when creating these trips. Our guide Emmy was a star, the lodge was lovely, meals were so tasty, and the hikes and wild swimming were so much fun! I cannot wait for my next Wilderness adventure.

        Show More
        JH

        Johanna Hohenester

        Reviewed on 15/08/2023

        Age: 30 - 40
        Country: Germany
        Trip Date: 05/08/2023
        Trips Taken: 1

        The Bottom Line

        The Bottom Line

        Can 100% recommend this Trip.

        Show More
        ST

        Sonja Teeken

        Reviewed on 15/08/2023

        Age: 40 - 50
        Country: Germany
        Trip Date: 05/08/2023
        Trips Taken: 1

        The Bottom Line

        The Bottom Line

        I Had a wonderful time. Everything was very well organised, you didn't have to worry about anything. The accommodation, which we had all to ourselves as a group, was fantastic and the food was delicious. The hosts have created a beautiful place surrounded by nature. Emy as our tour guide organised the whole day from morning to bedtime. The days and evenings were varied and entertaining. She paid attention to each individual in the group and made all activities flexible. Emy rests within herself and conveys the enthusiasm she has for the environment, nature, landscape and walking. There were other people who shared their passion with us (e.g. wild swimming) - thank you to everyone involved. You were very inspiring!

        Show More
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