- Hike on ancient whisky smugglers’ trails and visit Scotland’s first licensed whisky distillery.
- Discover the majesty of the deep glens, clear rivers and wild lochs on expertly guided walks.
- Enjoy the huge variety of wildlife to be found in the Cairngorms National Park.
- 6 nights accommodation in comfortable small hotels
- All meals during the trip (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- 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
Green Graded Walking Holidays
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.
22nd Sep - 28th Sep 2018
Gill McMillan
Walking through the woods with Gill may result in some on the side badger watching, but that's no problem - she'll make it up to you with her expert guidance, enthusiasm and knowledge of the area.6th Oct - 12th Oct 2018
Judith Work
Environmental scientist and outdoor leader - meet Jude.11th May - 17th May 2019
Joanna Roberts
Travelling in places such as Nepal, Peru, Norway, Poland and now Scotland - learn more about Wilderness Scotland guide Joanna Roberts.8th Jun - 14th Jun 2019
Keith Miller
Hugely experienced and passionate naturalist. Keith has been guiding for many years.20th Jul - 26th Jul 2019
Alastair Goodridge
Meet Wilderness guide Alasdair Goodridge and discover what he loves about the outdoors.24th Aug - 30th Aug 2019
John Walker
John can be found in the hills at all times whether it be on foot, climbing, cycling, or motoring. Amongst other things, he was the 4429th person to complete all the Munros!21st Sep - 27th Sep 2019
Joanna Roberts
Travelling in places such as Nepal, Peru, Norway, Poland and now Scotland - learn more about Wilderness Scotland guide Joanna Roberts.5th Oct - 11th Oct 2019
Will Snow
Will has biked further than you can imagine! He's not saddle-sore yet. Read more here.ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
We spend our nights in welcoming and friendly country house hotels: three nights in Royal Deeside then three nights in Strathspey. Accommodation is in twin or double rooms with en-suite bathroom facilities. A warm welcome is assured, and you can choose to spend the evenings in the lounge next to the wood-burning-stove or in one of the village’s local pubs.
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.
SINGLE ROOMS
There is no single person supplement charged to solo travellers however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you require a single room please request this at the time of booking and we will check availability for you. A single room supplement of £225 is charged if a single room is available – please see booking form terms and conditions.
You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide at Inverness Railway Station at 10.30am on Day 1 of your trip. You will be returned to Inverness station for 5.00pm on the last day. Alternatively, if you are heading South by train, we can arrange to drop you off at Aviemore station around 4.00pm.
Trip Details
Hiking in the Cairngorms National Park is a special experience, as we explore a region named by National Geographic as one of the 50 Must Visit Places on Earth.
From the majesty of Royal Deeside (where the Queen has her Scottish residence at Balmoral Castle) to Strathspey, where the high plateau rises above the charming villages, flanked by some of Scotland’s oldest forests, Cairngorm National Park delights at every turn.
On this walking holiday, we enjoy some of the best easy hikes in the Cairngorms National Park as we explore Strathspey, Royal Deeside and Highland Perthshire on a two-centre circumnavigation of Scotland’s largest National Park. There is a huge variety of possible hikes to choose from but wherever we venture, we’ll enjoy the fantastic scenery, sense of wilderness and rich history and heritage.
As well as savouring its wilderness, we’ll discover its heritage as we visit a whisky distillery, a 13th century Highland Castle and a wildlife reserve on this memorable walking holiday.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Hiking the Whisky Smugglers Trails
From Inverness, a short transfer south-east takes us to eastern Strathspey, Scotland’s most famous whisky-making region. We’ll enjoy a short walk, following the ancient trails once used by whisky smugglers, keen to avoid the law! We finish up at one of Scotland’s most iconic distilleries, where we enjoy a private tour (with samples!) before transferring south into Royal Deeside and our guest house accommodation. (L, D)
Walk details: 6km, 100m ascent
Day 2 – Hiking Royal Deeside: The Shadow of Lochnagar
This superb circular hike explores Glen Muick, which lies in the shadow of the famous peak of Lochnagar. It takes us through ancient pine forest, past one of Queen Victoria’s hunting lodges and beneath towering cliffs as we circumnavigate beautiful Loch Muick.It’s also a great spot for spotting wildlife – look out for red deer and golden eagles!Overnight Royal Deeside. (B, L, D)
Walk details: 12km, 200m ascent
Day 3 – The Cuckoo Glen and the Devil’s Punchbowl
This circular hike is one of the best in Royal Deeside. We 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. (B, L, D)
Walk details: 17km, 200m ascent
Day 4 – Highland Perthshire and Strathspey
We transfer west into Highland Perthshire, where we make our way to a 13th century castle for a hike on its vast estate. We enjoy a level route through a beautiful forest in a steep-sided glen. We 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 our base for the next 3 nights, a small hotel in a sleepy Cairngorm village. (B, L, D)
Walk details: 9km, 100m ascent
Day 5 – 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. Our 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. (B, L, D)
Walk details: 12km, 250m ascent
Day 6 – 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. We’ll enjoy a circular walk, perhaps taking in a section of the Speyside Way long distance trail, and finishing at a wildlife reserve where we’ll hope to see red squirrels and many bird species including, in the early part of the summer, the osprey. (B, L, D)
Walk details: 8km, 100m ascent
Day 7 – Hike in Cairngorms National Park
There are so many great walks in the Cairngorms that we like to keep the itinerary flexible and decide which hike to take in on the day. One option is a hike close to our 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, we complete our circumnavigation of the Cairngorms National Park by transferring north back to Inverness for the trip end. (B, L)
Walk details: 8km, 200m ascent
Prices and Dates
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Trip Reviews
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.
by Joyce Spindler 08/09/2018
Pre-Trip Service
I appreciate the fact that I was able to speak on the phone to David Russel to get things settled. I always got a prompt response to any questions I had. One thing: I would have liked to know who was going to be on the trip - I didn't ask, but sometimes you get a list or some bio info about people.
Trip Comments
FIrst of all, James, our guide, was excellent. I also enjoyed Lyle who was with us for a day. Very informative, but not overbearing. James worked with our group and our capabilities to make the best possible trip. He didn't rush our pace. James and the other attendees were the highlight of the trip. The hiking and the accommodations were also top notch.
Accommodation and Food
Both places - Cranford House (and I can't remember the second spot) had very friendly hosts and were comfortable and accommodating. Breakfast was top notch and I really enjoyed the closing meal at our second location. It was such a special evening.
Your Guide
As I said, James was an excellent guide and I would recommend him to others and would look forward to doing another trip with him.
The Bottom Line
This trip was everything I hoped for. I was traveling solo and I had a little trepidation about that. However when you are traveling with people who love the outdoors and being active, you stand a better chance of getting a good group. The trip itself was very well organized and I would also compliment your arrangement of the great weather we had! I definitely want to do another trip.
by David Hunter 03/09/2018
Pre-Trip Service
Regular email and follow up which was relaxed and informative.
Trip Comments
James was a brilliant guide who assessed our groups abioities and managed to encourage us to extend ourselves thereby improving our abilities and enjoyment. He showed admirable restraint when I was a bit behind taking photos and was always supportive of my desire for that special shot.
Accommodation and Food
The hosts were friendly and always accommodating. The meals were excellent and provided a variety of scope for breakfast and lunch. The dinner at Newtonmore was particularly special.
Your Guide
James was the ideal guide with his local knowledge and ability to communicate easily with the group. We all enjoyed Jame’s company.
The Bottom Line
The Wilderness Scotland trip was amazing. Excellent guide, food and accommodation. Best way to see Scotland at its best.
by Caroline Zorn 03/09/2018
Pre-Trip Service
Be more careful in admin of sending emails to people who have already booked a trip offering incentives if they book a trip. Any questions we had were answered promptly.
Trip Comments
Very happy with our guide James. He did an excellent job. A highlight was Loch Muick and Glen Quoich.
Accommodation and Food
Lovely B&Bs and hosts especially dinner on the last night at Coig na Shee. Great idea!
Your Guide
Our guide James Orpwood was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the Cairngorms. He found time to speak and get to know all of the group on our various walks. He strived to please us all and succeeded. He was a joy to walk with.
The Bottom Line
A Wilderness Walking Trip is a great way to experience and learn about the Cairngorms. Our trip was very well structured and guiding was exceptional.
by Amity Gardner 30/07/2018
Trip Comments
the different walks were perfectly selected and gave a nice representation of the specific area.
Accommodation and Food
They were both different from each other but great. I’m glad the 2nd place had a little more room (didn’t have to share a room). It was a nice way to be able to relax at the end of the trip.
Your Guide
Iain was excellent. He was quiet at first which was a good thing. I think he was taking all of us in! He was knowledgeable about the land and animals. We had a lot of questions for him and he answered all of them! He was considerate of everyone and tried to make sure everyone was happy with what we were doing. He was very patient with us.
The Bottom Line
It was great and I will be back to do another area with you!
