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    | Loch Morlich, from Meall a' Bhuachaille

    Wilderness Walking

    Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside

    154 reviews


    Deposit From: £663£663
    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: £2,525 View Prices & Dates

      Trip Overview

      Created by: Stevie Christie


      Discover the beauty of the Cairngorms National Park on a seven day guided walking tour, a region heralded by National Geographic as one of the 50 Must-Visit Places on Earth.

      From the grandeur of Royal Deeside, home to the royal family’s Scottish residence at Balmoral Castle, to the whisky-rich Strathspey, where the high plateau overlooks charming villages and ancient forests, the Cairngorms National Park offers delight at every turn.

      This walking holiday promises some of the best easy hikes in the Cairngorms. It explores Strathspey, Royal Deeside, and Highland Perthshire on a two-centre circumnavigation of Scotland’s largest national park. The variety of possible hikes ensures a chance to experience the area’s fantastic scenery, sense of wilderness, and rich history and heritage.

      Highlights of the tour include visits to Blair Castle, the royal estate of Balmoral, Glen Feshie, and Abernethy Forest.

      Please note that as of 2024, we are offering deluxe departures of this trip where you can opt for an upgraded hotel for the final three nights of the trip. These trips will do the itinerary in reverse, so you’ll start the trip off in Strathspey and then move on to Royal Deeside via Perthshire. There’ll be a few surprise extras alongside upgraded accommodation, but the rest of the itinerary remains the same.

      Marker Icon

      Day by Day
      Itinerary

      Day 1 – Exploring Royal Deeside Read Less

      Day 1

      Exploring Royal Deeside

      After meeting in Aviemore, a transfer south-east takes the group to Royal Deeside, best known as the Scottish home of the royal family but also renowned for its fine walks in an ancient wooded landscape. Enjoy a short walk, taking in stunning views and spotting some local wildlife. The afternoon concludes with a transfer to the beautiful village of Braemar, where guest house accommodation awaits for the next few nights.

      Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles | 300 m / 984 ft | Approx: 4 hrs

      Day 2 – The Cuckoo Glen and the Devil's Punchbowl Read Less

      Day 2

      The Cuckoo Glen and the Devil's Punchbowl

      This circular hike is one of the best in Royal Deeside. Follow a well-maintained 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 being most notable. Overnight in Royal Deeside.

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

      Day 3 – The Shadow of Lochnagar Read Less

      Day 3

      The Shadow of Lochnagar

      This superb circular hike explores Glen Muick, which lies in the shadow of the famous peak of Lochnagar. The route leads through ancient pine forest, past one of Queen Victoria’s hunting lodges, and beneath towering cliffs while circumnavigating the beautiful Loch Muick. It’s also a great place for spotting wildlife, so look out for red deer and golden eagles.

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

      Day 4 – Highland Perthshire and Strathspey Read Less

      Day 4

      Highland Perthshire and Strathspey

      Transfer west into Highland Perthshire to reach a 13th century castle for a hike on its vast estate. Follow a level route through a beautiful forest in a steep-sided glen. The hike concludes 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, where the base for the next three nights is a small B&B in a sleepy Cairngorm village.

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

      Day 5 – Glen Feshie and Loch Insh Read Less

      Day 5

      Glen Feshie and Loch Insh

      Glen Feshie is widely considered one of the most spectacular glens in the Cairngorms, and as the estate undergoes an extensive rewilding programme, it is becoming even more picturesque. Today’s hike explores the lower reaches of the glen, passing through a beautiful mix of young trees and magnificent old pines. Following the banks of the dynamic River Feshie, the trail reaches a group of lochans hidden amongst the towering trees. Taking a hill path, the route leads to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the lochans and the mountains beyond. Descending back to the glen, there will be a chance to stop at a local boathouse café for refreshments and a moment to savour the views over the water.

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

      Day 6 – Abernethy Forest and Wildlife Reserve Read Less

      Day 6

      Abernethy Forest and Wildlife Reserve

      The Abernethy Forest is considered by many to be the most beautiful in Scotland, with picturesque lochs surrounded by ancient Scots pine trees and framed by views of the high mountains. Enjoy a circular walk, perhaps incorporating a section of the Speyside Way long distance trail, and, during the summer months, conclude at a wildlife reserve where there is the hope of seeing red squirrels and numerous bird species, including ospreys in the early part of the summer.

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

      Day 7 – Hike in Cairngorms National Park Read Less

      Day 7

      Hike in Cairngorms National Park

      There are so many great walks in the Cairngorms that the itinerary remains flexible, with the day’s hike decided upon as needed. One option is a hike close to the accommodation, a favourite among locals. This route ventures into the eastern edge of the Monadh Liath mountains on a circular path to Loch Gynack. It’s a wild and beautiful place, making it an apt location to end the trip. After the hike, complete the circumnavigation of the Cairngorms National Park by transferring back to Aviemore for the trip’s end.

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

      X
      Wilderness Walking
      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
      19th Apr - 25th Apr 20258 place(s) leftAvailable £2,525Book Now
      3rd May - 9th May 2025Trip FullFULLY BOOKED £2,525
      24th May - 30th May 20254 place(s) leftGuaranteed £2,525Book Now
      14th Jun - 20th Jun 20258 place(s) leftAvailable £2,525Book Now
      5th Jul - 11th Jul 20258 place(s) leftAvailable £2,525Book Now
      16th Aug - 22nd Aug 20254 place(s) leftGuaranteed £2,525Book Now
      30th Aug - 5th Sep 20258 place(s) leftAvailable £2,525Book Now
      20th Sep - 26th Sep 20258 place(s) leftAvailable £2,525Book Now
      Trip Dates for 2030AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
      22nd Nov - 29th Nov 2030 Women only departure8 place(s) leftAvailable £4,975Book 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
      Wilderness Walking
      Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside

      For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

      Trip Details

      Accommodation Read More

      We spend our nights in welcoming and friendly guest houses: 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.

      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 £360.00 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 when 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
      • Six nights accommodation in carefully selected guest houses or hotels.
      • 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 450 m/ 1,500 feet. Distances will be typically 8-10 km/5-6 miles 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 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 450 m/ 1,500 feet. Distances will be typically 8-10 km/5-6 miles but there may be the odd slightly longer day. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

      Find Out More

      Trip Reviews

      Rated 4.95 out of 5 based on 154 review(s) of Wilderness Walking – Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside

       

      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.

      SN

      Shirley Ng

      Reviewed on 31/10/2024

      Age: 40 - 50
      Country: Ireland
      Trip Date: 05/10/2024
      Trips Taken: 2

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      This was my second trip with Wilderness Scotland, I really enjoyed it, the group got on very well. I will definitely book another trip in the near future, maybe a blue grade trip.

      CD

      Claire Danielson

      Reviewed on 29/10/2024

      Age: 60 - 70
      Country: United States
      Trip Date: 05/10/2024
      Trips Taken: 3

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      This is my 3rd WS trip, and each one has been fantastic. I would recommend WS to anyone and everyone!

      CD

      Cindy Dunlop

      Reviewed on 23/10/2024

      Age: 60 - 70
      Country: Canada
      Trip Date: 05/10/2024
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      I will recommend and book another in the future. This one was tame for me and next one would up the activity level.

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