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 – Forest Bathing & Rewilding the Highlands Read Less: Day 5

Forest Bathing & Rewilding the Highlands

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll join our guides for a Forest Bathing session. Take a moment to pause and fully immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature. We’ll experience the benefits of ‘phytoncides,’ the forest’s magical compounds, and find mental calm in the fractal patterns, vibrant greens, and soothing blues around us. By focusing on our senses, we’ll deepen our connection with the forest and ourselves. This afternoon, we’ll enjoy a walk through Glen Feshie, a hidden gem often overlooked by hikers but renowned for its breathtaking beauty. This glen is particularly special as it’s home to an ambitious and innovative rewilding project. Your guide will share insights into this flagship initiative, which aims to restore the Highlands’ unique biodiversity. While this is a long-term effort spanning generations, we’ll witness first-hand how the work has already begun to transform the local landscape, flora, and fauna.

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

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The Highlands

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Trip Dates & Prices

All payments taken in local currency GBP

Trip Dates for 2025	Availability	Status	Price	Book
Women Only Departure Exclusive women only departure with like minded travellers. Find Out More 6th Sep - 12th Sep 2025	3 place(s) left	Guaranteed	£2,455	Book Now
Trip Dates for 2026	Availability	Status	Price	Book
30th May - 5th Jun 2026	8 place(s) left	Guaranteed	£2,455	Book Now
12th Sep - 18th Sep 2026	8 place(s) left	Guaranteed	£2,455	Book 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.

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The Highlands

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Trip Details

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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 4.91 out of 5 based on 23 review(s) of Wilderness Retreat – The Highlands

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.

Sylvia Gaidauskas

Reviewed on 07/07/2025

Age: 60 - 70
Country: Canada
Trip Date: 21/06/2025
Trips Taken: 1

The Bottom Line

The Bottom Line

My trip was full of lots of experiences that exceeded my expectations. I feel proud of what I accomplished on the hiking side and my commitment to training prior to the trip. I plan to continue upon my return so this trip has inspired a change to my lifestyle. I don't often go on a "packaged" trip so there was a bit of sticker shock with the price (and perhaps unfavourable exchange rate) but it was nice to sit back, so to speak, and have the excellent planning done for me. Enjoyed it very much!

Briana Gruenewald

Reviewed on 16/09/2023

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

The Bottom Line

Pre-Trip Service

Roshni was fantastic. My trip to Scotland changed a couple of times. The first trip didn't have enough participants. Roshni assisted me through getting connected to another trip with similar features. When I chose to reschedule to later in the summer, Roshni once again helped get me set-up for the new dates. We communicated over email. She was responsive, answered my questions thoroughly and always encouraged me to reach-out for assistance as needed. The level of customer support exceeded my expectations.

Trip Comments

I have never felt so cared for on a trip! Once we met our guide (Emy is amazing!), I did not have to worry about a thing. I was able to relax and just enjoy myself. The care and thought Wilderness puts into creating their tours was evident in everything we did. From the lodge and the lovely people who created a welcoming, cozy space to return to each day to the gorgeous hikes and energizing wild swimming excursions - I felt like they truly thought of everything to create a positive and cherished experience.

Accommodation & Food

Ballintean is an incredible place. Amanda and her team have created a gorgeous, comfy space. Right away, we were made to feel at home and that someone was readily available if we needed anything. The Ballintean was a perfect place for the type of trip we were on. Beautiful setting and my room was lovely - a good size with comfortable beds and plenty of space to unpack our things. I appreciated having the lounge spaces to have somewhere other than my room to go. The food was incredible. I have never eaten so well on a trip. I really appreciate the packed lunches. It was simple and tasty and not the usual fare one gets in a sack lunch. It was nice to see they were ready to incorporate special diet needs or requests into the menu. Whatever someone needed, they took it in stride and accommodated. It was lovely getting to meet the everyone - Amanda, Wendy, Brian, Cheryl, Louise, and Gilly - it just made everything feel more personal.

Your Guide

Emy is an absolute star. I would tour with her any day. She was so welcoming and clearly wanted us to be comfortable and enjoy our experience. She was a great guide. She shared her appreciation for the area and the outdoors on our hikes yet was never overbearing and always ensured we had time for quiet and reflection. Emy was open, available for questions, and took time to get to know each of us. She also seemed to checked-in with everyone regularly yet was never intrusive. I knew if I needed anything, she'd handle it. Sophie was lovely. When my raincoat failed on the first day, she helped me find an alternate. She figured out the rating I'd need, helped me search through racks of coats to find one that would work, and even found a deal on midge nets. She too took time to connect with everyone and was always available if we needed anything. I want to be sure to recognize Alice and Fiona of SwimWild too. I know they are not WS guides, but the wild swimming was the primary reason I booked this trip, so I had high expectations for these excursions. As with everything else, the wild swimming experience exceeded my expectations. Alice and Fiona, like everyone else connected with WS, took a lot of care to make sure we had a fun, positive, and safe experience.

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.

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.

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Wilderness Retreat – The Highlands

Wilderness Scotland

The Highlands

Trip Overview

Your Next Adventure

Day by DayItinerary

Day 1

Welcome To The Cairngorms

Day 2

Wild Swimming In A Mountain Loch

Day 3

Yoga & Navigation

Day 4

Summiting Cairn Gorm

Day 5

Forest Bathing & Rewilding the Highlands

Day 6

Wild Swimming & Wild Trails

Day 7

Depart for Home

Trip Dates & Prices

Make This Trip Private

Trip Details

Single rooms

Blue Graded 4-6

Speak to an Expert

Jane Gillies

Meet Your Guide

Difficulty Grades Explained

Blue Graded 4-6

Trip Reviews

Pre-Trip Service

Trip Comments

Accommodation & Food

Your Guide

The Bottom Line

Pre-Trip Service

Trip Comments

Accommodation & Food

Your Guide

The Bottom Line

Pre-Trip Service

Trip Comments

Accommodation & Food

Your Guide

The Bottom Line

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