Cairngorms National Park

Day 1 - Travel to the Cairngorms

Make your way through scenic mountain landscapes and native woodlands into the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Your destination is the Strathspey valley where you will have time to explore the surroundings, visit some of the small towns and villages or simply enjoy a short walk to stretch your legs before settling into your Highland accommodation.

Day 2 - Guided Hiking in the Cairngorms

The Cairngorm mountain range boasts five out of six of the highest peaks in the UK as well as miles of awe-inspiring native Caledonian pine forests, tumbling rivers and magical lochs. There are numerous fantastic hikes to choose from and along with your guide, you’ll decide what suits best. You could challenge yourself to “bag a Munro” (climb a mountain over 3,000ft/914.4m), which is easier than you may think if you head up Cairn Gorm from the ski road, marvelling at the stunning views of the spectacular Northern Corries. Ben Macdui is the second highest peak in the UK, and within reach, if you are an experienced hillwalker. For those preferring low level walks there are many delights to discover, including a fine short walk round one of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland, complete with a ruined island castle. (B)

Day 3 - Guided Biking in the Cairngorms

Meet your guide for a bike fitting before heading out on your cycling adventure. Trail riding is a great way to explore deep into the landscape and the route will be tailored to your experience and the distance you want to cover and be suitable for all ages and abilities. Choose a gentle forest ride, land-rover trails or technical single tracks. Your guide will take you through spectacular scenery on some of our favourite local routes. Today is guaranteed to be a fun and exciting way to experience the wild Cairngorm landscape. (B)

Day 4 - Canoeing the Lochs

Meet your guide on the shores of a beautiful loch surrounded by native forest. Under the expert tuition of your guide, you’ll practise different strokes and get comfortable before venturing out to explore the water and shoreline. Canoeing provides you with a unique opportunity to view this wild, mountainous corner of Scotland from a different perspective as well as the chance to spot wildlife. After your morning paddling adventure, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the national park at your own pace. Options include an open-air museum, a Highland safari park, or sites of historical interest. (B)

Day 5 - Depart

After a free morning to relax and explore you can start your homeward journey or extend your trip by adding one or more of the additional activities on offer. You may also want to link this trip with one of our other Self-Drive Collection itineraries for a longer adventure. (B)

Optional Extra - Guided Road Cycling

The Cairngorms National Park offers some of the best road cycling in Scotland. Our expert local guide will design and take you on an exhilarating route that will reflect your ability and preferences.

Optional Extra - Fly Fishing with a Ghillie

Discover some of the lochs and rivers of the National Park by fly fishing with a local Ghillie. Whether you are fishing for salmon on the famous River Spey or trout fishing from a boat in a secluded highland loch, you can be assured of a memorable day. All equipment provided.

Optional Extra - Private Cookery Workshop

Spice up your trip with some Scottish Mezze. Based in a remote croft in the Glenlivet hills, you’ll join a skilled chef who combines local Highland ingredients with mouth-watering flavours from far-flung corners of the world to create incredible dishes. Cooking – and eating – these dishes together, surrounded by magnificent views, is an experience you will never forget.

Optional Extra - Whisky Tour

With over 50 distilleries Speyside is the largest, and possibly the most famous, of Scotland’s whisky regions. Your tour will include several well-known distilleries, as well as visits to some lesser known local favourites.

Let us know your preferred tipple as well as any requests to upgrade the tours, and we’ll take care of all the transport so you can enjoy the Highland’s Water of Life.