fbpx
Close
Articles by Year

<<     >>

Articles by Category
866 740 3890
Flag

Activities

Locations

Selected Trips

    | The Highlands

    Self Drive Collection

    Cairngorms National Park


    Deposit From: £272£272
    Region: Cairngorms and Central Highlands
    Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

      From: £1,055.00 Book Now

      Trip Overview

      Created by: Rachael Gavan


      The Cairngorms National Park is the largest in the UK, covering over 4,500 km2 and with five of the six highest peaks in the UK. Home to wild mountains and glens, beautiful lochs and winding rivers, and rare and endangered wildlife, there is much to discover and enjoy during your nature-based self-driving short break.

      As you hike, cycle, and paddle through the varied landscape, you will experience each day from a different perspective, safe in the company of your expert guide. Spend your evenings in warm and welcoming Highland accommodation and enjoy fresh local produce. In your free time, visit historical sites and museums to learn about the rich history and culture of the Cairngorms.

      The Cairngorms National Park trip is part of our exciting collection of self-drive itineraries. You can enjoy this trip as a short break or choose to extend your holiday by adding on one or more of our other itineraries in this range. Suitable for families, couples and groups of friends, the exciting and varied activities on these trips will be tailored to your interests and preferences, making them accessible to all ages and levels of experience. You will find your perfect adventure with the option to upgrade accommodation and add extra days and activities.

      As this trip is self-drive, it starts from anywhere. You can bring your own car or hire one ahead of time. Please get in touch for recommendations. The self-drive itinerary below starts and finishes in Aviemore. This price is based on a group of 4; prices will vary depending on group size. Please contact the team to confirm the trip price for your group.

      Marker Icon

      Day by Day
      Itinerary

      Day 1 – Travel to The Cairngorms Read Less

      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 Read Less

      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 around one of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland, complete with a ruined island castle.

      Meals Included: Breakfast

      Day 3 – Guided Biking in the Cairngorms Read Less

      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. The route will be tailored to your experience and the distance you want to cover and will 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.

      Meals Included: Breakfast

      Day 4 – Canoeing the Lochs Read Less

      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 and 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.

      Meals Included: Breakfast

      Day 5 – Depart Read Less

      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.

      Meals Included: Breakfast

      X
      Self Drive
      Cairngorms National Park

      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.

      Book Now

      Price from: £1,055

      X
      Self Drive
      Cairngorms National Park

      For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

      Trip Details

      Accommodation Read More

      You will be based in the Aviemore area at one of our excellent, hand-picked accommodation partners.

      The accommodation on this trip is Classic standard and will generally be in a small hotel or guest house. However, if you would like to upgrade the accommodation to deluxe or 5* luxury, please get in touch.

      Meals Read More

      Throughout the trip, you can enjoy fresh local produce prepared locally and based on the season.

      Breakfasts are included at your accommodation each morning. Packed lunches are not included but can usually be ordered from your accommodation the night before or from a local cafe/deli. We will be more than happy to make suggestions for local restaurants.

      Inclusions Read More
      • Four nights accommodation
      • Meals as stated in the itinerary
      • 1 day of guided hiking with a qualified and experienced Wilderness Scotland Guide
      • 1 day of guided mountain biking plus equipment hire, led by a qualified and experienced Wilderness Scotland Guide
      • 1 day of guided canoeing plus equipment hire, led by a qualified and experienced Wilderness Scotland Guide
      • Personalised trip design and delivery
      • Expert local suggestions for restaurants and activities
      • Detailed trip itinerary and map
      • Pre-trip care and 24-hour in-country support from the Wilderness team
      Grading Read More

      At Your Own Pace

      On this adventure, you will be accompanied by a Wilderness Scotland hiking guide for several days, who will be able to suggest and lead you on a range of hikes from gentle low level rambles to challenging days visiting remote summits. Just let them know what type of hike you would like to do and they will be ready.

      On the other days of the trip, you will self guided and can explore at whatever pace you feel comfortable.

      Optional Upgrades Read More

      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.

      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.

      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.

      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 and visits to some lesser known local favourites. Let us know your preferred tipple and 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.

      Speak to an Expert

      Chris Page

      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 Chris a Question

      Difficulty Grades Explained

      At Your Own Pace

      On this adventure, you will be accompanied by a Wilderness Scotland hiking guide for several days, who will be able to suggest and lead you on a range of hikes from gentle low level rambles to challenging days visiting remote summits. Just let them know what type of hike you would like to do and they will be ready.

      On the other days of the trip, you will self guided and can explore at whatever pace you feel comfortable.

      Find Out More

      Our holidays reviewed
      in your own words

      If you every want to go with a company that puts you first and has everything in place to back it up then this is the company for you. It’s even great value for money. Thanks myles and Malcolm. See you again soon.

      Robert Hayward
      Sea Kayaking - The Scottish Highlands
      Reviewed on 06/10/2019

      Rated 4.90 out of 5 based on 7,485 reviews

      Read More Reviews
      mail

      Want more Wilderness in your life?

      Be the first to hear about new trips, locations and activities with our monthly newsletter