Winter Highland Cosy Cairngorms

This holiday is based in the luxurious and unique 5 star Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar. Here, you can enjoy genuine Scottish hospitality, relax in comfort, and enjoy the inspiration of your artist-influenced surroundings. Accommodation is in double, twin, or family bedrooms.

Breakfast is included each morning.

Lunches are included on your guided days. On your self guided days, you are free to choose from the local cafes and delis.

Dinners are not included so that you are free to relax and choose options that work best for you. Your guide will not eat with you in the evenings, but they will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

At Your Own Pace

On this adventure, you will be accompanied by a Wilderness Scotland hiking guide for several days. They 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.

*Day 1 | Private Art Tour Of The Hotel & Installations

Enjoy a private tour of the major pieces of the extensive art collection in your hotel. Hear the stories behind the unique artwork that is both housed here and the pieces that were commissioned specially and literally painted onto the walls.

*Day 3 | Polar Bear Plunge Wild Swimming Experience

Are you brave enough to try out the delights of winter wild swimming? This challenging pastime has become increasingly popular over the last couple of years, and it is easy to see why. The rush of endorphins on entering the water and the tingling high afterwards makes for a memorable day. All finished off with lots of cosy layers and a retreat to a warm cafe for hot drinks and cake, of course!

Chocolate Experience & Stories By The Fire

Head to the southern fringes of the Cairngorms National Park to the beautiful little town of Pitlochry. Here, visit a unique and internationally award-winning chocolate kitchen, where you will be led on a gourmet chocolate tasting by an expert chocolatier and learn about how these delights are created. After lunch in a traditional pub, settle in by the fire with a drink as a local storyteller regales you with Scottish myths and tales of the past.

Winter Skills

From our centrally located accommodation, we can go where the weather and snow conditions are best. Hike into this wilderness and learn essential ice axe and crampon winter techniques from our experienced and qualified guides. At the end of the day, relax by the fire and reflect on your new skills. This is the perfect active winter day.

Winter Bushcraft

Head into the pine forests, where our skilled guides will teach you essential bushcraft skills that will enhance your knowledge and understanding of this environment. Fully immerse yourself in the wilderness—make a fire, forage and prepare wild foods, and build your own winter shelter.

Coastal Castle Exploration

Today, you and your guide head east to the coastline and the iconic Dunnottar Castle. This romantic and haunting ruin is wonderfully photogenic and was once the home of one of the most powerful families in Scotland. Explore the quaint fishing harbour town, and, before you go, make sure that you leave time to treat yourself to an extravagant sundae at the flamboyant Aunty Betty’s on the promenade. This fun kitsch ice cream parlour is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.