Winter Highland Explorations

This holiday is based in two traditional Highland Guesthouses where warm welcomes are assured. Here you can enjoy genuine Scottish hospitality and relax in comfort. Accommodation is in double, twin or family bedrooms.

Accommodation upgrades are available, please get in touch to find out more.

Breakfast is included each morning.

Lunches are included on your 3 guided days ( days 3,4 & 5) On your self guided days you are free to choose from the many 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.

• 5 nights accommodation staying in hand picked traditional Highland guesthouses with breakfast each morning.
• Reindeer Walk Experience followed by afternoon tea
• 3 guided days with an expert Wilderness Scotland Guide hiking and exploring the surroundings as per the itinerary.
• Whisky distillery visit.
• The services of the Wilderness Scotland team before and during your trip
• Detailed itinerary, guide book, and map.
• Route suggestions customised to your preferences and ability levels
• Expert local suggestions for restaurants and activities.

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.

*Day 3 | Afternoon Woodcarving Session

Spend this afternoon with a local expert who will teach you the fascinating art of green wood carving using an axe and a knife. Learn how to choose a piece of wood and carve it into useful and beautiful items safely. The session takes place in his woodland workshop area, but don’t worry there is a wee wood burning stove and always hot drinks on the go too.

*Day 5 | Private Afternoon Tour Of A ‘Closed Door’ Distillery

After today’s hike up to the bothy, take an exclusive and private tour & tasting of the Speyside whisky, Spey. This artisan distillery uses time-honoured traditions to produce a quality whisky and can be visited by special arrangement only.
Note: This tour is only available on certain days of the week.

Glenlivet ‘Food Safari’

A scenic drive this morning takes us to the Glenlivet hills north of the Cairngorms. Hike across these high and exposed hills before warming up in the afternoon in the welcoming kitchen of food anthropologist and award-winning chef Ghillie Basan. Embark on a food safari of cultures and spices before tucking into your own tasty feast, maybe with a glass of wine.

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 winters day.

Winter Bushcraft

With our bushcraft day, we head into the pine forests where our skilled guides teach you essential bushcraft skills which will enhance your knowledge and understanding of this environment. Fully immerse yourself in the wilderness – make a fire, forage and prepare wild foods and make your own winter shelter.

Speyside & Moray Exploration

Experience the culture of Speyside & Moray as we first pay a visit to Knockando Woollen Mill where luxury textiles are made by the craft of carding, spinning and weaving. See skilled craftsmen work with both modern looms and rare antique equipment. During the afternoon visit the Speyside Cooperage and watch first hand as Coopers craft their barrels before stopping for a tour and tasting of the famous Macallan whisky distillery.