Self Drive
Winter Highland Explorations

Day 1 – Arrive In The Cairngorms

Make your way to your accommodation within the Cairngorms National Park, your home for the next five nights. This afternoon, settle in and either cosy in for the night or head out and explore the area. (B)

Day 2 – Walk With The Local Reindeer Herd

This morning make your own way to Glenmore and follow a herder up to the lower slopes of the Cairngorms to visit the local Cairngorm reindeer herd in their wintery habitat. This is a really special experience but do wrap up warm and prepare for the wild as the walk takes you just above the tree line! 

This afternoon, warm up and indulge with a delightful afternoon tea in the Highlands. (B)

Walk details: This varies depending on the herd location. Can be 45 mins over rough terrain each way.

Note: The Reindeer Visit may not possible during some days as the herd are free roaming and tours are weather dependant. In this circumstance visit the Highland Wildlife Park for a self drive safari.

Day 3 – Explore the Ancient Caledonian Pine Forest

Your guide for the next 3 days will meet you at your accommodation this morning and you will then head out to explore part of the ancient Caledonian Pine forest of Abernethy. The hikes will be tailored to you and your ability but one option will take us past the beautiful Loch Garten and Loch Mallachie. If snow is lying on the ground, we may spot animal tracks or the animals themselves, such as pine martin, which inhabit these forests. If the lochs are frozen try your hand at skimming stones, you will be amazed at the eerie noise it makes! (B, L)

Walk details: Depends on the Route Chosen

*Optional Upgrade: Afternoon Woodcarving Session

Day 4 | Marvels of Whisky & Endless Stars

Today you head out to explore the heart of whisky country, an area which is home to more than half the distilleries in Scotland. Enjoy one of the many beautiful hikes here, maybe a section of the Speyside Way, a beautiful Long Distance Trail that winds its way through the heart of this renowned Whisky country. As you explore your guide will tell you tales of the history of the ‘water of life’ in this area, both legal and slightly less so! Enjoy lunch in a great traditional local pub before heading to one of the local distilleries for a tour and tasting. 

Tonight you will have an early dinner and, if the sky is clear, we head out after dark to enjoy the crisp, clear night sky where the stars never seem to end. Scotland has some of the largest expanses of dark sky in Europe so the number of stars visible, even with the naked eye, can be absolutely breathtaking. When you are wrapped up cosy with a hot drink you can spend hours enjoying the glorious celestial show on display. If you are really lucky you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights! (B, L)

Walk details: Depends on the Route Chosen

Note: Stargazing Experience is weather dependent and may be rescheduled for the best conditions.

Day 5 | The Drovers Road & The Faeries Lochan

This morning you will be met by your guide and travel together towards Glenmore and the starting point of our walk, which takes us over the Ryvoan pass. This was part of an old droving road through to Glenmore forest which has spectacular views of the Cairngorm mountains. Our route passes the unique green coloured ‘Lochain Uaine’ where the faeries wash their clothes.

Enjoy a cosy stop for a special treat of hot drinks and a hearty lunch in a remote historic bothy. Afterwards, if the weather is clear and you feel adventurous, you could head further up onto the nearby summit to enjoy the expansive views across the Spey Valley. 

After our walk, relax with a dram at the cosy Pine Marten Bar to celebrate your week of Highland Winter adventures. (B, L)

* Optional Upgrade: Private Afternoon Tour Of A ‘Closed Door’ Distillery

Day 6 – Depart

Enjoy a hearty Scottish breakfast before you depart for your onward journey. (B)