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Map of Walk the Cairngorms in Summer including United Kingdom

See the best of the Scottish Highlands on your own two feet.

There’s something to be said for exploring the Scottish Highlands in summer. While you won’t experience the sorts of scorching temperatures you might find in other parts of the world, you will find a vibrant countryside that’s come to life in the warmer weather. On this 5-day walking trip, you’ll have the chance to explore some of the region’s most striking peaks and most beautiful landscapes, with the guidance of a local leader who can share stories of the area and the conservation efforts in place to keep it pristine. Cool off with an afternoon on the ‘beach’ at the dreamy nearby Loch Morlich, where canoeing or stand-up paddle boarding are on option. Plus, you’ll have plenty of chances to enjoy the quaint village life – including few whiskys and a meal at a favourite local pub. And with your base being the small Scottish town of Aviemore, you’ll neither be on the move nor stretched for time each day, with plenty of time to explore your way. Welcome to the Cairngorms – a gateway into the real Scottish countryside.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Aviemore, United Kingdom
Finish
Aviemore, United Kingdom
Destination
United Kingdom
Style
Comfort
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
BWXA
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Experience the freedom of hiking in the UK’s largest and wildest National Park – the Cairngorms.

  • Hike a stage of the famous Speyside Way long distance trail, passing through heather moors and Caledonian pine forests on the way.

  • Walk around the dark blue waters of Loch an Eilein, where the ancient ruins of a 14th century castle sit atop a small island in the middle of the lake.

  • Your local leader will have plenty of local stories to share – especially about the nature of the Cairngorms National Park and conservation projects in the area.

Is this trip right for you?

  • There are a number of planned walks on this trip of varying lengths. Be sure to pack adequate footwear and clothing to suit hiking in the summer months.

  • This trip begins at 1pm on Day 1, so we suggest arriving in the morning or the day before to ensure you don’t miss the important welcome meeting.

Group hiking up hills on Scottish landscape
View of Loch an Eilein and reflection, Scotland
Group hiking through trees and greenery in Scotland

Itinerary
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Welcome to Aviemore! On arrival, make your own way to tonight’s guesthouse accommodation where you will stay for the rest of your trip in the Scottish Highlands. This is located only a kilometre or so from Aviemore’s railway station, however taxis are also available. An important welcome meeting will take place at your accommodation at 1pm, so we suggest arriving with time to spare. Meet your group and leader and find out what lies ahead, then hop into a taxi to Loch an Eilein where your first walk will get underway. Hike around the deep blue waters of Loch an Eilein – look out for the ruins of a 14th century castle atop a small island in the middle of the lake. Then, follow a path through ancient woodland and past Lily Loch before returning to Aviemore for the evening. Your leader will have the local take on the best place for dinner or drinks tonight.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Loch an Eilein guided hike
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or guesthouse reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Today’s hike is approximately 10 kilometres, 2-3 hours, with around 100 metres elevation gain.

After breakfast this morning your leader will take you for a hike straight from your guesthouse along the renowned Speyside Way Trail, which runs over 100 kilometres from Aviemore to the Moray coastline. Take on a stunning section of the trail, walking with your group from Aviemore to the village of Nethy Bridge, known as a wildlife hotspot, so much so that the BBC Springwatch team made the village their base for 2 consecutive years. You’ll pass by heather moors and Caledonian pine forests to this quaint village with small corner pubs, cafes and an art gallery. It’s just like out of your favourite classic UK dramas. Spend some time exploring Nethy Bridge before taking a public bus back to Aviemore in the early afternoon (approximately 30 minutes). After this, the rest of the day is for you to continue to explore this slice of Scotland at your own pace.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Aviemore - Guided Speyside Way Trail hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s hike is approximately 17 kilometres, 4-5 hours, with around 120 metres elevation gain.

Today, after breakfast you’ll leave the accommodation on foot to begin a three-hour walk in the nearby Craigellachie National Nature Reserve. Many local communities in the Highlands have a hill that they like to think of as ‘theirs’, and for Aviemore’s it is definitely Craigellachie. This peaceful haven is close to town, but makes you feel as though you’re a world away. As you walk, you’ll pass through a birchwood forest with various small lochans (lakes) before the trail climbs above the tree line where you’ll eventually reach the summit. Here you can enjoy the spectacular 360-degree views across the Cairngorms National Park, including towards the high plateau, where you will be hiking tomorrow. After descending and walking back to town, you’ll take a local bus to nearby Loch Morlich, famed for its sandy shores. You’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure – either making the most of the range of watersports on offer at the loch such as canoeing or stand up paddle boarding, or you could even catch the bus back to town for a bit of shopping.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Craigellachie guided hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s hike is approximately 8 kilometres, 3 hours, with around 300 metres elevation gain.

Today is the pinnacle of your walking trip with a full day hike known as the Cairngorms ‘Peak to Pub’. After breakfast you’ll take the public bus (approximately 20 minutes) to your starting point which is located at an elevation of 610 metres (2,000 feet) above sea level. Today you’ll be climbing to one of the Cairngorms most well-known summits called the Creag a Chalamain. Set off across the moors, keeping your eyes peeled for the local reindeer herd! Your local leader will be able to share plenty of stories about the area, including some of the latest conservation projects that are happening across the Cairngorms. As you approach a rocky chasm, you’ll take a tiny trail up to the summit. The views from the top are incredible, as you can see three out of six of the UK’s highest peaks. After taking photos and having time to catch your breath and soak up the vista, you’ll begin your descent via a different route, following an old drover’s trail through the beautiful Rothiemurchus Forest. You’ll finish the day’s walk back in Aviemore at the local pub, located next to the River Spey where you might like to enjoy a final night of dinner and drinks as a group.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cairngorms Peak to Pub hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s hike is approximately 20 kilometres, 6-7 hours, with around 350 metres elevation gain (note - it would be possible to get a taxi for the last 3km as the trail is close to the road at that point)

With no activities planned for today, your Scottish adventure finishes after breakfast at your guesthouse. You’re free to discover the countryside at your leisure, or begin your homeward journey.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

4 breakfasts

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus

Accommodation

Guesthouse (4 nights)

Included activities

  • Loch an Eilein guided hike
  • Aviemore - Guided Speyside Way Trail hike
  • Craigellachie guided hike
  • Cairngorms Peak to Pub hike

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Walk the Cairngorms in Summer trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 1pm on Day 1 in Aviemore. This trip ends on Day 5 after breakfast and you are free to leave at any time.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Aviemore is on the mainline and has regular trains south to Edinburgh, Glasgow and beyond, as well as north to Inverness (which is the nearest airport). It’s possible to travel to Inverness Airport by a combination of train and bus.
4. If you plan to arrive by car, our accommodation offers free parking space on first-come-first-served basis. In case the car park is full, there is plenty of on street free and safe parking just outside of the hotel.

Essential trip information

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