Explore the Scottish Highlands the local way
Scotland is laden with loveable lochs, dreamy mountaintops and verdant countryside, ideal for experiencing in the winter months. Spend five days unearthing the secrets of the Cairngorms, walking between picture-perfect villages, hiking up ranges and past deep lochs and spending the afternoons nestled in a small pub. You’ll endeavour to locate the UK’s only herd of reindeer with a local ranger, enjoy a wilderness whisky tasting in a secluded tipi and stroll a section of the Speyside Way Trail to Boat of Garten. 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.
Hike your way through pine forests and paddocks during winter on your quest to locate the UK’s only reindeer herd, together with a local reindeer ranger.
Tasting what the Scottish countryside has to offer is only the beginning. Enjoy an afternoon testing out local beers in Aviemore and whet your appetite with lunch and a whisky tasting in a secluded tipi in the wilderness.
Take on a section of the scenic Speyside Way Trail from Aviemore to Boat of Garten, where on arrival you will have time to peruse this small village.
Learn about the natural beauty and conservation projects of the Cairngorms National Park – such as rewilding – from your expert local guide, ready to answer any questions you may have.
With a comfortable base at a guesthouse in Aviemore, you’ll be able to unpack and relax, giving you all the time to explore the best of the region.
Please ensure you consult your local government’s advice regarding domestic travel prior to booking this trip.
This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations and working with new partners can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.
Please note that this trip runs in winter. Weather in Scotland can be unpredictable, so some aspects of the itinerary may require slight adjustments to ensure the best experience.
There are a number of planned winter walks on this trip, up to 3 hours in length. Be sure to pack adequate footwear and clothing to suit short hikes in the winter months.
Trip departures are unavailable.
There are currently no scheduled departures on our Walk the Cairngorms in Winter trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
1. This trip starts with a group meeting at 6 pm on day 1, and ends after breakfast on the final day. Please plan your arrival and departure accordingly. We are happy to book additional accommodation before or after the trip for you, subject to availability.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. A single supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability, please speak to your booking agent.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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