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Cairngorms Guided Walking

2027 dates available Early Booking Offer

■ 7 nights accommodation

■ Availability Sep-Oct 2026, Jun-Sep 2027

■ One itinerary available

■ Full Board

■ Grades 2 & 4 details

■ 137kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£1,329

pp

Members From

£1,299

pp

Members Save: on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. You can become a member during the booking flow. details

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
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Established in 2003 as Scotland’s second-largest national park, the Cairngorms has spectacular landscapes, mountains, lochs, woodlands, and a huge amount of wildlife hotspots. This holiday is an ideal introduction to this natural paradise in the heart of the Scottish Highlands and you can look forward to plenty of carefully planned guided walks plus interesting attractions that highlight the region’s nature and heritage.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...
Set amongst heather clad hills and native Scots pine woodlands, the Boat Inn, Boat of Garten is in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. With its roaring log fires and with plenty of character and charm, we’ve the perfect base for our holiday. The rooms are all comfortable ensuites, equipped with tea/coffee making facilities, TV, hairdryers and with WiFi access too. This hotel is dog-friendly so you may meet four legged friends in some of the communal areas.
Exterior Boat Inn, Caringorms supplied by hotel.jpg

Walking grades and options

This Guided Walking/Hiking Trail has walks graded levels 2 & 4.

Your fitness

Having a solid base of fitness before your holiday will ensure you've the best chance of completing the holiday and enjoying it to boot. Here's a few simple tips to help you get fit and ready for your challenge:

  • Get out walking - whether the weather, get out there, and start building your fitness months before your holiday
  • Build your distance gradually and get a number of 6-8hr hill days in
  • Ideally, try and do two consecutive days training if possible
  • Take the stairs every time
  • Train on different terrain
  • Train with your day pack and your walking boots too, to ensure they're well worn in before your holiday
  • Other sports help improve your walking fitness too. The best ones are jogging, cycling, swimming, which will build your stamina, and yoga which will help strengthen your core and improve balance
  • Time training will help ensure you enjoy your holiday to the max.

What You’ll Love

  • The choice of two walks a day – one easier, one harder
  • Discovering the second highest mountain range in Scotland
  • Climbing famous summits and bagging Munros
  • Exploring quiet lochs, glens, and ancient pine forests
  • Sampling a wee dram or two along the Speyside Way
  • Spotting ospreys, golden eagles, capercaillie, and red deer

What's Included

  • Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation(s) 
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning 
  • Daily packed lunches
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee  
  • Guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader 
  • All transport to and from walks where necessary 

Reviews

Gallery

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Guided Walking

Check-in at your accommodation from 15:00. Your leader will be at reception at 18:30 to meet the group and for a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner.

Option 1 – The Wildcat Trail and Loch Gynack

Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)

Ascent: 700 feet (220m)

In summary: Explore the rivers Spey and Calder on the Wildcat Trail from Newtonmore, then follow the East Highland Way to the small town of Kingussie.

Highlight: Very varied countryside with spectacular views of the Cairngorms, passing the secluded Loch Gynack.


Option 2 – Càrn an Fhreiceadain

Distance: 11.5 miles (18.5km)

Ascent: 2,400 feet (740m)

In summary: From Kingussie follow quiet paths past the small hill of Tom Baraidh before joining a good track over the summits of Beinn Bhreac and Càrn an Fhreiceadain. We then descend on a different track following the Allt Mòr and Gynack rivers back to Kingussie.

Highlight: The ‘Corbett’ summit of Càrn an Fhreiceadain, on the edge of the Monadhliath Mountains, commands fine views both over the Monadhliath and across to the Cairngorms and provides a good warm up for adventurous peaks later in the week.

Option 1 – Sculpture, Lochs and Glen Feshie

Distance: 7.5 miles (12.5km)

Ascent: 800 feet (240m)

In summary: From Loch Insh we follow quiet paths to Feshiebridge, then onwards to the lower reaches of Glen Feshie. Forest tracks lead us to the lovely Uath Lochans, and then along the Speyside Way back to Loch Insh.

Highlight: Sublime view of the lochans from the wooded rim of Farleitter Crag.

Option 2 – Sgòr Gaoith, from Glen Feshie

Distance: 9.3 miles (15km)

Ascent: 2725 feet (830m)

In summary: The ascent follows the old fox hunters path, rising to Càrn Bàn Mòr on the vast plateau above Glen Feshie. We continue on mostly fairly easy going terrain to Sgòr Gaoith. Our descent back into Glen Feshie is via a good path which passes through magnificent pinewoods.

Highlight: The first Munro of the week, with terrific views west over the River Spey and east to Braeriach and the bulk of the Cairngorms.

Option 1 – Rothiemurchus and Coire an t-Sneachda

Distance: 9 miles (15km)

Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)

In summary: Today’s walk is split into two parts. Our first walk takes us into Rothiemurchus forest and to the shores of Loch an Eilein. We then transfer to the Cairngorm Ski Centre where a well graded ascent takes us into the heart of the mountains and the stunning Coire an t-Sneachda glacial corrie, a grand cirque of cliffs, often snow covered for much of the year.

Highlight: Loch an Eilein, with it's backdrop of the pines of Rothiemurchus Forest, is extremely beautiful, and is one of the most popular short walks in Scotland.

Option 2 – Cairn Gorm and the northern corries

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Ascent: 2,600 feet (780m)

In summary: From the Cairngorm ski centre we ascend to the plateau with stunning views across towards Cairn Toul and SgÒr an Lochain Uaine. We continue along the top of the northern corries to Cairn Gorm, our second Munro of the week, before returning past the Ptarmigan station and the ski areas.

Highlight: The summit of Cairn Gorm, the highest summit in the National Park and a Munro. Dramatic views down into the Lairig Ghru and the northern corries, and terrific rock architecture.

Each holiday there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest. 

There’s plenty to do within easy reach, whether it’s a visit to Inverness (the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands) or a day trip to the historic battlefield at Culloden and the 18th century fortress of Fort George.

Option 1 – Lochan Uaine & Loch Morlich

Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)

Ascent: 520 feet (160m)

In summary: A beautiful walk exploring the Glenmore area of Rothiemurchus. From Glenmore Lodge we follow the Ryvoan Pass past the beautiful Lochan Uaine to visit the Ryvoan bothy. We return by an intriguing higher path through the woods, then take a circuit of Loch Morlich, popular for water sports, and finish at the visitor centre where we can enjoy refreshments.

Highlight: The green waters of Lochan Uaine are full of mystery.

Option 2 – Craiggowrie & Meall a’ Bhuachaill

Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5km)

Ascent: 2,600 feet (780m)

In summary: A varied walk with the ascent of Craiggowrie on good paths, then along the dramatic and windswept ridge to the Corbett, Meall a’ Bhuachaille, From here we descend to the Ryvoan Pass, visiting Lochan Uaine on our return to the Glenmore visitor centre.

Highlight: The dramatic ridge from Craiggowrie has stunning views in all directions, and is a good spot from which to pick out all the areas where we have been walking earlier in the week. 

Option 1 – Glenlivet to Tomintoul

Distance: 8.5miles (14 km)

Ascent: 1400 feet (420m)

In summary: This off-shoot of the Speyside Way is considered by many to be the finest section of the entire trail, providing views of the Cairngorm Mountains to the south-west and the Hills of Cromdale to the west. It is a scenic delight, the easily reached summit of Carn Daimh providing 360 degree views.

Highlight: We finish in Tomintoul for a whisky tasting (or gin, if preferred).

Option 2 – Bridge of Livet to Tomintoul

Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)

Ascent: 1,700 feet (520m)

In summary: Starting at Bridge of Livet, we follow the attractive River Livet to the ruin of Drumin Castle. From here we continue along the Speyside Way, following the option 1 group to the summit of Carn Daimh before descending into the village of Tomintoul for a well-earned dram.

Highlight: A more relaxing day and a chance to unwind, with varied scenery, a lower summit but still with superb views, and a whisky tasting at the end.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

View all

Daily Walk Options

Grade 2

Easier Walks

Good paths but walks are a bit longer. Some walks, particularly in mountain areas, may have sections over rough or steeper terrain.

Grade 4

Medium Walks

Long distances in remote countryside and on rough terrain. You can expect some sustained ascents and descents; there may be occasional sections of scree and steep ground.

Accommodation

2026 - The Boat Inn - Cairngorms National Park

Set amongst heather clad hills and native Scots pine woodlands, the Boat Inn, Boat of Garten is in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. With its roaring log fires and with plenty of character and charm, we’ve the perfect base for our holiday. The rooms are all comfortable ensuites, equipped with tea/coffee making facilities, TV, hairdryers and with WiFi access too. This hotel is dog-friendly so you may meet four legged friends in some of the communal areas.

2027 - The Cairngorm Hotel - Aviemore, Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorm Hotel is situated directly opposite the railway station in the heart of Aviemore. Offering the warm and friendly welcome you'd expect from a traditional Highland hotel, rooms are comfortably furnished with touches of tartan, and feature blackout curtains as well as tea/coffee making facilities. Popular with locals and visitors alike, the Cairngorm Hotel's bar and restaurant is a convivial and sociable space to start the day with a good breakfast and enjoy a hearty dinner after a day out exploring. This hotel is dog-friendly so you may meet four-legged friends in some of the communal areas.

Food & drink

Your stay is full-board. This includes daily breakfasts, packed lunch options, and evening meals. Vegetarian choices and dietary requirements can be catered for (please give advance notice when booking).

Packed lunches

Our packed lunches will be too much food for some and not enough for others; if you feel you might need more food during the walk, please bring a supply of snacks to supplement this – it won’t always be possible to buy these on the route. Your packed lunches will include: a bread sandwich or roll with a choice of filling; some fresh fruit; fruit cake/flapjack or similar, crisps and/or biscuits. For those of you tackling a level 4 or above holiday, we would highly recommend bringing some trail mix or something similar to ensure you've some fuel in reserve should you need it.

Dietary requirements

Our partner hotels can cater for most dietary requirements, but it is important you advise us of any allergies and dietary restrictions you have at the time of booking.

Getting here

Address

The Boat Hotel
Deshar Road
Boat of Garten PH24 3BH

By train

For train times and route planning by train visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call +44 (0)3457 484950.

By bus

There is a stagecoach bus approx. once an hour from Aviemore train station to Boat of Garten. For times and route planning visit www.stagecoachbus.com/plan-a-journey.

By taxi

A taxi from Aviemore Train Station takes approx. 12 minutes and costs roughly £20 (one way) in 2024.

By air

There are a number of both national and international flights to Glasgow International. From there, take the regular airport bus to Glasgow Queen Street station (George Square) (journey time 30 minutes). From Glasgow Queen Street train station you can get the train to Aviemore.

More Information

Packing list - UK Guided Walking (Scottish Holidays)

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next.  To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip  
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket 
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  
  • Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
  • Waterproof overtrousers  
  • Gloves and a warm hat  
  • Rucksack with waterproof liner 
  • Flask for hot drinks   
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)  
  • Sunscreen  
  • UV sunglasses  

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

  • spare warm clothing
  • spare high energy food
  • head torch and spare batteries
  • please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and midge repellent/net and tick remover tool
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera
  • Walking poles
  • Midge net

Carbon Footprint - 137kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

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Reviews

Code: XAQ07-BTB11

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Dates & availability

Cairngorms Guided Walking

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership

2026

5 Sep - 12 Sep 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,629

pp

Members

£1,599

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Book Now

3 Oct - 10 Oct 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,329

pp

Members

£1,299

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Book Now

2027

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

19 Jun - 26 Jun 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,569 £1,519

pp

Members

£1,539 £1,489

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Book Now

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

4 Sep - 11 Sep 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,679 £1,629

pp

Members

£1,649 £1,599

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Book Now
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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent & group bookings).

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Book with confidence

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If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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