Cairngorms Guided Walking with Sightseeing

New holiday

Location: Scotland

Duration: 7 nights accommodation

Itineraries available: 1

Board Type: Full Board

Walking grades: 2 details

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Scotland’s second largest national park not only boasts glistening lochs, wildlife-filled woodland, and heather-clad mountains, but centuries of stories, too. Discover the Cairngorms on a small-group guided walking holiday that combines easier walks with time spent sightseeing. On foot, we’ll admire dramatic Scottish scenery as we seek out a hidden lochan and follow the royal cairn trail to Prince Albert’s pyramid, overlooking Balmoral Castle. Along the way, experience a host of highlights including a funicular ride to Cairn Gorm summit, a trip on the Strathspey heritage railway, and a tour and tasting session at a highland distillery.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...
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.
cairngorm exterior.jpg

Walking grades and options

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the relevant fitness required to join this holiday. A sustained effort is required to complete the walks and provision cannot be made for anyone who opts out; transportation is generally for just that, and you will not be able to stay with the vehicle. Please be sure you can manage the daily mileage and ascent as listed. The walks are up to 2-3 hours, most walks/hikes will be on good paths, although these can be rougher at times, especially due to weather. It is important for your own enjoyment, and that of your fellow guests that you can maintain the pace. It makes a lot of sense to spend time getting some additional exercise before your holiday. We suggest that you try to fit in a number of walks, including some on country paths.  
 
Your fitness  
 
Having a solid base of fitness before your holiday will ensure you've the best chance of enjoying the holiday to the maximum.  

Here's a few simple tips to help you get fit and ready for your trip: 
• 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 2-3 hr walks 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

  • Enjoying easier walks whilst touring this beautiful region in a small group (max 15 people) 

  • Highland scenery of rugged mountains and views over lochs and ancient pine forests 

  • Riding the historic Strathspey Railway to Boat of Garten  

  • Taking the funicular up to Cairn Gorm summit 

  • Staying at a traditional Highland hotel in the charming town of Aviemore 

  • A tour of Scotland’s highest distillery with a whisky and artisan chocolate tasting 


What's Included

  • Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation 

  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning 

  • Daily packed lunches 

  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee   

  • All transport to and from walks where necessary 

  • Distillery visit with whisky and chocolate tasting, Strathspey railway from Aviemore to Boat of Garten, paddock visit to Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, mountain railway/funicular pass to the summit of Cairn Gorm 


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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.

Itinerary

Make your way to Aviemore, a popular town located in the northwest corner of the majestic Cairngorms National Park. Your leader will be at reception to meet the group for a quick introduction to the holiday before going into dinner.

Start the morning with a transfer to Newtonmore, where we will join the Wildcat Trail, passing through woodland and following the River Spey to the Highland Folk Museum.  We’ll have time to explore this fascinating open-air museum, founded in 1936 and home to over 35 reconstructed historical buildings showing life, traditions and stories from the 1700s to the mid-20th Century.  

4.5 miles (7.5km) with 390ft (120m) of ascent

After a hearty breakfast we transfer to Kingussie, previously known for its thriving local linen industry and now famed for its successful shinty team – a traditional Gaelic sport played with sticks and a ball. From here, it’s a short walk to Ruthven Barracks, a collection of buildings established by King George I following the failed Jacobite uprising of 1715. We continue on foot towards Insh Marshes RSPB nature reserve and join the Invertromie Trail; binoculars are recommended for the three bird hides. This afternoon we travel to Dalwhinnie Distillery, the highest in Scotland. After a tour of the distillery, we can look forward to sampling their whisky and artisan chocolate.  

4 miles (6.5km) with 310ft (95m) of ascent.

This morning we enjoy a short ride on a historic locomotive* along the Strathspey Railway heritage line to Boat of Garten, where we alight for our walk to the Loch Garten Nature Centre, the ancestral home of the UK’s ospreys. We will explore around the loch, woodland and wetland of this wildlife rich area. During spring and summer visits keep a look out for breeding osprey, crested tits, red squirrels, voles, great spotted woodpeckers, siskins and common lizards. In Autumn the wild greylag and pink-footed geese arrive on Loch Garten.  The Nature Centre is surrounded by the largest remnant of ancient Caledonian pine forest.  

* The Strathspey Heritage Railway always aims to operate a steam hauled service but on occasion, operational issues may mean a diesel engine is used.  

4.5 miles (7km) with 130ft (40m) of ascent 

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 an independent day trip to the historic battlefield at Culloden and the 18th century fortress of Fort George. 

After our rest day, our legs will be fully charged to enjoy a walk in the Balmoral area; it is an approx. 90-minute transfer (excluding any stops) to Crathie where we will visit the Kirk; it was to this church that Queen Victoria came in 1848 during her time at Balmoral Castle, and the Royal Family continues to worship here today. Many of the local people who served Queen Victoria are buried in the grounds, including her personal attendant, John Brown. 

Our walk today explores the historical cairns erected by the Royal Family on the Balmoral Estate and includes Prince Albert’s Pyramid; the largest cairn, erected by Queen Victoria in her husband’s memory. The walk offers superb views over Deeside and Balmoral Castle.  The Royals still use Balmoral as their residence, so a castle visit is not scheduledfor this reason, however access to Prince Albert’s Pyramid is always open.  This is the more demanding of the generally easy walks on this holiday, however, is very worthwhile.   

3.5 miles (6km) with 590ft (180m) of ascent 

A busy final day begins with a visit to the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd at Glenmore, where we will see some of the herd in the paddock, and our group will enjoy a short talk and Q&A session with one of the herders. Incredibly, there are around 150 reindeer in the herd, mostly ranging on the mountains or the Glenlivet Estate. From the paddock, we head out on a walk to Lochan Uaine and Ryovan Bothy. Uaine is a small freshwater lochan also known as the Green Loch thanks to the emerald-green waters that said to derive their colour from the fairies washing their clothes at night. We continue with a short transfer to Cairngorm mountain railway station, and ascend to the summit by funicular, which offers spectacular views on a clear day.  Descending with the funicular we return to our hotel, for a wonderful farewell dinner together.  

5.5 miles (9km) with 310ft (95m) of ascent   

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. 

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.

Accommodation

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.

Getting here

Cairngorm Hotel 
Grampian Road 
Aviemore 
Inverness-shire 
PH22 1PE

Joining Instructions 

PLEASE NOTE the website www.travelinescotland.com is a fantastic resource for public transport in Scotland and planning your journey.  

Holiday Start 
 
By Air  
 
There are International flights and also flights from around the UK to Glasgow International Airport or Edinburgh. From Glasgow International Airport take the regular airport bus to Glasgow Central station (journey time 30 minutes) (www.glasgowairport.com). From Edinburgh Airport you can take a bus or a tram into the city centre; see https://www.edinburghairport.com/transport-links . You may also wish to consider pre-booking with all-electric, intercity bus service Ember (as they operate a dynamic service based on pre-booked seats); https://www.ember.to/ or please see Traveline Scotland above. There are also flights to Glasgow Prestwick Airport, which is further outside the city and has its own railway station with frequent trains (journey time 45 minutes to Glasgow Central station), (www.gpia.co.uk).    

By Rail 
 
The nearest railway station to the accommodation is Aviemore; the hotel is just across the street from the station. From Glasgow Queen Street or Edinburgh Waverley train stations you can take the train to Aviemore. Again, please see www.travelinescotland.com for assistance with journey planning. 

More Information

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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 insect repellent and tick remover tool
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera
  • Walking poles
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Packing list

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 insect repellent and tick remover tool
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera
  • Walking poles
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Our experienced and knowledgeable volunteer leaders undergo a thorough assessment to lead you on your holiday and are delighted to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you. Please ensure you complete and hand in your registration form on arrival and let the leader know about any medical problems you may have. This may be useful in the event of a problem on the walk and will be treated confidentially by the leader.  

In The Event Of A Problem  

If you become separated from your group, please stay where you are. Your leader will retrace their steps to find you. 

All our leaders carry a mobile phone, group shelter, spare maps and a compass. In the unlikely event your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call the emergency services (call 999 in the UK, or 112 overseas).  

Please then try to call the hotel where you are staying to let them know there is a problem.  

If you have any cause for complaints regarding accommodation, you should notify your leader who can then attempt to rectify the problem.  

Ticks  

Ticks are tiny creatures that live in vegetation and can attach themselves to passing animals or walkers and may carry a risk of Lyme Disease. Please refer to NHS advice and guidelines for information prior to your holiday.  

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Ticks

Ticks are tiny creatures that live in vegetation and can attach themselves to passing animals or walkers and may carry a risk of Lyme Disease. Please refer to NHS advice and guidelines for information prior to your holiday.

" ["category"]=> array(4) { ["id"]=> string(26) "01jz2mm57nsr6ya7rha4swbehk" ["name"]=> string(18) "Useful Information" ["slug"]=> string(18) "useful-information" ["parent"]=> array(2) { ["id"]=> string(26) "01jz2mm0fhq0ycna6d9smf80p6" ["name"]=> string(19) "Holiday information" } } } [2]=> array(4) { ["id"]=> string(26) "01kwy2p889sznyk0q1drqp4egm" ["title"]=> string(26) "Your Island Hopping Leader" ["content"]=> string(1105) "

Our experienced and knowledgeable volunteer leaders undergo a thorough assessment to lead you on your holiday and are delighted to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you.

Please ensure you complete and hand in your registration form on arrival and let the leader know about any medical problems you may have. This may be useful in the event of a problem on the walk and will be treated confidentially by the leader.

In the event of a problem

If you become separated from your group, please stay where you are. Your leader will retrace their steps to find you.

All our leaders carry a mobile phone, group shelter, spare maps and a compass. In the unlikely event your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call the emergency services (call 999 in the UK, or 112 overseas).

Please then try to call the hotel where you are staying to let them know there is a problem.

If you have any cause for complaints regarding accommodation, you should notify your leader who can then attempt to rectify the problem.

" ["category"]=> array(4) { ["id"]=> string(26) "01jz2mm57nsr6ya7rha4swbehk" ["name"]=> string(18) "Useful Information" ["slug"]=> string(18) "useful-information" ["parent"]=> array(2) { ["id"]=> string(26) "01jz2mm0fhq0ycna6d9smf80p6" ["name"]=> string(19) "Holiday information" } } } }

Useful information

Our experienced and knowledgeable volunteer leaders undergo a thorough assessment to lead you on your holiday and are delighted to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you. Please ensure you complete and hand in your registration form on arrival and let the leader know about any medical problems you may have. This may be useful in the event of a problem on the walk and will be treated confidentially by the leader.  

In The Event Of A Problem  

If you become separated from your group, please stay where you are. Your leader will retrace their steps to find you. 

All our leaders carry a mobile phone, group shelter, spare maps and a compass. In the unlikely event your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call the emergency services (call 999 in the UK, or 112 overseas).  

Please then try to call the hotel where you are staying to let them know there is a problem.  

If you have any cause for complaints regarding accommodation, you should notify your leader who can then attempt to rectify the problem.  

Ticks  

Ticks are tiny creatures that live in vegetation and can attach themselves to passing animals or walkers and may carry a risk of Lyme Disease. Please refer to NHS advice and guidelines for information prior to your holiday.  

Ticks

Ticks

Ticks are tiny creatures that live in vegetation and can attach themselves to passing animals or walkers and may carry a risk of Lyme Disease. Please refer to NHS advice and guidelines for information prior to your holiday.

Your Island Hopping Leader

Our experienced and knowledgeable volunteer leaders undergo a thorough assessment to lead you on your holiday and are delighted to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you.

Please ensure you complete and hand in your registration form on arrival and let the leader know about any medical problems you may have. This may be useful in the event of a problem on the walk and will be treated confidentially by the leader.

In the event of a problem

If you become separated from your group, please stay where you are. Your leader will retrace their steps to find you.

All our leaders carry a mobile phone, group shelter, spare maps and a compass. In the unlikely event your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call the emergency services (call 999 in the UK, or 112 overseas).

Please then try to call the hotel where you are staying to let them know there is a problem.

If you have any cause for complaints regarding accommodation, you should notify your leader who can then attempt to rectify the problem.

Carbon Footprint

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.

Learn more

Code: XAQ07-WOD11

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Cairngorms Guided Walking with Sightseeing

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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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