Cairngorms Guided Walking with Sightseeing

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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.


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

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

More Information

Packing list - UK Guided Walking

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

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.

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Code: XAQ07-WOD11

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Dates & availability

Cairngorms Guided Walking with Sightseeing

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
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Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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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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Book early with confidence

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

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

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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HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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