Cairngorms North Guided Trail Holiday

You’ll be able to check in at your accommodation, The Boat Inn, from 3pm giving you time to relax by the roaring fire – or explore the surroundings - before your HF Holidays Leader meets you at reception at 6:30pm. Meet the rest of your group who’ll be joining you on the guided walks before dinner. 

Distance: 12.5 miles (20km) 

Ascent: 935ft (285m) 

From Newtonmore we’ll explore the lay of the land along the bubbling waters of the rivers Spey and Calder before joining the East Highland Way. From here we’ll circle round secluded Loch Gynack, whose serene setting contrasts with the dramatic landscape surrounding it.  

Then it’s on to Spey Valley and through the marshes and bird reserve at Loch Insh. You’ll have plenty of time to admire the views from historic Ruthven Barracks - just be sure to keep your binoculars ready to spot ospreys on the way. 

Distance: 10.5 miles (17km) 

Ascent: 354ft (105m) 

Today’s walk is all about nature as we set off to admire the impressive sculptures of Frank Bruce while looking out for golden eagles soaring above. We’ll continue into Inshriach National Nature Reserve where a mix of habitats from woods to exposed mountainsides houses a wealth of animals including red squirrels.  

Then once we’re in the heart of the Rothiemurchus pine forest you’ll have the chance to wind down while overlooking picturesque Loch an Eilein. 

Distance: 8 miles (12.9km) 

Ascent: 1,050ft (320m) 

There’s a steep climb to tackle today, but once we’re in the heart of the mountains the stunning Coire an t-Sneachda glacial corrie will open up before you. Often covered in snow for much of the year, this grand cirque of cliffs provides an excellent point to watch for golden eagles, red deer, and, if we’re lucky, reindeer.  

Relax with a hot drink at the Cairngorm Café then we’ll transfer to the Loch Garten Osprey Centre from where we’ll walk back to the hotel.  

If the weather is poor, this walk will be replaced with a delightful stroll through Rothiemurchus Forest to Loch Morlich. 

Distance: 12 miles (19km) 

Ascent: 590ft (180m) 

There’ll be plenty of quintessential Highland scenes for you to admire as we walk from Loch Morlich to Lochan an Uaine, known as the ‘green loch’ for its mesmerising emerald-coloured waters. Then we’ll cross the Ryvoan Pass to Nethy Bridge passing by Abernethy Forest on our descent. Round off the walk with a hot drink at the visitor centre.  

Distance: 9.5 miles (15.4km) 

Ascent: 500ft (150m) 

We hit the trail right from our doorstep today, tracing the path that winds its way alongside the River Spey to secluded Loch Vaa. You’ll have plenty of time to soak it all in before we head back to the Boat of Garten in search of wildlife on the Heron Trail. 

Distance: 11 miles (17.7km) 

Ascent: 1640ft (500m). 1,200ft (365m) in June when the route is walked in reverse. 

This off-shoot of the Speyside Way is considered by many to be the finest section of the entire trail. You’ll cover some miles, but with views of the Cairngorm Mountains to the south-west and the Hills of Cromdale to the west, it’s a scenic delight. Then climb the easily reached summit of Carn Daimh for dramatic 360-degree views. A fitting finale for the holiday.