Walk the Cairngorms in Winter

Welcome to Aviemore! Today is simply a joining day, so make your own way to tonight’s guesthouse accommodation where you will stay for the rest of your trip in the Scottish Highlands. This is located only a kilometre or so from Aviemore’s railway station, however taxis are also available. Meet with your group and tour guide in the late afternoon for an all-important welcome briefing. Here, you’ll also get the local take on the best place for dinner or drinks tonight, so listen up!

This morning, take a short 20-minute drive by private vehicle to the beginning of your trail, where you’ll be met by a local reindeer ranger. Get ready to hike with the ranger as you aim to locate the only reindeer herd in the whole of the UK. If they prove to hard to find, do not fear – you will still enjoy a scenic hike in the Scottish countryside and stop by a paddock where some of the herd are sheltering. Return to Aviemore for some time at your leisure in the early afternoon. Afterwards, head with your group to a local microbrewery or pub for an all-important beer tasting. This afternoon is all about staying cosy in a local watering hole – is there anything more British?

Join your guide this morning for a hike straight from your guesthouse along the renowned Speyside Way Trail, which runs over 100 kilometres from Aviemore to the Moray coastline. Take on a stunning section of the trail, walking with your group from Aviemore to the nearby village of Boat of Garten. You’ll pass by heather moors and Caledonian pine forests to this quaint village with small corner pubs, cafes and an art gallery. It’s just like out of your favourite classic UK dramas. Spend some time exploring Boat of Garten before taking a public bus back to Aviemore in the early afternoon (approximately 15 minutes). After this, the rest of the day is for you to continue to explore this slice of Scotland at your own pace.

Today brings a quintessential Scottish experience – discovering just one of the region’s famed lochs. Enjoy a picturesque hike around a local loch off the tourist trail, complete with mountains framing the banks, pristine strands of ancient Caledonian Pine forest and a ruined castle sitting on a tiny island in its centre. Continue your wilderness hike on a short detour to a large tipi – a large tent – for lunch inside. A firebox, chairs and table will be set up, and you and your group will enjoy some locally sourced specialties, including sandwiches, fruit, cakes, tea and coffee. After you’ve polished off your lunch, experience a local whisky tasting inside the tipi. It is no wonder Scotland is world famous for this malty spirit. In the early afternoon, return to Aviemore and visit a local pub, settling in by the fire for an evening nestled in the wintery Scottish Highlands.

With no activities planned for today, your Scottish adventure finishes after breakfast at your guesthouse. You’re free to discover the countryside at your leisure, or begin your homeward journey.