Mountain Adventure Holidays
Discover the Cairngorms National Park and sections of the famous West Highland Way on this two part Scottish walking holiday. Where abundant wildlife, magnificent scenery and a traditional Highland welcome awaits!
First we visit Aviemore, an area of outstanding natural beauty, and perfect place to explore the surrounding Cairngorm countryside or to simply unwind. A region rich in culture, history, fine whisky and views to match it's all there in the UK's largest National Park. On foot we spend two days to discover lochs and lochans, the River Spey, stunning panoramic views, mountain summits and even a herd of Reindeer!
On a day of rest we transfer by road to Fort William - the Outdoor Capital of the UK. Famous for the huge variety of outdoor activities, the starting point for the West Highland Way and of course home to the highest mountain in the UK - Ben Nevis. Our guide will choose the best three moderate hikes in the Fort William and Glencoe region to ensure that you have a true taste of the Scottish Highlands.
The Cairngorms is the UK’s largest National Park and a must-do visit for any nature lover. Boasting over 4,500sq km of un-spoilt countryside, 5 of the UK’s six highest mountains, 43 munros, 9 nature reserves of majestic wildlife, glistening lochs, fast flowing rivers and huge swathes of forests containing ancient Caledonian Pine trees! Enjoy heather clad hills, native woodlands and home to RSPB Loch Garten made famous for nesting osprey. With its picturesque steam railway lying adjacent to the mighty River Spey.
Fort William and Lochaber is also one of the most historic places in Scotland - the Jacobites, Glenfinnan and the Old Fort William and Inverlochy Castle ruin are just a few examples of its amazing history. Sample the West Highland Way which features a huge variety of scenery from countryside parks to loch-shores, from open moorland to steep and rugged mountains.
Today is your arrival day to Inverness. We have booked you accommodation for you on a B&B basis. Choose to eat in the hotels restaurant, or eat in the city as it's within easy walking distance.
After a hearty Scottish breakfast take the train from Inverness to Aviemore where you will meet your guide this evening. Aviemore is a Highland town on the River Spey in the Cairngorms National Park. Abundant wildlife, magnificent scenery and excellent walking trails can be found as we explore the surrounding area. Upon arrival we check in a town house B&B for the next three nights.
If time allows visit Boat of Garten on the Strathspey Railway. Tickets can be booked in advance.
'Boat' as it's known locally has been inhabited for just over 150 years where as the surrounding villages have been reported to have been inhabited for several thousands of years. The name is linked to the ferry over the Spey at Gartenmore – just upstream from today's Ferryman's Cottage. A network of paths and tracks lead out of the village over the River Spey, famous for its salmon fishing.
Aviemore, Rothiemurchus and the Northern Cairngorms are the best known part of the Cairngorms National Park which was formed in 2003 to protect the unique aspects of the area.
Cairn Gorm itself is only the northernmost high summit on a vast, arctic plateau. This is the snowiest part of Britain; a fragile environment but providing a magnificent wild challenge for the fittest. The lower slopes where we will be walking are clothed with the magnificent Caledonian pinewoods of Rothiemurchus, dotted with jewel-like lochs such as Loch Morlich - with its sandy beach - and Loch an Eilein with its ruined island castle. Undoubtably this is one of the finest areas of Scotland for easier, lower level forest walks. The wildlife-watching opportunities too are simply superlative; this is the stronghold of the Red Squirrel as well as the elusive Capercaillie, crested tits and Scottish crossbill.
We start with a short minibus ride to the start of this walk. The route starts at the Rothiemurchus Visitors Centre and takes in both Loch an Eilein (loch of the island) and ends at Loch Morlich all on good paths and tracks. Loch Morlich enjoys one of the finest settings of any loch in the country surrounded by forests and fringed by beaches, with the stunning backdrop of the often snow-clad peaks of the northern Cairngorms. Loch an Eilein is an extremely beautiful sheet of water, reflecting the magnificent pines of Rothiemurchus Forest in which it lies; a ruined island castle is the final touch to help make this one of the most popular short walks in Scotland.
This is a linear walk and our pick up is at our end point at Loch Morlich.
Distance: 8.75 miles (14km) Ascent: 450m (1476ft) Descent: 150m (492ft) Time: 3.5 - 4.5 hours
Alternative your guide may choose is from Loch an Eileen climb an easy Munro and ending at Loch Morlich.
Meall a' Bhuachaille 'Hill of the herdsman' is a great choice for a first hill walk in the Cairngorms and is proof that a “proper” mountain in Scotland does not have to be a Munro. The top is a fantastic viewpoint of the rugged northern ranges of the Cairngorm mountains which form a wall of corries and ridges above Loch Morlich. The way up is steady and there's nothing technical to worry about.
To reach the start of our walk we take short transfer from Boat of Garten to Glenmore Forest, an ancient Caledonian pine forest, where the route begins. The climb up is varied, all on good trails, offering wonderful views of the forest, surrounding peaks, lakes and even takes in a traditional Scottish Bothy. Meall a' Bhuachaille is categorised as a 'Corbett'. It's windswept ridge reaches a summit of 810m (2657ft) where a large summit cairn and shelter provide protection if required but you will probably be more interested in enjoying the expansive views of the Northern Corries and across Strathspey.
The decent from the summit is gradual and provides excellent views of Loch Morlich and soon accesses wider easier paths back into the Glenmore forest. The wildlife in the National Park is outstanding. It is a stronghold for many rare and endangered species, living in some our most natural landscapes. It contains one quarter of Scotland’s native forest; one third of UK land above 600 metres; more breeding farmland waders than the whole of Wales; the largest population of twinflower in Scotland, eighty per cent of the UK’s population of capercaillie…
At the end of today there will the option to visit the Cainrgorm Reindeer Herd. Reindeer have lived in the Cairngorms National Park since 1952, where the herd are permitted to graze on over 10,000 acres upon the mountainsides. The company’s founders visited the area whilst on their honeymoon and very quickly identified the Cairngorms as an ideal place for reindeer to be. On the 12th of April 1952, Mr Utsi “brought some of [his] Swedish mountain reindeer to Scotland as an experiment, to show that they could live and breed in these surroundings.”
Distance: 8.5km (5.25 miles) Ascent: 543m (1780ft) Descent: 543m (1780ft) Time: Approximately 4-5 hours
We leave Aviemore today to transfer to Fort William. The driving time is about 1hr 30 along beautiful Highland Scenery of panoramic mountain views and roadside lochs. Along the way we will stop to visit a local whisky distillery and the delightful village of Spean Bridge and then onto Fort William where it's possible do some souvenir shopping.
We check into our next hotel in Fort William town for two nights.
(Tickets for any optional activities like the whisky tasting are not included).
Over the next 3 days your guide will decide on the best walks available according to your interests and preference on distance at the time.
For example this low-level walk in Glen Nevis, below Ben Nevis is classed as one of the best short walks in Scotland. The Steall Falls trail take you to a 120m cascade, nestled amongst the Glen Nevis mountains with the most incredible waterfall surrounded by breathtaking Highland scenery.
We return to our accommodation for a second night in Fort William.
We follow in the footsteps of 007 today as we pass Glen Etive where part of the James Bond movie 'Skyfall' was filmed. We also enjoy views into the historic Glencoe and the 'weeping glen' which was the scene of the infamous massacre of Clan MacDonald in 1692. Members of the Clan Campbell accepted and enjoyed the hospitality of the MacDonalds and then murdered the families while they slept. The mountains here are truly beautiful and it is a day to be savoured. We then start a zig-zag climb up what is known as the Devil's Staircase which takes you to the highest point of the West Highland Way at 550m (1804ft).
Tonight we check into the Kingshouse Hotel for 2 nights.
Leaving from the 17th century Kingshouse, we explore the wonderful mountains and Moorland of Glencose, an exposed and lonely place that was covered by a giant icecap that is now a huge peat bog. It is sometimes described as one of the last great wildernesses of Europe. From the Glencoe valley we have one of the most photographed Scottish mountains lying before us. Buachaille Etive Mor, gaelic for the 'The Great Herdsman of Etive' is a mountain that can 'move' even the hardest heart. If the weather is kind you might like to climb it's lesser known neigher, Buachaille Etive Beag which offers fine views of the valley and surrounding peaks.
Have your camera ready! We enjoy a second night at the Kingshouse Hotel.
Distance: 8km (5 miles) Ascent: 900m (2952ft) Descent:900m (2952ft) Duration: 5-6 hrs
Today is your departure day from Glencoe after breakfast.
There will be an optional transfer to Inverness city after breakfast where we later check into our first hotel on a B&B basis.
After breakfast transfer to Inverness Airport.
It is always our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
The 4* Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel in Inverness, the Scottish Highlands is situated on the treelined River Ness, a 10 minute walk along the river from the city centre. The hotel is within easy travelling distance of Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, Culloden Battlefield and the Cairngorm National Park.
This boutique privately run hotel boasts excellent reviews comprising of 30 bedrooms, the award-winning Contrast Brasserie restaurant and a Piano Bar serving up over 260 malt whiskies and 50 gins! Rooms include free wifi and parking and some have a view over the River Ness. Airport transfers can also be arranged with the hotel.
Ravenscraig Guesthouse, Aviemore is a converted Victorian Villa located in the Cairngorm National Park. This exceptional 4* Guest House offers bed and breakfast and is close to all local amenities making it the perfect base for exploring Scotland's Great Outdoors.
We aim to book the rooms in the main house which are located in the traditional part of the property. The rooms are all ensuite and are individually decorated.
The Alexandra Hotel is ideally place to access Fort William high street, and also the railway station for your departure plans. An open-fire features in the hotel’s lounge where guests can relax with a drink. Local, Scottish produce is served in the Alexandra’s traditionally decorated restaurant. The hotel has 93 bedrooms, and has been welcoming guests for many generations.
Rooms are and have a private bathroom with a selection of toiletries. A TV, work desk and tea and coffee facilities are included in all rooms. All bedrooms are en suite, and have bathrooms, television, hairdryer, and tea and coffee making facilities. The Rail is less than a 5-minute walk away.
The Kingshouse Hotel in Glencoe has been welcoming hikers for many years. We will be staying in the newly renovated hotel facility. The setting in Glencoe is truly beautiful, and has inspired writers over the centuries, including previous guests have included Wordsworth and Coleridge.
The Kingshouse House hotel offers standard to luxury double, twin and family rooms on a bed and breakfast basis. They also have some dog friendly guest rooms too. All rooms have a TV and en-suite bathroom. Luxury 'featured' rooms are perfect for those looking for extra comforts.
Arrival By Air
Scotland is well served with international airports in Glasgow, Inverness and in the capital city of Edinburgh. Edinburgh in particular has various transatlantic flights.
If you are arriving into Glasgow or Edinburgh then we recommend travelling by train to meet your guide in Aviemore.
If you are arriving into Inverness either prebook an airport transfer to reach Inverness city with Inverness Taxis on +44(0)1463 222 222 (or we can assist with this once you have your flight details) or there are taxis waiting outside the arrivals area at the airport itself.
From Inverness, to reach Aviemore to meet your guide, take the train. Plan times and prebook tickets here.
Departure
The final day of hiking ends in Glencoe. The day after is your departure day. You can either travel onwards south from Fort William by train or by bus with CityLink from Fort William to Glasgow, or Edinburgh. The train journey is along the famous west highland line and the scenery viewed from the train is stunning. You might also like to consider an extra night visiting Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh. One of the most historic cities in the world Edinburgh is well worth a visit.
For those returning north to Inverness it's possible to travel back with your guide to Inverness city which is included in your trip fees.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue
It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. For all of our trips your insurance must also cover mountain rescue. The exception to this is if the trip is being held in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Please ensure that your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude for any trip can be checked on the 'At A Glance' box on each trip page.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance
You should also have insurance to cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Insurance should be booked as soon as we have confirmed that your trip is going ahead. Note that your deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the required minimum numbers. In this case we will offer you a refund or the option of transferring to another trip if one is available. We also advise that you should have insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage as Tracks and Trails will not be held responsible for loss/damage to baggage/equipment.
All of the above insurances are detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.
When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have the appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and the accommodation you will be staying in.
Equipment
Clothing
Comfort
Personal First Aid
Documentation
Additional Items
**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**
Leaders are all first aid trained and carry their own first aid kit
On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.
The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person.
If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened.
Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. This trip has a single supplement of £350.
We go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.
Please note your guide has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment.
Your hiking guide will be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader or UK Mountain Leader. Mountain Leaders are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, and traditions of the area which you are visiting. You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page.
Moderate Level
Designed to be suitable for most walkers in good health who exercise regularly. These walking holidays are predominantly on good paths and at an altitude of between 1000m (3280ft) and 2500m (8202ft). We would expect you to have had some experience of walking in the mountains. You should be prepared to deal with hiking in bad weather if necessary. Expect to walk for between 4-6 hours per day and with ascent and descents of up to 800m (2624ft) per day.
We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons, the most important of which is food waste. In general our guests have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you purchase your own snacks rather than throw away items from the picnic lunch which we would supply.
Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout the day. Buying snacks and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with local people and to practise your language skills.
If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this. Each evening you can order a picnic or a sandwich from the hotel, or your guide/instructor will advise you of other options such as a local shop or market. In all cases we would ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks the evening before you depart, and not in the morning when there may be a queue.
On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip.
We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day.
The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required.
It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card.
On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will often only accept payment in the local currency in cash.
It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card.
In Scotland you will require £ Sterling. There are cash machines; at Inverness, Glasgow and Edinburgh airports where you will start the hike.
On all of our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes.
If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we would ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation as soon as possible. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups.
In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us.
We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water
The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel or mountain hut is having a problem with a water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
We ask that you carry a paper copy of your passport with you on your trip. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in any luggage you might have. If your trip is without luggage transfers then keep a paper copy somewhere in your rucksack, separate from your original document.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:
http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/
Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera.
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. However, if you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not. Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.
For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.
You can read our full policy here.
Scotland is a land where you can easily experience four seasons in one day, and at any time of year. Everything from glorious sunshine through to wild winds, and heavy rain. It is in a way what 'makes' Scotland's reputation! In Scotland we say 'there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad waterproofs'. In other words come prepared for everything.
If you have a day when the weather is overcast and cloudy, and there is no breeze then you might experience the infamous Scottish 'midge'. These small biting insects are extremely irritating, but not dangerous, and you should come armed with 'midge' repellent such as Smidge which is DEET free. You can also consider arriving with a 'midge net' which covers your head, and which you can buy at most outdoor stores in Scotland or on-line. Ideally, you wear a wide brimmed hat, though a baseball type cap will do, and then put the net over your hat. The brim of the hat keeps the net off your face, and stops the midges from biting you.
In reality they are not a problem when you are hiking, in other words moving, but only when you stop for a period of time and are static. They do not fly when there is a brisk breeze and they do not like sunshine. So hope for good weather. We find that in May and October there is less likelihood of encountering midges, hence the dates we offer early summer, and late autumn.
The 'midge' is part of Scottish legend and folklore and you might be disappointed if you didn't see one?
Prices may vary depending on date.
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tue 10 Jun - Thu 19 Jun Code: PV HWW |
Price: £2485 | Limited availability | Book |
| From Price | £2485 |
| Holiday Type | Walking |
| Duration | 10 Days |
| Group Size | 6-8 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 810m (2657ft) |
| Countries Visited | Scotland |
| Meet In | Aviemore |
