Scotland for Beginners

Feeling adventurous and eager to hike but not ready to move into a tent yet? Say no more!

The Scotland for Beginners hike takes you through the wilder parts of eastern Scotland in a way that you will rest between the sheets each night. There will be river crossings, narrow paths, wide forestry tracks, forests, wetlands and small Highland towns. The scenery will be different every day as you’ll be surrounded by mountains and pass through Highland towns while gathering proper miles on your journey. The going is pleasantly meandering even on the longer days and your night-time mattress is always soft.

TRIP OUTLINE

Day 1. Arrival in Glasgow and transport to Aviemore, a gateway town to the majestic Cairngorms National Park.

Day 2. Transport to the tiny hamlet of Fersit where our hike starts. With our eyes resting on the beautiful An Dubh Lochan (a small loch), we will leave Fersit behind and have amazing views over the moors towards Corrour and Loch Treig. We hike through a forest, only to make our way out to the small village of Laggan for the night.

Day's journey: 12 km

Day 3. We will leave Laggan village in the morning. After a short section on the main road, we veer north to cross the moors north of Toman Dubh. This is the wildest section of the route and definitely one of the most scenic. There is a bothy on the way where we can rest our legs at lunchtime.

Day's journey: 15 km

Day 4. We will spend the morning on the shores of Loch Gynach, walking through old birch woods, making our way down into Kingussie and from there to the Insh Marshes Nature Reserve, one of the most important wetland areas in Europe. This nature reserve is a unique floodplain shaped by glaciers, floods and man, supporting an abundance of rare species and habitats. Plenty of birds can be seen here all year round, including hen harriers. From the marshes, it is a short walk to the small town of Kincraig where we will spend the night.

Day's journey: 25 km

Day 5. The last day of the hike is yet again different from the others as we make our way through thick native pine forests before we reach Aviemore. The highlight of the day is Loch an Eilein - the loch of the island where the ruins of an old castle still stand. These beautiful waters reflect the magnificent pines of Rothiemurchus Forest and the scenery is uncannily reminiscent of some age-old fairytales. We arrive at Aviemore in the evening and will have dinner in the nicest pub in town.

Day's journey: 17 km

Day 6. Morning hike to say goodbye to the scenery and the Highlands. Those of us who would like a day without hiking are free to explore Aviemore on their own. Train to Glasgow in the early evening.

Day 7. Transfer to Glasgow airport. Journey home.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• All local transport in Scotland
• All local accommodations in Scotland
• A knowledgeable guide for the duration of the trip
• All breakfasts to keep us going
• Trail snacks for lunchtime
• A medical kit
• A virtual meeting before the trip, to get answers to all the questions you might have

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• Personal travel insurance
• Plane tickets to Glasgow from your original point of departure
• Dinners and alcoholic drinks at pubs, restaurants
• Additional museum, distillery, and spa visits not mentioned in the program

PRICE OF THE TRIP: £1075

To join us for our Highland adventure:

1. You will need to pay a £275 non-refundable deposit on booking. 

To book, send us a DM on Instagram or get in touch with us below.

You will then receive the payment details for your transfer.

2. The outstanding balance of £800 is payable 4 weeks before the trip, by August 16.

By booking your spot for the trip, you accept the terms & conditions for travelling.