Walk the Cairngorms in Winter
5 Days Starting and ending in Aviemore
Visiting: Aviemore, Speyside Way, Boat of Garten, Cairngorms National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BMXS
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 8
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
1-8
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Scotland is laden with loveable lochs, dreamy mountaintops and verdant countryside, ideal for experiencing in the winter months. Spend five days unearthing the secrets of the Cairngorms, walking between picture-perfect villages, hiking up ranges and past deep lochs and spending the afternoons nestled in a small pub. You’ll endeavour to locate the UK’s only herd of reindeer with a local ranger, enjoy a wilderness whisky tasting in a secluded tipi and stroll a section of the Speyside Way Trail to Boat of Garten. And with your base being the small Scottish town of Aviemore, you’ll neither be on the move nor stretched for time each day, with plenty of time to explore your way. Welcome to the Cairngorms – a gateway into the real Scottish countryside.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Aviemore
Location: Aviemore
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: No Meals
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!
Day 2 : Aviemore
Location: Aviemore
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
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?
Included Activities:
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Day 3 : Speyside Way Trail - Boat Of Garten - Aviemore
Location: Speyside Way, Boat of Garten, Aviemore
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 4 : Cairngorms National Park
Location: Cairngorms National Park
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 5 : Aviemore
Location: Aviemore
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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Cairngorms National Park - Local lunch & whisky tasting
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Aviemore - Microbrewery visit
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Aviemore - Guided reindeer hike
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Aviemore - Guided Speyside Way Trail hike
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Cairngorms National Park - Guided Loch an Eilein hike
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Meals
4 breakfasts
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Accommodation
Guesthouse (4 nights)
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Transport
Private minibus, Public bus
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Accommodation
- Guesthouse (4 nights)
Transport
- Private minibus , Public bus
Check out our Q&As
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, except optional activities
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are international flights included in this tour?
No
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
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Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.
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