Arrive at the Cairngorm Guest House in Aviemore and get settled in. You will meet your guide for a briefing at 4 pm, have a walk around the area, and enjoy a welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Cairngorms Guesthouse is a cozy, family-run base in Aviemore, the heart of the Highlands. With 13 charming rooms and hearty Scottish breakfasts, it’s the perfect jump-off point for adventures in Cairngorms National Park. Just a short stroll (or quick bus ride) from the train station, and only 10 minutes from local shops and restaurants—everything you need is close, but nature’s even closer.
Price of the tour is based on a single occupancy room. In case you’d like to share a double room with your friend/partner, you can get a discount at checkout.
In order to join this Cairngorms hiking adventure, a good level of fitness as well as some previous hiking experience is required. You will be hiking for 6-10 hours a day for several consecutive days, covering distances of up to 9.9 miles (16 km). You will be hiking on occasionally rugged terrain and tackling daily ascents of up to 1,900 ft (600 m) while carrying a daypack with the things you’ll need throughout the day. However, with some preparation and willpower, you should be able to handle this tour no matter your age or skill level!
Included:
Not included:
Discover the charming allure of Cairngorms National Park, a world that has captivated writers and wanderers for centuries! Join a group of like-minded women and embark on a journey through rolling hills, historic railways, and renowned whiskey distilleries. With Aviemore as our base, we’ll scale some of the highest peaks of the British Isles, all while immersed in Celtic charm—and have access to poets’ footpaths, panoramic mountains, serene beaches, and heathland vistas. We’ll savor hearty local dishes, share laughs in traditional pubs, and connect with incredible women as we explore the poetic landscapes of the UK’s largest national park—where every trail tells a story and every step sparks something new.
This was my first time with Walking Women and I have to say it was just great getting together with a bunch of like-minded women enjoying the walks, the scenery, the chats and of course the cream teas! Chrissie was a great host and walk leader. I will certainly be looking to 2020 for another walking holiday. Keep up the great work.
Uncover the spectacular Scottish Highlands and experience authentic Celtic charm on awe-inspiring nature walks. Join a seasoned local guide and other adventurous women for six days of roaming the Cairngorms, the UK’s largest national park, as you explore panoramic mountains, poet’s footpaths, historic rail tracks, whiskey distilleries, and other epic landscapes.
Arrive at the Cairngorm Guest House in Aviemore and get settled in. You will meet your guide for a briefing at 4 pm, have a walk around the area, and enjoy a welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant.
On the morning of day 2, take public transport into the heart of Glenmore Forest Park. Enjoy a spectacular introduction to the views and wonders of the Cairngorms by climbing the Corbett (a Scottish term for mountains over 2,600 ft/ 800 m in height) Meall A’Bhuachaille. The name means “Hill of the Shepherd” in Gaelic, and your guide will happily explain why. Take in the epic vistas over the Cairngorms, the surrounding forest parks, and the Highland lochs.
Hiking: 9 km/ 5.6 miles
Elevation gain: 550 m/ 1,800 ft
Venture further onto the Cairngorm plateau as you follow the footsteps of the Scottish poet Nan Shepherd. Nan roamed the Cairngorm hills all her life, and the beautiful words from her book ‘The Living Mountain’ will accompany you for the day’s walk. Depending on snow conditions, you might even tackle a higher summit.
Hiking: 16 km/ 9.9 miles
Elevation gain: 600 m/ 1,968 ft
Board the steam train along the Strathspey Steam Railway between Aviemore and Broomhill in Strathspey, restored in 1978. Enjoy a blast from the past and do a little exploring at the quaint Highland village of Boat of Garten. Then, join The Speyside Way, a famous distance path, and return to Aviemore on foot. Once back, you’ll have some free time to relax, try the local spa, do some shopping, or if you’re still up for it, go for another wander.
Hiking: 10 km/ 6.2 miles
Elevation gain: 50 m/ 165 ft
Time for a day trip through Speyside Whisky Country and all the way to the coast, sampling the lifeblood of Scotland and an integral part of the country’s history. Enjoy a scenic drive through the rolling Speyside hills, past many famed whisky distilleries, cruising along the River Spey. You’ll be heading for the Morayshire, dubbed ‘The Scottish Riviera’ for its mild climate and gorgeous sandy beaches.
Hiking: 2 x 5km/3.1 miles
Elevation gain: minimal
After a non-guided morning walk, it’s time to leave Scotland. For some extra time enjoying the views, your guide recommends taking the Caledonian Sleeper train from Aviemore to London.
If you’d like to keep on exploring the area, just ask us for some recommendations!
Meals: Breakfast
Unearth the Scottish Highlands' splendor on nature walks enriched with Celtic charm. Join an experienced local guide and other venturesome women for seven days in Cairngorms. Roam panoramic mountains, poet's footpaths, and historic rail tracks. Plus, enjoy an extra surprise hike catered to group interests. Embark on a captivating journey, forging camaraderie and exploring the heart of the Highlands.
Arrive at the Cairngorm Guest House in Aviemore and get settled in. You will meet your guide for a briefing at 4 pm, have a walk around the area, and enjoy a welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant.
On the morning of day 2, take public transport into the heart of Glenmore Forest Park. Enjoy a spectacular introduction to the views and wonders of the Cairngorms by climbing the Corbett (a Scottish term for mountains over 2,600 ft/ 800 m in height) Meall A’Bhuachaille. The name means “Hill of the Shepherd” in Gaelic, and your guide will happily explain why. Take in the epic vistas over the Cairngorms, the surrounding forest parks, and the Highland lochs.
Hiking: 9 km/ 5.6 miles
Elevation gain: 550 m/ 1,800 ft
Venture further onto the Cairngorm plateau as you follow the footsteps of the Scottish poet Nan Shepherd. Nan roamed the Cairngorm hills all her life, and the beautiful words from her book ‘The Living Mountain’ will accompany you for the day’s walk. Depending on snow conditions, you might even tackle a higher summit.
Hiking: 16 km/ 9.9 miles
Elevation gain: 600 m/ 1,968 ft
Board the steam train along the Strathspey Steam Railway between Aviemore and Broomhill in Strathspey, restored in 1978. Enjoy a blast from the past and do a little exploring at the quaint Highland village of Boat of Garten. Then, join The Speyside Way, a famous distance path, and return to Aviemore on foot. Once back, you’ll have some free time to relax, try the local spa, do some shopping, or if you’re still up for it, go for another wander.
Hiking: 10 km/ 6.2 miles
Elevation gain: 50 m/ 165 ft
Time for a day trip through Speyside Whisky Country and all the way to the coast, sampling the lifeblood of Scotland and an integral part of the country’s history. Enjoy a scenic drive through the rolling Speyside hills, past many famed whisky distilleries, cruising along the River Spey. You’ll be heading for the Morayshire, dubbed ‘The Scottish Riviera’ for its mild climate and gorgeous sandy beaches.
Hiking: 2 x 5 km/ 3.1 miles
Elevation gain: minimal
After a non-guided morning walk, it’s time to leave Scotland. For some extra time enjoying the views, your guide recommends taking the Caledonian Sleeper train from Aviemore to London.
If you’d like to keep on exploring the area, just ask us for some recommendations!
Meals: Breakfast
Cairngorms Guesthouse is a cozy, family-run base in Aviemore, the heart of the Highlands. With 13 charming rooms and hearty Scottish breakfasts, it’s the perfect jump-off point for adventures in Cairngorms National Park. Just a short stroll (or quick bus ride) from the train station, and only 10 minutes from local shops and restaurants—everything you need is close, but nature’s even closer.
Price of the tour is based on a single occupancy room. In case you’d like to share a double room with your friend/partner, you can get a discount at checkout.
This was my first time with Walking Women and I have to say it was just great getting together with a bunch of like-minded women enjoying the walks, the scenery, the chats and of course the cream teas! Chrissie was a great host and walk leader. I will certainly be looking to 2020 for another walking holiday. Keep up the great work.
This was my first time with Walking Women and I have to say it was just great getting together with a bunch of like-minded women enjoying the walks, the scenery, the chats and of course the cream teas! Chrissie was a great host and walk leader. I will certainly be looking to 2020 for another walking holiday. Keep up the great work.
Would highly recommend this holiday. The organization and guides were brilliant. It was all accessible and lots of fun.
This is my fourth walk, and I brought two more Canadians with me. We all left feeling we could do it all over again. Anita’s energy, compassion, and sense of humor set the tone for the week. Wonderful walks, good conversation, lots of laughter, even singing at the dinner table. Loved the little hotel, very accommodating, good food, and pleasant rooms. All in all a huge success. Looking for a 2020 calendar! Thanks Anita.
Included:
Not included:
In order to join this Cairngorms hiking adventure, a good level of fitness as well as some previous hiking experience is required. You will be hiking for 6-10 hours a day for several consecutive days, covering distances of up to 9.9 miles (16 km). You will be hiking on occasionally rugged terrain and tackling daily ascents of up to 1,900 ft (600 m) while carrying a daypack with the things you’ll need throughout the day. However, with some preparation and willpower, you should be able to handle this tour no matter your age or skill level!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes:
Hiking the Cairngorms can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Aviemore, the starting point of your women’s hiking tour in Cairngorms, most people fly into Aberdeen International Airport 3 hours away. From there, you can take a train or local flight to Inverness, and a bus or another train to the station in Aviemore.
Alternatively, if you’re up for an extra adventure, your guide recommends taking the Caledonian sleeper train from London to Aviemore, with spectacular views of England and the Highlands. The train arrives in Aviemore at 9 am on day 1 of your tour. It only takes a short 10-minute walk to reach Cairngorm Guest House from Aviemore train station.
Once you arrive at Aviemore, get settled into your accommodations in the Cairngorm Guest House and meet your guide for a briefing at 4 pm, marking the start of this adventure.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible