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Women’s Hiking Tour of Cairngorms NP in Scotland

Duration
6 days
Season
April to September
Group size
Up to 12 people
Accommodation
Comfort: Solo occupancy room in Cairngorms Guesthouse
Difficulty
Moderate: Good fitness required, hiking 6-10 hours per day & covering up to 10 mi (16 km)
What's included
Guide, solo occupancy accommodation, breakfasts, two dinners, transfers

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.

Adventure highlights

  • Awe-inspiring & rewarding hikes
    Uncover a wide array of landscapes in the UK’s largest National Park, including some of the higgest summits of British Isles
  • Guided & sorted
    With a terrific guide, there’s nothing to worry about—lodgings, all breakfasts, transfers, and hikes are sorted!
  • Highland culture
    Experience the best of the Scottish Highlands, from fairytale vistas and picturesque villages to whiskey and ancient legends
Highlighted reviews from other travellers
L
Leslie M.
|October 2024
The overall experience was wonderful. The accommodation and location of the hikes were wonderful.
E
Ellen B.
|October 2024
D
Dottie G.C.

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.

Show all reviews

Available itineraries

Spring Hiking Tour of Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park

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.

     

    Wildflowers growing near a bridge in Cairngorms National Park.
  • 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

     

    A grassy expanse seen from a hill in Cairngorms National Park.
  • 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

     

    A view of the Gren Lochan Trail in the Cairngorms.
  • 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

     

    Wildflowers growing by a river in Cairngorms National Park.
  • 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

     

    Hikers resting on a beach in Cairngorms National Park.
  • 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

    A stone bridge near the town of Aviemore, Scotland.
Late Summer Hiking Tour of Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park

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.

    Wildflowers growing near a bridge in Cairngorms National Park.
  • 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

    A grassy expanse seen from a hill in Cairngorms National Park.
  • 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

    A view of the Gren Lochan Trail in the Cairngorms.
  • 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

    Wildflowers growing by a river in Cairngorms National Park.
  • 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

    Hikers resting on a beach in Cairngorms National Park.
  • 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

    A stone bridge near the town of Aviemore, Scotland.
Women-only adventure tours
Hikes & walks (31) | Wellness trips (8) | Food & wine tours (2) | Mountaineering (4)
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Meet your guides

Stef Lauer
5.00
Stef Lauer
Born and raised in Germany, Stef Lauer has called Scotland home since 2005, and she delights in sharing the country she loves with visitors. Apart from being a walking tour guide, she is an outdoor ethics trainer highly interested in cultural heritage and natural interpretation. Stef is also fascinated by the travels of Anne Lister and running walking tours in Edinburgh, weaving her diary entries into the fabric of the city. She spends her time off the trails with her wife and Vizsla dog Mara, on a farm near Grantown in the Cairngorms.
Sue Blaikie
5.00
Sue Blaikie
Sue lives in Perthshire, Scotland and she’s always loved the outdoors and nature. She has travelled and walked in many spectacular places around the world, including long distance treks in Europe, Nepal, India, and Tasmania. Still, Sue feels incredibly lucky to live in such a beautiful place and she keeps on discovering new lovely spots. Having been a Mountain Leader since 2017, it has proven to be an immensely fulfilling experience, opening doors to exciting expeditions not only in Iceland and Africa but also within the UK.
Natasha Setubal
5.00
Natasha Setubal
Growing up on the beautiful island of Jersey in the Channel Islands, Natasha was fortunate to spend much of her time outdoors. Her love for exploring has taken her to incredible places, from the French Alps and the Caribbean to the lush trails of New Zealand and Ireland. Today, Natasha is lucky enough to call the Cairngorms National Park home, surrounded by Scotland’s wild beauty, where she works as a freelance outdoor guide, leading expeditions through the stunning Highlands and beyond. Outside of guiding, Natasha indulges her creative side with crafts such as painting, crochet, and cooking. She has even had adventures as a baker and chef in remote bothy kitchens and ship’s galleys.

Accommodation

4.60(5 reviews)
L
Leslie M.
|October 2024
The overall experience was wonderful. The accommodation and location of the hikes were wonderful.
E
Ellen B.
|October 2024
D
Dottie G.C.

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.

Show all reviews
4.60(5 reviews)
L
Leslie M.
|October 2024
The overall experience was wonderful. The accommodation and location of the hikes were wonderful.
E
Ellen B.
|October 2024
D
Dottie G.C.

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.

L
Lynn K.

Would highly recommend this holiday. The organization and guides were brilliant. It was all accessible and lots of fun.

L
Laurie S.

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.

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • Six days of guided walks and day hikes
      • Ensuite solo occupancy accommodations in a B&B for 5 nights (those sharing a room with a friend or a partner get a discount during booking!)
      • Welcome evening meal and final evening meal at a local restaurant in Aviemore
      • Hearty highland breakfasts for the duration of the tour
      • Transfers for hikes where required

    Not included:

      • Transportation to Aviemore
      • Lunches (plenty of cafes and a supermarket in Aviemore, so you’ll always have options for picnic lunches)
      • Evening meals for the rest of the adventure
      • Guide gratuities — optional
      • Travel and medical insurance — optional
  • 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:

      • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
      • Hiking poles — optional
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
      • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
      • Spare clothes for layering and 5 days of hiking
      • Waterproof rain jacket
      • Sunhat
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
      • Headlamp or flashlight
      • Sunglasses
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    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:

      • For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1. 
      • This tour typically requires a minimum of six women to run. However, smaller groups can still proceed if participants agree to cover the additional costs. This will usually be discussed with your guide about six weeks before the tour start date. If you’re curious about the current number of participants, feel free to reach out.
      • 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.

    Hiking the Cairngorms can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    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

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Super Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
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