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.
We arrive in Aviemore in the late afternoon and settle into The Cairngorms Guest House before meeting our guide for a welcome briefing. After introductions, we head out for a short local orientation walk to stretch our legs and get a feel for the surroundings. We end the day with our first dinner together and a relaxed evening settling into the rhythm of the Highlands.
Accommodation: The Cairngorms Guest House, Aviemore
Meals: Dinner
We ease into the week with an introductory walk chosen by our guide, who selects the best local spot for warming up and taking in the landscape. This is our chance to stretch out, enjoy the fresh Highland air and settle into the pace of the days ahead. Each guide has a favourite route, so we let them reveal the day’s adventure once we set out.
Distance: 10–15 km (6–9 mi)
Ascent: 200–400 m (650–1,300 ft)
Accommodation: The Cairngorms Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we explore Glenmore Forest Park and climb Meall a’ Bhuachaille, a Corbett offering impressive views over the Cairngorms, ancient forests and sparkling lochs. As we walk, our guide shares stories, Gaelic place names and the natural history of this beautiful region. This is a wonderful first hill to get a sense of the character and scale of the Cairngorm Mountains.
Distance: 9 km (6 mi)
Ascent: 550 m (1,800 ft)
Accommodation: The Cairngorms Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Building on the previous days, we venture deeper onto the Cairngorm plateau for a full day immersed in the high mountains. We follow in the footsteps of poet Nan Shepherd, whose words capture the spirit of this range, and enjoy wide views, quiet moments and a real sense of being in the heart of the Highlands. Depending on weather and conditions, we may tackle a higher point for an even broader perspective.
Distance: 16 km (10 mi)
Ascent: 600 m (2,000 ft)
Accommodation: The Cairngorms Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We take a scenic day trip through Speyside, the heart of whisky country, passing famous distilleries and following the River Spey toward the coast. Our walk explores the beautiful Morayshire Coast — sometimes called the Scottish Riviera — with its sandy beaches, gentle climate and rich history. From Iron Age sites to wartime stories, your guide brings the landscape to life, and there may even be time for an ice cream before we head back to Aviemore.
Distance: Up to 15 km (10 mi)
Ascent: 200 m (650 ft)
Accommodation: The Cairngorms Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, we enjoy a relaxed morning with time to wander around Aviemore before departing. For those continuing by train, the Caledonian Sleeper leaves in the evening, offering a memorable way to end the journey south.
Meals: Breakfast
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 insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.