Highlights

  • Cairngorm National Park, Culloden Battlefield, Blair Castle
  • Inverness, Cairngorm, Killiecrankie, Royal Edinburgh
  • Stunning mountain landscapes, castles, rare flora and fauna
  • Whisky tasting

Travel through Scotland's turbulent and intriguing history while enjoying the contrasting and rich scenery of the Central Highlands arriving finally in Edinburgh, the ancient capital. From Culloden Moor where Highland life changed forever, to the mountainous splendour of the Cairngorm National Park, then the dramatic contrasts of the lower hills, glens and forests, we see ancient standing stones and pass scenes of historic conflicts. We explore the estate of the Dukes of Atholl and visit their ancient family home, Blair Castle, set in the most beautiful grounds. Our journey ends in Edinburgh, first with a walk down the Royal Mile followed by a climb to the top of Arthur's Seat for panoramic views of the city and beyond. As for refreshment, we will dine on the freshest Scottish produce including salmon and local Angus beef and - to finish on a high note - we will enjoy a private whisky tasting evening.

Sunday Overnight: Muckrach Country House Hotel

Meet in Inverness for a guided tour of Culloden battlefield, poignantly featured in the Outlander TV series, then stop at the Clava Cairns Iron Age burial site. Our hotel is in the Cairngorm National Park, a living landscape with wild, high mountains, heather moorlands and peatlands, and magnificent forests. Welcome Dinner tonight.

Monday Overnight: Muckrach Country House Hotel

Head to the rolling Cairngorm Mountains. If weather permits, we take a funicular from the Cairngorm base station to the Ptarmigan top station. (You can also make the hike on foot if you wish). We walk from the top station to the summit with an expert mountain guide.

Tuesday Overnight: Killiecrankie House Hotel

Transfer to Glen Tilt and walk to Blair Castle, the ancestral home of the Dukes and Earls  of Atholl. Explore the 740-year-old castle and grounds amid one of the most spectacular settings of Highland Perthshire. You'll enjoy the personal touches and our warm and wonderful innkeeper at Killiecrankie House.

Wednesday Overnight: Killiecrankie House Hotel

Walk from our hotel to the tiny village of Moulin, nestled in the hills. From there we walk past the ruins of 14th-century Black Castle to view the 60-metre Black Spout Waterfall, then descend through the woods. After lunch, we'll cross the mighty hydroelectric dam over the River Tummel and admire Loch Faskally as we get closer to our final stop, the historic Pass of Killiecrankie.

Thursday Overnight: Killiecrankie House Hotel

Today's walk to the Dunkeld area winds through a landscape planted by the Dukes of Atholl with a romantic viewing gallery over the River Braan. We see the remains of an ancient forest including the Birnam Oak, so memorable for Shakespeare that he wrote it into ˜Macbeth'. We end with a walk in the hills above the village where ospreys can sometimes be seen.

Friday Overnight: The Principal Hotel

Our final full day of walking takes us on a special visit to Edinburgh, starting at Calton Hill overlooking beautiful views of the city. We'll descend by secluded pathways into historic Old Town, where we enjoy some of the hidden surprises of the Royal Mile and lunch near Holyrood Park. In the afternoon, walk up Arthur's Seat or, alternatively, opt for independent sightseeing. In the evening, we're invited to a private Whisky Club for a single malt whisky tasting and Farewell Dinner.

Saturday

Our Edinburgh hotel is located near the railway station and conveniently placed for airport bus transfers and the new tram system.
Moderate
"The groups are really fun - witty, friendly and good company"
Terrain: Gentle hill walking,woodland tracks, well laid trails. Options for more or less vigorous walking. 8-12 miles walking per day.

TRIP DETAILS

6 nights from
$4,695.00
per person, double occupancy
(Single Supplement $825.00)
Our Wayfarers friends' Price is $4,460.00

Dates

From Jun 21 to Jun 27 (more dates)
Request booking
Arrival: Inverness
Departure: Edinburgh
The Highlands June 2020 Map

Hotels - Where we stay

Muckrach Country House Hotel

Muckrach Country House Hotel

Muckrach Country House Hotel is an intimate and luxurious haven amid the beauty of the Cairngorm National Park and has recently undergone complete refurbishment. Originally built in 1860 as a shooting lodge on the estate of Clan Grant, this splendid Victorian building set in 10 acres of grounds, looks out across wonderful mountain views. The bedrooms have been individually and luxuriously decorated and furnished, with contemporary bathroom suites. All rooms have WiFi access, smart TV, iPod dock and speakers, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, safe, complimentary water and condiment tray. The restaurant is located in the conservatory offering delightful views of the gardens and mountains beyond and head chef, Rayner Muller, prepares delicious but unpretentious meals using the freshest of Scottish ingredients from local suppliers. Archie, Muckrach's Highland bull, is a tourist attraction in his own right, as is the magnificent Wellingtonia tree in the gardens, planted more than 150 years ago.

Killiecrankie House Hotel

Killiecrankie House Hotel

Henrietta Fergusson, a personal friend of The Wayfarers, welcomes us to Killiecrankie House. Henrietta and her staff make every effort to ensure that guests feel at home and, returning to the hotel each night feels like staying at the comfortable home of a friend with impeccable taste! The hotel sits in four acres of wooded grounds and the front of the house faces the wooded hillside of Craig Fonvuick across the Pass of Killiecrankie and the River Garry. It is a wonderfully tranquil setting. The hotel takes great pride in its award winning restaurant. All bedrooms are ensuite and, having been recently refurbished, no detail in elegant decor or luxurious comfort has been overlooked. Every room has its own en-suite bathroom as well as luxurious Egyptian cotton bed linen, fluffy towels, TV, radio, phone, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities.

The Principal Hotel

The Principal Hotel

With a prime location in a prominent 18th century building on one of the most famous streets of the Scottish capital, The Principal Edinburgh George Street is one of Edinburgh's leading hotels. All of the 249 beautifully decorated bedrooms are fully equipped with the latest technology. They have modern, ensuite facilities, plasma TV with cable and movies on demand, free WiFi, safe.

Start planning your trip

What Is Included in the Price of My Vacation

  • Full-time services of two staff - a Walk Leader and Walk Manager
  • A backup vehicle for resting walkers and moving luggage
  • Comprehensive Travel Information Package and Reading List
  • Diverse itineraries with an emphasis on history, geography, culture, peoples, flora and fauna
  • Demonstrations, wine tasting, admissions to museums and historic sites
  • All ground transfers (ferries, cable cars, trains, etc.)
  • Maps and unique souvenirs to commemorate your trip
  • First-class accommodations with cultural and historical interest
  • All meals - with choices - (Special dietary requirements? No problem!)
  • Wine with dinner
  • On-trail snacks and refreshments
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants