Cairngorms National Park Explorer

This superb circular hike explores Glen Muick, which lies in the shadow of the famous peak of Lochnagar. It takes us through ancient pine forest, past one of Queen Victoria’s hunting lodges and beneath towering cliffs as we circumnavigate beautiful Loch Muick. It’s also a great place for spotting wildlife - look out for red deer and golden eagles.

Total hiking distance 12 km/7 mi. Ascent +200 m/+650 ft

Overnight Royal Deeside – No. 45 Guest House in Ballater or similar (B, L, D)

This circular hike is one of the best in Royal Deeside. We follow a good trail north to the edge of the Cairngorm plateau, where some of the highest peaks in Scotland rise from the deep glens. The wilderness is striking and the beauty is all around. The rivers are a real highlight with the striking rock features of the Linn of Dee and the Devil’s Punchbowl most notable.

Total hiking distance 17 km/10 mi. Ascent +200 m/+650 ft

Overnight Royal Deeside – No. 45 Guest House in Ballater or similar (B,L,D)

We start the day with a hike on the beautiful Balmoral Estate, home to Balmoral Castle - the Queen’s summer residence. Our hike takes us through ancient woodlands past a series of cairns and monuments erected by the Royal Family over the years. Afterwards, we transfer across the ‘snow roads’, enjoying incredible views, as we travel to Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands. We visit the ‘Whisky Castle’, possibly Scotland’s best whisky shop, before a short transfer takes us to Grantown-on-Spey, our base for the next 3 nights.

Total hiking distance 10 km/6 mi. Ascent +350 m/+1,150 ft

Overnight Grantown-on-Spey – Garth Hotel or similar (B,L,D)

Despite being considered by many to be the most beautiful of all the Cairngorm valleys, Glen Feshie is overlooked by many hikers, meaning that a walk here is one which has a real wilderness feel. Our circular route follows the banks of the bubbling River Feshie, through ancient pines to an old mountain hut. The route offers great wildlife-spotting potential with red deer golden eagles and even the rare capercaillie found in the glen.

Total hiking distance 8 km/5 mi. Ascent +100 m/+320 ft

Overnight Grantown-on-Spey – Strathspey at Garth Hotel or similar (B,L,D)

The Abernethy Forest is thought by many to be the most beautiful in Scotland, with beautiful lochs surrounded by ancient Scots Pine trees and framed by views of the high mountains. We’ll enjoy a circular walk, perhaps taking in a section of the Speyside Way long distance trail, and finishing at a wildlife reserve where we’ll hope to see red squirrels and many bird species including, in the early part of the summer, the osprey.

Total hiking distance 8 km/5 mi. Ascent +100 m/+320 ft

Overnight Grantown-on-Spey – Strathspey at Garth Hotel or similar (B,L,D)

For our final hike, we’ll aim to gain some elevation and hike up a peak which is a real local’s favourite. Ben Rinnes stands 841m high and offers commanding views of Strathspey. A good trail winds its way up the broad, heather-clad ridge to the summit, where granite tors hint at its glacial past. The 360-degree summit vista is a great way to reflect on the trip before we descend back to the valley. If time permits, we may pause in the whisky town of Dufftown, home to 7 whisky distilleries, before before transferring east back to Aberdeen, arriving at approximately 4pm.

Total hiking distance 8 km/5 mi. Ascent +540 m/+1,800 ft

Overnight Aberdeen – City Centre Hotel, Aberdeen or similar (B,L)

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a transfer to airport or rail station to begin your onward journey. (B)