Signature Journey
Affric Highlands
Wild Cairngorms
Cost
£ 1,695
Nights
5
Fitness level
Moderate
Group size
Min 5, max 7
Location
Highlands of Scotland
Cost
£ 1,695
Fitness level
Moderate
Nights
5
Group size
Min 5, max 7
Location
Highlands of Scotland
Wild Cairngorms
- Small group with expert local guide.
- Daily walks in a range of spectacular highland landscapes.
- Cairngorms National Park.
- Glenfeshie.
- Abernethy Forest.
- Affric Highlands, Dundreggan Rewilding Centre & Glenn Affric.
- Beaver watching, Red Squirrels, Deer, Badgers, Ospreys and Eagles.
Day 1 Ballintean Mountain Lodge
After arrival and introductions and a pre-dinner presentation setting the scene for our adventure, we enjoy our first evening meal together, which is normally scheduled for 7pm.
Days 2-5 Exploring the Cairngorms and Affric Highlands
We begin our journey discovering the regenerating landscape in spectacular Glenfeshie, a short drive from our base. After decades of ecological decline, the native pinewoods of Glenfeshie are bursting back to life and racing up the previously bare hillsides – a fantastic example of what nature can do given the chance.
The pinewoods of the Cairngorms are magical and mystical, and although the howl of wolves has fallen silent (for now), the forest is still home to red squirrels, golden eagles and pine martens. In Abernethy Forest, one of the largest tracts of surviving woodland, we join a ranger and learn about how, for the first time in centuries, the forest is now expanding, attracting new species, such as breeding white-tailed eagles.
Similar forest restoration work is taking shape at Affric Highlands and we’ll spend a day exploring this stunning landscape, as well as visiting the world’s first dedicated Rewilding Centre, at nearby Dundreggan.
One of Scotland’s most celebrated rewilding stories in recent years is the return of beavers. We’ll spend an evening watching this industrious wetland engineer and learn about the changes they bring about. Badgers too, affect ecological change and from a hide close to our base, we’ll watch these fascinating creatures up close with the chance of a visit from the elusive pine marten.
Our journey will blend time spent in beautiful wild places, breathing in the air, and listening to the silence. We will picnic alongside cascading rivers and seek out enriching encounters with wild animals. Along the way, we discover and learn about pioneering rewilding projects that are fighting back for nature, and we meet the inspiring people involved. At the end of each day, we return to our cosy lodgings where delicious, locally sourced food awaits and our evenings conclude with several thought-provoking presentations and discussions across a broad spectrum of rewilding topics.
Day 6 Departure
We say our farewells after a hearty breakfast.
Dates
13-18 May 2023
3-8 June 2023
What’s included
- 5 nights in Twin or Double Room with private bathroom.
- All meals from Dinner on Day 1 to Breakfast on Day 6.
- Tours and activities as outlined in the itinerary.
- Free parking at Ballintean Mountain Lodge if self-driving.
- Wifi at lodge.
Not included
- Arrival and departure transfers other than pick up/drop off at Kingussie train station.
- Alcoholic drinks.
- Gratuities.
- Trip insurance.
Add-ons
-
Private transfers from Inverness Airport (£50 each way) which is 45 miles away.
Accommodations
- 5 nights at Ballintean Mountain Lodge in a Twin / Double room with private bathroom.
- The lodge has wifi, two-tier lounge and dining room.
Special Dietary Requirements
Vegan, vegetarian, Gluten-free and other allergy free meal options are available on request. Please inform us of your dietary requirements in advance of travel.
What to bring
- Rain proof jacket and trousers.
- Long sleeved tops and trousers (wool or synthetic).
- Fleece or warm sweater and hat for cooler evenings.
- Hiking boots or hiking shoes with waterproof gaiters.
- Thermal underwear for cool evenings.
- Extra underwear and socks.
- Head lamp with extra batteries.
- Swimming trunks/suit and towel.
- Electricity adaptor for UK.
- Personal water bottle and any favourite snacks and personal medication.
- Day pack (under 30L).
- Camera, binoculars.
- Insect and tick repellent (tick removal tool is recommended in case of tick bites).
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