From

€70/ adult

into-the-wild-a-walking-tour-in-the-scottish-highlands

“Wherever I wander, wherever I rove, 
The hills of the Highlands for ever I love.” Robert Burns 

Into the Wild: A Walking Tour in the Scottish Highlands

From Inverness

/5

Duration:

1 day

Led by:

Expert local guide & qualified mountain leader

Group size:

Max 16 people

Travel by:

Mini Coach

Your story begins...

You can’t just see the Highlands, you have to feel this land of raw, stirring beauty. The scent of ancient pines, the lingering sense of mystery, and tales of fairies whispered through the glens; the sun, wind, and rain on your face as you roam the Highland trails. This is the true way to connect with the Scottish wilderness. And today, you have the chance to experience it for yourself as you walk through this land of misty glens, towering mountains, and ancient forests that stir the soul.

What you'll experience

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Hike through the Western Cairngorms

Immerse yourself in the wilderness as you hike through the ancient forest and past a lochan steeped in legends.

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Green Lochan

Some say this lochan, nestled among ancient Caledonian Pines, gets its green colour from fairies washing their clothes in.

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Ancient Caledonian Forest

Walk through ancient woodlands rich in native Scots pine trees, a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, and a balm for the soul.

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Cairngorms National Park

Rugged peaks, quiet glens, heather-covered moors, and abundant wildlife - this vast, protected area is where time slows and nature blossoms.

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Loch Garten Nature Reserve

Nestled in ancient Caledonian pine forest, this hidden gem is famed for its successful osprey conservation.

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Aviemore

This thriving town is the premier outpost for hillwalking and outdoor sports in the Cairngorm mountains.

Includes

  • Travel in Luxury 16 Seat Mini Coach
  • Expert Local Guide
  • Qualified Mountain Leader
  • 30lb (14kg) Luggage Allowance
  • Off the Beaten Track Locations

Excludes

  • Flights, Transfers and Accommodation
  • Food & Drink

Itinerary

Immerse yourself in the wilderness on this hike through the stunning Cairngorms

Day 1
Pick Up LocationMap Image

Pick up time: 7.45am

Location: Inverness Pick Up, Bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS

Morning

Journey to Allt Mor in the Cairngorms National Park

Today, wrap yourself in nature and breathe in the fresh mountain air as you embark on an adventurous day trip to the stunning Cairngorms National Park. This is a land of rugged peaks, ancient pine forests, and shimmering lochs - and you'll experience it all on a scenic hike through the hills, led by experienced mountain guides who will ensure a safe and memorable journey through this breathtaking landscape.

Your day begins with a journey south to Aviemore, Scotland’s premier hub for outdoor adventure. A favourite among hikers, nature lovers, and families alike, Aviemore offers a taste of Highland charm and mountain vistas. After a brief stop here, you'll venture deeper into the heart of the Cairngorms to Allt Mor, where your hike begins.

Mid Morning

Hike from Allt Mor to Glenmore Visitor Centre

Tie your shoelaces - it’s time to hit the trail! Meet your experienced mountain leader at the Allt Mor car park for a hike, which lasts around 2.5 hours and covers 6 km (4 miles). For more details, see the FAQ section.

Wander through ancient Caledonian pine forest and gaze in wonder at An Lochan Uaine - the Green Lochan. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife, such as ospreys, eagles, and red squirrels. On the way to Glenmore Visitor Centre, your guide will share stories of local folklore, history, and geology. If time allows, visit a traditional Scottish bothy - a simple mountain shelter once used by shepherds and now a welcoming refuge for hill walkers.

Afternoon

Lunch in Aviemore, a visit to a nature reserve, and return to Inverness

Rejuvenated after your hike and with your camera full of nature’s wonders, you return to Aviemore for a well-deserved lunch. The town’s main street offers quality cafés serving delicious seasonal produce in a warm, vibrant atmosphere.

Next, you’ll visit the remarkable Loch Garten Nature Reserve, a true hidden gem that played a vital role in saving the osprey from extinction in Scotland. Nestled within an ancient Caledonian pine forest, it’s a peaceful haven for ospreys, red squirrels, and a wide variety of other wildlife.

Back on the mini-coach, you can relax after a day of outdoor exploration, wildlife spotting, and discovering the rich heritage of the Scottish Highlands before returning to Inverness.

You return to Inverness at approximately 5pm.

What our customers say

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We go above and beyond to ensure you have the best experience while on tour

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Loved by families, couples and solo travelers.

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Pick-up & drop-off
Name
Location
Description
Start
Inverness Pick Up, Bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS
Boarding starts at 7.30am
Boarding closes at 7.45am
Return - 5.00pm (approx.)
Inverness Drop Off, Bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS
Driver-guides will confirm an approximate return time to all passengers on the final day of the tour.
Luggage

All passengers are entitled to 1 piece of checked luggage & 1 small carry on bag. Checked luggage will be stowed in the luggage compartment (not accessible until drop off) while smaller bags for personal items (eg medication, water etc) may be taken on board.

Allowance per passenger
Baggage Allowance
Checked luggage
Number of items: 1Max weight:44lbMax dimensions:22in x 17in x 10in
Baggage Allowance
Carry on for personal items
Number of items: 1Max weight:10lbMax dimensions:12in x 10in x 4in
Weather

There’s no such thing as bad weather - simply the wrong clothing! Embrace the adventure, rain or shine and discover the beauty of the places we visit, no matter the weather.

The weather in the UK may vary, depending where you travel to. The south of England tends to be milder and sunnier, while the north and Scotland experience cooler temperatures and more rainfall. Rain showers can appear at any time, but they often pass quickly, making way for bursts of sunshine. Coastal areas may feel breezier, while the countryside often enjoys more settled and slightly warmer conditions.

Spring in the UK is often mixed with some cold days with frost and other bring warm days. Temperatures are usually 48 - 60°F.

Temperature

48 - 60°F (9 -16°C)

Average monthly rainfall

1.65 - 2.77in (4.2 - 6.2cm)

Humidity level

70 - 90%

Summer in the UK brings longer days and milder temperatures, typically ranging from 60 - 75°F. While some days can be warm and sunny, especially in the south, the weather remains unpredictable, with occasional showers and cooler breezes.

Temperature

60 - 75°F (16 - 24°C)

Average monthly rainfall

2.0 - 3.5 in (5.1 - 8.9 cm)

Humidity level

65 - 85%

Autumn in the UK brings crisp air, golden landscapes, and a mix of sunshine and showers. The weather gradually cools down. The south tends to stay milder, while northern areas and Scotland experience cooler conditions. The winds become more blustery in late autumn.

Temperature

48 - 63°F (9 -17°C) in early autumn, cooling to 37 -54°F (3 -12°C)

Average monthly rainfall

from 2.0 - 3.1inches (5.1–7.9 cm) in September to 3.1- 4.7 (7.9–11.9) inches in November

Humidity level

75 - 90%

Winter in the UK is typically cold, crisp, and damp, with temperatures often hovering around 32–45°F (0–7°C). While snow is a rare occurrence, it can transform the landscape, particularly in the northern and higher-altitude regions.

Temperature

32 - 45°F (0 - 7°C)

Average monthly rainfall

2.0 - 3.1 in (5.1- 7.9 cm)

Humidity level

85 - 95%

Accessibility

We want your tour to be as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. If you have accessibility needs, we’ll do our best to support them. Our mini-coaches are kept to a high standard and our driver-guides are always on hand with practical tips to help you get the most from your journey.

Vehicle Types

UK tours use 16-seat Mercedes Mini-coaches without toilets.

Entry & Exit of Buses
  • Front left passenger door with three 150mm steps.
  • Grab handles on both sides, non-slip treads, and clearly marked step edges.
Seating
  • Standard coach seats, with a step up to the back row.

    • Seat configuration: single seats on the passenger side, double seats on the driver’s side.

    • Three-point seatbelts on all seats (must be worn when moving). Seatbelt extenders available on request.

Child Seating
  • Booster seats are available for children 5yrs+ who are under 1.35m (4 Feet 5 Inches) . Please note advance notice is required. You can provide details during checkout. We don't carry any children under the age of 5yrs.
Wheelchairs
  • Buses are not wheelchair accessible.

    • Large luggage compartments for manual folding wheelchairs or walking frames (no battery-operated wheelchairs allowed).

    • Staff cannot provide physical assistance. Guests must be able to board and exit independently or with companion assistance.

FAQ

Hello curious traveller, are you ready to go beyond with us? You're thinking about heading to the Highlands and we know you might have a few questions before setting off on your adventure. Our FAQs are here to help make your journey smooth and stress-free.

How long is the walk?

This tour includes a 2.5-hour walk covering approximately 6 km (4 miles) with an elevation gain of 300 m (985 ft). The trails are well-maintained but often feature large stepping stones. Guests are advised to book this tour only if they feel confident in their ability to comfortably complete this hike.

Who leads the walk?

The walk is led by experienced mountain guides from Hillgoers.

Hillgoers is an award-winning, family run Scottish outdoor adventure company offering expertly guided walks throughout Scotland. Their team of qualified Mountain Leaders, often local to the areas they guide, share a deep passion for the mountains and nature, providing guests with enriching experiences.

What level of fitness is required?

This tour is designed for those with some hiking experience and a moderate level of fitness.

The leaders will modify the pace to the whole groups’ abilities, but participants must be able to stay with the hike leaders as splitting the group or modifications to the trail for individuals are not possible.

What should I wear?

A waterproof clothing option, proper hiking shoes (not trainers) and your own supply of water which you can carry unassisted are requirements to join the hike.

Anything else I need to know?

On the day of the hike, you will be asked to sign a participation disclaimer and to disclose any medical conditions to your hike leader.

In the Cairngorms region midges are less of an issue than other parts of Scotland, and while walking they are unlikely to bother you. However, midges can be present especially around water and the treelines, insect repellent or a head net are not requirements, but you are welcome to bring these if you like.