Slioch and Loch Maree, North West Highlands

Cairngorms National Park & North West Highlands

View Photos

View Map

On this page:

Overview

Itinerary

What's Included?

Accommodation & Prices

Car Hire

Overview

Walking Holidays

8 Nights

Prices from: £1195 per person
Transport: Car required. Rental car included (optional)
Availability: Any start date year-round
Best time to go: April - October

Highlights

The Triple Buttress

This memorable walk will lead you to an impressive view of the Triple Buttress. Hidden away from the starting point, the magnificent Coire Mhic Fhearachair is one of the finest cliffs in Scotland.

Meall a’ Bhuachaille

This rewarding hike in the Cairngorms offers great variety, including ancient Caledonian pines, lochs, forests, and a dramatic ridge.

Beinn Alligin

Translating to ‘jewelled hill’ in Scots Gaelic, this classic Torridon walk takes in two stunning Munros – Tom Na Gruagaich and Sgùrr Mhòr.

Loch Morlich

Embark on a walk around one of the finest Scottish lochs. Surrounded by forests and edged by beaches, enjoy the stunning backdrop of peaks of the northern Cairngorms.

Summer Isles

Nestling at the mouth of Loch Broom, the Summer Isles archipelago is renowned for its rugged coastlines, clear blue waters, and diverse wildlife.

Malt Whisky Trail

Immerse yourself in Scotland’s whisky heartland. This picturesque corner of the Highlands is home to more than half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries, including the world-famous Glenlivet.

Drive & Hike Through Scotland’s Most Epic Landscapes

This delightful multi-centre walking holiday is based in two magnificent Scottish regions renowned for their staggering beauty and world-class walking opportunities.

Cairngorms National Park: Britain’s largest national park offers some of the finest walking opportunities in the country. Deep forests, breathtaking mountain ranges, and tranquil lochs nestle alongside heather-clad moorland and snow-capped mountain tops.

In addition to its breathtaking scenery, the Cairngorms offer plenty of attractions, such as ancient castles and one-of-a-kind whisky trails. This region is also home to one-quarter of the UK’s rare and endangered species of wildlife, and visitors can expect to learn about far-reaching conservation programs and appreciate the wonders of nature more than ever.

North West Highlands: Welcome to the awe-inspiring Wester Ross. This unspoiled corner of the Highlands is home to impressive mountains, sparkling lochs, and white sandy beaches – all within a remote yet accessible wilderness.

The famous Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve offers numerous trails that wind through ancient Caledonian pine forests, while the legendary Torridon mountains beckon with their jagged peaks and sheer cliffs.

Itinerary

This is a multi-centre walking holiday that requires the use of a car. If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we can offer this holiday without a rental car.

We design each itinerary around your interests, so think of this as a starting point that can be tailored into something completely unique to you. You can start on the day of your choice and are free to add extra nights or other destinations.

We will provide you with a variety of walking routes and sightseeing suggestions, which means you are free to walk as much or as little as you please.

Walking Terrain

Cairngorms National Park: Beautiful woodlands and mountain plateaus in Britain’s largest national park.

North West Highlands: Rugged and remote valleys, coastline and spectacular mountain peaks.

Day 1: Arrive in the Cairngorms National Park

Make your way to your accommodation in the Cairngorms, where your multi-centre walking holiday will begin. This magnificent region has endless wonders to discover.
Overnight – Cairngorms National Park

Days 2 - 4: Walking in the Cairngorms National Park

Walking recommendations include:

Easy: Loch Morlich circular (4 miles / 6 km / 50m ascent / 1.5 hours)
Moderate: Meall a’ Bhuachaille (5.5 miles / 8.5 km / 545m ascent / 4 hours)
Challenging: Lairig Ghru (19 miles / 30.5 km / 810m ascent / 9 hours)

Sightseeing recommendations include:

Malt Whisky Trail
Strathspey Steam Railway
Ballindalloch Castle

Overnight – Cairngorms National Park

Day 5: Cairngorms National Park to the North West Highlands

Today you will travel to Wester Ross in the North West Highlands – a drive of approximately 100 miles. This wild location encapsulates all the wonders of the great Scottish outdoors.
Overnight – North West Highlands

Days 6 - 8: Walking in the North West Highlands

Walking recommendations include:

Easy: Shieldaig Peninsula (3 miles / 4.5 km / 165m ascent / 1.5 hours)
Moderate: The Triple Buttress (9 miles / 14 km / 540m ascent / 4 hours)
Challenging: Beinn Alligin Horseshoe (6.5 miles / 10.5 km / 1,190m ascent / 7.5 hours)

Sightseeing recommendations include:

Summer Isles
Bealach na Bà
Corrieshalloch Gorge

Overnight – North West Highlands

Day 9: Depart the North West Highlands

This is when your memorable Scottish multi-centre walking holiday comes to an end.

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 8 nights including traditional Scottish breakfast
9 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance
Comprehensive information pack with our list of exceptional walking routes, taking in the best of your surroundings
Road map with our recommended driving route
Guidebook: Walking in the Cairngorms (Cicerone)
Guidebook: Aviemore and the Cairngorms: 40 Shorter Walks (Pocket Mountains)
Guidebook: Walking in Torridon, Fisherfield, Fannichs and An Teallach (Cicerone)
Guidebook: Wester Ross and Lochalsh: 40 Coast & Country Walks (Pocket Mountains)
Guidebook: Wester Ross Northern Area (Pocket Walks)
Guidebook: Wester Ross Southern Area (Pocket Walks)
Our sightseeing suggestions - the must-see sights in the region; traditional villages, natural wonders, impressive architecture and cultural landmarks
Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink
24-hour emergency contact number
Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

Travel insurance
Flights
Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

Special Places to Stay

Premium

Standard

We know that after a busy day of exploring, an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

Car Hire

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your walking holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

Collision Damage Waiver
Super Damage Excess Waiver
Third Party Insurance
Theft Waiver
Tax

Economy

Vauxhall Corsa or similar

Good for 2 people
Maximum of 4 passengers
2 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Compact

Ford Focus or similar

Good for 2 – 4 people
Maximum of 5 passengers
2 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Intermediate

Volkswagen Passat or similar

Good for up to 4 people
Maximum of 5 passengers
3 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Fullsize

VW Sharan or similar

Good for 5 people
Maximum of 7 passengers
3 – 4 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Discover Our New Multi-Centre Walking Holidays

Based in two or more stunning locations, our multi-centre walking holidays offer an ideal relaxing way to explore numerous trails in an area. Read more