Shake it up in the Scottish Highlands
Canyon your way through Loch Laggan, canoe to a Highlands pub and tuck into a whisky- chocolate tasting at Scotland’s highest distillery
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Trip Highlights
Leap into the Loch
Canyon through the pools, waterfalls and rock flumes of Loch Laggan
Whisky dream
Tuck into an exclusive whisky and chocolate pairing at Scotland’s highest distillery
Highlands boating
Canoe down the River Spey to a pub meal, and soak in the remote Highlands landscape
Mountain feat
Hike to the summit of the Cairngorms, passing wild deer, eagles and magnificent mountain terrain
Trigger happy
Try your hand at clay pigeon shooting on a traditional Scottish estate
Castle for you
Stay at a unique Scottish castle, with a luxury spa and epic loch views
What's included
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3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners and a whisky and chocolate tasting
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3 nights’ accommodation in twin room hotels, including a luxury castle
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All activities, from canoeing to canyoning, included. Local Flash Pack guide and driver
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Max 14 Flashpackers
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Airport pick-up at 2pm on Day 1, country travel in private minibus
About the trip
Aye, it sure is beautiful travelling through bonny Scotland. So beautiful in fact, we figured it only fitting to explore the mighty landscape on one epic Highlands adventure.
Join us canoeing, canyoning and clay pigeon shooting our way through the Cairngorms National Park. Home to a stunning wilderness of roaming reindeer and vast heather-clad plains, dive into this untouched natural world where eagles soar above lochs and epic mountains pierce the endless skyline.
Along the way, we’ll abseil down waterfalls, romp through rock flumes and conquer the summit of a 4000-foot mountain. We’ll also savour a decadent whisky and chocolate pairing in Scotland’s highest distillery and stay in a splendid castle with a luxury spa. In a country where you get all four seasons in one day, it’s probably going to rain. But those with a spirit of adventure (and some trusty hiking boots) are in for one magnificent ride, no matter what the weather.
Conquer the elements and test your comfort zone with this dazzling Highlands escape
Where you will stay
Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa
Fairytale forest castle overlooking Loch Faskally and Ben Vrackie
A terrace with a view commands the stage at this regal retreat, with the kind of wide skies that will propel you out of bed in the morning.
Why we stay here
Take a walk in the most heartening scenery Scotland has to offer – think rugged hills and mirror-like lakes – or hit the spa, complete with a pool, steam room, sauna and soothing treatments (sweet basil facial, anyone?)
The Flash Pack Promise
Here at Flash Pack, we’re committed to unique adventures that deliver great value for money. We pack our trips with epic experiences (unlike other companies, all activities are included), hand-pick stylish hotels and match you with like-minded people.
Itinerary
Day 1
All aboard a new adventure
Arrive in Inverness for 2pm, where you can either be picked up in the city centre or at the airport, and meet your guide and fellow adventurers. Your first stop on this whirlwind adventure is aboard canoes on the River Spey. Grab your oars and row downstream with the waves lapping beneath you and the fragrant Rothiemurchus forest either side. Get to know your fellow Flashpackers as you find your rowing rhythm and spot fish swimming alongside you, with the current gently pulling you downstream. After four hours unplugging in the Great Outdoors, dock on dry land in the lively little town of Aviemore – known as the gateway to the Cairngorms, and a popular Scottish skiing spot with all the cosy pubs you’d expect. Wander around its charming streets before digging into a hearty pub meal. Raise a pint to the wild escapism ahead.
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Day 2
Canyon through the glen
After a good ol’ Scottish breakfast, we’ll drive an hour west to the deep blue waters of Loch Laggan, an area of spectacular natural beauty. It also happens to be a stunning location for canyoning, with its waterfalls, pools and natural rock flumes. Get ready to swim, abseil and climb your way through this wilderness playground, battling the elements and supporting one another as you leap into secluded pools and clamber up rugged cliffs. After this, it’s time to grab your shotgun and head into the glen for some clay pigeon shooting on the ‘Glen Bogle’ estate. Feel like Laird of the manor as you fire at clay targets flying through the air, looking out to views of the shimmering loch and rolling mountains beyond. Back in Aviemore, a generous spread awaits. Tuck in, your cheeks still fresh from your alfresco jaunts.
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Day 3
Mountain hiking and Scotland’s highest distillery
Today your Scottish adventure ramps up with a rousing 12-kilometre hike through the Cairngorm mountains. Beginning along the Fiacaill ridge, we’ll make our way up a ragged stretch of rocky terrain to the Cairngorm Plateau. We’ll hike across this vast stretch of roaming reindeer and rolling views, before reaching the 4000-foot summit of Cairngorm. Hot chocolates here will never have tasted so good, along with a hearty lunch. Descending into Rothiemurchus forest below, look out for red squirrels as you hike through the dappled pinewoods, before the trees clear to reveal the still beauty of Loch Murloch. All this hiking is thirsty work, so this evening we’re heading to the picture-perfect Dalwhinnie Distillery, the highest of its kind in Scotland. Here, you’ll be treated to an exclusive whisky and chocolate tasting. Such a decadent Scottish experience deserves a fitting end: tonight you’ll be sleeping off your whisky hangovers in a proper Scottish castle – turrets and all.
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Day 4
From a castle to the capital
It may be your last morning but there’s still plenty to enjoy. If you’re staying at Fonab Castle Hotel, make the most of the spa treatments, or head to the charming town of Pitlochry for boutique shops and micro-breweries. If you fancy ending your adventure on a thrill-seeking high, there’s a nearby bungee jump that your guide can give the lowdown on. There’s then a three-hour drive to Edinburgh, where you’ll bid farewell to your fellow Flashpackers. Together, you’ve canoed down rivers, canyoned through rugged valleys and shot clay pigeons on a Highlands estate. You’ve hiked alongside reindeer, conquered mountain summits and paired whisky with chocolate in Scotland’s highest distillery. The choice is now yours whether you want to be dropped off at the airport, city centre or extend your adventure in Edinburgh. There’s so much to do in this lovely city and we’re happy to share some tips. With its historic castle, famous Arthur’s Seat and hotels like Malmaison up for grabs, – we know what we’d do.
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On the map
Important notes
- Fly into Inverness Airport and out of Edinburgh Airport.
- If you are flying in for this Scottish adventure, please make sure you are ready to be picked at Inverness airport at 1pm on Day 1. If you are arriving by train or car, the minibus can pick you up at 12:40pm from the city centre.
- On Day 4, those flying home can be dropped off in Edinburgh airport at 2pm, so we recommend you book a flight that leaves around 2 -3 hours later. Alternatively, you can be dropped off in Edinburgh city centre to catch a train, or you can extend your stay to explore this lovely city.
- Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control. From time to time we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh.
- We take safety very seriously on Flash Pack adventures, click here to learn more.
