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The Scottish Highlands: From the Cairngorms to Loch Laggan
Canyon your way through Loch Laggan, canoe to a Highlands pub and enjoy an exclusive whisky and chocolate tasting at Scotland’s highest distillery
About your trip
Castles, mountains, canoeing and canyoning. Sounds like our four-day adventure in the Scottish Highlands.
From the Cairngorms National Park to Loch Laggan, this long weekend is all about the great Scottish wilderness. You’ll canoe and canyon through the magnificent terrain; abseil down waterfalls and conquer the summit of a 4,000-foot mountain; savour a decadent whisky and chocolate pairing in Scotland’s highest distillery; and stay in a beautiful castle with a luxurious spa.
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Equipment
- Guide
- Local transport
- Most meals included
- Max 14 Flashpackers
- Atol protected
- Private airport transfers
Remember, flights aren't included. We're happy to help you find the best ones for you.
Itinerary
Your Itinerary
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Day 01 Hello, Highlands
Arrive in Inverness for 1pm, where you can either be picked up in the city centre or at the airport, and meet your guide and fellow solo travellers. Your Scottish adventure then starts with a rousing 14-kilometre hike through the Cairngorm mountains. Trek up a ragged stretch of rocky terrain to the Cairngorm Plateau, before finally reaching the 4,000-foot summit. Your lunch at the top will be a treat after the climb. On your way back through Rothiemurchus Forest, keep an eye out for red squirrels scurrying between the dappled pinewoods, before arriving in Aviemore – known as the gateway to the Cairngorms, with all the cosy pubs you’d expect.
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Day 02 Canyon through the glen
This morning, drive an hour west to Loch Laggan, whose deep blue waters lend the region a serene beauty. Threaded with waterfalls, pools and natural rock flumes, this is a brilliant location for canyoning – which you’ll experience for yourself as you swim, abseil and climb your way through this wilderness playground. This afternoon’s activity? A spot of pigeon shooting (clay ones, of course) on the Ardverikie Estate, complete with views of the shimmering loch and rolling mountains.
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Day 03 RIVER CANOEING AND SCOTLAND’S HIGHEST DISTILLERY
Your first activity this morning is aboard a canoe on the River Spey and Loch Insh. Keep an eye out for large birds of prey such as ospreys, weaving through the lake with the fragrant Rothiemurchus Forest on either side. All this canoeing is thirsty work, so we’ve got the perfect antidote: a unique whisky and chocolate tasting in Scotland’s highest distillery. This decadent experience deserves a fitting finale, so tonight you’ll bed down in a proper Scottish castle – turrets and all.
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Day 04 FROM A CASTLE TO THE CAPITAL
It may be your last morning but there’s still plenty to enjoy, from the hotel spa to gentle hiking trails in the area. Then, catch a three-hour transfer to Edinburgh, where it’s over to you to make your own way onwards. Whether you wish to extend your adventure in Edinburgh, or fly onto one of our bestselling Europe destinations, we’ll leave it with you.
Our Favourite Hotels
Browse a selection of our favourite hotels, for a flavour of where you may stay on this trip.
Airth Castle Hotel & Spa
Historical Ccottish castle overlooking the river Forth
A stunning 14th-century hotel once owned by the family of Robert the Bruce nestled in woodland and landscaped gardens.
Why we stay here
Explore the history of the castle, walk in the beautiful gardens, or hit the spa complete with a pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and full range of treatments.
Important Notes
Fly into Inverness Airport (INV) and out of Edinburgh Airport (EDI).
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 – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.
We take safety very seriously on Flash Pack adventures – learn more here.
Our Promise
Joining the Flash Pack community comes with a few special guarantees...
The People
Our trips are for like-minded people in their 30s and 40s – and 98% of them join us solo. It’s almost a given you’ll make friends.
The Trips
We know the world’s best bits, so your adventure will always be immersive and authentic, and your accommodation hand-picked.
The Guides
Our guides on the ground know their destinations better than anyone, so expect unprecedented access to local living and cultural secrets.
The Ease
We take all the hassle out of travel planning for you. Unique accommodation? Activities? People? Sorted.
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