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      | Meall a Buachaille - Cairngorms

      Wilderness Walking

      National Parks of the UK

      39 reviews

      Deposit From: £890£890
      Region: Scotland | Yorkshire Dales | North York Moors | Lake District
      Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
      Confirmed: When 3 Travellers Book

      Next Departure: 4th - 13th May 2025
      Accommodation: Deluxe

      Grading:

      Carbon Footprint: 218kg ? What does this mean?
      Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

      All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

      icon-download Download Itinerary

        From: £3,295 View Prices & Dates

        Trip Overview

        Created by: Rachael Gavan

        Hike in the best scenery to be found in Scotland and England on this unique tour of 5 National Parks.

        In Scotland, we will hike in the wild Highlands in the Cairngorms and then Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. We then head to England to explore Northumberland, the charming and rugged Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District.

        They may be relatively small areas, but the National Parks are incredibly diverse. In the Cairngorms, you will find vast rolling mountains with glens filled in by heather and pine forests. In Loch Lomond and the Trossachs silvery lochs and rugged green peaks await you. Moving on to England we find moors and fields lined with stone walls and old barns. Finally in the Lake District – a recently designated UNESCO World Heritage Site – we hike on the fells that inspired the romanticist poetry of William Wordsworth.

        We spend at least 2 nights in each location, staying in charming country inns and hotels. During each day you will be accompanied by an expert guide experienced in hiking in each of these regions as we venture to the summits of fine hills and mountains.

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        Day by Day
        Itinerary

        Day 1 – Rothiemurchus and the Cairngorms Read Less

        Day 1

        Rothiemurchus and the Cairngorms

        We meet at the train station in the small town of Aviemore, in the Cairngorms National Park. We begin with a local hike over Meall a Buachaille. The route first takes us through a pass with beautiful pine forest before we reach a small bothy at the head of the pass. We climb steeply but steadily from here on a good trail all the way to the summit. Completing the circuit, we then transfer across the National Park to the pretty village of Ballater in Royal Deeside.

        Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
        Walk Details: 9 km / 6 miles | 550 m / 1,804 ft | Approx: 6 hrs

        Day 2 – Lochnagar & Loch Muick Read Less

        Day 2

        Lochnagar & Loch Muick

        The peak of Lochnagar in Royal Deeside is thought by many to be the finest in the Cairngorms. Its northern flank boasts spectacular cliffs that perfectly frame the small loch that gives the mountain its name. There are many options for great hikes in the shadow of Lochnagar, ranging from a circuit of the loch to hikes up the various peaks surrounding it, including Connacraig, which offers outstanding views. Of course, there’s also Lochnagar itself. Our guide will select a route to best show off the qualities of this beautiful glen and the princely peaks that surround it.

        Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
        Walk Details: 20 km / 12 miles | 930 m / 3,051 ft | Approx: 7 hrs
        Shorter Alternative: 12 km / 7 miles | 170 m / 558 ft | Approx: 4 hrs

        Day 3 – Braemar Glens then transfer to Loch Lomond Read Less

        Day 3

        Braemar Glens then transfer to Loch Lomond

        This morning we enjoy a final Cairngorms hike, starting near the village of Braemar. We do a low-level circuit through the nearby glens and woods. Starting with a wonderful waterfall our hike takes us up Glen Quoich. We hike through a deep cleft in the hillside which brings us into Glen Lui, finishing near the Linn o’ Dee waterfall. We then head south as we transfer to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Our accommodation is in the village of Luss nestled on the shore of the loch.

        Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
        Walk Details: 16 km / 10 miles | 400 m / 1,312 ft | Approx: 5 hrs

        Day 4 – Hiking Above Loch Lomond Read Less

        Day 4

        Hiking Above Loch Lomond

        Leaving the village we strike up a grassy ridge. The ascent is slow and steady from the start. Near the top, it levels off for a bit and the views over Loch Lomond and its many wooded islands is nothing short of stunning. On the summit, the loch views are replaced by mountain vistas as we look north towards the Arrochar Alps and across the loch to Ben Lomond. We return to Luss and have some free time to explore the village.

        Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
        Walk Details: 12 km / 7 miles | 725 m / 2,379 ft | Approx: 5 hrs

        Day 5 – Hiking in the Trossachs Read Less

        Day 5

        Hiking in the Trossachs

        Today we hike up an iconic peak that the author Sir Walter Scott claimed offered the finest views in all of Scotland. This is a local favourite which follows a well-established trail. The ascent takes us through mixed forest and then onto open ground with views across the Southern Highlands. The final ascent is steep but the views are worth it.

        Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
        Walk Details: 14 km / 9 miles | 720 m / 2,362 ft | Approx: 6 hrs

        Day 6 – Hiking Hadrian’s Wall Read Less

        Day 6

        Hiking Hadrian’s Wall

        Today will be a leisurely transfer south across the border into England. We also cross the historic border of the Roman Empire, still visible in the ruins of Hadrian’s Wall. After lunch we start walking from the remains of Housesteads Roman Fort. Our hike takes us to one of the most iconic sections on the wall – which has been featured on the big screen many times. After the hike, a short transfer takes us our third National Park – the Yorkshire Dales.

        Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
        Walk Details: 6 km / 4 miles | 150 m / 492 ft | Approx: 2 hrs

        Day 7 – Hiking the Yorkshire Dales Read Less

        Day 7

        Hiking the Yorkshire Dales

        Today we head to the village of Askrigg in beautiful Wensleydale where we will hike high along the valley walls to the village of Aysgarth. Here, we admire Aysgarth Falls before wandering back to Askrigg along the peaceful riverside, stopping at a local tearoom for lunch. In the afternoon we will be treated to a private sheepdog demonstration which captures the incredible bond shared between the farmer and his dogs. This is a wonderfully unique and memorable experience.

        Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
        Walk Details: 9 km / 6 miles | 225 m / 738 ft | Approx: 4 hrs

        Day 8 – Hiking the Yorkshire Dales Read Less

        Day 8

        Hiking the Yorkshire Dales

        An early start today, and we begin hiking in the Eden Valley, which is dominated by the limestone plateau at Orton and Great Asby. With the remains of ancient stone circles and forts, there is plenty to see as we wind our way across the natural limestone pavements. Back in Orton, we visit the local chocolate shop before we transfer west into the Lake District. This afternoon we’ll visit Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s 17th-century farmhouse.

        Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
        Walk Details: 6 km / 4 miles | 200 m / 656 ft | Approx: 2 hrs

        Day 9 – Hiking the Lake District National Park Read Less

        Day 9

        Hiking the Lake District National Park

        Today we’ll hike to St Sunday Crag in the Eastern Fells. We’ll follow a long ridge that takes us to a craggy summit with dramatic gullies and beautiful views to the ridges of Helvellyn. Then a ridge followed by a steep climb takes us over Cofa Pike to Fairfield.  We’ll descend to Grisedale Tarn, and then hiking back down the valley we admire the rocky crags on either side. Back at the comfortable inn we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.

        Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
        Walk Details: 15 km / 9 miles | 750 m / 2,461 ft | Approx: 6 hrs

        Day 10 – Final Hike then Depart Read Less

        Day 10

        Final Hike then Depart

        After breakfast this morning we’ll stroll a short distance to board a traditional steamer that will ferry us halfway up Ullswater to Howtown. From here we’ll hike back to Glenridding. We’ll pass through forests and over rocky beaches, following the shoreline of the lake and enjoying the view as we go. We’ll then transfer to Penrith Railway Station to end the trip.

        Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
        Walk Details: 11 km / 7 miles | 250 m / 820 ft | Approx: 4 hrs

        Download Itinerary

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        Wilderness Walking
        National Parks of the UK

        To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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        Trip Dates & Prices

        All payments taken in local currency GBP

        Trip Dates for 2025AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
        4th May - 13th May 2025Trip FullFULLY BOOKED £3,295
        1st Jun - 10th Jun 20257 place(s) leftAvailable £3,295Book Now
        29th Jun - 8th Jul 20258 place(s) leftAvailable £3,295Book Now
        27th Jul - 5th Aug 20258 place(s) leftAvailable £3,295Book Now
        24th Aug - 2nd Sep 20258 place(s) leftAvailable £3,295Book Now
        21st Sep - 30th Sep 20257 place(s) leftAvailable £3,295Book Now

        Make This Trip Private

        Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your preferred departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

        Enquire Now
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        Wilderness Walking
        National Parks of the UK

        For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

        Trip Details

        Expand All
        Accommodation Read More

        This walking holiday is based from a variety of welcoming accommodations from award-winning pubs and inns to a grand lakeside hotel.

        Accommodation is a choice of double or twin rooms with ensuite facilities.

        Single Rooms

        There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of £795.00 is charged.

        Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

        Meals Read More

        This trip is ‘All Inclusive’ meaning all meals are provided from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 10. Included dinners are two courses as standard.

        Great food is of paramount importance on all Wilderness Scotland trips and we will enjoy excellent regional cooking throughout this all-inclusive trip.

        On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

        Inclusions Read More
        • 9 nights accommodation in country inns and hotels
        • All meals, from lunch on Day 1 through to lunch on Day 7
          (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
        • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable guide/driver throughout
        • All transport throughout the trip starting in Aviemore and finishing in Penrith
        • Sheep dog demonstration on day 7
        • Boat trip on Ullswater on day 10
        Grading Read More

        Blue Graded 4-6

        Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. We walk at a good pace and you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will not always be on a path and the terrain underfoot can be rough and boggy, including boulder fields and mountain tops. Some of the daily walks will involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. Daily distances will be typically up to 16km but may be longer occasionally. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

        Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

        You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide at Aviemore Railway Station at 10:00am on Day 1 of your trip. The trip will finish and you will be dropped at Penrith Railway Station at 5.00pm on the final day. Your guide will meet you in the centre of the station. It is a small station so your guide should be easy to find and holding a Wilderness Scotland sign.

        If you would like to use your own vehicle on the trip please get in touch with our team to discuss.

        Speak to an Expert

        Jane Gillies

        Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Scotland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

        Ask Jane a Question

        Meet Your Guide

        Dan Morgan
        4th May - 13th May 2025

        Keith McGregor
        1st Jun - 10th Jun 2025

        Dan Morgan
        29th Jun - 8th Jul 2025

        View guides for all departures

        Difficulty Grades Explained

        Blue Graded 4-6

        Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. We walk at a good pace and you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will not always be on a path and the terrain underfoot can be rough and boggy, including boulder fields and mountain tops. Some of the daily walks will involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. Daily distances will be typically up to 16km but may be longer occasionally. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

        Find Out More

        Trip Reviews

        Rated 4.92 out of 5 based on 39 review(s) of Wilderness Walking – National Parks of the UK

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        Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.

        That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.

        VA

        Virginia Anania

        Reviewed on 24/10/2024

        Age: 60 - 70
        Country: Australia
        Trip Date: 15/09/2024
        Trips Taken: 2

        The Bottom Line

        The Bottom Line

        I had a fantastic wilderness walk. No problem in leaving everything in the more than capable hands of Wilderness England and David. It was a joy to just get up and walk each day without having to worry about details.

        Show More
        MS

        Michael Stahl

        Reviewed on 20/10/2024

        Age: 50 - 60
        Country: United States
        Trip Date: 15/09/2024
        Trips Taken: 1

        The Bottom Line

        The Bottom Line

        Great trips! Well planned and executed. We loved all the amenities and thorough planning. Will book again.

        Show More
        MA

        Mariam Abdurrahman

        Reviewed on 14/10/2024

        Age: 40 - 50
        Country: Canada
        Trip Date: 15/09/2024
        Trips Taken: 1

        The Bottom Line

        The Bottom Line

        A highly recommended trip that marries an enjoyable level of physical activity with incredible vistas and delightful local excursions. I would select Wilderness UK tours for the combination of attention to detail, safety, professional tour guides, excellent accommodations and seamless trips.

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