Highland Wilderness Glamping and Trekking Adventure

Step into the Cairngorms for a truly unique adventure—an off-grid hiking experience with pack ponies and luxury hot tent camping in the Highland wilderness. This guided trek offers rare access to remote areas while maintaining a high level of comfort at wild campsites supported by native Highland ponies. Ideal for those who want a deeper connection with the landscape, wildlife, and history of the region, while travelling light and sleeping well.

Key Details

Group size: 2–8 people (solo travellers welcome, minimum 2 per date to run)
Meeting point: Fraoch Lodge, Boat of Garten
Accommodation: 2 nights at Fraoch Lodge, 2 nights wild camping
Support: 2 guides/pony handlers

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival and Expedition Training
Arrive by lunchtime at Fraoch Lodge, settle in and meet the group. After lunch, get hands-on with the expedition prep, learning how to set up and take down both the corral for the ponies and the Nordic tipis. Enjoy fresh cake while reviewing kit lists and logistics for the trip. Dinner is a home-cooked meal followed by a night in a comfortable twin en-suite room at the lodge.

Day 2 – Start of the Trek
Following breakfast, travel to the stables to meet the ponies before heading out onto the Rothiemurchas Estate. The route passes through heather moorland, birch and pine woods, and past Lochan Eilean, ending in a remote woodland spot surrounded by ancient flora. Camp is set up with heated tipis, hot showers, and proper beds—more comfortable than your average wild camp.
Route: 8km | Gentle gradients | Approx. 3 hrs walking

Day 3 – Summit Day or Scenic Loop
From camp, choose between two routes depending on conditions and group preference. One option includes a hike up to the Munro summit of Sgòr Gaoith (1,118m) with views across Loch Einich and towards Braeriach. The alternative is a shorter walk to the Argyll Stone, still offering impressive glacial views.
Route: 15.5km with 971m ascent (harder) or 9km with 584m ascent (easier)

Day 4 – Return to Base
Pack down camp and retrace the Thieves’ Road, a historic cattle rustling route used by the Jacobites, through Rothiemurchas back to the stables. Return to the lodge for a hot shower, dinner, and a final overnight stay. Depart the next morning after breakfast.
Route: 8km | Gentle gradients | Approx. 3 hrs walking

Location

This experience takes place in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, starting from Boat of Garten and heading into the Rothiemurchas Estate and Inshriach National Nature Reserve.

The area is a hotspot for wildlife and conservation, home to species such as golden eagles, capercaillie, pine martens, and Scottish wildcats. The landscapes include Caledonian pine forests, glacial valleys, and remote mountain ridges.

Accommodation

Your base before and after the trek is Fraoch Lodge in Boat of Garten. Guests stay in twin en-suite rooms with access to a cosy guest lounge. Home-cooked meals made with local produce are provided.

During the trek, camping is in heated Nordic tipis with proper camp beds, hot showers, and a sit-down toilet—wild camping made comfortable.

Prerequisites

Participants should have a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable walking over uneven and occasionally steep terrain for several hours. Prior camping experience is not necessary, and full training is provided on how to set up and break down camp. The trip runs with a minimum of 2 people.

Why Choose Us

The guiding team blends deep local knowledge with international mountain experience, creating meaningful adventures that go beyond the path. The lead guide’s background in geology and environmental science enhances every walk with insight into the land's formation, ecology, and wildlife.

Hospitality is a key part of the experience too, with carefully prepared meals, considered logistics, and a welcoming base. This trip supports ecological restoration, with 1% of bookings going toward Cairngorms conservation efforts.

3 days wilderness guiding with 2 guides/pony handlers
½ day expedition training
2 nights wild camping with heated Nordic tipi accommodation
All camping equipment including camp beds and down duvets
All meals from lunch on arrival day to lunch on departure day
1st and last night’s accommodation at Fraoch Lodge
Transport between Fraoch Lodge and the stables
Transfers from Inverness Airport or Aviemore rail station

Transport to Scotland
Alcoholic drinks
Personal insurance
Personal hiking clothing and equipment
Transport to and from the meeting point

The closest airport is Inverness, which has a growing number of UK domestic flights. Travellers are encouraged to check the airport’s website for current routes and airlines.

Once flight details are confirmed, guests can provide their arrival information so arrangements can be made for collection. Return transfers to the airport are also available.

Fraoch Lodge provides comfortable twin en-suite rooms and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a small, family-run base with a cosy guest lounge where you can relax before and after your time in the hills.

Home-cooked meals are served using fresh, locally sourced ingredients—many grown in the garden. The stay here bookends the expedition nicely, offering a good night’s rest and a hot shower before and after your wilderness experience.

This trip offers a unique blend of comfort and wilderness. Campsites are equipped with heated Nordic tipis that are over 3 metres high—plenty of space to stand and move around.

Inside, you'll find comfortable insulated mattresses, fitted sheets, and down duvets. There's a warm camp shower and a sit-down toilet, making this one of the few wild camping experiences in the UK offering both comfort and isolation. Seating around a central wood-burning stove provides a cosy communal area in the evenings.

One of the biggest advantages of this experience is the support of the Highland ponies. They carry the bulk of the gear, including the tipi, bedding, food, and communal supplies.

You’ll only need to carry a daypack with your personal essentials such as water, snacks, waterproofs, and a warm layer. This keeps the hiking manageable while still giving you access to the essentials you need for the day’s route.

Midges can appear from mid-June to early September but are rarely an issue. They prefer still, damp air and boggy terrain—which is less common in the Cairngorms.

West coast trips are scheduled to avoid peak midge season. When necessary, guides carry effective repellent such as Avon Skin-So-Soft, known locally as the go-to defence.

All meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the final day are included and freshly prepared, either at Fraoch Lodge or at camp. The food is hearty, home-cooked and made with locally sourced ingredients, some of which are grown on site.

Evening meals are cooked over the fire or stove while camping and shared as a group inside the tipi. Dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice.

No previous wild camping experience is required, but a reasonable level of fitness and some hiking familiarity will help you enjoy the experience. The itinerary includes some undulating and occasionally steep terrain, with daily walking distances ranging from 8km to 15.5km.

You'll also take part in a hands-on expedition training session on the first day, covering everything from setting up the tipi and corral for the ponies to managing your gear. The guided support throughout ensures you're never left to figure things out alone.

The Cairngorms is home to an incredible range of flora and fauna. Wildlife highlights may include Golden Eagles, Red Deer, Pine Martens, and the elusive Capercaillie. You’ll also walk through old-growth Caledonian pine forests and pass lochs, moorlands, and expansive views to Scotland’s highest peaks.

Your guide, with a background in environmental science and geology, will provide insights into the natural landscape, glacial features, and ongoing conservation efforts in the area.

Explore the Cairngorms with expert-led guided and self-guided tours designed for all levels - from gentle walks to demanding expeditions. With over 20 years of experience, your guide brings deep local knowledge, a passion for teaching outdoor skills, and a commitment to safety in all conditions. Based at Fraoch Lodge in Boat of Garten, guests enjoy a warm welcome, home-cooked meals using organic produce, and thoughtful touches like fresh bread and afternoon cake. Tours run year-round and focus on low-impact travel, family-friendly adventures, and skill-building in Scotland’s wild and beautiful landscapes.