Cairngorms Hiking Week

Spend five days exploring the Scottish Highlands, immersing yourself in nature while learning essential outdoor skills. From hiking through the Cairngorms to wild swimming in Loch Avon and summiting a Munro, each day offers a chance to challenge yourself and connect with the landscape. You’ll stay in comfortable Highland Shepherd Huts, offering a cosy retreat after each day’s adventure.

Key Details

• Duration: 5 days, 4 nights
• Group size: Up to 8 people
• Ages: 14+
• Usual meeting point: Cairngorm Mountain, Aviemore, PH22 1RB (can be arranged after booking)
• What to bring: Suitable outdoor clothing, hiking boots, and personal gear (kit list provided after booking)

Key Skills

• Map and compass navigation
• Wild swimming safety and techniques
• Munro summit hiking
• Outdoor route planning and decision-making
• Building confidence in outdoor environments

What to Expect

The Highlands Hiking Week kicks off with a welcome afternoon and an introduction to the trip, along with a kit check. On Tuesday, you’ll get hands-on experience learning map and compass skills as you practise navigating through the stunning landscape. On Wednesday, you’ll venture to Loch Avon for a wild swimming experience, putting your navigation skills to the test by planning your route back. Thursday’s challenge involves summiting a Munro, followed by a group takeaway dinner to reflect on the week's achievements.

The week is designed to balance activity and relaxation, with plenty of time to explore the park, enjoy café stops, and unwind in your accommodation. After a day of adventure, your accommodation will offer a peaceful space to relax and reflect on the day's experiences. 

Location

The experience takes place in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, a vast area filled with natural beauty. Highland Shepherd huts offer a perfect base, 20mins outside Aviemore, where you'll gather before heading into the surrounding hills.

The area is known for its gorgeous mountains, forests, and lochs, providing a fantastic setting for this adventure. Whether hiking to summits or enjoying a wild swim, the park's varied landscapes offer something new each day.

Accommodation

You will stay for four nights in a Highland Shepherd Hut, each one offering a unique charm. You’ll have the choice of staying in one of the following huts:

• Horsebox: A quirky and cosy option that provides a simple yet comfortable stay, perfect for those who enjoy a rustic feel with a touch of character.
• Coorie/Alba: This hut is designed for comfort and warmth, offering a snug environment where you can unwind after a long day of hiking and swimming.
• Bothan: A charming hut that blends traditional design with modern comforts, offering a peaceful retreat with a homely feel.

Each hut has its own distinctive character, but all provide a warm, inviting atmosphere where you can rest and relax. The accommodation offers a great mix of comfort and immersion in the surrounding landscape, allowing you to truly disconnect and unwind.

Prerequisites

No previous hiking or navigation experience is required, but a basic level of fitness is recommended. Participants should be comfortable walking for several hours a day on varying terrain, including steep inclines.

As part of the adventure, wild swimming is an option, so comfort around water is necessary. The guide will ensure all participants are supported throughout, but it’s essential to come prepared with the appropriate clothing and equipment, which will be detailed in the provided kit list.

Why Choose Us

Matt, the guide, is passionate about the outdoors and its positive impact on mental health. He created this experience to not just lead people on hikes, but to offer a chance for individuals to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. Drawing on his personal experiences hiking and climbing across the UK, Matt has seen first-hand how outdoor adventures can help build confidence, improve mood, and reduce stress. He’s dedicated to providing a supportive environment where participants can explore the Highlands, challenge themselves, and leave feeling empowered.

The aim is to create an environment that promotes well-being through outdoor activities. By combining adventure with relaxation, participants are encouraged to focus on their mental health while gaining valuable outdoor skills. With Matt’s guidance, you’ll not only learn navigation, hiking, and swimming, but also find time to reflect, connect with others, and experience the benefits of spending time in nature.