Bushcraft, wild swimming and canoeing in the Cairngorms

The enchanting Scottish Highlands have forever been a place of mystery and intrigue for nature-seekers. The myths and legends of the land call upon curious travellers to discover the magic of the Highlands. This 4-night journey is set among the craggy mountains, abundant in wildlife and hidden moments of wonder among the waterfalls, rivers and hillsides. Tucked away within the ancient Caledonian forest, a boutique farmhouse will be your base as you explore natural wellness in the Cairngorms.

From £3,950 pp

4 nights

BEST MONTHS

May to September

SUITABLE FOR

Nature and gentle activity

Scotland: Wild Wellness in the Highlands

Bushcraft, wild swimming and canoeing in the Cairngorms

Trip highlights

• Canoeing adventure and wildlife spotting along River Spey

• Discover the ancient art of wood carving and bushcraft

• Hike to the mesmerising fairy lochan and along concealed mountain trails

• Take a refreshing dip at a hidden waterfall

• Spot wild dolphins, porpoises and seals on a private RIB

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The Route

Inverness | Cairngorms National Park

Itinerary

Day 1: Wild dolphins and enchanting fairy folklore

Welcome to the land of legend. Starting in Inverness, your private guide will whisk you across to Moray Firth to explore the coastline by RIB speedboat. Skimming across the water past the dramatic cliffs that drop into the coastline, you will be in search of wild dolphins. Get up close as these inquisitive residents playfully dart beside the boat, and keep your eyes peeled for the local seals and harbour porpoises.

Feet back on dry land, the next stop is the UK’s largest national park for a scenic hike to the green lochan – said to be the place where fairies travel down from the mountainside to wash their clothes. Learn of the mythical stories from your local guide.

Staying at Killiehuntly Farmhouse (4 x nights)

After your hike adventure, you will reach the Killiehuntly Farmhouse. For the next four nights this boutique sanctuary will be your homely base. Beautifully remote and dating back to the early 17th century, the property bursts with charm and elegance. Farm-to-table experiences await, with hearty organic meals lovingly prepared with produce grown on the local estate.

Day 2: Canoeing and conservation on the River Spey

A hearty Scottish breakfast at the farmhouse sets you up for an active day of adventure. A thrilling canoe journey along the River Spey is the best way to seek out and spot the native wildlife in their natural environment. From the soaring osprey and buzzards to the red squirrels scurrying among the trees, your guide will teach you how to smoothly paddle and steer to glide closer to the action. Travelling on to Loch Insh, a well-deserved lunch on the riverbank awaits before returning to the lodge for an afternoon of hiking around the sweeping estate and beyond. Discover the 200-year efforts to rewild the region and regenerate natural habitats for native Scotland to be enjoyed as it is today.

Day 3: Yoga, yurts and ancient wood carving

Reconnect with yourself and the land with a private yoga lesson set in the captivating grounds of the farmhouse. With vistas reaching across the vast Glen Feshie estate and the distant mountains, soak up the clean air and heal the body with the sounds of nature during this guided practice. Complete your session with a visit to the impressive wooden sauna and plunge pool to calm and revitalise. A delicious lunch is served today at the farmhouse before your guide brings you to the heart of the ancient Caledonian pine forest for an afternoon of traditional wood carving. With a local woodsman showing you the ropes, learn the art of carving and witness the intricacy involved as you connect with the traditions of the Cairngorms.

Day 4: Wild Swimming in revitalising waterfalls

Fuel the soul with a health-restoring Wild Swimming experience in a highland loch. This morning you will be brought to a secret location for a morning dip among the magical cascading waterfalls. Plunging into the cold waters, learn to control the breath and relax the body with your private swimming guide as you float along the ice-cold pools. Warm up over a rewarding lunch before an afternoon exploring the local hillsides by foot. Hiking the short yet steep incline brings you to panoramic views of the Spey Valley and beyond.

After a tantalising evening meal, a final spectacle awaits. Heading out into the wilderness, you will be greeted by a remarkable star-spangled sky. Soak up the wonders of the universe as your guide teaches you about astronomy and how travellers once navigated their journeys by the constellations. This magical moment will travel with you long after you return home.

Day 5: Learn the ancestral art of Bushcraft

To round up your unique visit to the Highlands, your final morning is spent learning another tradition. The ancient art of bushcraft dates to an era long gone, a skill no longer widely used, but is an insightful skill that enables us to remain in touch with nature and our ancestral roots. Discover how to make a fire from twigs, how to build a stable shelter and how to forage for natural treats to enjoy alongside your lunch with your knowledgeable guide. A rewarding end to a nature adventure in the Scottish Highlands. After lunch, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to the airport or onward to Gleneagles Hotel if you pair your experience with a wellness retreat.

Additional wellness retreat at Gleneagles Hotel

To maximise your wellness experience in Scotland, we highly recommend that you add on our unique Wild Wellness Retreat, hosted at the sensational Gleneagles Hotel.

A mindful, restorative getaway that combines both Shinto and western practices, connecting to nature through hikes to Ben Vorlich, forest bathing and hidden picnics in between treatments at the luxury spa and yoga classes - tailored to your unique self.