United Kingdom · Trekking

Highland Challenge

5 Days Round trip from Edinburgh Challenging pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 5-day trekking and camping adventure in Cairngorms National Park
02 Travel from Edinburgh into Scotland’s wild Highlands
03 Hike for up to 8 hours a day through dramatic mountain scenery
04 Camp in the Cairngorms with your guide leading the expedition
05 Take in stunning views across valleys carved by ancient glaciers
06 Includes campsite fees and core camping equipment
07 Small-team pace designed to suit everyone
08 Enjoy stories of history, folklore, geography, and geology along the way

Experience the wild beauty of Scotland on a 5-day trekking and camping adventure through Cairngorms National Park. Starting from Edinburgh, this journey takes you deep into the Highlands, where high-sided valleys, historic trails, and sweeping mountain scenery create a true expedition feel.

Over several days, you’ll hike into the heart of the range, camp under big Highland skies, and enjoy the rewarding challenge of long walking days with an experienced guide leading the way. With campsite fees, core camping equipment, and transport from Edinburgh included, this is a memorable way to explore one of Scotland’s most rugged landscapes.

Experience the wild beauty of Scotland on a 5-day trekking and camping adventure through Cairngorms National Park.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Challenging

Accommodation Included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Edinburgh, Cairngorms National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Pick up and drive north

Pick up in Edinburgh 09:00 at pick up place
Drive north with a stop to stretch the legs on the way.
Pick up food and any last minute gear.
Pitch tents at the camp site
Eat dinner
Your guide will brief you on the hike to come.
Early to bed

Day 02

Walk into the Cairngorms

Eat and break camp.
Expect to hike for up to 8 hours.
Take in the haunting views of the mighty Cairngorms.
Briefing about the following day.
Make camp, eat and sleep.

Day 03

Into the heart of the range

Breakfast and break camp.
expect to walk for up to 8 hours.
take in more spectacular views.
Make camp.
Eat dinner.
Briefing about the following day.
Bed.

Day 04

The big push

Breakfast and break camp.
Expect a big day up to 8 hours.
Take in possibly the best views of all today.
Make camp.
Eat dinner.
Briefing about the following day.
Celebrate our last camping night.

Day 05

Back to civilisation

Breakfast and break camp.
Expect a small walk today
Enjoy the stunning scenery.
Get to the minibus and start our drive back.
Stop on the way for lunch and to stretch.
Drop off in Edinburgh.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Edinburgh 2 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

A Qualified, experienced, knowledgeable guide.
Pick up and drop off from Edinburgh.
Lots of walking
Campsite fees
Tent, Stove, pots, plates, cutlery, cups.
A wealth of information and stories about History, folklore, geography, geology etc mixed with plenty humour.
Awesome views, photos and life changing experiences.

What's Not Included

Please don't worry if you haven't got all the gear on the list. We will stop by a great outdoor store and a supermarket on our way to the Highlands and you can pick up anything you need. Alternatively for the more expensive items you can rent from us, just look for the (R) symbol.

Sleeping bag rated to around comfort level -5 degrees C (R) £20 for bag and mat
Camping Mat preferably Inflatable (R) £20 for bag and mat
Backpack preferably 75litres (R) £20
Water bottle at least one litre
3 season B0 Hiking boots with ankle support
Goretex (or similar) Jacket or Pants
2 wool or synthetic base layers
1 fleece or similar mid layer
1 warm preferably Primaloft or Down Jacket
At least 3 pairs of thick hiking socks
Gloves
Warm Hat
Head torch
Sunglasses
Walking poles (Optional)
Gaiters (Optional)
personal Hygiene kit inc a blister kit (Blister plasters or tape), water sterilisation tabs, Sunblock and Insect repellent
Personal Medication (Inhalers, insulin, painkillers etc)
Midge face net (optional)
Water treatment tabs or filter
Food and drinks

Know before you go

Fitness

Be prepared for hiking with a back pack for up to 8 hours per day.
A basic level of fitness is required but don't worry about being too slow, we will be moving as a team and at a very comfortable pace that suits EVERYONE.
Wild camping isn't for everyone but can be very enjoyable with the right equipment and organisation your guides will be available 24/7 to help, give advice, support and encourage you.
After booking you will be Sent a pack with details on all other things you will need to know and bring with you.

Logistics