Self-Drive: The Great Family Adventure

7 days from £1420 per person

The west coast of Scotland and the pine forests of the Cairngorms National Park offer the perfect combination of scenery and adventure. As such, this part of Scotland is ideal for a more adventurous family holiday. Ride the Hogwarts Express over the iconic Glenfinnan viaduct, sea kayak in the Sound of Arisaig searching for otter, seal and dolphin, and canoe the calm waters of the Caledonian Canal before travelling east to the Cairngorms. Here explore the ancient pine forest by mountain bike and go geocaching within the park on a memorable hike. Guides for all activities are highly qualified and experienced and this journey is suitable for families with children between the ages of 8 or 9 and 15.

Fort William – Cairngorms National Park

Itinerary Highlights

Board the Jacobite Steam Train, better known to millions as the Hogwarts Express. This spectacular rail journey travels to Mallaig and crosses the famous Glenfinnan viaduct.

Enjoy a day sea kayaking the beautiful and serene waters of the Sound of Arisaig. This location is one of the best places to experience the incredible diversity of Scotland’s marine life.

Explore the forest trails of the Caledonian Pine Forests that form part of the beautiful the Rothiemurchus Estate. The forests are home to red deer, red squirrel and golden eagle.

Itinerary: Self-Drive: The Great Family Adventure

Day 1 Arrive Fort William

This self-drive itinerary begins in Fort William. If driving from Edinburgh or Glasgow we would recommend that you travel via the beautiful Glencoe valley. If, instead, you are making your way from Inverness do ensure you drive along the banks of Loch Ness. Once in Fort William continue to your accommodation where you will stay for the next four nights. (N)
Accommodation in Fort William: Local bed and breakfast

Day 2 Fort William

After a leisurely breakfast board the Jacobite Steam Train – better known the world over as the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter films. Travelling through some of Scotland’s finest scenery, this memorable journey has fabulous views throughout, crosses the famous Glenfinnan viaduct and allows an opportunity to visit the fishing port of Mallaig. Return by train to Fort William in the afternoon. (B)
Accommodation in Fort William: Local bed and breakfast

Day 3 Fort William

The western coastline of Scotland is beautiful, pristine and home to a wide diversity of marine life. Today you will have the opportunity to experience the coast from the water, sea kayaking in the Sound of Arisaig. Although weather dependent, the Sound of Arisaig is an excellent place to kayak, the waters sheltered and one of the best places to see seal, otter and, if lucky, dolphin. The excursion will be leisurely with plenty of breaks and you will return to Fort William in the late afternoon. (B)
Accommodation in Fort William: Local bed and breakfast

Day 4 Fort William

Today you will be on the water again, this time however you will be canoeing inland on the Caledonian Canal. Start the day at Neptune’s Staircase – a series of eight canal lock-gates where the Caledonian Canal meets Loch Eil. After a briefing on equipment, you will paddle north to Gairlochy. The calm waters make for easy paddling and the views, which include the north face of Ben Nevis, are far reaching. On arrival in Gairlochy you will be met and taken back to Neptune’s Staircase from where you can return to Fort William. (B)

Accommodation in Fort William: Local bed and breakfast

Day 5 Fort William to Cairngorms National Park – 65 miles

This morning drive east to the Cairngorms National Park and Aviemore where you will stay for the next two nights. In the afternoon meet your guide, collect your mountain bikes and explore the spectacular scenery of the ancient Caledonian Pine Forests of the Rothiemurchus Estate. There are a range of trails so all abilities are catered for and, with some luck, you may see a range of wildlife including red deer, reindeer, red squirrel, osprey and golden eagle. (B)

Accommodation in Aviemore: Cairngorm Guest House

Day 6 Cairngorms National Park

Today go geocaching in Cairngorms National Park. Using clues collected during the week and basic navigation skills join your guide for a memorable hike to search for treasure. You will hopefully locate the hidden treasure and later in the afternoon return to Aviemore for your final night. (B/L)

Accommodation in Aviemore: Cairngorm Guest House

Day 7 Depart the Cairngorms National Park

Your journey ends today after breakfast or extend to attend a real Highland Games. For more information please contact us. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Hotel accommodation and taxes
Return travel on the Harry Potter steam train
A day of guided sea kayaking as part of a group trip, led by a local sea kayak guide
Equipment hire for the sea kayak, canoe and mountain bike excursions
Half day of guided mountain biking with a qualified and experienced guide
Full day of guiding hiking and geocaching with a qualified and experienced guide
The services of a local representatives throughout

What's not included

Any International flights
Any Domestic flights
Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature
Meals unless specified
Car hire

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

This is a self-drive journey so you will be largely under your own arrangements and travelling at your own pace. On certain days you will be joined by a local guide who will join you for the day’s activities. At other time you will be without a guide and so are free to make your own arrangements. This is detailed in the itinerary and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

No previous experience of any of the activities is required for this family holiday and all guides are used to working with beginners and families. It is beneficial to have a reasonable level of fitness, however, all activities are suitable for a family which children aged between 8 or 9 to 15 years old.

This itinerary is based on self-drive using your own vehicle and your guide will travel in separate vehicle to ensure social distancing. We can also arrange self-drive car hire commencing from Inverness. We can also arrange train or air travel to and from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness from within the UK and any additional overnight hotels throughout the UK. Further details on request.

On Day 7 extend your stay by two days to take in a real Highland Games. Please note that including a visit to a Highland Games does depend on which games are available and their location.