Scotland, shared: four friends, three WildLand estates
A week-long Highland escape from the Cairngorms to Sutherland, finishing on the tranquil shores of Loch Ness. A self-drive journey of discovery and slow adventure for four friends in the wilds of Scotland.
Highlights
- Scenic cycles and a sauna yurt in the Cairngorms
- Bird-watching, bracing swims and waterfall hikes in Sutherland
- Wild swimming, boat trips and exploring ruins in Loch Ness
Information
- Duration: recommend seven days
- Who for: adventurous, nature-loving groups
- Good to know: pack walking shoes and a swimsuit
- Travel: WildLand can assist with 4×4 car hire for those coming into Inverness by air or rail
Killiehuntly Farmhouse
Your Highland adventure begins in the Cairngorms – a landscape of vast skies, rewilded glens and dense forests. Settle into Killiehuntly Farmhouse, a restorative retreat where simplicity and warmth are at its heart.
Take time to explore the landscapes: cycle deep into the glen on e-bikes, enjoy a picnic by Loch an Eilein or join our nature team for a conservation walk, learning how the land is being restored to its natural rhythm.
Back at the Farmhouse, feel the benefit of the revitalising sauna yurt, cooling off under the stars, before gathering round the long wooden table for supper prepared with produce from our own farms.
Lundies House
Be filled with adventure and awe as you make your way north – three hours of sweeping views, where each bend reveals another incredible panorama from moors to mountains. Arriving at Lundies House in Tongue feels like the last habitation at the edge of the world, albeit in absolute warmth and comfort.
During your stay at The Bothan, spend a morning birdwatching for golden eagles in the skies above Ben Loyal, or pack hot chocolate and dry robes for a bracing swim on one of Sutherland’s empty beaches.
Hike up Ben Hope, Scotland’s most northerly munro, or take a gentler walk through the dunes at Talmine Bay before returning to a fireside dinner in the main house. Finish the day around the firepit with a wee dram, under the gaze of a thousand stars.
Garden Cottage
A scenic two-hour drive south brings you to the Aldourie Castle Estate, resting on the banks of Loch Ness. Here, days unfold slowly. Wild swims in the loch will wake up the senses; while boat trips take in the serenity of the calm waters. Explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle, browse the artisan shops of Beauly before returning to Aldourie’s walled gardens for a quiet moment among the blooms.
Evenings are for feasting together and sharing stories from the day – one night cooking with local produce from our estate farm shops, another spent in your cottage as Aldourie’s chefs prepare a private dinner and a final evening cycling along the loch to Dores Inn for a relaxed dinner at the pop-up WildFood trucks.
How can I book this?
Can I swap out the activities here?
Of course, our team can create bespoke journeys to suit your needs. This itinerary is just an example of a popular journey our guests take.
