A Highland family gathering through the wilds of Scotland.

Bringing family generations together is no mean feat in today’s busy world of crammed diaries and workload juggles. The rewards are well worth it in the Scottish Highlands where space and time expand in fresh air, endless horizons and shifting priorities. 

A family itinerary with WildLand isn’t a dash from one place to the next. It’s about taking time to tune into the landscapes, watching nature’s recovery in real-time while you explore the wilderness. 

This journey unfurls across Glenfeshie and Sutherland where woodlands are flourishing, rivers run clean and wildlife can be spotted on the hillsides. Suddenly, screens are forgotten and families are captivated by the drama of nature and the simple act of being together.

Being outside together in nature has a magical power to change the dynamic of a family gathering. Children are free to roam independently through restored woodland and open glens, while adults can tap into a slower rhythm, set to the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Days become less structured and more about shared moments. 

In Glenfeshie, once heavily managed ground is now regenerating. WildLand’s regeneration and conservation work means native trees are returning and habitats are reconnecting. 

Here is where your journey begins, among the trees and quiet nooks of Glenfeshie, where you can breathe deeply and leave the rush of the outside world behind.

Day one

Arrive and step straight into the wild landscapes. A guided walk through regenerating woodland introduces the wonder of the glen with little details such as saplings taking root, captivating little minds.

Later, settle into shared spaces and enjoy a seasonal dinner prepared by your chef, with plenty of time to relax in each other’s company. 

Day two

Wake to views of the forest, river and open ground. For the brave, a morning wild swim in the clear river is a refreshing start as well as a spotlight on a landscape recovering its balance.

A pony picnic carries you across wide ground through new-growth woodland. A visit to nearby Ruthven Barracks is an evocative sight and adds a cultural layer to the day. The evening is unprogrammed, shaped by family whim rather than a formal agenda.

Day three

After breakfast, explore further afield in a 4×4, gaining a sense of adventure and scale across the Cairngorms. At the Highland Folk Museum, explore layers of history and  how land use has changed over time highlighting the vital work of WildLand.

Come evening, the drawing room fills with board games and conversation, sharing stories from a day in the wild. 

Day four

A hearty breakfast and provisions for the road mark the beginning of the journey north.

The drive from Glenfeshie to Sutherland takes around three to four hours, where forested glens give way to broader skies and open moorland. Stops along the way allow for a leg stretch or a photo opportunity. The landscape gradually shifts in character, becoming wilder and more expansive.

Arriving on the north coast brings a whole new sense of space.

Day five

After a long journey to Kinloch Lodge, the welcome is warm and genuine. Its proximity to the beach means kids can let off steam on the wild shores collecting shells and relishing in the fresh sea air.   

Day six

A fresh breakfast, full of delicious seasonal produce, sets the tone for the day with a laid-back morning. The sauna yurt and cold plunge await for bracing rejuvenation, while long walks on the beach may reveal the sight of marine life including dolphins, seals or whales at sea.

Evenings gather quietly around the fire as the chef prepares dinner. A relaxed ambience means children drift in and out while adults can linger over a drink. 

Day seven

A morning yoga session or gentle walk starts the day in appreciation of the surroundings. A final lunch together marks the close of a wonderful week in the wild. 

Every family break in the Highlands can be sculpted around your family’s needs, the variable Scottish weather and personal preference.  Nothing is fixed too tightly. The WildLand team handle arrangements discreetly, from local guidance to transport planning, ensuring ease throughout.

If you are considering bringing your family together for a journey through the Scottish Highlands, our team would be delighted to guide you.