National Parks of the UK Walking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Aviemore, Hike Meall a’Bhuachaille

Meet your guide at the Aviemore train station by 10:00 AM. Aviemore is a small town located in Cairngorms National Park. Your tour begins with a circuit hike on the nearby Meall a’Bhuachaille mountain. First, walk through a lovely pine forest until you come to a small shelter called a bothy found at the head of the pass. A steep but steady climb along a very good trail takes you straight to the mountain’s summit. Complete the circuit as you descend from the summit, then transfer to the east across Cairngorms National Park to Ballater village in the Royal Deeside region.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ballater Village
Distance: 4-5 hours, 9 km, 550 m elevation gain
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 Hike in Cairngorms National Park

In Royal Deeside lies Lochnagar, a peak widely considered to be the most spectacular in the Cairngorms. On its northern side are a series of scenic cliffs that beautifully frame a small loch nearby. A wide range of hiking opportunities are available in the area and your guide will select the best one for your group based on current conditions, and the abilities and interests of your group. From a circuit route around the loch to summit hikes to the surrounding peaks such as Connacraig, to the hike to the summit of Lochnagar itself, there is something for everyone in this delightful area.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ballater Village
Distance: 4-7 hours, 12-20 km, up to 930 elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Cairngorms National Park Walk

Take one last hike in the Cairngorms this morning. Start near Braemar village and hike through lovely woods and glens on a low-level circuit route. Start at an amazing waterfall and hike through the Quoich River valley (Glen Quoich), then continue to Glen Lui via a cleft in hillside. End your hike with another incredible waterfall, the Linn o’Dee waterfall. After this hike, say farewell to Cairngorms National Park and transfer to the famous Loch Lomond in Trossachs National Park. Check in to your hotel in a lovely village called Luss, on the shores of Loch Lomond.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Luss
Distance: 5 hours, 16 km, 400 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Hiking near Loch Lomond

Climb slowly and steadily up a grassy ridge outside the village of Luss to reach an overlook with breathtaking views of Loch Lomond. Notice the small wooded islands in the lake and the striking landscape that surrounds you. Continue to climb from the overlook to the summit where, instead of loch views, you’ll find incredible mountain vistas including Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps. Hike down again to the village of Luss with enough time remaining in the day to explore the village at your leisure.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Luss
Distance: 4-5 hours, 12 km, 725 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Walking in Trossachs National Park

Follow a well-established trail to the summit of an iconic peak in Trossachs National Park that’s a favorite with locals. Sir Walter Scott once claimed that the view from here was the finest in Scotland. The trail begins in a forested area which opens up as you ascend to give excellent views of the southern region of the Highlands. The final approach to the summit is very steep but well worth it when you see the views from the top.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Luss
Distance: 5-6 hours, 6 km, 150 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Explore Hadrian’s Wall and Sycamore Gap

Enjoy a relaxing day as you travel south from Scotland to England. In addition to crossing the border between these two countries, you’ll also cross an ancient, historic border from the time of the Roman Empire. You can see this border in what remains of Hadrian’s Wall. After a break for lunch, walk along Hadrian’s Wall from the ruins of Housesteads Roman Fort to the Sycamore Gap, which is one of the most scenic and well-preserved locations along the wall. The lone tree here is sometimes called the “Robin Hood Tree” since it featured prominently in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Join the large number of people who have photographed this iconic location. Then continue travelling to reach Yorkshire Dales, the third national park on your tour.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Orton
Distance: 2 hours, 6 km, 150 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Circuit walk from Askrigg to Aysgarth

Hike today from the beautiful Askrigg Village in Wensleydale to Aysgarth Village. The walk takes you high along the walls of the valley to reach the stunning Aysgarth Falls, then return to Askrigg, meandering back along the tranquil riverside. Stop to eat lunch in a local tearoom then enjoy a private sheepdog demonstration. You’ll be amazed at the special bond that has developed over the years between the farmer and his sheepdogs. This unique experience is sure to be a highlight of your tour.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Orton
Distance: 5-6 hours, 18 km, 320 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Eden Valley Walk

Hit the trail early today for a hike in the lovely Eden Valley. This area is characterized by a limestone plateau near the villages of Great Asby and Orton. There is much to see as you explore the area, including forts and ancient stone circles. Return to Orton for a visit to a chocolate shop, then travel west to the Lake District. In the afternoon, visit Beatrix Potter’s “Hill Top” farmhouse from the 17th Century.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Glenridding
Distance: 2 hours, 6 km, 200 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Hike in the Eastern Fells

Hike in the hills of the Eastern Fells today, on the prominent and distinctive St Sunday Crag (841 m / 2,759 ft). Walk along the long ridge leading to the craggy summit where you’ll find dramatic gullies and fantastic views of the Helvellyn ridges. Continue along the ridge then climb steeply over Cofa Pike (823 m / 2,700 ft) to Fairfield. After this, begin your descent to Grisedale Tarn (538 m / 1,765 ft), a stunning glacial lake. As you continue descending into the valley, pause to appreciate the beauty of the rocky crags on both sides of the valley. When you return to the inn, celebrate the last night of this amazing tour with a special farewell dinner.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Glenridding
Distance: 5-6 hours, 15 km, 750 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Ride the Ullswater Steamer, Hike to Glenridding

After breakfast, a short walk brings you to an award-winning Ullswater Steamer boat that will take you to Howtown on Ullswater lake. Then hike along the Ullswater shoreline, over rocky beaches and through forests, to return to Glenridding. Stop to eat lunch at a cafe along the way, then return to the van to transfer to Penrith. Your tour ends at the Penrith train station. Please plan onward travel for after 5:00 PM. Have a pleasant journey!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 4 hours, 11 km, 250 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch