Itinerary
- Optional: Meet outside Euston train station and board The Caledonian Sleeper train for an overnight journey to Aberdeen (bed in a twin-share, single-sex room)
- Meet your guide at 8am in Aberdeen and enjoy a scenic 1.5hr drive through Royal Deeside to Loch Muick where you will begin the ascent of Lochnagar (1,155m), one of Scotland’s most iconic Munros, admired by Queen Victoria and immortalized in poetry by Lord Byron.
- Expect dramatic cliffs, sweeping moorland, and unforgettable summit viewsover the Cairngorms.
- After reaching the summit of Lochnagar, you will descend back to the minibus and drive to the charming villages of Ballater or Braemar, nestled in the heart of the Highlands.
- You will check into your Highland hotel and enjoy a well-earned meal, perhaps sampling some local whisky.
- After breakfast, a short drive takes you to the Balmoral Estate, the summer retreat of the British royal family.
- Embark on the Royal Cairns Circuit, a scenic 3-4hr walk through woodlands and hills, visiting stone cairns built to commemorate members of the royal family.
- At the end of the day you can enjoy a leisurely drive back to Aberdeen, perhaps stopping for a quick café visit in Ballater, for your onward journey home (expect to arrive in Aberdeen at around 5pm)
- Optional: Board The Caledonian Sleeper train at 7pm for a relaxing journey to London/Birmingham/Crewe. The train is scheduled to arrive at London Euston around 8am on Monday
| 1-night accommodation |
| 2-days guided hiking by a highly experienced and qualified guide |
| Optional: Return Travel on The Caledonian Sleeper Train between London/Birmingham/Crewe and The Scottish Highlands, plus all road transfers in Scotland |
| Personal hiking kit |
| Food and drink |
| Personal travel insurance |
| Travel (unless that option is chosen) |
Note: The weather and ground conditions will not be known until closer to the date and full winter conditions, whilst expected at this time of year, cannot be guaranteed. The trip will go ahead regardless of conditions (The only exception being if the prevailing weather is too dangerous e.g. Thunderstorms)
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Trip Highlights
- Summit Lochnagar, one of Scotland’s most iconic Munros
- Discover the Royal Cairns Circuit, including Prince Albert’s Pyramid, the largest and most striking memorial.
- Experience the beauty of Loch Muick and the Balmoral Estate
- Enjoy a stay in a Highland village, with great food and cosy accommodation
- Optional: Add to the adventure with return travel on The Caledonian Sleeper Train!
2 reviews for Hike Lochnagar & the Royal Cairns
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Lochnagar and Royal Cairns hike was my first experience with City Mountaineering and – oh la la! – where do I start!? Top marks for our guide, Stuart (and his canine alter ego, Beinn) for seamless logistics, incredible knowledge, genuine passion, fun factor, kindness and attentiveness. It was a picture-perfect (and compact thanks to Caledonian Sleeper train) package of stunning landscapes of Lochnagar and Royal Balmoral Estate, wonderful company of like-minded hiking pals (small group, yeah!) and sense of peace. Thank you, City Mountaineering, for introducing me to my first Munro. A word of caution : these hikes seem to carry a high risk of becoming addictive: I believe that this type of hikes should be available on NHS as medicine for the mind 🙂
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I have enjoyed all the experience, from the Caledonian sleeper to the great hikes. Everything was well planned, Stuart was a great reliable guide, lovely people in the group, nice mountains and the super cute fun-loving Beinn 🐶
