Intrepid : Scotland Family Holiday with Teenagers

Travel Highlights : 

An active family escape through the lush highlands

Gather the troops and embark on a trip through northern Scotland from Inverness. Through verdant countryside and past deep lochs, see the best of Scottish Highlands in six wonderful days. Stroll the grounds of Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness, paddle part of the Caledonian Canal from Fort William, and head on a number of short walks and hikes to spectacular viewpoints across the region. With plenty of active inclusions to tire the teens out, plus several dedicated periods of leisure time so you can explore all the things you want to see, this Scottish escape is the perfect mix for your tribe.

Why you'll love this trip :

• Learn the legends of Loch Ness and the fortress ruins on its banks with an included visit to Urquhart Castle for your small family group. It will be a history lesson like no other!
• There’s nothing like a short walk to get a true feel of a place when travelling. From Fort William, climb Cow Hill to see some stunning panoramas, plus view UK’s highest peak – Ben Nevis – in all its glory.
• See the countryside from another angle when you all embark on a canoeing adventure along the Caledonian Canal. Stretching right through the highlands, you’ll paddle a small section to the tiny town of Gairlochy.
• Experience centuries of Scottish history on display in the open-air Highland Folk Museum, and perhaps take the family to one of the local galleries in Kingussie on a free afternoon.
• With all the details covered, you’re free to keep your mind on exploring the highlands. Browse the craft shops? Discover the community of Aviemore? Fancy a spot of horse riding? It’s all your choice.

Is this trip right for you?

• Please ensure you consult your local government’s advice regarding domestic travel prior to booking this trip.
• There are a number of planned hikes on this trip, up to 4 hours in length. Be sure to pack adequate footwear and clothing to suit short hikes.
• This trip is new to our range this year. Despite rigorous planning and research, new itineraries can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a welcome surprise, but every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that is what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

Inclusions

• Meals - 5 breakfasts, 2 dinners
• Transport - Private mini van
• Accommodation - Hotels (5 nights)

Included activities

• Loch Ness - Urquhart Castle
• Loch Ness leader led walk
• Fort William - Hike
• Fort William - Caledonian Canal canoe
• Cairngorms National Park - Highland Folk Museum
• Cairngorms National Park - Hike

Important notes

• FAMILY TRIPS : Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.
• AGE : Minimum age for children on this trip is 10 years old
• DISCOUNT : A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children under 17 years of age at time of travel.
• STARTING/FINISHING TIME : This trip starts at 1pm on Day 1 at the Inverness Train station. On the last day you can depart at any time. Check out from the hotel will be at 10am

Joining point

Inverness Railway Station

Academy Street

IV2 3PY

Inverness

UNITED KINGDOM

Joining point instructions

The group meeting on day 1 will take place at 1pm in the ticket hall of Inverness Railway Station. Please look out for your leader who will be waiting in the fixed seating area and holding a sign with the Intrepid logo. Please make sure you are on time for this important meeting, as the group will leave Inverness straight after. If you can't find a flight or train that arrives on time we recommend you book an additional night in Inverness prior to the start of the trip.

Inverness has an international airport (airport code INV), or alternatively there are frequent train connections from Edinburgh and beyond. There is even a daily direct train from London Kings Cross.

Day 1: Inverness – Fort William

Welcome all to Inverness! Be sure to arrive around lunchtime for an important welcome meeting at 1 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and other families joining you for this Scottish adventure. Afterwards, hit the road towards Fort William, and stop via Urquhart Castle, which sits on the banks of Loch Ness. This riverside fortress ruins is packed full of history and is a great focal point of the loch and countryside around. After snapping some family photos and having a stroll, continue to Fort William, arriving around 5 pm. Keep the introductions going today with an included welcome dinner for you all!

Accommodation

Fort Williams (1 night)

Included Activities

Loch Ness - Urquhart Castle

Loch Ness leader led walk

Meals Included

Dinner

Special Information

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details for each member of your family. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent know. Consult the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ of your Essential Trip Information more information on where the meeting will take place.

Day 2: Fort William

After breakfast, lace up your walking shoes, as it’s time to get the crew active! You’ll begin and end the walk at your accommodation in Fort William, with the 4-hour hike taking you up a small peak on the edge of the village, known as Cow Hill. Marvel at stunning vistas greeting you at the top, over the nearby lochs and villages, and the mighty Ben Nevis behind – the highest peak in the UK. Return on foot to Fort William, arriving in the early afternoon. After your hike, the day is free for you and the kids to continue exploring at your own pace.

Accommodation

Fort William (1 night)

Included Activities

Fort William - Hike

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 3: Fort William

Today, keep the activity going with a canal canoeing adventure. After breakfast, take an easy 1-hour hike following the Great Glen Way, leading you to the Caledonian Canal. This stretch of water threads through the Scottish Highlands from Inverness all the way down to Fort William. Swap the walking trails for waterways as you jump in your awaiting canoes and paddle an approximately 11-kilometre section of the canal to the tiny village of Gairlochy. Afterwards, transfer back to Fort William and enjoy another afternoon at leisure. Your leader will be able to recommend a whole range of activities to consider today, so be sure to ask them if you’re stuck on what to do.

Accommodation

Fort William (1 night)

Included Activities

Fort William - Caledonian Canal canoe

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 4: Kingussie, Cairngorms National Park

Stock up on some breakfast, then embark on a scenic drive towards the Cairngorms National Park. En route, pass by the fascinating Highlands Folk Museum – a large outdoor display of typical life through the centuries. With an onsite café, it’s a great place to take some time and explore in depth. Also, keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels! From here, walk along a designated footpath to the village of Kingussie – your base for the next two nights. Once arrived, you guessed it – free time to get your bearings and perhaps grab some dinner in town.

Accommodation

Kingussie, Cairngorms National Park (1 night)

Included Activities

Cairngorms National Park - Highland Folk Museum

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 5: Kingussie, Cairngorms National Park

This morning, venture into the countryside on a scenic hike to peak of Creag Bheag (approximately 3-4 hours). Follow the trail to the peak, offering sweeping views across the national park. From above, you begin to understand how expansive, fertile and green the land is around. Peer over Loch Gynack and back towards the village, perhaps capturing a family selfie from the summit. Once back down in Kingussie, you have the afternoon to explore at your own pace. There’s a number of galleries and craft shops to explore, plus a nearby golf course and horse-riding experiences. Otherwise, it’s also possible to head to the town of Aviemore by public transport – a popular historic hub deep in the Cairngorms region. Rendezvous back with the group of families at night for an included dinner to celebrate your time in the Scottish Highlands.

Accommodation

Kingussie, Cairngorms National Park (1 night)

Included Activities

Cairngorms National Park - Hike

Meals Included

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 6: Kingussie, Cairngorms National Park

After breakfast, make your way to the nearby railway station – a short walk from the hotel. With no activities planned for today, you and your family are free to continue your adventure wherever you please, or else begin your homeward journey. There are regular trains heading north towards Inverness (approximately 1 hour), or otherwise, southbound routes to Edinburgh (approximately 2.5 hours) and Glasgow (approximately 3 hours) are available. It’s totally your call.

Meals Included

Breakfast

Prices listed are per person in Great British Pound, based on twin occupancy, rates for single occupancy may differ, Rates offered are including all discounts unless otherwise stated. All bookings are subject to availability. Other travel periods may be available. Some block out dates may apply. Rates may alter depending upon the dates requested and surcharges if applicable. Final booking confirmation only provided once payment has been processed. Contact our travel team for more details. Our Holiday Centre reserves the right to withdraw this promotion without notice at any time. Flights are not included. Pricing correct as at 4th Jan 2022