If you’re an active family with kids aged 12 and up, yearning for an unforgettable adventure, look no further than the Highlands of Scotland. Scot Mountain Holidays offers a unique 2-day, 3-night experience designed to immerse you in the stunning landscapes and rich history of the Cairngorms. Here’s a glimpse into what awaits your family on this off-the-beaten-track journey.
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Fraoch Lodge. Arrive later in the day and join us for a delicious dinner made from local produce, much of it sourced from our own garden (except in the depths of winter). Over dinner, we’ll chat about your travels, families, and plans for the days ahead. Andy, our experienced guide, will check the weather and suggest a route for the following day’s hike. He’ll also ensure you have the right gear, as Scottish mountain hikes offer few opportunities for last-minute changes or resupplies.
Wake up to a hearty breakfast of your choice, prepare your packed lunch from an array of fresh options, and get ready for a day of exploration. Andy, who has been guiding in the Cairngorms for about 25 years, will lead you on a hike designed to familiarize you with the area. His deep knowledge of the landscape and its history will make this an enriching experience. You’ll learn about the unique flora and fauna, geology, and environmental conservation efforts in the region.
After your hike, return to the lodge where tea, cake, and a cozy fire (weather permitting) await you. Before dinner, we’ll review the weather and plan your route for the next day. This time, you’ll be on your own but fully equipped with a map, route description, and any necessary transportation arranged by us.
Start your day with another delicious breakfast and prepare for your self-guided hike. Armed with the knowledge and experience gained from your day with Andy, you’ll set out on a personalized route designed to match your ambitions and the prevailing weather conditions. Whether it’s a linear trail offering new vistas or a loop showcasing the diverse landscapes of the Cairngorms, you’re in for an adventure.
One of the highlights of hiking in this region is the chance to encounter wildlife. The Cairngorms are home to capercaillies, crested tits, reindeer, pine martens, wild cats, and the rare red squirrel. You never know what you might see on your journey.
At the end of your hike, we’ll pick you up and bring you back to the lodge for more tea, cake, and relaxation by the fire. This simple formula of eat, sleep, hike underlies all our trips, ensuring you’re well-fed and rested for each day’s adventure.
On your final morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and soak in the last moments of your Highland retreat. Despite the physical exertion, you’ll leave feeling mentally refreshed and ready to return home with memories of an incredible family adventure.
Only 120,000 red squirrels are left in Scotland. Less than half the number of grey squirrels.
Our “Get Off the Beaten Track” package is designed for families looking to explore and understand the Highlands through the eyes of an experienced guide. The base package includes:
For those looking to extend their stay, we offer optional packages including:
Ready to plan your Highland adventure? Email us for help in crafting the perfect vacation, hitting all the Highland hotspots and uncovering off-the-beaten-track surprises. For inspiration, check out our Pinterest board and Flickr account.
Join us at Scot Mountain Holidays for an adventure that will bring your family closer to nature and each other. The Highlands of Scotland are waiting for you!
Email us if you think we can help plan your vacation in Scotland – we can hit all the Highland hotspots and include some off the beaten track surprises you might not know about.
Walking is an excellent form of exercise, but you can really reap its benefits by ensuring you are eating the right foods for your workout. The key to your walking diet is to eat little and often. If you eat too much, you run the risk of feeling sluggish and not wanting to go any further, but eating too little can be equally dangerous as you need to keep your energy levels up when walking
Your walking diet isn’t just about what you eat while you’re on your walk. Eating the right foods before and after your walk is also important.
Water helps flush our systems of waste products and toxins, yet many people go through life dehydrated – causing tiredness, low energy, and headaches. It’s common to mistake thirst for hunger, so staying well hydrated may also help you make healthier food choices.
Find a physical activity that you like to do and add it to your day, even if it’s just small changes like taking the stairs instead of the lift or walking for 20 minutes in your lunch break. The benefits of exercise are abundant and regular activity may even help motivate you to eat more healthily.
The amount you need to eat depends on how far you are walking, your age, weight and general fitness levels.
Keeping hydrated is extremely important when walking. Make sure you carry plenty of water with you. You may also want to take some energy drinks with you to replace the salt you lose through sweating, but try to avoid drinks that have many additives. You can even make your own sports drink by mixing sugar and salt with water and some flavouring.
Some studies have shown that a short walk before breakfast is good for those who want to lose weight, but many people find they feel better if they have eaten. If you are going on a walk for more than 45 minutes, it’s very important that you eat a healthy breakfast before you set off.
A light breakfast that releases energy slowly is best, and this can include porridge or yoghurt with banana and other fruits. Everyone is different, so experiment with what works well for you and try to leave at least an hour before you set off on your walk.
Make sure you take plenty of snacks with you to maintain your energy levels throughout your walk. This can include fruit such as:
Nuts and seeds such as:
If you are going to sit down and have a rest and some lunch, go for some of the snacks above plus a food high in carbohydrates and protein. Opt for wholemeal versions of pasta, rice or bread where possible, as these are better for you. You might want to take a wrap or sandwich filled with healthy fillings such as cottage cheese and salad, fish, or lean, white meats such as chicken or turkey.
We make all the bread at Fraoch Lodge. More often than not we use a seeded granary recipe which always goes down well and is extremely nutritious. Some clients opt for alternatives or supplement their sandwiches with our homemade egg muffins, quiche or pasties.
If you have walked for two hours or more, you’ll need carbohydrates and protein to help replenish your muscles. You could try a recovery drink, or make your own smoothie out of yoghurt or milk, fruit and honey. Or, have a snack combining both carbs and protein such as a bagel or oatcakes with peanut butter or low-fat cheese.
We always have cake o’clock back at Fraoch Lodge and have started to include some savoury choices too such as oatcakes, cheese and olives as not everyone is keen on the sugar hit from our bakes.
Raspberry and pine nut bars ready to be cut up for packed lunch or tea cakes
In today’s fast-paced world, we are constantly bombarded by negativity, confined within office walls, and often motivated by little more than financial gain. At the same time, we watch others experience more, travel more, and seemingly live more. Despite saying “I’m fine,” many of us feel that something is missing. So, how do we restore balance and wellness in our lives?
Our early ancestors lived much simpler lives, focused on survival—finding food, managing the weather, and protecting their territories. Despite their challenges, they thrived by working alongside nature. Today, though we still innovate and create, our setting has drastically changed. The natural world that once sustained us is now hidden behind high-rise buildings, leaving many disconnected from the great outdoors.
Posing amid the grandeur of the Cairngorms scenery
A psychologist friend of mine often speaks about “wild therapy,” a practice that encourages people to step outside their usual indoor routines and engage with nature. Our ancestors’ daily lives required them to move, explore, and adapt. Today, we must make a conscious effort to do the same. Even a simple walk can make a world of difference.
“Walking holidays are a great way to discover new areas of the UK countryside,” says Matt Fox, CEO of Snaptrip.com. “It’s also a brilliant way to remove yourself from the stress of daily life and come home feeling rejuvenated.” Walking is one of the easiest and most effective ways to maintain both physical and mental well-being.
Walking in nature releases dopamine and serotonin—chemicals in the brain responsible for happiness and well-being. These neurotransmitters help reduce stress, anxiety, and even depression.
Humans evolved in tribal communities, and we have an innate need to connect with others. Walking introduces opportunities to meet new people, share experiences, and engage in positive interactions that boost mental health.
Research suggests that being in natural environments—whether green (land-based) or blue (water-based)—enhances cognitive function, memory, and creativity. It’s no surprise that spending time outdoors can lead to clearer thinking and fresh perspectives.
It may be tough at first, especially when tackling uphill climbs (I know this firsthand!), but persistence pays off. Regular walking improves endurance, strengthens muscles, and increases overall energy levels.
Sometimes, getting out of bed is an achievement in itself. But when you challenge yourself—whether it’s bagging a Munro or simply completing a scenic walk—you’ll feel a deep sense of satisfaction. That summit selfie is more than just a picture; it’s a reminder of your resilience.
Life moves fast, and it’s easy to get caught up in the rush. Taking time to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate the natural world can be a simple yet powerful act of self-care.
Paddling on the beach at Harris
Unlike many modern remedies for stress and fatigue, walking has no downside. It promotes better sleep, improves overall health, and is entirely free.
You don’t have to embark on an extreme expedition to reap the benefits of walking. Start small—choose a nearby trail, explore a new part of town, or plan a short walking holiday. If you need inspiration, we at Fraoch Lodge would love to help you begin your journey.
Map Travels list of 10 reasons to go on a walking holiday
https://www.forallourwellbeing.co.uk/wellbeing/walking/benefits-of-walking
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Fraoch Lodge, Deshar Road,
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