Why our guests keep coming back to the Highlands

They realise they’ve only scratched the surface

Many first-time visitors arrive with a list of famous places they want to see. Loch Ness, Glen Coe, the Isle of Skye and perhaps Ben Nevis often feature heavily.

What surprises them is how quickly they become attached to places they had never heard of before arriving.

Someone who spends a week in the Cairngorms may leave having discovered favourite glens, forests and viewpoints they had never heard of before arriving. Instead of feeling they’ve “done” the Highlands, they leave with a list of places they’d like to explore next time. Or places they’d like to share with a partner, friends or the kids next time.

People really appreciate the space and wild feeling

One of the things people really learn to appreciate about the Highlands is the lack of crowds; the open spaces; the sheer quantity of terrain to explore and the lack of restrictions due to our outdoor access legislation.

Many of our guests spend their working lives in busy towns and cities. Even those who are fortunate enough to live in beautiful areas are often surprised by the sense of freedom here. Many of our guests comment during their stay about the quality of the water and the air. Some of them notice the lichens on the trees and know that that is a sign of the high quality/freshness of the air. Guests frequently comment that they can walk all day and only meet a handful of other people; if any at all.

The Highlands change with the seasons

Some guests first discover the Cairngorms in June when the pinewoods are alive with birdsong and the wildflowers are at their best. Then they return in October and can hardly believe it’s the same place. A walk enjoyed among autumn colours can feel like a completely different route when revisited with the spring birdsong or winter snow.

Many guests who first visit in summer later return specifically to experience autumn colours or winter conditions.

In autumn you have the many varied colours, glorious rainbows and spectacular sunsets/sunrises; in Spring, the birdsong and wildflowers are at their best. (This year – 2026 – the cotton grass on Dava Moor was exceptional.) In summer, people always comment on the long evening hours and are able to enjoy the sound of bagpipes and observe or even participate in the Highland Games. Then in winter, we have the snow. Summer guests always assume this means we are inundated with skiers, but the truth is we see far more winter walkers and people wanting the learn the specialist skills they need for walking in winter.

They come back for the people

Many of our guests have ties to Scotland. They might live in Australia or London or Ohio, but they’ve either lived here in their youth or grown up with stories their parents or grandparents have told them about their homes in Scotland.

When it comes to our own repeat guests, not only do many have ties to family in Scotland, but they have been on so many trips with other members of the group that they come back to enjoy another trip with the same guests, with us. Over the years, Andy has developed plenty of itineraries inspired by returning guests and the places they still want to explore. He enjoys the camaraderie of the group and likes to tempt them back time and again to do different hills, different walks, explore different areas; or attempt to complete their Munro list. In fact, Andy is now close enough to completing his own Munro round that he has already identified which summit he hopes will be his last. Several long-standing guests have jokingly suggested they should be there to witness it.

Some guests stay in touch outside of the trip and have even become genuine friends over the years. Often they know who is intending to join that year’s trip before we do.

They like being known

When one of our repeat guests books with us, it’s like a friend is coming to visit. Usually we remember what their preferences are:

coffee or tea at breakfast; who likes their coffee black; who likes sugar; whether we need to pack ketchup or bacon to supplement the breakfasts; who prefers rice or chilli sauce; whether soups or desserts should make up the majority of the menu. Because we are close to the guests during their trip, we can pick up these clues and enhance the holiday along the way with extra little touches.

None of this appears on a booking form. It comes from spending time together and getting to know people over successive visits.

Many guests discover new challenges

Some guests arrive hoping simply to enjoy a week of walking in the Highlands. A few years later they’re returning for a winter skills course, a Munro week or their first backpacking adventure.

Conclusion

One of the greatest privileges of running Scot Mountain Holidays is welcoming familiar faces back year after year. We started the business here in the Highlands because we love the Highlands and enjoy sharing that with others. We run it the way we do because we love to share the travel experience and camaraderie with our guests.

The Highlands reward repeat visits. A favourite walk looks different in a new season. A glen explored in sunshine invites a return in autumn colours. A guest who once doubted their ability to walk a Munro finds themselves planning the next challenge.

The Highlands are not a “once seen, done” destination. And fortunately for us, many of our guests seem to agree.