East Highland Trek Break
The walking: Our latest walking break, the East Highland Trek is brand new for 2010.
Starting from the Cateran Trail (in Angus and East Perthshire) and finishing in Aviemore, this fantastic trek over high Scottish mountains follows old rights of way and drovers roads taking in some of the most stunning scenery of the Angus Glens and the Cairngorms National Park amid the Eastern Highlands of Scotland.
The route traverses an area steeped in history, ghost stories, unusual geological features and abundant wildlife so there's never a dull moment and something to interest everyone. The guided break benefits from a mountain leader and full vehicle support.
Length: 6 days/5 nights
Total distance: 83 km/51miles
Grade 4: This is a strenuous walking break so walkers are advised to be fit and experienced at long days in the hills. There is a grade 5 option on Day 5
Leader/group ratio: 1:6 (Minimum number 4)
Six-day, guided East Highland Trek itinerary
Day 1: The adventure begins in Glenisla on the eastern side of the Cateran Trail. From here the "easiest" walking day heads to Glen Prosen. Some say this is the most picturesque of the Angus Glens - it's certainly the most tranquil.
Day 2: A fabulous walk heads over the mountain to Glen Clova, bagging one of the area's Munros, Driesh, on the way. A fantastic ridge walk follows with a descent to the accommodation in Glen Clova. Here you can relax, enjoy good food and keep an eye on the crags to see if you can spot one of the golden eagles nesting in the area.
Day 3: Walkers are transported to the start of Jock's Road, an old drover's road said to be the oldest right of way in Scotland linking Glen Doll to Auchallater, near Braemar. This is one of the best-known hill tracks in Scotland. This walk has acquired a mysterious ghostly reputation over the years - and Glentrek guides are there to fill you in with the details...
Day 4: This is a "rest" day, in preparation for the big day tomorrow. You can take the time to explore Braemar Castle or just relax in the coffee shops of this Highland's village. If you're feeling energetic, Glentrek can guide you on a shorter walk up the nearby Corbett of Morrone or you can spend a half-day orienteering around Creag Choinnich.
Day 5: You will be transported to Linn of Dee and the start of the walk into the Lairig Ghru. The route follows a spectacular and challenging drove route, which is on every hiker's must-do list. It's a trek into the Highland wilderness, which passes through the giant Mountains of the Cairngorms and through the Chalamain Gap to Glenmore.
High level option: Glentrek can offer a High Level route that follows the Lairig Ghru but takes in the peaks of Carn a Mhaim (1037m) and Ben MacDui (1309m). This route ends at the car park at Coire Cas. This is an option depending on weather and fitness and is graded 5.
Day 6: Transport back to Glenisla or to Dundee if required.
Prices:
Option 1: £650 per person
Includes: Three-star hotels or guesthouse on a B&B basis, baggage transfers, daily transport to and from walks, mountain leader guide.
Option 2: £465 per person
Includes: Bunkhouse or hostels accommodation (breakfast available for purchase), baggage transfers, daily transport to and from walks, mountain leader guide.
Dates for 2010: May 3 -8, June 7-12, July 12-17, Sept 6-11.