Hike Lochnagar & The Royal Balmoral Estate

*TRIP FULL*

Step into the heart of the Cairngorms National Park for a weekend of stunning mountain scenery, royal history, and Highland charm.

RETURN TRAVEL ON THE CALEDONIAN SLEEPER TRAIN INCLUDED!
A bed in a single-sex, twin room from London to The Cairngorms (return)! - NO DAYS OFF WORK!
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This unforgettable adventure begins with an overnight journey on the Caledonian Sleeper, taking you from the bustle of London to the wild beauty of Scotland.
Over two days, you’ll hike one of Scotland’s most famous Munros, explore historic royal landmarks, and immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes—all while enjoying cozy Highland hospitality.
On Saturday, we’ll take on the mighty Lochnagar (1,155m), a Munro renowned for its dramatic cliffs and sweeping summit views. The hike offers a perfect mix of challenge and reward, with unforgettable scenery stretching across the Cairngorms. Afterward, we’ll relax in the charming village of Ballater or Braemar, enjoying a well-earned meal and a comfortable stay in a Highland hotel.
Sunday brings a change of pace with a scenic walk through the Balmoral Estate, following the Royal Cairns Circuit, a trail that winds through forests, hills, and striking stone cairns built in memory of the British royal family.
Trip Highlights:
✅ Summit Lochnagar, one of Scotland’s most iconic Munros
✅ Discover the Royal Cairns Circuit, including Prince Albert’s Pyramid
✅ Experience the beauty of Loch Muick and the Balmoral Estate
✅ Enjoy a stay in a Highland village, with great food and cozy accommodation
✅ Travel in comfort on the Caledonian Sleeper—a true Scottish adventure!
We will sort out the logistics, travel and accommodation - You just need to turn up at the meeting point and enjoy :)

You don't need to have any prior experience (although reasonable fitness is expected as it is a mountain after all) and the small group size will enable us to give you our full attention throughout the weekend, ensuring your safety and enjoyment is our number one priority.
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ITINERARY
Please note that exact timings and order of activities are subject to change, based on the local conditions at the time.

Day 0 - Friday evening

• Meet outside London Euston train station at 8pm and board the Caledonian Sleeper train from London to Aberdeen and settle in for a night of adventure on the rails (bed in a single-sex, twin room with one of your fellow adventurers).
• Drift off to the gentle rhythm of the train, dreaming of the mountains ahead.

Day 1 - Saturday: Hike Lochnagar & Highland Stay

• Meet your guide as your overnight train arrives 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.

Day 2 - Sunday: The Royal Cairns & return to London

• 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.
• Highlights include:
• Prince Albert’s Pyramid, the largest and most striking memorial.
• Beautiful forest trails and views over Balmoral Castle.
• At the end of the day you can enjoy a leisurely drive back to Aberdeen, perhaps stopping for a quick café visit in Ballater before boarding the Caledonian Sleeper and settling in for a smooth overnight journey back to London (expect to arrive at London Euston around 8am on Monday)

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DIFFICULTY: This trip is designed to be an easy-moderate 2-days in Scotland. The routes are straight forward but some steep uphill and downhill hiking is unavoidable. A reasonable level of fitness is expected, but you don't need to be a super-athlete to join this trip.
Your qualified guide is highly experienced enough to keep the pace slow and everyone happy, safe and motivated throughout the trip

TRANSPORT: A bed on The Caledonian Sleeper Train between London and Aberdeen and minibus road transfers in Scotland

ACCOMMODATION: Single-sex, twin rooms on The Sleeper Train and single-sex rooms in a warm and comfy highland hotel
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Join us for a weekend of adventure, history, and breathtaking landscapes—the perfect Highland escape! 🚶‍♂️🏔️✨

Cost: £465. To join, simply RSVP and pay the £100 deposit. We'll then be in contact with more details

Included in the price:

• Return Sleeper Train train travel between London and Aberdeen
• Transport and logistical support in Scotland
• 1 night accommodation in Scotland
• 2-days guided hiking by a highly experienced and qualified mountain leader

Not included in the price:

• All food/drink
• Personal hiking kit
• Personal travel insurance

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All City Mountaineering trips are compliant with the 2018 Package Travel regulations (including financial protection)

Please be aware of our Participation Statement and Terms & Conditions prior to joining