Spring is a fabulous time to explore the Scottish Highlands. As the seasons change bringing longer days, vibrant light, and new life, there really is no better time to get outside.
Seeking mountain-based activities? My local patch, the Cairngorms National Park, is home to five of Scotland’s six highest mountains. Here, winter hangs on late, and a locally-based and knowledgeable guide like myself can offer fantastic late-season winter hill walking or winter skills training on the vast, sub-Arctic Cairngorm Plateau, home to some of Scotland’s most persistent snow. In spring conditions, with firm snow on the summits and spring warmth in the glens, an Alpine-feel is experienced.
Fancy a lower adventure (with a bit less snow!) in the Cairngorms National Park? Spring offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the ancient Caledonian Forest which resonates with sounds from a plethora of bird species, some incredibly rare, going about their annual mating rituals. Near water, there is a chance of seeing an osprey. These incredible birds of prey return to Scotland from West Africa to breed each spring. The male bird in particular, keen to impress his female suitor with a fresh catch of the day, may be spotted diving spectacularly towards an unwitting fish. Even if you don’t catch sight of one of these magnificent creatures, the lochs still sparkle in the warm spring sunshine, perhaps having been ice-covered from a sharp overnight frost just hours earlier. And of course, rivers such as the Spey and Dee, famous for their salmon angling, weave their way through this stunning landscape.
There are many benefits to trying something new within a supported group / guided setting. Using my in-depth local knowledge, I can offer you several options to make the most of our time together, taking into account the weather on the day. You will not need to worry about planning, finding your way, or anything else, leaving you free to simply enjoy your surroundings in the company of those with whom you choose to walk. Moreover, being guided means so much more than following my rucksack up a hill! I am passionately fond of sharing the places that give me so much pleasure with others, and love nothing more than exploring aspects of their ecology, culture, natural and human history with you. I can even recommend some great places to enjoy a post-walk dinner!
All of my guided hill walking, mountain skills courses, and guided hiking experiences are offered for private bookings, on mutually-agreeable dates to suit you and your group. Private bookings allow you to go at your pace with participants of your choosing. For pairs, couples, or small groups of friends, private guiding is also very cost-effective. What’s more, complimentary use of specialist equipment such as crampons is included in the price, if required.
So, why not spring into action and make 2025 the year you try something new? You will be guaranteed a warm welcome and a knowledgeable and friendly local guide every step of the way.
Text: James Orpwood
Photos: Ellen Thornell