Highlands on Horseback
/ OVERVIEW
Adventure overview
Saddles, Falcons & Scottish Lore
A bespoke week that threads Scotland’s dramatic Highlands with equal parts saddle-time and story-time. Start in Edinburgh’s shadowy closes, then trade cobbles for countryside: handle falcons with master falconers, ride sure-footed Fjord horses through ancient pine forests and heathered peaks, picnic wild, and finish in regal style at The Fife Arms—Scotland’s most storied hotel. Castle tours, tartan lore, a clay-shoot finale and every meal steeped in local flavour round off a small-group journey where luxury and legend ride side by side.
Key highlights
- Ghost walk in Edinburgh’s Old Town
- Private visit to Edinburgh Castle and bespoke tartan fitting
- Hands-on falconry sessions in forest and field
- Three full days (≈ 90 km) on Norwegian Fjord horses—fast group & easy group divisions
- Boutique Highland lodging + one night at world-famous The Fife Arms
- Clay-shoot finale in woodland estate
- All-inclusive gourmet Scottish cuisine (non-alcoholic drinks)
/ ITINERARY
Itinerary
Day 1 – Shadows of Edinburgh
Day 1 – Shadows of Edinburgh
Airport meet-and-greet, hotel check-in, twilight ghost tour weaving plague tales and hidden vaults.
Day 2 – Castles & Falcons
Day 2 – Castles & Falcons
Morning at Edinburgh Castle, custom tartan session, drive into the countryside for an introduction to falconry, dinner fireside in the Magic Garden.
Day 3 – Forest Flight & Highland Road
Day 3 – Forest Flight & Highland Road
Walk the woods with your falcon on the glove, picnic among pines, then drive north as mountains unfold; overnight in a boutique lodge with mountain views.
Day 4 – Saddle Up
Day 4 – Saddle Up
Meet your Fjord horses; ride ancient Caledonian forest trails, pause for a linen-set picnic, return to the Highland lodge.
Day 5 – Peaks & Heather
Day 5 – Peaks & Heather
Full-day ride over rocky mountains, heather slopes and silent glens—watch for red deer, dine back at the lodge.
Day 6 – Final Ride, Fife Arms Night
Day 6 – Final Ride, Fife Arms Night
Morning river crossings and forest paths close the riding chapter; mid-afternoon check-in at The Fife Arms, art-filled rooms and a celebratory feast.
Day 7 – Clay & Farewell
Day 7 – Clay & Farewell
Clay-shoot session in birch woods, drive to Edinburgh by evening, tour ends (hotel this night not included).
/ ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation
Accommodation unfolds like the Highlands themselves—steeped in history yet brushed with quiet luxury. For the first four nights you’ll settle into hand-picked boutique lodges tucked among forests and stony glens: think beam-framed rooms with wool throws, crackling hearths, and windows that fill with misty mountain light. On the penultimate evening the journey crowns itself at The Fife Arms in Braemar, a restored 19th-century coaching inn now regarded as Scotland’s most storied hotel, where art-filled corridors lead to mahogany beds and a bar stocked with rare malts. Every double room comes with an en-suite bath, soft linens, and a waking view that reminds you exactly where you are—deep in Highland legend, yet wrapped in modern comfort.
/ FAQ
FAQ
What level of riding do I need?
What level of riding do I need?
You should be able to walk and trot confidently in open country and keep your balance at a canter. If you’ve taken a few lessons but never ridden long days, that’s fine—our calm Norwegian Fjord horses and the “easy” group pace will ease you in. Total novices, however, will find the week too demanding.
How long will we spend in the saddle each day?
How long will we spend in the saddle each day?
Expect between six and eight hours, including a lingering linen-set picnic in the hills. To keep everyone comfortable, the party splits into a faster and a steadier group, each with its own guide.
What kind of horses will we ride?
What kind of horses will we ride?
We use sure-footed Norwegian Fjords, 14–15 hands high—strong enough to handle rocky Highland trails, calm enough for riders who are still finding their rhythm.
What happens to my luggage while we ride?
What happens to my luggage while we ride?
Only your daily essentials travel in saddle-bags. Main luggage is whisked ahead by support vehicle and will be waiting at each lodge when you dismount.
What will the weather be like in late September?
What will the weather be like in late September?
The Highlands can serve four seasons in a single ride: crisp, golden mornings, mild afternoons, and occasional showers sweeping off the hills. Daytime highs hover around 14 °C, nights drop under 10 °C, and a light waterproof layer is a must. We’ll send a detailed packing list once you book.
Can you cater for special diets?
Can you cater for special diets?
Absolutely. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free or other needs are welcome—just let us know in advance so our lodge chefs can stock the right Scottish produce.
How big is the group?
How big is the group?
We keep it intimate—no more than seven guests—so everyone gets personal riding tips, plenty of guide attention and space at dinner to share stories by the fire.
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