A Wild New Year - 30 Dec
30 December 2024 - 03 January 2025
New Year’s Eve: boring parties; huge crowds; the same old fireworks displays. There must be a better way to see in the new year!
This trip includes a bed in a twin-share room on the Caledonian Sleeper Train (London to The Scottish Highlands return)
Break from tradition this year and do something different. Escape the city, get out to the mountains of Scotland and sing Auld Lang Syne in the country of its origin, dram of whisky in hand!
Join our Wild New Year and spend 3-days in the Scottish wilderness beside a crackling fire with an open bottle of whisky.
The exact location of the Wild New Year will be chosen closer to the time. We’ll choose the areas with the best weather and the best ground conditions. In recent years we’ve hiked the Isle of Skye, the northwest Highlands, Glen Coe, the far northern mountains and the Cairngorms.
It’s always spontaneous and always fun!
You’ll be met in Inverness and whisked away to the wilds of the Scottish mountains. If they are in full winter condition (i.e. covered in snow) you’ll be provided with ice axes and crampons and be taught how to use them.
* Note: If weather doesn't allow a wild camp adventure, we will see in the New Year at a local pub (possibly in Aviemore, or maybe a little more remote)
The exact itinerary and location of the trip will be determined closer to the time by weather and ground conditions (being flexible allows us to seek out the best weather). The following is an example itinerary:
• Monday 30 December - Meet outside London Euston train station for a 21:00 departure on The Caledonian Sleeper train (lie flat beds in twin share rooms). Sleep through the night as the train transports you to the Scottish Highlands.
• Tuesday 31 December - You will be met by your guide at the train station and given a trip breifing before heading straight out in to the wilderness!
You will hike for c.15km on good terrain before pitching tents for the night and sleeping under the stars. You will set the fire going, make some mulled wine and see in New Year in one of the finest places in the world!
• Wednesday 01 January - After breakfast (and maybe clearing your heads with a wild swim) you will pack away the kit and continue on your jounrey in the Winter Wonderland of The Scottish Highlands.
A second night in the wild awaits, next to a remote lake and surrounded by mountains.
• Thursday 02 January - Today you will hike back out to civilisation before heading to a local pub for a hearty dinner.
You will have the opportunity to explore the local area before an evening departure on The Caledonian Sleeper train back to London (train will depart at approximately 9pm)
Dont worry about heading straight to the train from the wilderness, you will be in first-class carriages on your return jounrey, with en suite showers and toilet facilities.
• Friday 03 January - Arrive in London at around 8am.
* Note: If weather doesn't allow a wild camp adventure, we will see in the New Year at a local pub (possibly in Aviemore, or maybe somewhere a little more remote)
