In the Stillness of Scotland
Explore Loch Lomond & The Trossachs before continuing into the vast pine forests of the Cairngorms, letting the noise of the mind fade as you listen to the power of nature. Take part in wild swims, learn about tradition or simply pause and observe the quiet movement of wildlife.
Trip highlights
- Canoe across serene lochs beneath wide Scottish skies
- Forage with a local expert and create wild infusions
- Wild swim and sauna amid the Cairngorms’ tranquility
- Relax during an apitherapy session among 60,000 bees
- Cook and connect in Ghillie Basan’s home kitchen
- Unwind with forest sound healing in hammocks
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada concierge
Days 1-3
Arrive in Lochearnhead
Start your adventure in Lochearnhead, a small loch-side village in the Scottish Highlands that’s surrounded by woodland and hills. The village itself sits within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park which covers around 720 square miles (1,865 square kilometres) of protected landscape. The national parks’ landscapes are varied, stretches from lowland shores to highland peaks, and includes Loch Lomond – the largest lake in Great Britain.
This is a place of working farmland and quiet hills, where people have lived with the land for generations and learnt to read the weather and seasons. Along the way, you can explore the area’s remarkable history at viewpoints such as Conic Hill and historic Stirling Castle as you slow down, ground yourself in your surroundings and prepare for what comes next.
Close to nature
A gentle start
Bee-led therapy
Wild flavours
On the water
An afternoon tea with Highland sheep
Stop for afternoon tea served outdoors in a garden setting with wide Highland views. As the tea is laid out, a small herd of fluffy sheep amble over – they’re curious, calm and surprisingly good company. As you sit among them, you notice soft bleats and the quiet movement of the herd. Their steady, instinctive nature becomes clear in this peaceful moment, offering a closer sense of their character in such a beautiful place.
Unwind with an apitherapy experience
Spend the morning inside a custom-built apipod (a wooden structure used for beekeeping), surrounded by the hum of roughly 60,000 bees. The hive’s low-vibration soundscape mimics frequencies used in sound therapy and has been shown to lower anxiety and reduce stress levels. Breathe more deeply, and let the natural rhythm of the hive remind you that rest is also purposeful.
Forage and craft cocktails with a local ghillie
Spend the afternoon with a local ghillie, an estate guide who leads you across the Highlands in search of wild herbs, berries and native plants. Along the way you’ll learn how these ingredients have long been used for food, flavour and natural remedies. Back in the kitchen, there will be a hands-on session of mixing, muddling and shaking, to turn what you’ve gathered into cocktails that capture the freshness of the landscape.
A canoe adventure across a Scottish loch
Spend the day canoeing across calm waters, surrounded by breathtaking hills and open sky. Guided by a local paddling expert, you’ll learn about the loch’s wildlife and how the shifting seasons alter its colours, light and activity. Stop for a simple and delicious picnic sourced from local producers on the shore before setting off again.
Days 3-5
Wild Kingussie
Kingussie is a small Highland town in Scotland, set in the Cairngorms National Park beside the River Spey, below the northern slopes of the Monadhliath Mountains. With paths starting close to town, it is the gateway for highland exploration on foot.
From Kingussie you can follow quiet roads and trails into Glen Feshie, part of a major sustainable forest regeneration project. The route leads to an open valley and high moorland where more than 5,000 species – including plants, insects, birds, mammals and fungi – have been recorded. And around one fifth are nationally rare or scarce. As habitats are restored, wildlife is returning. Keep an eye out for red squirrels, black grouse, capercaillie and golden eagles on your hikes.
Into the moment
Folklore by the fire
Among the trees
Learn the craft
Listen to stories of the Cairngorms
Settle in with a drink and spend the evening with a local storyteller. Through a mix of myth, humour and local history, you’ll hear tales about the Cairngorms – stories of the land, its people and the wild places you can see around you. It’s a relaxed and engaging way to connect with local life and feel part of Scotland’s living heritage for a moment.
Rest with a forest sound healing session
Head into the woods for a sound healing session led by an experienced therapist. Rest in a hammock and take a moment to be still, surrounded by the serene movement of the trees. As gentle vibrations and natural sounds fill the air, you’ll breathe in the forest’s phytoncides, which are natural compounds known to reduce stress and support well-being.
A greenwood carving experience
Immerse yourself in the mindful craft of greenwood carving, learning traditional techniques in a tranquil woodland setting. Guided by an expert carver, you’ll work with freshly cut wood, shaping it with care and precision. As the natural grain guides your hands, find a sense of calm focus and creation.
Days 5-7
Explore Braemar
Surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Cairngorms, Braemar sits where the River Dee meets the Clunie Water. The village is known for its dramatic scenery, royal connections and close proximity to Balmoral Castle, the Scottish residence of the Royal Family. It’s also home to the Braemar Gathering, one of Scotland’s oldest Highland Games, which continues to celebrate local culture and tradition each September.
At around 339 metres above sea level, Braemar sits in one of the highest valleys in the UK. Its elevation influences the quality of the light, making bright days feel especially clear. In this final stage of the journey notice how the trails that lead away from the village are still and calm, contrasting with the energetic movement of the rivers’ cascading waters.
Make it mine
Local life and cuisine
Hot and cold
Cook with Ghillie Basan in her Highland home
Your journey takes you to the welcoming home of writer and broadcaster Ghillie Basan. From her kitchen overlooking the hills, Ghillie invites you to join a hands-on cooking session using locally foraged ingredients. Together, you’ll prepare a mix of traditional and inventive dishes while learning about the region’s food heritage and influences from her travels.
A wild swim and sauna in the Cairngorms
Join your guide on a hike through the ancient Caledonian pine forests, passing peaceful lochs and open viewpoints until you reach a secluded riverside camp. Here, take a wild swim in the cool water – an invigorating challenge supported by your private expert, who can explain the benefits behind this type of immersion. After your swim, warm up in a traditional sauna and let the heat ease your muscles. It’s remarkable how a change in temperature can leave you feeling refreshed and rebalanced.
This was our second trip with Jacada and both have been amazing experiences. The staff was so accommodating especially when Alex had to comb all of Edinburgh to change our restaurant reservations. We were especially thrilled with our guide, Ross. He was extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. I would recommend him to anyone traveling to Scotland
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
