Friendly Highland Tours

Cairngorms National Park Private Tour

A day of forests, lochs, and calm beauty

Join Aleman for a private journey through the UK’s largest national park. This area is known for its peaceful landscape, clear lochs, and friendly community that welcomes every visitor. Experience wildlife watching and the park’s charm throughout the day.

Start your journey with nature

What Awaits You on Your Cairngorms Private Tour

Quick Tour Overview - Cairngorms National Park Tour

This Cairngorm National Park tour starts with a relaxed morning drive from Inverness. I will collect you from your hotel or B&B before we set off. The route passes through villages, mountain viewpoints, and open countryside. It is the perfect start to a day surrounded by nature and wildlife.
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    Depart from Inverness
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    Loch Morlich
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    Cairngorm Mountain Railway (Optional Train Ride)
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    Aviemore for Lunch
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    Extra Attractions
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    Highland Wildlife Park
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    The Green Loch – An Lochan Uaine
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    Tomatin Distillery Tour optional add-on
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Price From
£595.00
Tour Length
10 hours
Tour Time
9:00 am
-
7:00 pm
Group Size
1-8 fantastic people

More people? Contact Me

Follow the road

Full itinerary

Loch Morlich
We start the day with a drive through Glenmore Forest at the park’s core. Loch Morlich sits below the highest mountains in the region and glows with clear water. The sandy beach and tall pines make it a peaceful stop. You can walk by the shore or enjoy the calm view of the river nearby.

Worth knowing: There is a cafe, restrooms, and flat paths near the loch. Comfortable shoes are best for short walks.

Cairngorm Mountain Railway
Next, we head to the Cairngorm Mountain Base Station. It is one of the area’s most popular Cairngorms National Park attractions. You can take the funicular train for wide mountain views or relax at the cafe and viewing terrace. I stay nearby while you explore. (Optional Train Ride)

Aleman’s tip: Bring a light jacket, as the air can feel cool even on bright days.

Important: Train tickets must be booked before the tour. The service may close during strong winds. So please check in advance.

Aviemore for Lunch
We stop in Aviemore for lunch. It is a small town known for its welcoming atmosphere and variety of local cafes. This is a great spot to try a local dish or relax for a while. You will have time to eat, rest, and browse the shops before we continue.

Worth knowing: Lunch is not included in the tour price. Some cafes can get busy. But, I know a few quiet local spots for a comfortable break.

Extra Attractions
The afternoon allows time for one or two more visits. I choose these based on the weather and what you would like most.

Possible stops include:
Ruthven Barracks – Historic ruins with open views of the park’s wide countryside.
Boat of Garten – A peaceful forest village where you might see ospreys fishing in the river.
Loch an Eilein – A loch with an island castle surrounded by ancient pines.

Worth knowing: The paths are clear and easy to follow. I plan this part so there is no rush. Each stop offers a different activity, from short walks to photo moments.

Highland Wildlife Park
The Cairngorms Wildlife Park is a favourite among travellers who love animals and open spaces. It is home to Scottish species and rare animals, including wildcats, bison, and red deer. You can explore the park freely while I wait in the car park.

Aleman’s tip: A zoom-enabled camera helps you capture special moments and enjoy your time close to nature and wildlife.

Important: Tickets must be booked in advance. Entry times fill quickly in summer.

The Green Loch – An Lochan Uaine
The Green Loch is one of my favourite places in the park. The water shines with a deep green colour, and the short trail through the forest feels peaceful and refreshing. It is a calm and quiet stop before we head back north.

Worth knowing: The path is flat and takes about 20 minutes each way. It can be damp after rain, so wear good shoes. I wait nearby while you enjoy the walk.

Tomatin Distillery (Custom Route Only)
optional add-on
Tomatin Distillery is a good option for whisky lovers. The guided tour explains how Highland single malt is made and includes a tasting. The visit takes about an hour. To include it, I may shorten or replace one or two other stops. The timing still feels relaxed, and the day remains full of variety.

Important: Distillery tours must be booked in advance, ideally for 2:00 or 2:30 PM.

Return to Inverness
The drive back to Inverness passes through open glens and forest roads. It is the perfect time to reflect on your day among the park’s beauty. The mix of peaceful wilderness, friendly people, and gentle scenery makes this one of Scotland’s most memorable tours.
Ready for adventure?

This tour is one of my favourites - it’s got everything that makes the Highlands special: scenery, stories, castles, and friendly faces. I’ll help you plan it so you can see as much or as little as you want without ever feeling rushed.

+44 7848 460 773
Want to make your journey even better?

Add a Little Extra To Your Tour

After spending a day exploring Loch Ness, many guests decide to extend their experience or tailor it just a bit more. Aleman can easily adjust your itinerary or help you plan extra services that make your trip even smoother.

optional add-on
Airport & Cruise Transfers
Start your adventure the moment you arrive. Aleman can arrange private transfers from Inverness Airport, your hotel, or the Invergordon cruise port. Your journey begins and ends in comfort.

Aleman’s tip: If you are flying in or sailing out. Let us connect the tour with your travel plans so you make the most of your time.

optional add-on
Extra Touring Days
Turn your day trip into a multi-day Highland adventure. Explore further north along the NC500. Travel west to the Isle of Skye. Find more hidden gems off the usual route.

Aleman’s tip: I can plan accommodation stops and suggest great B&Bs and restaurants along the way.

optional add-on
Whisky, History & Local Life
Add something you love. A distillery visit, local lunch, or extra scenic stop. Small adjustments can completely change the feel of your journey without rushing.

Aleman’s tip: Some places (like distilleries or castle entries) require pre-booking, especially in summer.

optional add-on
Private Photography or Slow Travel Options
Prefer more time for photos or a relaxed pace? Aleman’s flexible schedules make it easy to focus on what you enjoy most.

Aleman’s tip: I can plan extra time for scenic stops or arrange a private photographer to capture those moments.

Important notes

Practical Information

Every detail is taken care of, so you can simply relax and enjoy the journey. Here’s everything you need to know before setting off on your Loch Ness adventure:

Vehicle
Travel in comfort aboard Aleman’s Ford Tourneo Custom – spacious, air-conditioned, with room for up to 8 guests and extra luggage if needed.
Group Size
Ideal for couples, families, or small groups. For larger parties, Aleman can arrange additional vehicles and drivers.
Meals
Lunch stops are flexible. Aleman knows great local cafés and restaurants and will happily recommend where to eat based on your taste and timing.
Availability
This tour runs all year round. Every season offers something different — from misty winter lochs to bright summer skies.
Licensed & Insured
Friendly Highland Tours is a fully licensed private hire operator, fully insured for passenger travel.
Relax - I’ll organise everything for you

Every group is different - families, friends, first-time visitors. Tell me what you’d like, and I’ll make it work so the day feels just right for you.

+44 7848 460 773
Ready when you are

Booking Your Tour

Before you book, tell us how you’d like to plan your tour:

If you’re happy with the planned route and stops, you can book instantly using the form below.
If you’d like me to include airport transfers, adjust the timing, or swap one or two stops, it’s best to contact me directly.
I’ll check all timings, entry slots, and availability so your trip runs smoothly.
Select Your Date
Seating Options
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Contact Aleman
+44 7848460773

You can also write me on Whatsapp

Contact Aleman
Stop Anywhere, Anytime!
Real Stories, not Scripts
Iconic landmarks included
Only 5 star reviews
Stop Anywhere, Anytime!
Real Stories, not Scripts
Iconic landmarks included
Only 5 star reviews
Hi there

Who Am I

Your new friend on the journey

Hello, I’m Aleman, your local guide and the heart behind Friendly Highland Tours.
I have lived in the Highlands for over 30 years. Sharing its stories and beauty is my passion. Every tour is planned with care and warmth.

Still curious?

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few common questions travellers often ask before their Highland tour. If you cannot find what you are looking for, feel free to call or message Aleman. I am always happy to help plan your day.

Where are the Cairngorms located?

The park sits in the northeast of Scotland, about an hour south of Inverness. It covers more than 4,500 square kilometres, making it the largest national park in the UK.

Can I start the tour earlier or later?

The day usually begins around 9:00 AM, but start times can be flexible depending on travel plans. The route and timings are adjusted so the full 10-hour day runs smoothly.

Do I need to pre-book attractions like the funicular or wildlife park?

Some sites, such as the Cairngorm Mountain Railway and the Highland Wildlife Park, require advance booking, especially in summer. I plan the route so you can visit each place at the right time, without any rush. The Cairngorms National Park entrance fee varies by attraction.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

Tours run in all weather. If conditions change, the plan shifts to include more sheltered or scenic indoor stops. The landscapes remain beautiful year-round.

How much walking is on the tour?

Walking distances are short, typically 10-20 minutes per stop. Guests who prefer less walking can stay near the car. I wait nearby during each visit.

Can this tour connect with my travel plans?

Yes. Pick-up and return are available in Inverness. The schedule works easily with local accommodation and onward journeys.

Is this tour part of Highland Resort & Nature Tours?

No. Friendly Highland Tours operates independently. Aleman often collaborates with other local guides who share the same approach to comfort and nature travel.
Still have a question?

Get in touch with Aleman — he’ll be happy to help.

+44 7848 460 773
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