Join Andrea Powis, Founder of Travelling Divas, on our inaugural women-only active escape, your very own Great British Adventure! Andrea believes that every day should be an adventure, no matter what you’re doing, and this trip delivers it in bucketloads….
This fabulous trip offers 14 days of gorgeous delights and fun in some of the most beautiful spots in the UK.
Hiking throughout, incredible food, castles, the glamour of the Cotswolds and the beauty of the Lake District; the finest of Scotland with so many insta-worthy experiences, local interactions, gorgeous villages and divine scenery it will make your head spin. Communing with nature and of course, mixing it all up with iconic cities, the sophistication of London and the culture of Edinburgh. A tour that is beautiful from start to finish.
Diva Moments
Sudeley Castle with a private guide
Chedworth Roman Villa with a private guide
Visit Beatrix Potter’s home
Private yoga session
Private forest-bathing (or Shinrin-yoku session with female guide- meditatitve)
Private visit with Ghillie Basan
Fabulous hiking
So much more…
Imagine, kicking off your fabulous women-only hike with some luxury life in London: a gorgeous hotel, divine retail and pre-hiking pampering in Covent Garden, and of course a glass of bubbles to celebrate.
Then heading out into nature and the spectacular British countryside.
This remarkable journey takes you from London to Inverness in the Scottish Highlands – a journey through Great Britain from south to north. Along the way you’ll hike through the charming villages of the Cotswolds and through the mountains of Lake District National Park. You’ll experience the culture and heritage by visiting castles, historic homes and a modern day croft.
And your body and soul will be nourished through yoga, nature walks, and various foodie experiences. And of course, you’ll meet a variety of fascinating local characters along the way!
If you love a touch of glamour combined with the great outdoors, sublime food and great company then this is the trip for you!
GETTING THERE
So many ways to get to London and via so many airlines. Whether you have an airline preference or not we can get you there very easily. Just ask us how and we will find the best solution for you! Just fill in the airline form here and we will get back to you with options.
Tour Price: Twin share GBP 7,345 per person. Single Supplement GBP 1920
Included in the Price:
Fully escorted from London by Andrea Powis, Founder Travelling Divas
Private arrival transfer in London
13 nights 4-star, boutique hotel accommodation
Breakfast daily
10 lunches
9 evening meals
Afternoon tea
Drinks with dinner on Day 1 and Day 11
The services of a qualified and experienced guide throughout the hike from Day 3 – Day 14
A second guide on days when the hiking is slightly more challenging
All transfers throughout the trip in a private mini coach with driver
All local boat rides as per the itinerary
All activities mentioned in the itinerary
All guided hikes as per the itinerary
Visit Sudeley Castle with privately hosted talk
Visit Chedworth Roman Villa with private guide
Visit Dove Cottage at Grasmere; ride a water taxi on Derwentwater;
Private Yoga session; visit former home of Beatrix Potter
Food-themed walking tour of Edinburgh
Visit a Highland croft run by two ladies who escaped to live a better life
Private forest-bathing /Shinrin-yoku session (female guide)
Visit Ghillie Basan to learn about her life and cooking; and for a final night’s dinner
Fruit and local snacks throughout the trip
Gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff, as well as local guides (but not our lead guide or the coach driver)
24/7 in-country support
NOT INCLUDED:
SEPTEMBER 2023
Saturday 16: Hello London…
Arrive into London, one of the most fabulous and exciting cities in the world! On arrival you will be collected by your private transfer to your hotel, home for the next two nights. Take time to settle in and then explore your surrounds.
This evening the group will catch up for a tour briefing, welcome drink and for those in the mood we will head out locally for a casual dinner.
Overnight Accommodation: The Henrietta (or similar)
Sunday 17: Let your shopping diva go crazy (or perhaps a little culture is more your thing)…
London offers so many things to do and see, so today is up to you. We can arrange private tours of beautiful museums and art galleries, private shopping if you would like it – or you might just want to go and get lost in Harvey Nichols (Andrea’s favourite) or head out for a walk through the delights of St James’ Park, Regents Park and more.
This evening a sublime welcome dinner at a favourite restaurant in Bloomsbury where the gorgeous things hang out and you never know who you might see!
Overnight Accommodation: The Henrietta (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Monday 18: To the Cotswolds we go…
A private transfer collects the group from your Covent Garden Hotel mid-morning and transfers you to the Cotswolds (approximately 2 hours).
Along the way we will enjoy lunch and if time permits, you will enjoy an easy afternoon hike following the Windrush River, taking us directly into Burford.
Dinner together this evening, where we will get to know our guide as well.
Overnight Accommodation: The Lamb Inn, Burford (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tuesday 19: The villages of the Cotswolds, and a castle with Tudor connections…
Enjoy breakfast and then this morning, we enjoy a classic Cotswolds hike, linking the charming villages of Stow-on-the-Wold, the Slaughters (much nicer than its name suggests!) and Bourton-on-the-Water (known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’).
Afterwards, we visit Sudeley Castle, with its strong royal connections, where we benefit from a private guide to talk us through its fascinating history.
Overnight Accommodation: The Lamb Inn, Burford (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wednesday 20: A Roman villa and the prettiest street in England…
A short transfer takes us to Chedworth, one of the grandest Roman villas of its time. After exploring the beautiful ruins, enjoy a relaxed hike, following the banks of the River Coln to the charming village of Bibury, passing through woodland and through small villages on the way.
In Bibury, you can explore Arlington Row, often said to be the prettiest street in England. This row of weavers’ cottages were created in the 17th century but the original buildings date back to around 1380.
A short transfer returns us to Burford and a delicious dinner.
Overnight Accommodation: The Lamb Inn, Burford (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Thursday 21: To the Lake District, oh so beautiful…
Today we transfer north to the Lake District National Park.
The transfer time is almost 5 hours, so we will have a break or two along the way and then enjoy a short walk to stretch out our legs on arrival in the Lakes.
Check into our lovely home for the next few nights and enjoy your gorgeous surroundings.
Overnight Accommodation: The Langdale Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Friday 22: William Wordswoth, choices of hikes and afternoon tea (you’ve earned it!)…
After breakfast, we visit the home of William Wordsworth for a tour of his cottage. Wordsworth is a famous English Poet, and one of the founders of English Romanticism. He is also recognised as one its most central figures and important intellects
Afterwards, we transfer to the nearby market town of Keswick. We can enjoy a leisurely ‘water taxi’ on Derwent Water, admiring the mountain views, and enjoy an easy lakeside amble; or, take on the hike to the summit of Cat Bells (about 4 hours) – a favourite Lakeland hike, taking on a smaller summit with big views!
Then it is time to catch up and enjoy the classic English tradition of afternoon tea!
Dinner is at leisure this evening.
Overnight Accommodation: The Langdale Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea
Saturday 23: Private yoga, Windermere and Beatrix Potter…
After a full day hiking yesterday, an easier day today.
We start with a private yoga session to stretch out those muscles, followed by some free time in the beautiful town of Windermere. Lunch is at leisure so you can explore to your hear’s content.
Afterwards, we hop on a ferry for a short crossing of Lake Windermere to its peaceful western shore. Here, we visit the former home of Beatrix Potter, and then take an easy hike to a small lake where she wrote many stories. How peaceful and delightful.
This evening dinner together for our final night as we head off to Scotland in the morning.
Overnight Accommodation: The Langdale Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Sunday 24: To Edinburgh we go…
Today we transfer north to Edinburgh (about 3.5 hours).
On the way, we will break the journey with a hike at a scenic stage of the famous Hadrian’s Wall Path. The hike will take us to Sycamore Gap, which has featured in several movies, including Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood – Prince of Thieves! (Insta alert)…
Afterwards, we continue to the beautiful city of Edinburgh and settle into our hotel in a beautiful part of the New Town district.
Tonight dinner is at leisure, but Andrea does have a favourite up her sleeve if anyone feels like dining in the midst of history, in an exquisitely beautiful restaurant…
Overnight Accommodation: The Bonhom (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Monday 25: Exploring exquisite Edinburgh…
A day exploring Edinburgh, including the famous Old Town district which has UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
To kick off we will enjoy a foodie themed walking tour that will certainly introduce some dishes with a difference and also help get your bearings in the city. Then you can choose to shop, take to the spa or enjoy a plethora of free museums and the castle that looms over the city! It is extraordinary and breathtaking – very Outlander…
Dinner is at leisure this evening and is a great opportunity to get out and about, exploring some of the local pubs and a plethora of great bars and restaurants.
Overnight Accommodation: The Bonhom (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tuesday 26: Back to nature we go…
After breakfast, we checkout of our gorgeous hotel and head off.
This morning we transfer north to Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands (3 hours).
After lunch, we visit a small croft run by two remarkable ladies dedicated to small-scale farming in tune with nature. We spend time with them learning about their life and commitment to sustainable living.
Afterwards, we continue to the attractive village of Aberlour, and check into our hotel. There should be time for a short walk in the village, perhaps along the banks of the River Spey or up to a waterfall, before dinner.
Overnight Accommodation: Dowans Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wednesday 27: Shinrin-yoku and a coastal hike…
This morning, transfer 30 minutes north to the Moray coast.
Here, we meet a local guide who will lead a session of Shinrin-yoku, or forest-bathing. This meditative practice teaches us to slow down and really take note of the nature which surrounds us.
Later, enjoy a relaxing coastal hike along a scenic stage of the Moray Coastal Trail before returning to the hotel and a delicious dinner.
Overnight Accommodation: Dowans Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Thursday 28: Ben Rinnes, meeting Ghillie Basan, off-grid living and a whisky tasting…
A special day to finish this amazing trip!
This morning, we hike up a ‘local’s favourite’ peak called Ben Rinnes. The 4-hour hike takes us to its summit, at 840m above sea level, for wonderful views across Moray and the Cairngorms.
Afterwards, we visit Ghillie Basan, a remarkable chef/writer who has lived off-grid for most of her adult life. Here, we’ll learn about her philosophy towards food and life, and enjoy a wonderful final night banquet, complete with whisky tasting.
Overnight Accommodation: Dowans Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Friday 29: Time to say farewell…
Sadly all things must come to an end. We transfer to Inverness and for those in the mood we can enjoy a short walk around the River Ness islands, finishing around lunch time. Then a group transfer to the airport.
For those who wish to you may want to extend for a night and go off in search of the Loch Ness monster!
Meals: Breakfast
London:
The Henrietta:
The Henrietta Hotel is located in the heart of Covent Garden just steps away from Covent Garden Market. The hotel is a short walk from Covent Garden Underground on the Piccadilly line, and within walking distance of Soho, The Strand and Leicester Square.
Inspired by the streets of Covent Garden each of the 40 bedrooms of the Henrietta Hotel are uniquely designed by French Interior Designer, Dorothee Meilichzon. Guests are able to enjoy a unique home away from home, right in the centre of London. The room amenities are a selection of carefully curated toiletries, complimentary high speed internet, bespoke mini bar selection and 24-hour room service.
The Cotswolds:
The Lamb Inn is an institution with generation after generation of families succumbing to its charms. A genuine quintessential English inn with modern day comforts. Arrive, relax and switch off. Step through the door and leave the outside world behind you. Walk into the entrance hall where you will be met by the warmth of an open log fire, and the grandfather clock that stands proudly in the corner.
It started life in the early 15th century as a weaver’s cottage and has since indulged in a few modern touches to help complete your stay. Quintessentially English, with open fires and many armchairs to sink into, books and papers to read, board games to be played and good food to be eaten. Sit back, forget everything else and just relax.
The Lake District:
Set in the heart of the English Lake District , the hotel is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and some of the finest walking, biking and climbing locations in the Country.
Edinburgh:
Set in a quiet leafy crescent in the exclusive West End of Edinburgh, only minutes from the main attractions, The Bonham provides guests with luxurious, fully refurbished rooms and suites. Many rooms offer stunning views either over Drumsheugh Gardens or towards the Firth of Forth and the Kingdom of Fife.
Welcoming lounges and a stylish restaurant and bar make the most of the beautiful interiors of the original houses and look over the peaceful gardens.
The Scottish Highlands:
Dowans Hotel, Aberlour:
The hotel, built in 1888, offers sixteen individual and bespoke en-suite rooms ranging from cosy and elegant singles to eloquently styled king and super-king size doubles. Every room has tea and coffee making facilities, a flat-screen television, free Wi-Fi and en-suite bathroom stocked with complimentary toiletries. With the Glenfiddich Terrace and manicured lawns looking out over the Spey Valley to the front, and a grand ornamental pond with fountains and stoned pathways set within the shadow of Ben Rinnes to the rear, whichever room you are in, the view is sure to delight.
