"BRINGING JACK LONDON'S CLASSIC NOVEL 'THE CALL OF THE WILD' TO THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS"
Bringing Jack London's classic story 'The Call of the Wild' to the Scottish Highlands has been a dream of Sandgrouse Travel & Expeditions' founder, Jonny Stage for many years. Now we're excited to say we are offering something utterly unique with our 'Highland Husky Run' at The Fife Arms Hotel, Braemar. Join us for the perfect staycation activity this winter - bringing the magic of Lapland to Scotland for a unforgettable Scottish adventure.
(40 Siberian Huskies wait patiently at the midway lavvu or tipi situated way out at the end of the remote glen. Guests enjoy a warming Lingonberry tea and a traditional Scandinavian sweat treat whilst sat on thick woolly rugs by the crackling wood-burning stove).
After years of intrepid Sandgrouse adventures heading deep into the Arctic circle, as well as many expeditions to the frozen Polar world of Spitsbergen (Svalbard) just 650-miles short of the North Pole, Sandgrouse Travel & Expeditions have finally brought the excitement of distance dog-sledding to the Scottish Highlands!
This unique Scottish Highland dog-sledding experience is now available for those who cannot or do not wish to travel to the Pole. This is truly the perfect activity for a winter staycation in Scotland! Couples, families and groups can embark on a memorable adventure excursion in the heart of some of the UK's most dramatic and remote landscapes - living a Scandinavian bucket-list travel experience here in Scotland.
(Winter sun warming our backs as we head home after an incredible run down the glen with the Siberian Huskies).
(Hold on to your hats! Dog sledding with tricyle buggies until the temperatures drop and the snows arrive. During the winter of 2020, the coldest temperature in the glen was -24'C!)
Lucky guests can stay at The Fife Arms Hotel, the beautiful and world-renowned hotel located in the nearby picture-perfect village of Braemar.
(The Fife Arms, the base from which to enjoy our incredible dog-sledding adventures here in Scotland).
A short Land Rover transfer from the hotel, guests are warmly welcomed by expert dog-mushers and join the 40 Siberian husky dogs.
On arrival guests are given a briefing in the heated NATO Army Command tent on site, here they learn about how our expert dog-musher has competed in the world's longest dog-sledding race across Alaska, travelling solo 1,100 miles with up to 16-huskies. Inspired by tales of high adventure akin to those from the pages of Jack London's classic 'The Call of the Wild' novel, guests are ready to embark on their unique Hogmonay adventure.
If you can't make it for Hogmonay, fear not, the dogs can also be brought in for group bookings staying in January, February and even March before the temperatures rise again to beyond what is optimal for the dogs performance and comfort.
(The dog teams have a rest deep in the glen at our turn around point. Here guests enjoy a warming brew and drink in the magnificent Scottish Highland scenery. Surrounded by three towering Munro mountains, the end of this remote glen is incredibly pictureque).
Dog-sledding is traditionally operated of course with a sleigh or sled, however until the snows arrive here in Scotland, and take hold, we use tricycle buggies. These are fitted with bicycle style brakes to help slow the dogs when needed. The buggies are easy to ride and drive however a reasonable level of physical fitness is required on the hills where the dogs like a helping hand. Here guests can use one foot to kick much like a push-scooter - this helps the dogs up the longer inclines and they thank you for it running harder and faster on the flats. Guests should dress appropiately for a wintry day in the Scottish Mountains - wrapping up warm with layers and if they wish, a small day-rucksack.
To book your incredible, unique excursion please get in touch with our team via enquiries@sandgrousetravel.com. Spaces are highly sought after and limited throughout the Hogmonay period however we are able to run these incredible experiences in January, February and March for group bookings.
(The remote track snakes its way through the glen criss-crossing the salmon and trout filed river - it's easy to imagine oneself in Alaska or Scandinavia here!)
(Dog Sledding through the heart of the glen - keep an eye out for Golden and Sea eagles, as well as herds of Red deer on the skyline!)
(Born to Run! The dogs enjoy a rest before the excitement builds once more and we depart down the glen for home).
(Husky Therapy - These Siberian Huskies love a good cuddle. 40 Siberian Huskies brings 40 different personalities, each dog is different, some regard you with aloof look, whilst others give loving cuddles!)
(Near the turn around point on our 12-mile run (total) - the Scottish Highland dog-sledding excursion takes around 3.5 hours including stops).
(Some of the buggies are equipped with passenger seats which allows guests to experience the 'dog perspective' as we pant our way through the glen marvelling at the Highland landscapes!)
(Squad Goals! Get to know your team of dogs at the breaks - they run harder and faster for those they like!).
(Home stretch. Here the dogs are coming back in to camp at the head of the glen. Guests are picked up here and ferried back to The Fife Arms Hotel to sit by the fire and warm up after an amazing experience).
(Kovid the Husky - born during the height of the pandemic, Kovid loves running and can't wait to hit the trails again in the remote glen).
Call now on 01764 664 236 or alternatively email enquiries@sandgrousetravel.com - or email ghillie@thefifearms.com.
Sandgrouse Travel & Expeditions is a luxury travel company based in Edinburgh, Scotland. We specalise in tailormade holidays to Scotland, Scandinavia and Africa and bring a wealth of first-hand experience to each of the bespoke trips we carefully create for our clients.
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