7 Day Scottish Lochs, Castles and Country Walks

Today is a fabulous introduction to the Scottish landscape as we take in the mountains, glens, lochs and rivers of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.  We take in the charming village of Luss, admire the views whilst touring over the 'Rest and Be Thankful' and explore the seaside town of Inveraray.  Later we take a walk out to Kilchurn Castle (60min walk) before touring over the desolate Rannoch Moor before arriving at Glencoe to learn about the grim massacre of 1692.  Overnight Glencoe area.

This morning we tour west on the ‘Road to the Isles’, providing wonderful views to the Small Isles of Eigg and Rhum.  Our journey follows the West Highland Railway, built to help open up this remote part of the Scottish coast.  We stop at Glenfinnan to view the monument in honour of the Highlanders who gave their lives to the Jacobite cause in 1745 and enjoy a light walk out to the Glenfinnan Viaduct.  Arriving in Mallaig, we take the ferry and visit Armadale Castle & Gardens with a woodland walk on the island estate. (45min walk).  Overnight Skye area.

We begin on a tour of the Isle of Skye, passing through Broadford and on to the main settlement on the Island, Portree, with its colourful harbour front and interesting shops. After lunch we head north through the rugged Trotternish Peninsula and take in the views at Uig, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock Falls before travelling back down the island for the evening. Other options are a possibility depending on the weather. Overnight Skye area

Today begins with a visit to historic Eilean Donan Castle, sitting where three lochs meet. Later, we head for the Five Sisters of Kintail before travelling through beautiful Glenshiel to the village of Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness to explore part of the Caledonian Canal.  Later we tour north to enjoy some free time taking in the Falls of Foyers (45min walk) with fine views over Loch Ness.  Overnight nr Inverness.

This morning takes us out to explore Culloden Battlefield (45min walk) which will provide a lasting image of heroic Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite Army.  Later, we travel through the Cairngorms National Park with large tracts of Caledonian Pine Forest.  We tour through Carrbridge to view the oldest horse pack bridge in Scotland and then relax spending the afternoon enjoying a stunning walk around Loch an Eilein (2hrs) with its 13th century island castle.  Overnight Pitlochry.

This morning allows time to explore the Victorian town of Pitlochry before exploring Highland Perthshire further when we drive the short distance to take in the “Queens View” viewpoint.  Next, we travel onto the Highland town of Aberfeldy where we enjoy a spectacular riverside walk (60min walk) then relax as we stop for lunch in this highland town.  Later, we spend the afternoon at Blair Castle & Gardens which commands a strategic position on the main route through the central Scottish Highlands.  Overnight Pitlochry.

Today we enjoy a morning woodland walk amongst the Giant Douglas firs at ‘The Hermitage’ (60min walk) before relaxing with a riverside setting on the river Tay at Dunkeld, with a venture out to the towns historic Cathedral.  Our journey south takes us to South Queensferry to view its famous rail bridge and then we spend the remainder of the day visiting the 15th century Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by Dan Brown's book 'The Da Vinci Code'.  Tour ends in Edinburgh