9 Day Highlands & Islands Tour - Autumn 2022

This morning we head west via Scotland’s first National Park to the ‘bonnie banks’ of Loch Lomond and walk the shores at the conservation village of Luss. From here we travel west over the ‘Rest and Be Thankful’ mountain pass into Clan Campbell country to visit one of Scotland’s finest stately homes, Inveraray Castle & Gardens. The onward journey takes us across Rannoch Moor to the awe-inspiring scenery of Glencoe. Overnight nr Glencoe.

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. After lunch in the fishing port of Mallaig we take the ferry “Over the Sea to Skye” and visit Armadale Castle & Gardens. Overnight Skye area.

Today 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, but this will most definitely be a day to remember. Overnight Skye area.

After breakfast, we enjoy a spectacular visit to iconic Eilean Donan Castle before travelling through Glen Shiel to the charming village of Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness, keep your eyes peeled for Nessie! We’ll stop for lunch here with a chance to look around before moving on to travel the length of the loch. We venture north and enjoy an afternoon walk at Rogie Falls where migrating salmon leap upstream. Overnight nr Inverness.

We take the morning ferry crossing to the Outer Hebrides. We venture out to the dramatic beauty of the Isle of Lewis which is steeped in both history and mystery. We will visit the ancient Calanais Standing Stones and discover Hebridean history and the Gaelic way of life when we visit a traditional Blackhouse village at Gearannan and later a focus for ritual activity during the Bronze Age, visiting Dun Carloway Broch. Overnight Lewis.

We venture south into Harris taking in its completely unspoilt landscape and the numerous white sandy beaches. Our first stop will be the small village of Tarbert and the Harris Tweed shop before enjoying a walk on the most spectacular and beautiful white sandy beach in the Hebrides, Luskentrye Beach. We shall take in the islands other top highlights including the Golden Road, St. Clements Church before venturing back to Stornoway. Overnight Lewis.

Allows for a free morning to explore the town of Stornoway at your leisure or head out to explore the very north of Lewis with lighthouse, dramatic cliffs and seabirds. We board the afternoon ferry and head back to the mainland past the Summer Isles before arriving back in Ullapool. We venture north through Wester Ross and enjoy an afternoon walk Later we stop and take a gentle walk at Corrieshalloch Gorge. Overnight nr Inverness.

This morning enjoy some free-time in the highland capital with circular walk around the River Ness. Next, we make the short journey out to explore Culloden Battlefield which will provide a lasting image of heroic Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite Army. After lunch 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. Overnight Pitlochry.

Today we relax in Highland Perthshire with the Victorian Town of Pitlochry and walk the small highland village of Dunkeld with its the historic cathedral and the village square here before touring south to walk through the cobbled street of South Queensferry with fine views across to the famous Forth Rail Bridge. After lunch, spend the afternoon visiting 15th century Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by Dan Brown's book The Da Vinci Code.  End of tour.