An opportunity to immerse yourselves in the breathtaking wild beauty of Western Scotland with its dramatic shorelines and rugged mountain scenery, our tour includes some of the most memorable scenic drives in Scotland. No lesser highlights are the fascinating heritage and culture of the area with visits to the impressive Scottish Crannog Centre and historic Glenturret Distillery for a wee dram!
Day 1 SUNDAY We travel northwards to our overnight hotel in Cumbria, having suitable refreshment stops along the way and arriving in time for dinner.
Day 2 MONDAY We continue northwards and cross the border into Scotland, via Moffat, and up to New Lanark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the picturesque River Clyde. Have a look around this unique 18th-century mill village, explore the visitor centre and enjoy an included light lunch. We continue our journey reaching the breathtaking landscapes of Loch Tay and the Trossachs National Park and our 4- night stay at the Killin Hotel.
Day 3 TUESDAY Today we travel to the famous fishing town of Oban and have free time to explore and have lunch. Afterwards, we will soak up the stunning scenery with a beautiful scenic drive south via Lochgilphead and then follow the west shores of Loch Fyne to Inveraray. Our final highlight is pausing at the spectacular ‘Rest & Be Thankful’ viewpoint before skirting the northern shores of Loch Lomond before returning to our hotel.
Day 4 WEDNESDAY Today we take a circular route. We commence with a drive to Crieff where we visit the Glenturret Distillery for a tour and tasting. We continue to the village of Aberfeldy where there is free time to explore the streets, enjoy the scenery and plenty of time to grab a bite to eat before we visit the Scottish Crannog Centre. Here, we travel back in time to the Iron Age when people lived in loch-dwellings called Crannogs on Loch Tay. A replica based on excavations is the showpiece of this fascinating museum as well as ancient artifacts and an Iron Age Village for us to explore.
Day 5 THURSDAY Today we take the incredibly Scenic drive towards Fort William. The rugged scenery of this area was made famous by the James Bond movie ‘Skyfall’ which was filmed nearby. This route offers perfect opportunities for photo stops along the way, and we take a pause at the Glencoe Visitor Centre to learn more about the area. On arrival in Fort William, we can explore the town at leisure over lunchtime. Afterwards we join a cruise on Loch Linnhe to see the Black Rock, affectionately known as ‘Seal Island’. This rocky outcrop is our destination to spot both the Common and Atlantic Grey seals which make it their home.
Day 6 FRIDAY Departing after breakfast we pause at Gretna Green, before travelling south to the Staffordshire Potteries for dinner and our overnight stay.
Day 7 SATURDAY After breakfast we make our way home with suitable refreshment stops along the way, reaching the south coast in the evening.
Founded in the 17th Century, the historic Killin Hotel is located at the west end of Loch Tay in Killin, Perthshire, with picturesque views of the surrounding Trossachs National Park. The village is within easy walking distance, with a small selection of shops and eateries. There are 38 tastefully decorated and traditionally furnished bedrooms, as well as five annex rooms directly next to the hotel. Inviting public areas include the traditional Tartan Room, which overlooks the river Lochay, the modern conservatory and welcoming bar and bistro areas. There are no ground floor rooms in the main building and the lift does not fit wheelchairs.
