Scotland - Argyll & Bute

ITINERARY

Sunday - Morning departure from Dorset we head northwards to Preston for overnight stay at the International Hotel with dinner and breakfast.

Monday - Resume north through Cumbria and stop at Gretna Green for lunch. This afternoon cross the Borders and bypass Glasgow entering the county of Argyll & Bute. Arriving at Arrochar we are welcomed and after settling in enjoy dinner in the restaurant.

Tuesday - Inverary Castle: The fairytale home of the Duke & Duchess of Argyll and one of Scotlands finest stately homes. Visitors can enjoy the exquisite interiors containing fine furniture, works of art, tapestries, silverware and historic weapons. The surrounding gardens are beautifully maintained and lead down to the shores of Loch Fyne. This afternoon we shall call into the town of Inverary, a set piece of Georgian architecture with a famous jail, now a fascinating museum. Later make a circular scenic drive passing lochs and glens via Dalmally and Crianlarich.

Wednesday - Loch Lomond: You won't find a bigger lake in the whole of the UK, or a more beautiful one for that matter. 22 miles long and nearly 5 miles at its widest, it is populated by over 30 islands and plunges to over 500 feet deep. We shall take in the panorama of the loch from the pyramid at Inveruglas, then stop at Luss to join a 90 minute sightseeing boat cruise taking in the magical islands with a chance to spy wildlife. Lunch is taken at Loch Lomond Shores with time to visit the shops, cafes, Aquarium, Birds of Prey, enjoy a nature walk and admire the Maid of the Loch steamer.

Thursday - Cowal Peninsula: First stop is the Autumn Glory of Benmore Botanic Gardens - 120 acre dramatic mountainside garden affording stunning views. A collection of plants from around the world includes towering giant Redwoods, a Japanese valley, Chilean rainforest and Victorian fernery.
Lunch is taken in Dunoon which has an attractive waterfront and Victorian pier. This afternoon we board the ferry across the Firth of Clyde to Gourock, then follow the River Clyde upstream towards Glasgow. Cross the Erskine Bridge and drive downstream passing Faslane submarine base in Gare Loch, back to hotel.

Friday - Isle of Bute: We drive through the Glendarual Forest teeming with wildlife to Colintraive and take the short ferry crossing (5 mins) to Rhubadoch on the Isle of Bute. There will be time to explore its principal town of Rothesay which has landscaped promenade gardens, splendid Victorian frontages and a restored castle. We then make a circular tour of the island, pausing for views across the Sound of Bute towards Arran and over the Kyles of Bute. A photo-stop at the picturesque Butter Bridge in Glen Kinglas completes this scenically stunning day.

Saturday - From Arrochar we head south with a stop for lunch in Carlisle. Resume this afternoon southbound into Lancashire for overnight at Samlesbury Hotel near Preston.

Sunday - Homewards bound stopping for refreshments as appropriate to return to Dorset by early evening.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner