Scotland - Royal Deeside
In the heart of Scotland lies the magnificent valey of The River Dee. It has a characteristic blend of moody mountains, lofty crags, tumbling rivers, moors and forests that captivated Queen Victoria.
In the heart of Scotland lies the magnificent valey of The River Dee. It has a characteristic blend of moody mountains, lofty crags, tumbling rivers, moors and forests that captivated Queen Victoria.
In the heart of Scotland lies the magnificent valley of the River Dee. Rising high in the Cairngorm mountains and running east to its mouth at Aberdeen, the river flows through some of Scotland’s finest scenery. Midway, in the shadow of Lochnagar mountain lies Balmoral Castle, summer home of the Royal Family – hence the name “Royal Deeside”. The area is rich in history – it was here that the relics of St Andrew, patron saint of Scotland, were first held. Here too, that Macbeth was defeated by Malcom Canmore and much later as a boy Lord Byron lived on a farm between Ballater and Aboyne and wrote the poem ‘Dark Lochnagar’. Royal Deeside is a fine looking area that captivated Queen Victoria with its characteristic Scottish blend of moody mountains, lofty crags, tumbling rivers, moors and forests – not to mention the rarefied Royal air!
ITINERARY
Saturday - Morning departure from Dorset via motorways and comfort stops as appropriate to arrive at Mercure Hotel Haydock for a restful nights stay with dinner and breakfast.
Sunday - Continue northbound over the border into Scotland, past Glasgow - Stirling - Perth - Dundee to arrive Aberdeen Altens late afternoon. The bags are portered and after settling in to your comfortable bedroom enjoy dinner.
Monday - A day of two famous castles. First we shall visit Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven - this impressive cliff top ruin is a world renowned iconic sight, famous for its dramatic location perched 160 feet above the waves. It may look like something out of a fantasy novel - a magical place to visit that everyone should see in their lifetime. A surfaced pathway and steps need to be negotiated, but the effort is well rewarded. Lunch is sourced in the bustling coastal town of Montrose which boasts one of the widest High Streets in Scotland. This afternoon we drive on to Glamis Castle outside Forfar - home to the Lyon family since the 14th century and childhood home of Queen Elizabeth, The former Queen Mother. Your first glimpse as you venture up the driveway will be breathtaking - it is both beautiful and majestic. A guided tour of the castle will explore its rich history and unusual stories. The surrounding gardens are spectacular and offer horticultural marvels, sculptures, water features and much more.
Tuesday - To Milton of Crathes in the Dee Valley - an award winning Victorian station is head of The Royal Deeside heritage railway which runs restored trains alongside the beautiful River Dee. A short round trip evokes memories of a bygone era. A lunch stop is made at Ballater, a Victorian village famous for its spring water and displaying many "By Royal Appointment" signs.
A photo stop is made at Crathie Kirk, the nearest church to Balmoral and regularly used by the Royal family. This afternoon we visit Braemar Castle, a 400 year old restored former military garrison since converted to a comfortable family home. Step through the door and up the spiral staircase to explore 10 rooms and colourful stories, then enjoy the kitchen garden and wooded grounds.
Wednesday - We have engaged a local guide to escort a morning tour of Aberdeen city centre and impart their local knowledge - tell us the stories and history of this "Silver City Beside the Sea". View Aberdeen's fine granite buildings which includes the university and cathedral, past the harbour to the old fishing village of Footdee. Part on coach and part walking. The afternoon is free to make your own discoveries in town, or return to hotel to enjoy the leisure facilities.
Thursday - A day of Scottish traditions and spectacular scenery. Drive across Aberdeenshire and Speyside to the town of Elgin, the provincial capital of Moray for 8 centuries. Visit Elgin Cathedral "Lantern of the North" - even as a ruin it shines out as one of Scotland's most ambitious and beautiful medieval buildings. Continue to Craigellachie and visit the fascinating Speyside Cooperage - a guided tour of the factory which produces oak barrels for the whisky distillery industry. An ancient and skilled craft that shows the process from acorn to cask. Lunch is available in the café here. This afternoon call at Deans factory at Huntley to witness the famous Scottish shortbread being created. Our return to Aberdeen takes in the Strathbogie - Rhynie - and Pitfiche Forest.
Friday - Southbound with a stop at The Kelpies near Falkirk - The World's largest equine sculptures: 30 metres tall and 300 tonnes each. Continue back over the borders this afternoon for overnight stay at Mercure Hotel Haydock with dinner and breakfast.
Saturday - Homeward bound with stops for refreshment as appropriate to arrive back in Dorset early evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Aberdeen Altens hotel, Aberdeen
An award winning 4 star hotel located just 3 miles from the city centre forming the perfect base from which to explore this beautiful region of highlands, coast and castles. Bedrooms are bright and spacious and provide private bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, satellite TV, phone, iron/board, safe, seating, tea tray and free wifi. The stylish Coast & Keg Restaurant serves a substantial full Scottish Breakfast and a varied menu of delicious freshly prepared Evening Dinners. There is a bar in which to socialise or the energetic can make use of the extensive leisure facilities which include a large heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna and gym. Room service is available and a lift serves all floors.
Tour Price: £999.00 Per Person
Single room supplement: £295.00
Price includes: All coach travel, 2 x overnight hotel in Haydock, 5 nights hotel in Aberdeen, Half board meals throughout, Porterage at Aberdeen, Entry to Dunnottar Castle, Entry to Glamis Castle, Royal Deeside Railway Fare, Entry to Braemar Castle, Entry to Elgin Cathedral, Entry to Speyside Cooperage, Visit to Deans of Huntley, Local guide in Aberdeen, Visit to The Kelpies.
NB: A minimum level of physical ability and mobility will be required in order to fully enjoy some of the attractions visited which will involve walking /steps.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | Southlands Road bus stop on Buxton Road, Weymouth (former St Nicholas Church) |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Value House | Value House Car Park |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
