Scotland's North-West Coast

ITINERARY

Sunday - Early morning departure from Dorset via motorways with stops as appropriate for refreshments, cross the border into Scotland and stay at The Dryfesdale Hotel in Lockerbie overnight. A small family run 4 star Country House Hotel set in stunning grounds - no lift but only 2 floors.

Monday - Continue northwards through Scotland's central belt and into the Strathtay - the scenery becoming more majestic by the mile. Stop at Pitlochry with time for lunch. This afternoon drive past the Cairngorms and Inverness - now the roads become narrower as we penetrate deep into the Highlands to arrive in Gairloch where dinner awaits.

Tuesday - A short hop to Inverewe Gardens - a garden like no other, where amazing species that simply shouldn't be here thrive in the mild micro-climate. Created from barren wilderness over 100 years ago in a setting that inspires art and creativity. Lose yourself in this lush setting before exploring Inverewe House, now an interactive museum, the gallery and visitor centre. Spend the afternoon relaxing in Gairloch, soaking up the the mountain and sea views - a 5 minute walk from the hotel brings you to the award winning Gairloch Museum - fascinating.

Wednesday - Today we shall explore a section of the North-Coast 500 route. Passing Loch Ewe where the Russian Arctic convoys mustered in WW2 - see the tiny sheep-inhabited Gruinard Island with its grim past of anthrax testing. Skirting Little Loch Broom and passing the Corrieshalloch Gorge, renowned for its Victorian suspension bridge that crosses the Falls of Measach, to Ullapool. A captivating white washed fishing village celebrated for its natural beauty, cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene. We have include entry to the town's museum that offers a glimpse into the area's often violent past. A short stroll is richly rewarded with stunning views, historic buildings and a busy harbourside.

Thursday - A full day exploring this stunning region more fully. Head along Loch Maree, considered one of Scotland's bonniest and framed by the Slioch and Beinn Eighe mountains. At Achnasheen we swap to the train and enjoy over 1 hours spectacular rail journey through rock cuttings, over bridges and past tiny rural villages. A route of dramatic landscapes and shimmering lochs which brings us to Kyle of Lochalsh - one of the most scenic railways in the world. The station at Kyle houses a superb museum dedicated to Kyle harbour, West coast fishing and the Kyle Line. Reboard the coach and spend a little time in the small village of Plockton, "The Jewel of the Highlands" sitting on a sheltered bay with stunning views overlooking Loch Carron. Our return drive to Gairloch is via single track roads through inspiring scenery - Ardarroch - Sheildaig - Torridon - Kinlochewe, with stops for photos along the way.

Friday - Reluctantly leaving this sensational area to retrace our steps through the Highlands - cross the Kessock suspension bridge over the Beauly Firth - passing Aviemore and stop at The Highland Folk Museum near Kingussie. Reconstructed historical buildings from the Highlands, exhibitions, crafts, café. Resume this afternoon past Perth and Stirling into the Scottish Borders. Stay overnight at The Holiday Inn Dumfries - a three star happy mix of modern and traditional architecture - not your typical Holiday Inn. Lift to all floors.

Saturday - After breakfast we head southwards via motorways, stopping as appropriate for refreshments, to arrive back in Dorset early evening.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner