Scotland's North-West Passage

ITINERARY

Saturday 24th - Morning departure from Dorset via motorways to Preston. 1 night stay at The Holiday Inn Preston. (Lift). Dinner and breakfast.

Sunday 25th - Continuing northwards, through the Scottish Borders. We shall pause to view The Kelpies at Falkirk, 30 metre stainless steel horse-head sculptures set next to the Clyde canal. Later continue to The Salutation Hotel in Perth for 1 night stay. (Lift) Dinner & breakfast.

Monday 26th - After breakfast drive into the majestic Highlands, the scenery becoming more dramatic with every mile. Passing the pretty town of Pitlochry and climbing the Drumochter Pass we arrive in Aviemore. Here we board the historic Strathspey Railway - a restored ten mile section of the Highland Line operating steam trains through stunning Cairngorm mountain scenery savouring a bygone era. After lunch we pass the highland capital Inverness, viewing fairytale Dunrobin Castle - the white sands of Brora - and historic Helmsdale. Arriving at The Norseman Hotel in Wick for 2 night stay. (No lift - plenty of ground floor rooms) Dinner and breakfast.

Tuesday 27th - At John O'Groats board the ferry crossing to Orkney. On arrival a local coach and guide will escort you on a magical tour, crossing the famous Churchill Barriers, visiting the 2000 year old settlement of Scara Brae, the standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar, The Italian Chapel, The town of Kirkwall with its 12th century cathedral and much more…. A blend of unique cultures and ancient history makes this a truly unforgettable Scottish island experience! (individual admission fees not included - pay on the day). We rejoin the afternoon ferry to John O'Groats and return to our hotel at Wick.

Wednesday 28th - Maybe the highlight of your holiday starts this morning. We commence our drive along a large part of the North Coast 500. Mile on mile of crumbling cliffs, sheer rocky headlands, picturesque lochs and sheltered bays. You will surely marvel at the breathtaking views and doubtless see Scotland from an entirely different perspective. After the Tounge Causeway the roads become narrower. Such is the remoteness and lack of civilisation that we have prearranged a 2 course lunch at The Smoo Cave Hotel in Durness. There will be time to view the Smoo Cave from the viewpoint - a remarkable geological feature. We continue on even smaller roads through Scourie and crossing the graceful curving Kylesku Bridge over the Loch a Chairn Bhain. Pass the romantic ruins of Ardvreck Castle sat in Loch Assynt. A short pause at Knockan Crag - the cliff that overlooks the viewpoint is an earth moving experience where two continents collided millions of years ago. Finally we skirt Loch Broom to arrive at The Royal Hotel in Ullapool for 1 night stay (No lift - plenty of ground floor rooms) Dinner and breakfast.

Thursday 29th - Back on the NC 500 route and first stop after leaving Ullapool is the Corrieshalloch Gorge - one of the most spectacular places in Scotland. A mile long box canyon is crossed by a suspension bridge nearly 200 feet above the rushing River Droma and overlooking the Falls of Measach. Back on the road we enjoy views of Gruinard Island before reaching Drumchork overlooking Loch Ewe where the Russian Arctic convoys mustered in WW2. Through Gairloch - then snaking alongside Loch Maree, considered one of Scotland's bonniest. At Achnasheen we join the Glen Carron which guides us through the mountains towards Kyle of Lochalsh - crossing to the Isle of Skye. 2 night stay at The Kings Arms Hotel, Kyleakin (Lift) Dinner and breakfast.

Friday 30th - A day of sightseeing on The Isle of Skye. This morning we drive along the coast headed for the north-west corner of the island. Visit Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the loch - home of the chiefs of MacLeod for 800 years. Five acres of formal gardens are a hidden oasis in contrast to the mountains which dominate Skye's landscapes. This afternoon make a scenic drive via Uig and around the Trotternish Peninsula which features such weird rock formations as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the truly extraordinary Pinnacles of Quaraig. A short stop in the islands colourful capital, Portree brings us back to Kyleakin.

Saturday 1st - Cross back to the mainland and stop for photos at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Loch and mountain scenery accompanies us through the Glen Sheil and into the Glen Mor at Invergarry. Cross the Caledonian Canal via the Lagan swing-bridge and stop in Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis. Continuing through Glencoe and the shores of Loch Lomond "The Queen of Lochs" - Glasgow and finally Motherwell. 1 night stay at Alona Hotel Motherwell (Lift) Dinner and breakfast.

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Sunday 2nd - This morning we shall visit New Lanark World Heritage Site - a beautifully restored 18th century cotton mill village, close to the Falls of Clyde. Discover how people lived and worked back in the 1800s - fascinating! Continuing over the border this afternoon we arrive back at Holiday Inn Preston for a final 1 night stay (lift) Dinner and breakfast.

Monday 3rd - Homewards bound with memories of unforgettable sights and truly once in a lifetime experiences. Return to Dorset that evening.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner