Butler Scottish Highlands Explorations

Day 1 - Monday 29^th July - Welcome to the Scottish Highlands!

On arrival at Inverness Airport you will be met by your private guide (who will also act as your driver for your time together). Enjoy some fabulous scenery as you make your way to Skye today through steep sided mountain glens on the way, and past the deep water of secretive Loch Ness. Depending on your arrival time you may be able to fit in a short hike with your qualified guide to start your explorations.

One great option are gentle forest trails where you can see the joyful rewilding  regeneration of the mountain slopes. You may also wish to stop and admire the elegant Eilean Donan castle, set out on the water on a private island and surrounded by majestic scenery. Your guide will then take you onwards, passing over the graceful arc of the Skye Bridge onto ‘the misty isle’ itself and carrying on to your welcoming hotel.

Overnight: Sleat, Isle Of Skye | Kinloch Lodge
Room Type: 2 x Cosy Double (1 for solo occ)
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Tuesday 30^th July - Exploring Skye

Today you have a full day to hike and explore some of the special corners of this magical island with your guide. You will be spoilt for choice with fascinating history and dramatic landscape on offer, with unique hiking routes through stark and unusual rock formations and sweeping coast and mountain views to enjoy in almost every direction. This ‘misty isle’ is also home to so many curious stories and legends of fairies and islander culture, your guide will share some of the best hidden gems and personalise the day to your interests and preferred level of challenge on the day.

Overnight: Sleat, Isle Of Skye | Kinloch Lodge
Room Type: 2 x Cosy Double (1 for solo occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Wednesday 31^st July - Loch Coruisk & The Black Cuillin Mountains

This morning you head out to explore the secretive Loch Coruisk. From the tiny fishing village of Elgol you take a boat trip to the heart of the Black Cuillin mountains which tower above the blue waters of the loch. Along the way you can spot seals and perhaps dolphins in the coastal waters. The boat will drop you at the remote southern end of the loch and you can drink in the atmosphere of this stupendous place as you hike around the loch with your guide. Today is sure to be a highlight of the trip and you would be well justified in celebrating with a wee dram when you relax in the evening

Overnight: Sleat, Isle Of Skye | Kinloch Lodge
Room Type: 2 x Cosy Double (1 for solo occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Thursday 1^st August - Transfer to Torridon

Today you have the choice of fitting in one last hike on the Isle of Skye before heading north up the coast to Torridon, or hiking on route to your unique hotel.  Together with your guide you will decide on an option which suits your preferred level of challenge (and energy!), and the weather. Maybe conquer a local summit for fabulous views, or enjoy a gentle atmospheric exploration to discover a waterfall or coastal view. No matter what you pick, your guide will make the landscape come alive with stories and local insights.

Overnight: by Achnasheen | The Stables - Torridon
Room Type: 2 x Ground Floor Stables (one for solo occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Friday 2^nd August - Torridon Adventures

Enjoy a relaxing morning today, soaking in this special location, or you can hike with your guide. This afternoon head out onto the water in sea kayaks to get a completely different appreciation of this unique landscape. Your local kayaking guide has all the local knowledge and tips to help you get the most out of this experience. Keep your eyes peeled for the local sea eagles as well as seals and maybe even otters.

Overnight: by Achnasheen | The Stables - Torridon
Room Type: 2 x Ground Floor Stables (one for solo occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Saturday 3^rd August - Transfer to Gleneagles via The Cairngorms National Park

Your route today takes you through the fringes of the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. So you have the option to stop for a hike here and take in the very different landscape before your guide takes you onwards to your luxurious resort hotel. Here you will reunite with Frida, and your guide will bid you farewell, leaving you to enjoy the rest of your trip.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Large Manor Double & 1 x Large Manor Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Sunday 4^th August - Free Day To Enjoy Gleneagles Facilities Or Find Football!

Today you have the whole day free to relax and enjoy the luxurious hotel facilities, or catch a local football game if there is one on! The choice is yours.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Large Manor Double & 1 x Large Manor Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Monday 5^th August - Test Your Aim With Archery & Clays

Test out your skills with the ancient sport of archery this morning. A private session with an instructor who will share the tweaks and techniques to increase your accuracy as you enjoy learning together. This afternoon try out the classic (and addictive) country pursuit of Clay Shooting. Your expert instructor will give you tips as you have fun target shooting and improving your aim.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Large Manor Double & 1 x Large Manor Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Tuesday 6^th August - Free Day To Enjoy Gleneagles Facilities

Today you have the whole day free to relax and enjoy the luxurious hotel facilities.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Large Manor Double & 1 x Large Manor Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Wednesday 7^th August - Transfer To Edinburgh & Embrace the Festival Atmosphere

A private transfer will take you to Edinburgh this morning so that you can drop your bags off at your hotel and head out to soak in the vibrant atmosphere. The streets of Edinburgh will be buzzing with energy due to the various festivals running this month and you will pass street performers and entertainment on every corner as you explore. Follow your curiosity through the twisting cobbled streets of the Old Town and enjoy the vibrant ambience. There will be a huge variety of different shows and concerts to choose from if you wish to catch a performance, maybe even the famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo itself on the Castle Esplanade.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: 1 x Superior King & 1 x Superior Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Thursday 8^th August - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to Edinburgh airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast