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A Highland Adventure - O'Neill
October 2024
October 2024
Pick up your hire car this morning and set off for the west coast. On the way, you may wish to stop off for a leg stretch in the Loch Lomond National Park, perhaps up the iconic hill that Sir Walter Scott once claimed offered the finest views in all of Scotland. Continuing through the beautiful scenery you will arrive in the valley of Glencoe where you’ll settle into your accommodation overlooking the incredible scenery of the valley.
Overnight: Glencoe
Meals Included: None
Enjoy breakfast before meeting your Wilderness guide and heading out to explore Glencoe. The spectacular Glencoe, carved out centuries ago by glaciers and volcanic eruptions, offers some wild and scenic hiking. One great option is to hike along a narrow rowan-hung gorge until you reach the Lost Valley. This enclosed meadow – high, green, and hidden by precipitous tors, is said to be where the Macdonald clan used to conceal their rustled cattle. Surrounded by jagged peaks that shift in and out of mountain mist, visit the Glencoe Center to learn about the landscape’s haunting history.
Overnight: Glencoe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
After a leisurely breakfast, head west to the Isle of Skye. Wind by mountain glens ribboned with narrow waterfalls and through woodlands of old trees that break the tarmac into a jigsaw of leafy shadows. Arriving in the coastal village of Mallaig, enjoy some fresh seafood for lunch before hopping on the ferry to the Misty Isle. Stepping back onto dry land, continue your journey across the island to the colourful and quirky town of Portree, the largest town on Skye and your home for the next few nights.
Overnight: Isle of Skye
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a free day for you to set out and explore Skye, perhaps visiting some of the most iconic sites as well as some that are less well-known. Coral beach is made from crushed white coral like seaweed which will make you think that you have been transported to the Carribean! Enjoy a gentle walk along the beach here, looking out for the local wildlife such as sea eagles, otters or perhaps a friendly seal will pop their head up to say hello! There is also the opportunity to visit the nearby Dunvegan Castle, seat of the Clan McCleod and the only Highland fortress that has been occupied by the same family for 800 years.
Overnight: Isle of Skye
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today head south to Elgol – a tiny hamlet scattered along the western cliffs of the Strathaird peninsula. From a small jetty, board the charming Bella Jane and sail over Loch Scavaig into the very heart of the Black Cuillin. As the lovely first mate provides some fascinating history about the surrounding islands, look for sleepy seals lounging on the warm rocks. Upon reaching the shore, leave the boat to explore Loch Coruisk, also known as the Cauldron of the Waters, a deep dark loch that stretches like a shadow below the impressive volcanic peaks. Choose to enjoy a scenic lunch, walk around the loch or climb the rugged mountain of Sgurr na Stri – which is considered by many to offer one of the wildest and most spectacular views in Scotland. Catch the crossing of choice back to the mainland.
Overnight: Isle of Skye
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll leave the Isle of Skye behind and head for the Highland capital of Inverness. Stop to explore Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most iconic and striking sights in all of Scotland, taking your time to appreciate the unique beauty of this remote and historical place. Depending on your time of arrival in Inverness, you may wish to head out on foot and wander along the ambient river front, nipping into one of the many cosy pubs to enjoy a local ale or glass of something red.
Overnight: Inverness
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a free day to explore Inverness at your own pace. You may wish to venture a short distance out of the city to visit Culloden Battlefield and its richly researched and engaging visitor centre. Learn about one of the most harrowing battles in Scottish history and walk across the rough moor where the Jacobites and the Government fought in 1746. Take the opportunity to visit Clava Cairns – a well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex of passage graves, ring cairns, kerb cairns and standing stones.
Overnight: Inverness
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey north to the Orkney Islands by following the north-east coast of the Highlands and onwards over the Pentland Firth. We reach Orkney in the late afternoon, where you may wish to visit the Italian Chapel, two Nissen huts converted into a place of worship by prisoners of war. Continuing on to our hotel which is situated nearby to the major archaeological sites which add to the intrigue of these islands. Enjoy a welcome dinner and drink this evening.
Overnight: Kirkwall
Meals Included: Breakfast
A full day of self guided exploration on Orkney. There are so many places to choose from, including the Stone Age village of Skara Brae, discovered in 1850 after a storm cleared away the sand dunes that were covering it. Visit the nearby historic Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe. If you fancy, you can visit the Highland Park distillery in Kirkwall for a tour and tipple.
Overnight: Kirkwall
Meals Included: Breakfast
A full day of self guided exploration on Orkney. There are so many places to choose from, including the Stone Age village of Skara Brae, discovered in 1850 after a storm cleared away the sand dunes that were covering it. Visit the nearby historic Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe. If you fancy, you can visit the Highland Park distillery in Kirkwall for a tour and tipple.
Overnight: Kirkwall
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embark on a captivating journey from Orkney to mainland Scotland, catching the morning ferry. Drive south towards the majestic Cairngorms National Park, where untamed beauty awaits. En route, savour picturesque landscapes and local delights. As the day draws to a close, settle into your accommodation, eager for the adventures ahead in this natural paradise.
Overnight: Cairngorms
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, enjoy a hike in the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. At over 4500 sq km it is the largest National Park in the UK and with miles of winding rivers, make it Scotland’s most prolific whisky-making region. With your guide, choose a hike that suits you – perhaps head out onto the alpine plateau of the Cairngorms Mountain range and bag a sought-after Munro. Or choose to explore the Caledonian pine forest which is the oldest forest in Scotland and the last of the woodland that once covered the whole of the UK. Roam heather-covered glens and alongside jewel-like lochs for the perfect immersion into the ancient landscape. This evening, enjoy a drink in a Highland pub while listening to some traditional folk music.
Overnight: Cairngorms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
After breakfast, head to Waverley Train Station; the only station in the world to be named after a novel. As you journey north, you’ll pass through small towns, pastoral landscapes and wild moors before reaching the Cairngorms National Park. On arrival, meet your Wilderness guide for the next stage of your adventure. After settling in at your accommodation, head out for a short but spectacular walk. The Uath Lochans, known locally as the Paw Print Lochans, are a hive of biodiversity. Raised boardwalks wind through reedy marshlands. Look out for a glimpse of the occasional frog and the glittering wings of dragonflies as they dart over the wetlands. Climbing a short way to Farleitter Crag, this small hill offers incredible elevated views of the water, forest and surrounding Cairngorm Mountains. Relax into your accommodation this evening and enjoy your first Highland dinner.
Overnight: Cairngorms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
On your final day, continue your way through scenic mountain landscapes and native woodlands of the Cairngorms National Park. Enjoy meandering through the Strathspey Valley where you will have time to explore the surroundings, visit some of the small towns and villages or simply enjoy a short walk to stretch your legs before settling into your Highland accommodation for the final night.
Overnight: Cairngorms
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a final breakfast in the serenity of the Cairngorms National Park before making your way back to Glasgow and beginning your onward travel.
Meals Included: Breakfast
The price of this trip is £3,570 per person and is based on availability at the time of booking.
October 2024
