email: [email protected] tel: +44 (0) 1479 420 020

Deupree Family - Self Drive Scottish Adventure

Amie, Kelvin, Bryce, Zane and Emma

Monday 26^th May – Monday 2^nd June 2025

Number of Travellers: 5

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable self-drive journey through the heart of Scotland. This bespoke itinerary offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences, all at your own pace. From the tranquil lochs and ancient castles to the rugged highlands and vibrant local communities, each day presents new opportunities for exploration and discovery. Whether you’re hiking through scenic trails, delving into Scotland’s rich history, or simply enjoying the breathtaking landscapes, this adventure is designed to create lasting memories for the entire family. With comfortable accommodations and the freedom to tailor your activities, you’ll experience the best of Scotland in a way that suits your family’s interests and pace.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Monday 26^th May - Heading West

Depart Edinburgh this morning and make your way towards the West Coast. You may wish to stop en route to spend some time in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, or enjoy a short walk and a drink at a traditional climbers pub in Glencoe before arriving in Fort William. Settle into your accommodation and relax for the evening before tomorrow’s adventures.

Overnight: Fort William | Nevis Bank Inn
Room Type: 1x Double & 1x Family
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Tuesday 27^th May - Sea Kayaking & Over to Skye

Depart Fort William this morning journey along ‘The Road to The Isles’ arriving at the beautiful white sandy beaches of Arisaig Sound. Meet your expert sea-kayaking guide and head out into the turquoise water to explore. Sea kayak around hundreds of tiny islands, spotting seals, otters, and a host of coastal birds. The seal colony here is friendly and curious, often slipping beneath your boat only to pop up on the other side to peer at you with their big dark eyes. After finishing up on the water, a short drive will take you to Mallaig, where you will board the ferry to the Isle of Skye. Transfer to Portree and arrive at your accommodation.

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Room Type: 1 x Double, 1 x Family of 3
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Sea Kayaking Read More +

Activity: Sea Kayaking
Rockhopper Sea Kayaking:
Start Location: Arisaig Hotel | Start Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 6 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 7739 837 344

Please bring a pair of old trainers you don’t mind getting wet, or water shoes for today.

Address:
Main Road,
Arisaig
PH39 4NH

Day 2 - Ferry Details Read More +

Operator: CalMac

Departure Port: Mallaig Arrival Port: Armadale

Check-in closes: 16:25.

Please find your tickets attached below

Day 3 - Wednesday 28^th May - Hiking The Clearance Villages

Today, you’ll meet your Wilderness Scotland guide Rhona and explore Skye’s breathtaking scenery. The hikes will be individually tailored, considering your experience, interests and the weather. One poignant option is a coastal circuit that passes through the ruins of two crofting villages which were abandoned during the Highland Clearances. Your guide will share the stories of the area and help you picture what life was like for the crofters who lived and worked on this land. Whatever option you choose, keep an eye out for wildlife. Skye is home to Scotland’s largest population of white-tailed sea eagles.

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Room Type: 1 x Double, 1 x Family of 3
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Guide Details - Rhona Steel Read More +

Name: Rhona Steel
Contact Number: +44 (0) 7719 706926
Meeting Place: Bosville Hotel Reception | Meeting Time: 09:00

Rhona will meet you at hotel reception at 9am.

Day 4 - Thursday 29^th May - Hiking Loch Coruisk & the Black Cuillin

With a sharp amphitheatre of summits rising straight from the shoreline above mysterious deep grey waters, Loch Coruisk deserves its reputation as Scotland’s most dramatic loch. You’ll meet your guide today at a tiny harbour before crossing Loch Scavaig to the remote southern edge of the Cuillin. There is an excellent chance to spot wildlife, including porpoises and dolphins, as well as the seal colonies that occupy the skerries at the mouth of the loch. Once dropped off in this lonely and wild spot, you can choose to circumnavigate the loch, navigating through the erratic boulders left behind by glaciers, or, for a more challenging option, hike up a nearby peak for some of the most incredible views on Skye.

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Room Type: 1 x Double, 1 x Family of 3
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Friday 30^th May - Castles and the Cairngorms

Depart Skye this morning and make your way over the Skye Bridge and towards the infamous Loch Ness. Journey along the loch, stopping to explore the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle and learning more about it’s impressive history. Continue your journey towards Inverness, where if time allows, you may wish to visit Culloden Battlefield, the site of the bloody last battle of the Jacobite Rising, before transferring south a short distance and arriving in Aviemore, your base for the next 3 nights. Settle in and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Aviemore | Cairngorm Guesthouse
Room Type: 1 x Double, 1 x Family room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Urquhart Castle Read More +

Activity: Urquhart Castle
Start Location: Urquhart Castle | Start Time: 12:30
Phone: +44 (0) 1456 450 551

Please find your tickets attached below

Address: Urquhart Castle
By Drumnadrochit
Near Inverness
IV63 6XJ

Day 6 - Saturday 31^st May - Guided Hiking in The Cairngorms

The Cairngorm mountain range boasts five out of six of the highest peaks in the UK, as well as miles of awe-inspiring native Caledonian pine forests, tumbling rivers and magical lochs. There are numerous fantastic hikes to choose from, and along with your guide, you’ll decide what suits best. You could challenge yourself to “bag a Munro” (climb a mountain over 3,000ft/914.4m), which is easier than you may think if you head up Cairn Gorm from the ski road, marvelling at the stunning views of the spectacular Northern Corries. Ben Macdui is the second-highest peak in the UK and within reach if you are an experienced hillwalker. For those preferring low-level walks, there are many delights to discover, including a fine short walk around one of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland, complete with a ruined island castle.

Overnight: Aviemore | Cairngorm Guesthouse
Room Type: 1 x Double, 1 x Family room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Guide Details - Emy McLeod Read More +

Name: Emy McLeod
Contact Number: +44 (0) 7515 265011
Meeting Place: Cairngorm Guest House Reception | Meeting Time: 09:00

Emy will meet you at 9am at reception.

Day 7 - Sunday 1^st June - Canoeing the Lochs

Meet your guide on the shores of a beautiful loch surrounded by native forest. Under the expert tuition of your guide, you’ll practise different strokes and get comfortable before venturing out to explore the water and shoreline. Canoeing provides you with a unique opportunity to view this wild, mountainous corner of Scotland from a different perspective and the chance to spot wildlife. After your morning paddling adventure, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the national park at your own pace. Options include an open-air museum, a Highland safari park, or sites of historical interest.

Overnight: Aviemore | Cairngorm Guesthouse
Room Type: 1 x Double, 1 x Family room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Guide Details - Emy McLeod Read More +

Name: Emy McLeod
Contact Number: +44 (0) 7515 265011
Meeting Place: Cairngorm Guest House | Meeting Time: 09:00

Emy will meet you back at reception at 9am this morning.

Day 8 - Monday 2^nd June - Depart

Say farewell to Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park today, and make your way south to return to Edinburgh to begin your homeward journey. Depending on how you chose to fill your afternoon yesterday, you may wish to stop in Newtonmore on your way, about 25 minutes south of Aviemore, to visit the Highland Folk Museum where you can step back in time and experience life in the Highlands from 1700s to the 1950s. With over 35 historical buildings onsite, you can explore and discover how people in the Highlands lived, worked, went to school, enjoyed their leisure time.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More

All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 7
Select meals as indicated above
Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide on days 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7
All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
Privately guided sea kayaking on day 2
Bella Jane boat trip on day 4
Entry to Urquhart Castle
Privately guided open canoeing on Day 6
Ferry transport from Mallaig to Armadale
Personalised trip design and delivery
24 hour in-country support from the Wilderness Team

Exclusions Read More

Flights
Car hire
Travel insurance
Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
Gratuities for the main driver guide

Important Contact Numbers Read More

Walking Kit List – View Now
Scotland – View Now
Urquhart Castle Tickets – View Now
Ferry Tickets – View Now

Terms & Conditions Read More: Please see our booking terms here.

Accommodation

Nevis Bank Inn

Belford Road | Fort William | Inverness-shire |
PH33 6BY | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 1397 705 721
Web: nevisbankinn.co.uk

The Bosville

Portree | Isle of Skye |
IV51 9DG | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1478 612846
Web: perlehotels.com/the-bosville

Cairngorm Guesthouse

139 Grampian Road, | Aviemore |
PH22 1RP | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1479 810 630
Web: cairngormguesthouse.com

Photo looking out across the loch from the sandy edge on a sunny day

Photo looking across a beach and out to sea on a calm and clear sunny day.

Meet Your Guides

Rhona Steel

Contact Number: +44 (0) 7719 706926

Variety and people are big motivators for me, so I have worked in health care, education and most recently agriculture. In the 90s, I went to work in Europe but missed the diverse landscape and proximity to the sea. One of my best decisions was to return to live in the Highlands.

Full Web Bio

Emy McLeod

Contact Number: +44 (0) 7515 265011

I am passionate about all things outdoors! Mountains, Rivers, Crags and Trails! The Highlands has been my home for 5 years now, having travelled to other continents to experience different cultures, for me, Scotland is always in my heart.

It is my pleasure to be able to share Scotland with people from around the globe. To guide across the Scottish landscapes and share knowledge of nature, culture and history as a job is a privilege. It is hard to say what I love most about the outdoors as every day is different! From riding over the Northern Corries in the Cairngorms to canoeing the Great Glen Way trail to walking & island exploring on the Outer Hebrides. I love it all!