Final Information - Jacada - Highland and Island Explorations

Ann Ridings and Friends

Monday 12th August – Tuesday 20th August 2024

Number of Travellers: 4
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Monday 12th August | Day Trip to St Andrews

Day 2 | Tuesday 13th August | To the West | Overnight: Glencoe

Day 3 | Wednesday 14th August | Road to the Isles | Overnight: Glencoe

Day 4 | Thursday 15th August | Exploring Glencoe | Overnight: Glencoe

Day 5 | Friday 16th August | Transfer To Mull | Overnight: Mull

Day 6 | Saturday 17th August | Isle Of Iona | Overnight: Mull

Day 7 | Sunday 18th August | Mull Explorations | Overnight: Mull

Day 8 | Monday 19th August | Return To The Mainland & Journey South

Day 9 | Tuesday 20th August | Depart

Day by Day

Day 1 - Monday 12th August - Day Trip to St Andrews

You’ll escape the festival vibe today as you head out of the city to the hallowed greens of St Andrews.  Your private driver guide will collect you from your hotel and you’ll cross the Firth of Forth as you head north.

Enjoy a private walking tour of the town with your guide including visits to the Cathedral and the University and perhaps take a walk near the Old Course and watch the golfers in action!

On the way back to Edinburgh you could stop off at Anstruther, a pretty seaside village that has previously been voted to have the best fish and chips in the UK!

A wonderful day out and a great way to start the next part of your adventure.

Overnight: SELF ARRANGED

Day 1 - Day Trip to St Andrews Read More +

Activity: Day Trip to St Andrews
Mini Mack Tours:
Start Location: The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh | Start Time: 09:00
Phone: +44 (0)7903 738 169

Your local city guide and driver will collect you from your hotel this morning and drop you back after a day out to St Andrews.

Day 2 - Tuesday 13th August - To the West

Your main driver guide will meet you at your hotel this morning and you will set off on the next part of your Scottish adventure.  Leaving the bright lights of Edinburgh behind, you will head west towards the dramatic peaks of Glencoe.

On the way you can stop off at Stirling Castle, one of the most famous castles in all of Scotland.  Take a tour of the castle before enjoying lunch in a local restaurant.

Continue on your journey in the afternoon, winding through the towering peaks of the valley before arriving at your accommodation for the night.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: 1 x 1 bedroom suite in the main house and 1 x Strathcona Lodge 50 metres from the hotel
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Guide Details - Ailsa Armstrong Read More +

Name: Ailsa Armstrong
Contact Number: +44 (0) 7729 003 905
Meeting Place: Lobby of The Balmoral | Meeting Time: 09:00

Your guide will meet you in the Lobby of the hotel.

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Glencoe House | Location: Your Suite
Reservation Time: 19:00

Your dinner this evening will be served in your Suite.

Please note this is a reservation only, please pay directly.

Day 3 - Wednesday 14th August - Road to the Isles

Set off towards the islands this morning as you enjoy a drive along one of the most scenic roads in the whole of the country.  Stopping off as you see fit, the day will be led by you as to what you want to see.  Perhaps stop at Glenfinnan to see the famous steam train thunder across the viaduct.  Or head along the coast to the small villages stopping off for lunch or a drink at a local pub.

A fantastic day exploring the west coast of Scotland.

Please note that breakfast for everyone will be served in the suite in the main hotel.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: 1 x 1 bedroom suite in the main house and 1 x Strathcona Lodge 50 metres from the hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Laroch | Location: Ballachulish
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44(0) 1855 811940

Please note this is a table reservation only.  Please pay directly.

Day 4 - Thursday 15th August - Exploring Glencoe

Glencoe – a valley of myths and mystery, of magic and murder.  The tragic tales of life here are etched into the very fabric of life that echos through the impressive peaks and the hidden valleys.  Your guide will take you on a journey through this gorgeous place as you explore places that are off the beaten track and immerse yourself in the culture of this iconic part of the country.

To end your day, you will meet a local storyteller at a walkers tavern, who will regale you with tales of witches and witchcraft, of spirits and spells as well as the battles that were fought just a stones throw away from where you a sitting.  So relax, unwind and let the smooth amber nectar warm your insides as you get under the skin of the fabric of life in these ancient lands.

Please note that breakfast for everyone will be served in the suite in the main hotel.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: 1 x 1 bedroom suite in the main house and 1 x Strathcona Lodge 50 metres from the hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Storyteller Read More +

Activity: Storyteller
Start Location: Ben Nevis Inn | Start Time: 16:00

Your guide will take you to meet the local storyteller in a local walkers tavern.  You’ll then enjoy dinner here before heading back to your hotel for the night.

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Ben Nevis Inn
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: B67GWVPC
Phone: +44 (0)1397 701227

Please note that this is a table reservation only.  Please pay directly.

Day 5 - Friday 16th August - Transfer To Mull

It is time to leave the Highlands and head to the second largest Inner Hebridean island today.  Journey through the ever changing landscapes as you cross the country from the mountains to the sea.  Board the late morning ferry to Mull keeping your eyes peeled for the local wildlife such as seals and dolphins that are abundant in these waters.

On arrival in Mull you will enjoy some lunch before setting off to explore the island from Duart Castle which proudly stands guard over the harbour to the island of Ulva with its standing stones and rugged landscapes.

Your accommodation this evening is a boutique guest house with far stretching views and a beautiful garden for a stroll after dinner.

Please note that breakfast for everyone will be served in the suite in the main hotel.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before.

Overnight: Mull | Pennygate Lodge Guesthouse & Restaurant
Room Type: 2 x King Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Craignure Inn
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: N/A
Phone: +44(0)1680 812305

Non-bookable, please arrive in plenty of time to get a table.

Day 6 - Saturday 17th August - Isle Of Iona

The highlight of your trip has arrived as you head to the south of the island this morning to board the ferry to the small island of Iona.  This fabled isle is home to Iona Abbey which many people pilgrimage to year after year and is the burial site of more than sixty Scottish Kings.

Spend the day exploring the island from the tranquility of the nunnery walls to the windswept beaches of St Columba’s Bay before returning to Mull this evening for your final night on the island.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before.

Overnight: Mull | Pennygate Lodge Guesthouse & Restaurant
Room Type: 2 x King Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Pennygate Lodge | Location: Craignure, Mull
Reservation Time: 19:00

Please note this is a table reservation only.  Please pay directly.

Day 7 - Sunday 18th August - Mull Explorations

For your final day on the island spend the day exploring with your guide. Head north to the pretty fishing village of Tobermory with it’s brightly coloured houses and views back across to the mainland. Spend some time wandering through the streets and enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the many restaurants here.

On your way back to the accommodation, you can head round the north east coast to the oldest Inn on Mull for a wee dram or perhaps even a small guide led whisky tasting to see if you can taste the difference between Highland and Island whiskies!  A lovely way to end your last day on the island.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time the night before.

Overnight: Mull | Pennygate Lodge Guesthouse & Restaurant
Room Type: 2 x King Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Bellachroy Hotel | Location: Dervaig, Isle of Mull, Argyll PA75 6QW
Reservation Time: 17:45
Phone: +44 (0)1688 400 314

Please note this is a table reservation only.  Please pay directly.

Day 8 - Monday 19th August - Return To The Mainland & Journey South

It is time to depart the ancient land of Scotland and head back to London before your flight home tomorrow.

Take the morning ferry back to the mainland before heading to Glasgow to catch a train to London, taking with you a small part of Scotland in your heart and a longing to return.

On arrival at London Euston a private transfer will be waiting for you to take you to your central London hotel for your final night on UK soil.

Overnight: SELF ARRANGED
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Train Details Read More +

Travel Date: August 19, 2024 | Rail Operator: LNER
Departure Train Station: Glasgow Central | Departure Time: 13:35
Arrival Train Station: London Euston | Arrival Time: 18:13

First Class seats – Carriage J, Seat 21 (Aisle), Seat 22 (Window), Seat 24 (Aisle), Seat 25 (Window).

Your guide will have your tickets and will give them to you during the trip.

Day 8 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2708101
Pick Up Location: London Euston | Pick Up Time: 18:15
Phone: +44 (0)141 883 2111

Your private transfer driver will meet you directly outside of the station at the Royal George Pub, Lancing Street and have a sign showing your name.

Transfer Company system will send contact details for the chauffeur as an SMS 30 minutes prior to the reservation taking place, to the mobile number for the travelling passenger. If the client is unable to locate our chauffeur, they must call the mobile number provided, or call the Little’s Office on +44 (0)141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 9 - Tuesday 20th August - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the 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

Day 9 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2708109
Pick Up Location: Claridge's Hotel | Pick Up Time: 06:15
Phone: +44 (0)141 883 2111

Your private driver will meet you at the reception of your hotel.

Transfer Company system will send contact details for the chauffeur as an SMS 30 minutes prior to the reservation taking place, to the mobile number for the travelling passenger. If the client is unable to locate our chauffeur, they must call the mobile number provided, or call the Little’s Office on +44 (0)141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 9 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: August 20, 2024 | Airline: Delta | Flight Number: DL59
Departure Airport: London Heathrow (LHR) | Departure Time: 09:40

Leslie & Bill.

Day 9 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2708102
Pick Up Location: Claridge's Hotel | Pick Up Time: 11:45
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

Your private transfer driver will meet you at the reception of your hotel.

Transfer Company system will send contact details for the chauffeur as an SMS 30 minutes prior to the reservation taking place, to the mobile number for the travelling passenger. If the client is unable to locate our chauffeur, they must call the mobile number provided, or call the Little’s Office on +44 (0)141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 9 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: August 20, 2024 | Airline: British Airways | Flight Number: BA159
Departure Airport: London Heathrow (LHR) | Departure Time: 15:35

Barry & Ann.

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 6 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 1 to Day 7 inclusive
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • Private Transfer to Claridges (self booked) from Central London Train Station
  • Private Transfer to the airport on Day 9
  • All Ferry Travel Included in the Itinerary
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Private day trip to St Andrews with a knowledgable local driver guide
    • Entry to Stirling Castle
    • Session with a storyteller – private
    • Entry to Duart Castle
    • Entry to Iona Abbey and Nunnery
    • Guide led whisky tasting
    • First Class train tickets from Glasgow to London
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Notes Read More
  • Activities are only private if so specified
  • Notes On Weather & Flexibility – Weather in Scotland can be very changeable. Suitable clothing and footwear is essential, as well as a flexible attitude. Plans may have to be changed to accommodate Mother Nature, and your guide will have back-up plans that they will discuss with you if required.
  • Essential Packing List
    • Waterproof jacket with hood
    • Waterproof over-pants
    • Sturdy hiking boots/shoes (sneakers or tennis shoes are not suitable for any hiking in Scotland)
    • Day pack 20-30 litre for carrying water and extra layers
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Warm layers
    • Warm hat, gloves and a neck gaiter
    • Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
    • Smart casual attire for dinners

    Note: If you would like us to provide trekking poles for your use then please just let us know and we will ensure these are available for you.

     

    Luggage Notes

    Please note that we expect travellers to bring an average of One Large Holdall or Suitcase and up to Two smaller day-bags or hand-luggage sized pieces. If you expect to bring more than this then please let us know well in advance of arrival so that we can ensure there is capacity for this (additional charges will apply if separate luggage transfers are required).

     

    Tipping Guidelines

    For tipping our guides – We don’t generally recommend a set amount as tipping is not expected in the same way that it is in North America. However, similar North American travel companies generally suggest something along the lines of £10-30 per person per day for your guide, which is a wide range to choose from. Generally, we would encourage you to ask yourself what you were expecting from your guide, and then think about how they have exceeded those expectations and choose an amount you are comfortable with.

    For local services such as restaurants again tipping is not expected but if you receive great service then 10-15% of the bill is normal

Important Contact Numbers Read More
  • Useful Contacts24 hour in-country support (Wilderness Scotland):  +44 (0)1479 420 020, or out with regular office hours +44 (0)7766 794 640 (urgent calls only)Emergency services:  999 or 112NHS 24 (24 hour free medical advice):  111
Important Additional Information Read More
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Accommodation

Glencoe House

Glencoe | West Highlands |
PH49 4HT | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1855 811 179
Web: glencoe-house.com

Pennygate Lodge Guesthouse & Restaurant

Craignure | Mull | Argyll |
PA65 6AY | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 1680 812 333
Web: pennygatelodge.scot

Meet Your Guide

Ailsa Armstrong

Contact Number: +44 (0) 7729 003 905

Having been brought up on one of Scotland’s beautiful west coast islands, I have always treasured the opportunity to explore Scotland’s wild places and this continues to bring me much pleasure today.

I particularly enjoy walking in the mountains and completed all of Scotland’s Munros some years ago. I also get a great deal of pleasure from the long distance, lower level, walks Scotland has to offer and continually seek out new adventures.

Travel has not just been limited to Scotland as I have been fortunate to have walked, climbed and ski toured in many parts of the world, although there is always something special about coming home to the Cairngorms.

Favourite Place to Play

I love heading off to explore and experience the wild places of the Highlands mountains, but also the beautiful low level walking routes and coastal paths. My perfect day is always complete when I come across a coffee shop and/or gallery with local Scottish artisan products in unusual places.

Not a lot of people know this

I am a keen mosaic artist and was delighted to have had a piece of work displayed in the National Gallery of Scotland.

Virtuoso

Final Information – Jacada – Highland and Island Explorations

Monday 12th August – Tuesday 20th August 2024