Final Information - Weindling Family Scottish Adventure

Barbara Weindling

Sunday 28th July – Friday 9th August 2024

Number of Travellers: 3
Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights

Overview

Experience the very best of Scotland as you adventure through stunning scenery with an expert guide who loves to share this beautiful land and its wild places. Taste delicious meals created with local produce, indulge in the rich history of whisky and relax in welcoming hospitality at the end of every day with a wee dram. Create special memories of unique experiences in beautiful regions full of history and character.

 

Highlights

  • Fully immerse yourself in the local landscapes as your guide drives you through the scenic roads of the Highlands
  • Experience stunning local produce and exceptional regional whisky throughout your adventure
  • Enjoy centuries worth of history at your fingertips
  • Explore walks off the beaten path and experience Scotland as an insider

Day by Day

Day 1 - Sunday 28th July - Welcome to Edinburgh

Arrive in Edinburgh and settle into your accommodation.

Explore the history of the city and wander down the Royal Mile towards Calton Hill and take in the sweeping views of the city. Spend the afternoon exploring the New Town.

 

Overnight: Edinburgh | Self-Arranged

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: July 28, 2024 | Airline: Delta Air Lines Inc | Flight Number: DL 0122
Departure Airport: Boston | Departure Time: 21:10
Arrival Airport: Edinburgh | Arrival Time: 08:35

Self-arranged airport transfer to self-arranged Edinburgh accommodation.

Day 2 - Monday 29th July - Exploring Edinburgh

In the morning, enjoy a private walking tour with an expert local guide, learning more about the historic city.

Free afternoon to continue exploring the city at your own pace.

 

Overnight: Edinburgh | Self-Arranged

Day 2 - Private Walking Tour Read More +

Activity: Private Walking Tour
Blue Badge Guide: Mary Nikitik
Start Location: Balmoral Hotel Reception | Start Time: 09:30
Phone: +44 (0)7826 074146

Meet Mary at the Balmoral’s reception for a private walking tour of Edinburgh to last until 1pm.

Day 3 - Tuesday 30th July - Journey north to Gleneagles

Depart Edinburgh for Gleneagles, enjoying the scenic journey along the way.

Settle into your accommodations and perhaps take a leisurely stroll and prepare for your adventure in the countryside.

Spend the evening having a fabulous dining experience in one of the Michelin starred restaurants and retire to your rooms for a peaceful sleep.

Overnight: Gleneagles | Self-Arranged

Day 3 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Self-Arranged

Self-arranged transfer from Edinburgh accommodation to Gleneagles.

Day 4 - Wednesday 31st July - Country Pursuits at Gleneagles

After a delicious breakfast, head into the Gleneagles countryside and explore some of the many offerings at the resort. Whether you wish to test your target practice with a round of clay-pigeon shooting or saddle up and explore the stunning estate on horseback, enjoy switching off and immersing yourself in the beautiful surrounding landscapes.

Overnight: Gleneagles | Self-Arranged

Day 4 - Self-Arranged Read More +

Activity: Self-Arranged

Day 5 - Thursday 1st August - Escape to the West Coast

This morning you will meet your expert guide, Martin Tull, who will whisk you away in your private transport to the Scottish West Coast. You will take in the history of Stirling Castle and listen to your guide regale tales of William Wallace. From here, you will travel through stunning parts of the Scottish Highlands, including Rannoch Moor, one of the last remaining wilderness of Europe.

To finish off your day, you will arrive at the iconic Inverlochy Castle, a 13th century castle nestled in the shadow of the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: Junior Walled Garden Suite - TWIN and Walled Garden Attic Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Guide Details - Martin Tull Read More +

Name: Martin Tull
Contact Number: +44 (0)7807 576 955
Meeting Place: Gleneagles Reception | Meeting Time: 10:00

Meet Martin in the Gleneagles reception at 10:00am.

Day 5 - Stirling Castle Read More +

Activity: Stirling Castle
| Start Time: 11:00

Day 5 - Lunch Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Smith Cafe | Location: The Stirling Smith Art Gallery
Reservation Time: 13:30
Website: https://www.smithartgalleryandmuseum.co.uk/

Clients to pay for themselves.

Martin will be joining you for lunch today and will pay for his own food.

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Self-Arranged

Day 6 - Friday 2nd August - Hiking in Glencoe

Enjoy breakfast before meeting your 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.

The specific hiking route will be discussed with your guide and will depend on the group’s interests, abilities and weather.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: Junior Walled Garden Suite - TWIN and Walled Garden Attic Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Lunch Details Read More +

Lunch to be confirmed on the day based on the length of the hike.

Clients only for lunch, clients to pay themselves.

Day 7 - Saturday 3rd August - Over the Sea to Skye

Today you’ll travel along the stunning Road to the Isles. This is frequently listed as one of the most beautiful drives in the world and it is easy to see why. Admire the silver sand beaches of Arisaig and the views into the distance of Skye and the small isles. Your guide will share the tales of the local area as you go, making the landscape come alive with characters and events from the past.

You may wish to stop at the historic Glenfinnan Viaduct, which you may well recognise from the Harry Potter films. Hear the tales of the Glenfinnan Monument and enjoy the stunning landscapes.

Take a stroll on the white sand beaches of Arisaig and soak in the views of the Small Isles before continuing your journey via the ferry to the Isle of Skye.

Overnight: Portree | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: Superior Twin and Premier Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Lunch Details Read More +

Lunch to be confirmed on the day based on the chosen activities.

Clients only for lunch, clients to pay themselves.

Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Self-Arranged

Day 8 - Sunday 4th August - Skye's Trotternish Peninsula

This morning head out with your guide to explore the dramatic landscape of the Quiraing on the northern peninsula of Skye. As you walk, admire the stark rock formations that rise from the rugged ground like the great ruined battlements of a long-forgotten war. Chat with your guide about the geology and history of the area, enjoying the incredible sweeping views of the islands, mountains and sun-clipped shores that stretch in every direction.

This afternoon, visit the world famous Talisker Distillery and learn how the local landscape shapes the flavours of their whisky while you sip on a wee dram.

Overnight: Portree | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: Superior Twin and Premier Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Lunch Details Read More +

Cafe: Packed Lunch

Day 8 - Talisker Distillery Read More +

Activity: Talisker Distillery
Start Location: Carbost | Start Time: 15:30

Day 8 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Cuillin Hills | Location: Cuillin Hills Hotel
Reservation Time: 20:30
Website: https://www.cuillinhills-hotel-skye.co.uk/dine.html

You can arrive early and have drinks in the bar. They might be able to seat you early.

Clients only for dinner, clients to pay themselves.

Day 9 - Monday 5th August - Loch Coruisk Explorations

Enjoy a boat trip along Loch Coruisk enjoying the dramatic backdrop of the jagged peaks of the Black Cuillin mountain range. Alight at the remote northern reaches of the loch and enjoy a hike back along the loch at the bottom of the ridge peak which reach up directly from the waters edge. This is a truly spectacular wild spot and this day is sure to be a highlight of your trip.

Overnight: Portree | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: Superior Twin and Premier Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Lunch Details Read More +

Cafe: Packed Lunch

Day 10 - Tuesday 6th August - Loch Ness Adventures

Today you will depart the Misty Isle and visit the iconic ruins of Urquhart Castle. Perched on the shores of Loch Ness, the castle offers a glimpse into a bygone era of conflict, clans and legends. As you explore the ramparts and peer through the weathered windows, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views over Loch Ness, its serene waters shrouded in legendary tales.

Your adventure will continue as you take a cruise across the Loch in a private charter searching for the fabled Nessie. Settle into your hotel for a warming drink, with memories of an unforgettable adventure.

Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: Laurel King and Laurel King - Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Lunch Details Read More +

Lunch to be confirmed on the day.

Clients only for lunch, clients to pay themselves.

Day 10 - Private Loch Ness Charter Cruise Read More +

Activity: Private Loch Ness Charter Cruise
Start Location: Drumnadrochit | Start Time: 15:00

Day 10 - Urquhart Castle Tour Read More +

Activity: Urquhart Castle Tour
Start Location: Drumnadrochit

Afternoon tickets

Day 11 - Wednesday 7th August - Step Back In Time

Today you will journey through history with your guide. Your first stop is the magnificent turreted Brodie Castle, with its Playful Garden, which has been the home of the Brodie clan for over 400 years. Then walk the walls of Fort George, an impressive historic military fortification which took 22 years to build after the bloody battle of Culloden. Keep your eyes open for Dolphins as they are often spotted leaping in the waters here. This afternoon take your time discovering atmospheric Culloden Battlefield itself, the site of the last battle of the Jacobite rising in 1746 with so many stories to tell.

 

Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: Laurel King and Laurel King - Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Brodie Castle Tour Read More +

Activity: Brodie Castle Tour
Start Location: Forres | Start Time: 10:00

Day 11 - Lunch Details Read More +

Restaurant: Sun Dancer
Reservation Time: 12:45
Website: https://sun-dancer.co.uk/menus

Clients only for lunch, clients to pay themselves.

Day 11 - Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre Read More +

Activity: Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre

Open ticket for flexible entry.

Day 11 - Fort George Read More +

Activity: Fort George

Open ticket for flexible entry.

Day 12 - Thursday 8th August - Transfer to Edinburgh

Depart Inverness and enjoy watching the views become more mountainous as you get closer to the Cairngorm National Park. This morning we would love to host you in the Wilderness Scotland office for a meet and greet with the Wilderness Team and to hear about your fabulous trip. Your guide will happily accompany the rest of your family on a hike through ancient Caledonian Pine Forest to see if they can spot the local cheeky red squirrels leaping from tree to tree.

Afterwards, you will depart south on the final leg of your trip. Arriving in Edinburgh in the late afternoon, your guide will leave you to relax at The Caledonian Hotel and depart. In the evening, stroll through the bustling streets of Edinburgh and enjoy the Military Tattoo on your last night!

Overnight: Edinburgh | Self-Arranged
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Wilderness Scotland Visit Read More +

Activity: Wilderness Scotland Visit
Start Location: Aviemore

Meet with Dani and the rest of the Wilderness team.

Day 12 - Lunch Details Read More +

Lunch to be confirmed on the day based on the chosen activity.

Clients only for lunch, clients to pay themselves.

Day 12 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Self-Arranged

Day 12 - Edinburgh Military Tattoo Read More +

Activity: Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Self-Arranged:

Day 13 - Friday 9th August - Depart Home

After a fabulous 12 days exploring Scotland, depart home.

Day 13 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Self-Arranged

Self-arranged transfer from Edinburgh accommodation to airport.

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • Accommodation from Day 5 through to Day 11
  • Driver guide from Day 5 through to Day 12
  • Day 2 – Private Walking 1/2 day Tour of Edinburgh
  • Stirling Castle
  • Ferry transfer
  • Talisker Distillery Tour
  • Loch Coruisk Boat Trip
  • Picnic Lunch on Days 8 and 9
  • Private Loch Ness Cruise
  • Urquhart Castle Admission
  • Brodie Castle, Fort George, & Culloden Battlefield Admission
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
  • Edinburgh accommodation on Days 1, 2 and 12
  • Gleneagles accommodation and activities on Day 3 and 4
  • Military Tattoo tickets
  • Airport transfers
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 prior to arrival 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).

 

Useful Contacts

24 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

 

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.


Accommodation

Inverlochy Castle Hotel

Torlundy | Near Fort William |
PH33 6SN | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1397 702 177
Web: inverlochycastlehotel.com

Marmalade Hotel

Home Farm Road | Portree | Isle of Skye |
IV51 9LX | Scotland
Phone: 01478 611711
Web: perlehotels.com/marmalade

Ness Walk

12 Ness Walk | Inverness |
IV3 5SQ | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1463 215 215
Web: nesswalk.com


Meet Your Guide

Martin Tull

Contact Number: +44 (0)7807 576 955

Originally from Salisbury, Wiltshire I settled in the north of Scotland after completing a long and varied career in the Royal Air Force, the latter half spent in Scotland. As Aircrew, I was very fortunate to have been able to travel and explore a great deal across the globe particularly early on in my career. Now I prefer to do it by foot.

A keen Rugby player in my younger years I was a comparatively late starter to the outdoors. That moment came when I spent a weekend scrambling in Snowdonia in my late 20s. I was immediately hooked and since then I haven’t looked back. When I was later posted to Scotland I started to climb, walk and mountaineer in earnest, often organising and leading trips here and later overseas. I have also led many multi-week development expeditions for young people around the world and completed the Munros (Scottish mountains over 3000ft) in 2004. I hold a great passion for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and love sharing it with people.