Final Information - Denise and George's Scottish Adventure
Thursday 3rd October – Monday 21st October 2024
Thursday 3rd October – Monday 21st October 2024
On arrival at Inverness airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your city centre hotel. Depending on your arrival time you can choose to relax at the hotel or head out to start exploring this unique city.
Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: Cedar King
Airline: Delta Airlines | Flight Number: DL 9336
Arrival Airport: Inverness Airport | Arrival Time: 12:40
Supplier: Inverness City Taxis
Pick Up Location: Inverness Airport | Pick Up Time: 12:50 | Approx Duration: 30 mins
Phone: +44 (0) 1463 222 555
Your private driver will meet you at Arrivals and have a sign with your name.
After a long journey, you will have a day to wander and rest today before your Wilderness Outer Hebrides and Skye adventure begins.
Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: Cedar King
Meals Included: Breakfast
Meeting in Inverness, we travel past Loch Ness and the stunning Eilean Donan Castle in Kintail before arriving on the Isle of Skye. We spend our first afternoon enjoying a wonderful walk in Glen Sligachan beneath the mighty peaks of the Black Cuillin and the Red Cuillin, which flank either side of the glen. Returning to our vehicle we transfer to our accommodation overlooking Uig Bay.
Join your Scheduled trip today, check your confirmed itinerary.
Overnight: Isle of Skye
Supplier: Inverness Taxis
Pick Up Location: Ness Walk | Pick Up Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 15 mins
Phone: +44(0)1463 222222
Your private driver will meet you at the reception of your hotel.
After enjoying breakfast with views out across the sea, we set out to explore the stark and unusual landscapes of the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr on foot. We will also visit Kilt Rock and the charming village of Staffin on this relaxing day.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.
Overnight: Isle of Skye
After breakfast, we enjoy a short coastal walk before taking the afternoon ferry from Skye to the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, looking out for seabirds and dolphins on the 90 minute crossing. Arriving on Harris, we visit the wonderful beaches of Luskentyre and Seileboist before heading to our accommodation in time to freshen up before dinner.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.
Overnight: Harris
North Harris is one of the most spectacular areas of the Outer Hebrides. We spend the day exploring the glens and beaches, perhaps visiting the white sands of Huisinis or hiking into the glens to see the massive cliffs of Sron Uladal. A wonderful day whichever route we choose!
Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.
Overnight: Harris
This tiny island is located off the east coast of Harris and is now connected to Harris by a bridge, which opened in 1997, with the first person to cross being 103-year-old Mrs Kirsty Morrison. We’ll enjoy a circumnavigation of the island, exploring its wonderful coastline and visiting the remote lighthouse at Rubh an Eorna. Back in Tarbert, we’ll visit the first legal distillery ever to be built on Harris.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.
Overnight: Harris
Today we walk on the ‘machair’ of Harris, the Gaelic name for the coastal hinterland which in summer is a carpet of wildflowers. We walk beneath Toe Head out to a ruined chapel. We then complete a circuit of southern Harris as we drive back north via the ’Golden Road’, stopping at 15th century St Clement’s Church and other places along the way.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.
Overnight: Harris
After breakfast, we journey north to Lewis, where we visit the 5000 year old Callanish Standing Stones, which date back to 3000BC. Set high on a moor with a backdrop of sea and mountains, this is a moving experience for many and a wonderful place to end this island odyssey. Leaving the stones behind, we continue to Stornoway where we take the ferry back to the mainland and transfer back to Inverness.
Once back in Inverness, relax for the evening, sharing tales from your adventure so far!
Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.
Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: Rowan Suite
After a hearty breakfast, meet your knowledgable private guide, who will also be your driver for the next part of your adventure and commence your journey to the Cairngorms National Park. Along the way, enjoy a private boat cruise on Loch Ness and a visit to Urqhart Castle. Embrace the scenic drive, absorbing the breathtaking landscapes en route. If time allows and you’re eager for adventure, your guide can suggest a picturesque walk amidst the stunning countryside.
Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Culture
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Name:
John Hamilton
Contact Number: +44 (0)7496 554 756
Meeting Place: Ness Walk Hotel | Meeting Time: 09:00
Your guide John will meet you at the reception of your hotel.
Restaurant: Clunie Restaurant | Location: The Fife Arms
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44(0) 1339 720200
Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.
This morning, head out with your guide for a stunning hike in the beautiful Balmoral Estate. A Highland residence of the Royal Family since it was bought for Queen Victoria in 1852. Explore the historical cairns erected by the Royal Family on the Estate on a superb circuit, with great views over Deeside and Balmoral Castle itself. Whether you fancy a mellow circular walk or a more demanding high-level stomp, your guide will be able to suggest the perfect option for you. After lunch, enjoy a free afternoon, relaxing or exploring as you wish.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.
Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: 1 x Scottish Culture & 1 x Nature & Poetry
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: Balmoral Arms | Location: 13-15 Victoria Road Ballater Aberdeenshire AB35 5RA
Reservation Time: 19:00 |
Booking Reference: BQ6KNVFM
Phone: +44(0)1339 755413
Please note this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.
This morning, enjoy a tour led by your curiosity, explore this one of a kind landscape, from rugged mountains and moorlands to tranquil lochs and glens. With beautiful circular walks, bursting with glorious autumnal colours, there are many chances for photography, so remember your camera! If you would prefer to experience something a little different today, you could add a wide range activities to this day, such as a foraging and cooking workshop or a woodworking experience. Or perhaps a private 4×4 experience. Your guide will leave you in the late afternoon so you can enjoy your last night in the heart of the Cairngorms at your leisure.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.
Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: 1 x Scottish Culture & 1 x Nature & Poetry
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Meet your guide again this morning and head south to the historic city of Edinburgh today with a stop en route to visit Stirling Castle, which is one of the grandest castles in Scotland with an imposing location. And if time allows, visit to the site of The Battle Of Bannockburn. This was the greatest victory of Robert The Bruce and you can experience that day in history in thrilling 3D at the award-winning visitor centre. On arrival in Edinburgh, settle into your hotel.
*Erin & Luke will join you in Edinburgh.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Deluxe Castle View & 1 x Classic Double
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you enjoy a morning with your private city guide. Discover the highlights of this amazing city as well as the long forgotten hidden streets in a tour of Mary King’s Close. Your guide will leave you to enjoy a tour of the castle so that you can spend as much time there as you wish. You then have a free afternoon to continue explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Deluxe Castle View & 1 x Classic Double
Meals Included: Breakfast
Activity: Expert local guide
Hugh Salvesen:
Start Location: The Balmoral Hotel | Start Time: 09:00
Phone: +44 (0) 752 801 3864
Your Expert local guide will meet you at the reception of your hotel.
Activity: Mary Kings Close Tour
The Real Mary Kings Close:
Start Location: The Real Mary King’s Close 2 Warriston’s Close High Street Edinburgh EH1 1PG | Start Time: 17:00
Booking Reference: 41834378
Phone: +44 (0) 131 225 0672
Please check in 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour.
Meeting location is on the Royal Mile, across from St. Giles’ Cathedral and the Mercat Cross.
After breakfast, head out for a day spent exploring the beautiful cobblestone streets of the city independently. Full of history, the capital is very accessible by foot. Wander up the Royal Mile, stopping to visit the architecturally stunning St Giles Cathedral, and enjoy panoramic views from Edinburgh Castle. Pick up a coffee and a pastry from one of the wee artisan shops, dipping into local galleries, cheesemongers and bookshops. This evening enjoy dinner under the twinkling lights of the city.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Deluxe Castle View & 1 x Classic Double
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a leisurely breakfast, board your train for a relaxing journey South into the heart of the Cotswolds. Alight at Cheltenham, the home of horse racing, and settle into your luxury country house hotel for the evening.
Your guide, Astrid will meet you at the train station to take you to Ellenborough Park Hotel.
Overnight: Cheltenham | Ellenborough Park
Room Type: 1x Pool Patio Deluxe and 1x Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel Date: October 18, 2024 | Rail Operator: Cross Country Trains
Departure Train Station: Edinburgh Waverley | Departure Time: 10:07
Arrival Train Station: Cheltenham Spa Train Station | Arrival Time: 15:50
The Balmoral Reception will arrange a short taxi ride to the train station for you. Please leave 45 mins to get to the station and board your train. Taxi Payable Locally.
Train Booking ref: 009851592781
Adult 1, EDI to CHE: TTFNFCZEK3F (Coach D, Seat 47)
Adult 2, EDI to CHE: TTFNFCZEK3H (Coach D, Seat 56)
Adult 3, EDI to CHE: TTFNFCZEK3K (Coach D, Seat 51)
Adult 4, EDI to CHE: TTFNFCZEK3M (Coach D, Seat 55)
*please note, Extra Seats D49, D50, D53, D54 have also been reserved by CrossCountry for use under booking reference FB502159
Head out with your guide for a day starting with a delve into the history at Sudeley Castle, where you’ll wander through stunning gardens and hear tales of its rich history, including connections to notable figures like Queen Katherine Parr. Afterward, travel to Broadway Tower, perched high on the Cotswold hills. As you ascend, enjoy panoramic views of the picturesque countryside and learn about its intriguing history as a former folly and beacon.
In the afternoon enjoy visiting Bourton-on-the-Water, which is regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England. Known for its five stone bridges that arch across the River Windrush, it’s an idyllic place to enjoy a morning meander. Transfer over to Lower Slaughter and enjoy a circular walk that ribbons its way through the countryside. Along with wonderful views, the trail passes a 16th-century Dovecote and through Upper Slaughter, another quintessential Cotswold village home to a beautiful parish church. After the walk, transfer to your award-winning hotel nestled in the Cotswold estate.
Overnight: Cheltenham | Ellenborough Park
Room Type: 1x Pool Patio Deluxe 1x Pool Patio Deluxe and 1x Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Name:
Astrid Collomon
Contact Number: +44 (0)7880880335
Meeting Place: Ellenborough Park | Meeting Time: 09:00
Your guide will meet you at the reception of your hotel.
Enjoy a day at leisure to relaxing and enjoy The Cotswolds as you please. Take a stroll in the grounds of the estate and soak in the historical manor house that’s been standing for over 500 years. Later this afternoon, enjoy afternoon tea at your hotel. Fluffy baked scones, dainty finger sandwiches and delectable cakes will make for a wonderful experience of this British past time.
Overnight: Cheltenham | Ellenborough Park
Room Type: 1x Pool Patio Deluxe 1x Pool Patio Deluxe and 1x Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Restaurant: Ellenborough Park Hotel
Reservation Time: 14:00
Afternoon tea has been booked for Erin, Luke, Denise and George Hastings at the hotel.
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the train station to make your onward connection to London. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.
*Please note you have a late check out booked today for 12 noon.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Supplier: Rosehill Travel
Pick Up Location: Ellenborough Park Hotel | Pick Up Time: 13:15 | Approx Duration: 15 mins
Phone: +44 1452 595490
Your driver will meet you at the hotel entrance to take you to Cheltenham Spa Train Station
Travel Date: October 21, 2024 | Rail Operator: CrossCountry Trains
Departure Train Station: Cheltenham Spa Station | Departure Time: 13:59
Arrival Train Station: London Paddington | Arrival Time: 15:54
4 x advance single tickets – specified train only.
eTickets for George and Denise – Reservation Number: 252728032102 (2x Advance Single, Specified train only)
Adult 1, CHE to LON: TTFNL8QN78H (Coach C, Seat 31)
Adult 2, CHE to LON: TTFNL8QN78K (Coach C, Seat 32)
eTickets for Erin and Luke – Reservation Number: 825704031004 (2x Advance Single, Specified train only)
Adult 1, CHE to LON: TTFRGNKYV5J (Coach C, Seat 56)
Child 1, CHE to LON: TTFRGNKYV5L (Coach C, Seat 55)
Onward travel from Paddington not included
Notes On Weather & Flexibility
Weather – October in Scotland & England can be a very wide range of weather, and 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
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.
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.
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).
UK: +44 (0)1479 420 020
US: 866 740 3890
UK: +44 (0)1768 721 210
US: 833 574 0690
Please see our booking terms here.
12 Ness Walk |
Inverness |
IV3 5SQ |
Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1463 215 215
Web: nesswalk.com
Mar Rd |
Braemar |
Royal Deeside |
AB35 5YL |
Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1339 720 200
Web: thefifearms.com
1 Princes Street |
Edinburgh |
EH2 2EQ |
Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)131 556 2414
Web: roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel
Southam Road |
Cheltenham |
Gloucestershire |
GL523NH |
England
Phone: tel:+44 (0) 1242 545454
Web: ellenboroughpark.com
Coworth Park, Blacknest Road, Ascot |
Berkshire |
SL5 7SE |
England
Phone: +44 (0)1344 876 600
Web: dorchestercollection.com/ascot
Contact Number: +44 (0)7496 554 756
I am an individual entirely committed to the outdoors through adventure. I have a passionate appreciation of remote locations via active travel such as kayaking, ski mountaineering, canoeing, mountain biking, walking, etc – especially through sharing experiences with others. I am completely committed to introducing others to the outdoors and all that the outdoors has to offer. I take my partner and two spaniels everywhere I can and take them canoeing and have even taken my 15-year-old spaniel on the ski chair lift often. I play guitar and have supported some of Scotland’s best known traditional musicians. I love Correlejo, Fuerteventura, and have been there 14 times. I love the excitement of paddling white water. I love the snow!
“I am happiest when I have travelled to a remote area, am camping, enveloped in nature and with great company.”
Contact Number: +44 (0) 7880880335
Originally hailing from the remote mountainous region of Suffolk, I moved South and West some 8 years ago to attempt claims on multiple first ascents in the county of Somerset. Having found them all claimed, I continued my employment in far flung adventures, leading winter and summer expeditions worldwide. Bears and wolves were tracked, mountains cycled over, seas kayaked, lakes canoed across, rapids were rafted down and many a path was trodden. I thoroughly enjoy walking very long distances and partaking in a well-earned beer afterward.
Suffolk, because no one seems to have discovered how stunning it is.
I’ve been on 3 album covers.