Fitch Scottish Explorations - V4 - Final Information Document

Saturday 5th October – Tuesday 15th October 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Overview

On Trip;

While we hope things run smoothly for the duration of their stay, we know that unforeseen circumstances do happen and there are times when the clients may need to contact us for assistance. Please see below for ways to get in touch while on the trip;

Email: If you have a general question please feel free to email your Sales Consultant or Agent.Note – Emails are monitored during office hours only.

Call us directly: Office number ++44 (0) 1479 420 020Please note: Office hours are Mon- Fri 9:00 – 5:30

Out of Office Hours Number: +44 (0)7766 794 640 for use after 5:30pm and at the weekends.Note: If you require immediate assistance for an issue, problem or emergency, please call or Whatsapp our Out of Office Hours Number

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Saturday 5th October | Welcome To Scotland! Head North. | Overnight: Glencoe

Day 2 | Sunday 6th October | Free Day To Explore | Overnight: Glencoe

Day 3 | Monday 7th October | Free Day to Explore locally | Overnight: Glencoe

Day 4 | Tuesday 8th October | Self-Drive Transfer to Skye | Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 5 | Wednesday 9th October | Self-Drive Transfer To Inverness Area | Overnight: Auldearn

Day 6 | Thursday 10th October | Hike The Cairngorms National Park | Overnight: Auldearn

Day 7 | Friday 11th October | Self-Drive Transfer into Cairngorm National Park (East) | Overnight: Ballater

Day 8 | Saturday 12th October | Hike Lock Muick | Overnight: Ballater

Day 9 | Sunday 13th October | Royal Deeside | Overnight: Ballater

Day 10 | Monday 14th October | Transfer To Edinburgh | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 11 | Tuesday 15th October | Depart

Day by Day

Day 1 - Saturday 5th October - Welcome To Scotland! Head North.

On arrival in Glasgow Airport you will pick up your self-arranged rental car and start your journey north. Enjoy the scenery becoming more mountainous as you go.

Overnight: Glencoe | Isles Of Glencoe Hotel
Room Type: Feature Double Loch View
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Water's Edge Restuarant | Location: Your Hotel
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: David Fitch
Website: https://www.islesofglencoe.co.uk/eat-drink/

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

Day 2 - Sunday 6th October - Free Day To Explore

Free day to explore locally – maybe head down to Oban and admire the views out to the island castles

Overnight: Glencoe | Isles Of Glencoe Hotel
Room Type: Feature Double Loch View
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Laroch Restaurant | Location: Loan Fern, Ballachullish, Highland, PH49 4JB
Reservation Time: 18:00 | Booking Reference: David Fitch
Phone: +44 (0) 1855 811 940 | Website: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Laroch-Restaurant-and-Bar/100040875445553/

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

Day 3 - Monday 7th October - Free Day to Explore locally

Full free day to follow your curiosity locally.

Overnight: Glencoe | Isles Of Glencoe Hotel
Room Type: Feature Double Loch View
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Kingshouse Hotel Restaurant | Location: Glencoe, PH49 4HY
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: David Fitch
Phone: +44 (0) 1855 851 260 | Website: https://www.kingshousehotel.co.uk/eat-drink/

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

Day 4 - Tuesday 8th October - Self-Drive Transfer to Skye

Today you’ll make your own way 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. Pass Glenfinnan monument and take a moment to think of the doomed Jacobite rebellion before heading onward past the scenic white beaches of Arisaig. 

At the fishing port of Mallaig you will carefully board the ferry for the short journey over the sea to Skye. Then enjoy the views as you wend your way north to Portree, where your hotel enjoys sweeping views out over the coast.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: Premier Room With SeaView
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Ferry Details Read More +

Operator: Caledonian MacBrayne
Booking Reference: S2401326362

Departure Port: Mallaig | Departure Time: 14:45
Arrival Port: Armadale | Arrival Time: 15:10

Check In Time – Closes 30 mins before departure

Booked – 1 Car & 2 Adults

Ticket number – SI2402244629

Notes: Please ensure that you have a copy of your booking confirmation e-ticket with you (included in the ‘Additional Important Information’ section at the end of this itinerary). You need to show this at the departure terminal to receive your boarding tickets.

From The Supplier;

Your booking is confirmed. Thank you for booking with Caledonian MacBrayne.
The document attached is your booking confirmation e-ticket, which you will need to board – please keep it safe.

If there’s any disruption to your travel plans, we will contact you via sms and/or email.
Download our CalMac App, and you’ll be able to keep up to date with the latest information through our Service Status pages.

Thank you for booking with Caledonian MacBrayne.

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The View Restaurant | Location: Your Hotel
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: Fitch

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

Day 5 - Wednesday 9th October - Self-Drive Transfer To Inverness Area

Today you make your own way over the Skye bridge heading towards Inverness. You may wish to visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Set on it’s private island in a sea loch, this is an image that many people around the world have admired. Then carry on, choosing your own route towards your welcoming hotel.

Overnight: Auldearn | Boath House
Room Type: Grand Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

| Location: Your Hotel
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: 4LLFHFC674BL

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

Day 6 - Thursday 10th October - Hike The Cairngorms National Park

Today you have a full day of hiking with an expert guide in the Cairngorm mountains. There are many different options to choose from and your guide will advise you on the best choices based on the weather and what you want to explore. This mountain range boasts 5 out of 6 of the highest peaks in the UK, so you can choose if you want to head up onto the peaks or stay lower down in the romantic Caledonian pine forests and glens.

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel so that all you have to worry about is enjoying the superb hiking on offer.

Overnight: Auldearn | Boath House
Room Type: Grand Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Guide Details - Rhona Steel Read More +

Name: Rhona Steel
Contact Number: +44 (0) 7719 706 926
Meeting Place: Boath House Reception | Meeting Time: 09:00

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Ozzy's Fine Dining Restaurant | Location: 46 High St, Nairn, IV12 4AU
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: David Fitch
Phone: +44 (0) 1667 258 421 | Website: https://ozzyalicatering.co.uk/

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

Unfortunately your hotel restaurant is closed this evening, so we have reserved a table for you at one of our local favourites. (We know the name is quirky, but it’s really good!)

Day 7 - Friday 11th October - Self-Drive Transfer into Cairngorm National Park (East)

Today you head deep into the Cairngorms National Park following the ‘Snow Road’. There are several intriguing art installations along the way, all inviting you to focus on certain views in this wild landscape. 

You could choose to meet up with your hiking guide for an exploration along the way. There are some great shorter routes which are local favourites. Your guide will discuss the options with you the day beforehand.

Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: 1852 | Location: Your Hotel
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: Fitch

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

Day 8 - Saturday 12th October - Hike Lock Muick

Superb hiking options abound in Royal Deeside and you will be spoilt for choice with all the possible routes. Together with your guide you will decide on an option which suits your preferred level of challenge, energy, and the weather. Your guide will do the driving today, allowing you to relax and enjoy the incredible scenery and hiking.

Perhaps hike around the sparkling waters of Loch Muick, where the mountains of the Cairngorms rise up from the loch shores. This beautiful location has a long standing association with the British Royal family and a pretty hunting lodge built for Queen Victoria sits on the northern shore. Admire the atmospheric crags and corries of Lochnagar mountain which Lord Byron immortalised in verse, including the line “I sigh for the valley of dark Lochnagar”.

Your guide will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Sunday 13th October - Royal Deeside

The Balmoral Estate has been one of the favourite retreats of the Royal Family since it was bought for Queen Victoria in 1852, and this morning you will explore more of the local area with your guide. A traditional stone bridge, one of Queen Victoria’s favourite beauty spots, takes you up above the turbulent waters to explore Caledonian Pine Forest, your guide will share the local tales and some of their favourite hidden gems with you. Hear about some of the unique memorial cairns erected by the royals over the years near the castle, including a pyramid dedicated to Prince Albert. 

At lunchtime your guide will wave farewell and this afternoon you are free to explore the charming streets of Braemar village and the local area at your leisure.

Note: the Royal Cairns hike may not be possible if the Royal Family are in residence at Balmoral Castle. If this is the case then your guide will discuss alternative with you (of which there are many superb options!).

Your guide will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Monday 14th October - Transfer To Edinburgh

Today you depart the Cairngorms National Park as you head to Edinburgh for your final night in Scotland. Enjoy heading out to explore the local culinary offerings once you are settled in your welcoming Edinburgh hotel.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Rutland Hotel, Edinburgh
Room Type: Castle View Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Tuesday 15th October - Depart

This morning you make your own way to the airport to drop your rental car and make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations in Scotland.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 10 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Some meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 6 to Day 9 inclusive
  • Option of transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on Day 6, 8 & 9
  • Airport Transfer on Departure Day
  • Ferry Ticket for 2 pax & 1 small vehicle from Mainland to Skye (Mallaig to Armadale)
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Car Rental
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
  • Route notes or driving directions for self-driving days. Clients are responsible for selecting their own safe travel route.
Notes Read More

Activities are only private if so stared in the inclusions

Note: The majority of hiking in Scotland is often on rough and unmarked trails, so generally requires knowledge of how to use a map and compass and the right equipment. We do not recommend hiking by yourselves. Please note that your guide will discuss the route options and safety requirements with you and advise which routes will suit your requirements best. There is a huge range of options to explore in these locations, and your expert guide will ensure that each day with them is flexible and can be personalised to your requirements.

Please also note that the weather in October can be very varied and the right attire is essential. This includes warm layers, hiking boots and full waterproofs over layers.

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 for Hiking

  • 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).

 

Useful Contacts

24 hour in-country support (Wilderness Scotland):  +44 (0)1479 420 020,or outwith regular office hours +44 (0)7766 794 640 (urgent calls only, but can also be used for less urgent text messages or WhatApp messages)

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.

Important Contact Numbers Read More
Wilderness Scotland Office | 9:00am – 5:30pm

UK: +44 (0)1479 420 020
US: 866 740 3890

Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am

+44 (0)7766 794 640

Emergency Services

999

Important Additional Information Read More
  • Ferry Ticket To Skye 8th Oct - PDF: View Now
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Accommodation

Isles Of Glencoe Hotel

Glencoe | Lochaber |
PH49 4HL | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 1764 651 843
Web: islesofglencoe.co.uk

Cuillin Hills Hotel

Portree | Isle of Skye |
IV51 9QU | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)147 861 2003
Web: cuillinhills-hotel-skye.co.uk

Boath House

Boath House | Auldearn | Nairn |
IV12 5TE | Phone: +44 (0)1667 454 896
Web: boath-house.com

The Balmoral Arms

13-15 Victoria Road | Ballater |
AB35 5RA | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1339 755413
Web: crerarhotels.com/balmoral-arms

The Rutland Hotel, Edinburgh

1-3 Rutland Street, Edinburgh | Edinburgh |
EH1 2AE | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)131 229 3402
Web: therutlandhotel.com

Meet Your Guide

Rhona Steel

Contact Number: +44 (0) 7719 706 926

Me In Three = Caring | Quirky | Calm

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.

Place to Play

Sutherland is my long term favourite, but anywhere handy to Inverness, where I now live.

Not a lot of people know this

I’m named after an island near Skye, possibly meaning ‘rough island’ in old Norse.

Virtuoso

Fitch Scottish Explorations – V4 – Final Information Document

Saturday 5th October – Tuesday 15th October 2024