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Sarah Way - Exploring the Highlands and Islands

Sarah Way

Sunday 16^th June – Wednesday 26^th June 2024

Number of Travellers: 2

Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Overview

With a professional Wilderness guide, travel from the city of Glasgow to the soaring summits of Glencoe to the needled rock pinnacles on the Isle of Skye and on to the slate blue mountains of the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland’s beautiful landscape is a wonderful and evocative place to explore ending with two nights within the twinkling lights of Edinburgh. On a trip that showcases some of the brightest jewels in the country’s wild and rugged crown. Experience the very best of this remote and ancient land. By foot and by e-bike traverse the captivating and diverse landscape while immersing yourself in the history, culture and traditions of this enchanting region.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Sunday 16^th June - Glasgow meet your guide then explore Paisley Abbey before going onto Glencoe

Your main driver guide will meet you at a train station in Glasgow today. After introductions we will take a short hop from here to Paisley Abbey and explore some ancient history of the Stewart clan! Once you have spent enough time exploring the Abbey we will leave Glasgow and head to Glencoe through rolling lowlands, past shimmering lochs, and into the rugged beauty of the Highlands, where the landscape transforms into towering mountains and dramatic valleys. We will arrive in Glencoe, and your luxury accommodation for the next two nights overlooking the incredible scenery of the valley.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Monday 17^th June - E- Biking in Fort William

Enjoy breakfast in your luxury surroundings before heading out with your guide to jump on your e-bikes in Fort William and enjoy an easy but spectacular ride in the shadows of Ben Nevis alongside the Caledonian canal. This afternoon you may want to visit the old ruins of Inverlochy Castle or perhaps enjoy one of the many short hikes in the stunning area. Your guide will take you back to your sumptuous accommodation where you can relax before dinner enjoying your private terrace and wonderful view.

Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Tuesday 18^th June - 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. Arriving at the picturesque seaport of Mallaig, you’ll jump on board and enjoy a short ferry crossing to the village of Armadale – keep an eye out for marine wildlife such as dolphins along the way. From here, you’ll make your way north across the island towards the colourful town of Portree – the largest settlement on Skye and your home for the next three evenings.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Wednesday 19^th June - Guided Explorations on the Isle of Skye

Today you have a full day to explore some of the special corners of this magical island with your guide. You will be spoilt for choice with fascinating history and dramatic landscape on offer, with unique hiking routes through stark and unusual rock formations and sweeping coast and mountain views to enjoy in almost every direction. This ‘misty isle’ is also home to so many curious stories and legends of fairies and islander culture, your guide will share some of the best hidden gems and personalise the day to your interests.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Thursday 20^th June - Exploring Raasay

As the morning mist recedes across the water, we catch a small ferry to the quiet and geologically diverse Isle of Raasay. Often overlooked, this peaceful island offers much to explore. From the distinctive, rugged peak of Dùn Caan to coastal circuits on swathes of golden sand – there’s a myriad of engaging walks to choose from or perhaps we will opt for the bikes and enjoy the peaceful roads on this beautiful place. The Raasay distillery offers both a gin and whisky experience so perhaps visit this unique destination as a fitting end to a wonderful day.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Friday 21^st June - Eilean Donan , Culloden Battlefield and onto the Cairngorms

After breakfast, we will head across the Skye Bridge to visit Eilean Donan Castle. With its striking position and turbulent history, it’s one of the most recognised images of the Scottish Highlands. This afternoon after heading east we will visit Culloden Battlefield and its richly researched and engaging visitor centre. Learn about one of the most harrowing battles in Scottish history and walk across the rough moor where the Jacobites and the Government fought in 1746. From here we head further South and to the Cairngorms National Park where you spend the next two evenings.

Overnight: Aviemore | Ravenscraig Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Saturday 22^nd June - Hiking in the Cairngorms

Today after breakfast, enjoy a hike in the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. At over 4500 sq km it is the largest National Park in the UK and with miles of winding rivers, make it Scotland’s most prolific whisky-making region. With your guide, choose a hike that suits you – perhaps head out onto the alpine plateau of the Cairngorms Mountain range and bag a sought-after Munro. Or choose to explore the Caledonian pine forest which is the oldest forest in Scotland and the last of the woodland that once covered the whole of the UK. Roam heather-covered glens and alongside jewel-like lochs for the perfect immersion into the ancient landscape.

Overnight: Aviemore | Ravenscraig Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Sunday 23^rd June - Hiking in the Cairngorms and onto Perthshire

This morning your guide will give you some short hiking options that you may like to enjoy in the stunning landscape. This afternoon we will head South and visit Blair Castle which boasts centuries of rich history, stunning architecture, and beautifully manicured gardens, offering visitors a glimpse into the legacy of the Dukes of Atholl and the charm of traditional Scottish estate. Once you have explored the castle and gardens your guide will take you to your accommodation for this evening at Craigatin House.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Craigatin House & Courtyard
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Monday 24^th June - Perthshire and then over the bridge to Edinburgh

After a hearty breakfast in the castle you may like to explore Pitlochry or some of the familiar areas where you may want to spend sometime connecting to the past. After lunch your guide will take you to the city of Edinburgh crossing the iconic Fourth Road Bridge where your guide will bid their farewells and drop you at your accommodation for your final two nights to explore the architecturally stunning city of Edinburgh. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to head out and explore the winding alleys and cobblestone streets.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Raeburn
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Tuesday 25^th June - Exploring Edinburgh

This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast then meet your local guide in the foyer of your hotel and head out for a morning spent exploring the beautiful cobblestone streets of the city. Your guide will bring the city of Edinburgh to life with expert knowledge, captivating stories, and a deep passion for its rich history and vibrant culture. This afternoon enjoy an audio tour of Edinburgh Castle and get to see the history form behind the castle walls. This evening enjoy your final dinner under the twinkling lights of the city.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Raeburn
Meals Included: Breakfast