A Scottish Adventure

The Quayle Family

July 2025

Number of Travellers: 17
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Overview

On a bespoke, thoughtfully crafted trip, enjoy a wonderful summer break in Scotland. Stay in Borthwick Castle, one of the finest and best-preserved 15th-century keeps in the country; Borthwick’s tall, imposing stone walls evoke a sense of medieval majesty, while its interiors have been meticulously restored to offer a luxurious interior. Cast a line on the River Tweed, golfing in St Andrews and hiking with your knowledgeable guide in the surrounding countryside. For the second half of your week, head north into the beautiful bounds of the Highlands. Arriving at Aldourie – perhaps your quintessential fairytale castle – relax in the light-filled, exquisitely decorated rooms and peaceful, mature gardens. When dusk approaches, sit by the shores of Loch Ness with a dram of the finest local whisky in hand. Where every aspect of your adventure has been meticulously taken care of, spend time with those you love best surrounded by the bewitching beauty of Scotland.

Highlights

  • Stay in two distinctly different but equally exquisite Scottish castles.
  • Enjoy a boat trip on the dark waters of Loch Ness, witness the spectacle of a falconry display and learn to ceilidh dance.
  • Fly-fish on the River Tweed, golf, and experiencing the excitement of the Highland Games.
  • Experience the famed hospitality of the Highlands

Day by Day

Day 1 - Arrive in Scotland

This morning, arrive in Edinburgh and head south to the striking medieval fortress of Borthwick Castle. Settling into the castle and enjoying some lunch before deciding how to spend the afternoon. Choose a relaxing stroll along the leafy lanes and fields or head to a local country estate where there is a play area for kids. Alternatively, stay and relax in the castle drawing room after your journey. This evening, gather together for dinner in the banquet hall.

Overnight: Midlothian | Borthwick Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 - A Round of Golf & Outdoor Pursuits

With many excellent courses on the doorstep, some of the family may like to head out and enjoy a day of golf. With the iconic courses of St Andrews just up the coast and many other award-winning courses close by, you’ll be spoiled for choice. For those who would prefer to remain at Borthwick, there are many activities to choose from. Perhaps enjoy horse riding or, head out with one of your expert guides for a walk or cycle. Alternatively, head into Edinburgh to explore the city. Delight in champagne and canapés out in the gardens this evening before dinner.

Overnight: Midlothian | Borthwick Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 - Fishing & Games

For those that wish, meet a local ghillie for a morning spent fly-fishing on the River Tweed. Meandering through beautiful, peaceful landscapes, offering wonderful scenery and varied fishing beats – the River Tweed is a wonderful place to fish. For everyone else, head to Dalkeith Country Park, which is nestled along the banks of the River Esk and includes over 1,000 acres of woodlands, meadows, and riverside paths. Offering a variety of activities from adventure playgrounds to high ropes courses, a charming tearoom to a beautiful boutique, it’s the perfect place for the whole family. On your return to Borthwick, try your hand at archery or falconry experience in the castle grounds.

Overnight: Midlothian | Borthwick Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 - North to Aldourie Castle

Leave Borthwick Castle today and travel north into the heart of the Highlands. On the way, stop at a Highland Estate for a gourmet farm-to-table lunch and have a chance to explore the farm, house and meet the animals. For those who want to, travel to St Andrew’s to play 18 holes before transferring to Aldourie Castle. For dinner this evening, enjoy an alfresco BBQ; you may wish to indulge in a guided whisky tasting, learning more about the golden tipple’s profound sense of place.

Overnight: Loch Ness | Aldourie Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 - Loch Ness and the Moray Coast

After breakfast, the golfers can tee off on Royal Dornoch Golf Course. Others may wish to visit the poignant Culloden Battlefield and centre and the Bronze Age burial cairn and the standing stones of Clava Cairns. Head to Johnstons of Elgin for a private tour of the mill and a 5* luxury shopping experience. Back at Aldourie, cruise the waters off Loch Ness in search of the legendary monster. Festooned with fairy lights and tucked within the bounds of a beautiful walled garden, enjoy making botanical cocktails in the ornate greenhouse before sitting down to a lovely dinner in a magical setting.

Overnight: Loch Ness | Aldourie Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 - A Scottish Experience

Spend the day exploring the grounds of Aldourie, perhaps enjoy a morning of bushcraft – foraging, shelter building and fire starting. An expert guide will also be on hand to accompany anyone who wishes to venture further afield to hike, cycle or paddle. If you’re feeling adventurous brave the cold waters of Loch Ness for some wild water swimming – warming up afterwards in the castle’s floating sauna. Or relax with a private yoga session and massage treatment. Later this afternoon, the whole family will gather together to experience a tradition that has been part of Scotland’s history for hundreds of years: the Highland Games. Listen to the skirl of the bagpipes while competing in events such as haggis hurling, shot put and tug o’war. This evening, a celebratory gala dinner, ceilidh dancing and fireworks, will bring your time in the Highlands to a perfect end.

Overnight: Loch Ness | Aldourie Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 - South to Edinburgh

After a leisurely breakfast, depart Aldourie and return to Edinburgh. As you drive, look out for red deer and the distinctive silhouette of red kites. Stop at House of Bruar, an impeccably organised Aladdin’s cave of Scottish produce, which includes a beautiful collection of traditional Tweeds and cashmere. Arrive in Edinburgh later this afternoon. Perhaps walk up the Royal Mile and visit St Giles’ Cathedral, a working church for over 900 years, before winding your way back through the cobblestone streets for a delicious dinner, a nip of whisky, and a good night’s sleep.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Balmoral Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8 - Depart

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your journey home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 8
  • Most meals as indicated above
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 1 to Day 8
  • Ground transportation from Day 1 to Day 8
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • 24 hour in-country support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Golf
  • Helicopter transfers
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the guides and staff
Pricing Read More

The price for this trip based on a group of 17 is £294,000.

Get in Touch