Wood Scotland Trip - Final Information

Wood

Saturday 11th May – Saturday 18th May 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Saturday 11th May | Welcome to Scotland | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 2 | Sunday 12th May | Exploring Edinburgh | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 3 | Monday 13th May | Arthurs Seat & Rosslyn Chapel | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 4 | Tuesday 14th May | Head West & Cruise Loch Lomond | Overnight: Loch Lomond

Day 5 | Wednesday 15th May | Hike the Trossachs | Overnight: Loch Lomond

Day 6 | Thursday 16th May | Transfer to Ayr | Overnight: Ayr

Day 7 | Friday 17th May | Wedding | Overnight: Ayr

Day 8 | Saturday 18th May | Depart

Day by Day

Day 1 - Saturday 11th May - Welcome to Scotland

On arrival at the 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: Edinburgh | The Rutland Hotel, Edinburgh
Room Type: Classic Double
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: UA | Flight Number: 118
Departure Airport: Chicago (ORD) | Departure Time: 18:45
Arrival Airport: Edinburgh (EDI) | Arrival Time: 08:25

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2703032
Pick Up Location: Edinburgh Airport | Pick Up Time: 08:25
Phone: 0141 883 2111

Your private driver will meet you at Arrivals and will have a sign showing your name.

Transfer Company system will send contact details for the chauffeur as an SMS 30 minutes prior to the reservation taking place, to the mobile number for the travelling passenger. If the client is unable to locate our chauffeur, they must call the mobile number provided, or call the Little’s Office on +44 (0)141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Lookout | Location: Edinburgh
Reservation Time: 19:45
Phone: +44 (0)131 322 1246

Please note that this is a Table Reservation only. Please pay directly

Day 2 - Sunday 12th May - Exploring Edinburgh

This morning immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you enjoy a private walking tour with an expert local guide. Discover the highlights of this unique capital city from the Palace of Holyroodhouse all the way up the ‘Royal Mile’ to the mighty ancient fortress which is Edinburgh Castle itself. Walk the ramparts atop castle rock and hear the tales of the One O’Clock gun and the stories of locals of times past. Your guide will leave you here so that you can spend as much time in the castle as you wish.

This afternoon, take a tour of Mary King’s Close and the hidden streets and dark past of the city. Pick up a coffee and a pastry from one of the wee artisan shops, dipping into local galleries, cheesemongers and bookshops and enjoy explorations at your own pace.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Rutland Hotel, Edinburgh
Room Type: Classic Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Guide Details - Alison Barclay Read More +

Name: Alison Barclay
Contact Number: 07766 812 855
Meeting Place: The Rutland Hotel | Meeting Time: 09:30

Your expert local guide will meet you at your hotel reception

Day 2 - The Real Mary King's Close Read More +

Activity: The Real Mary King's Close
Start Location: Mary King's Close | Start Time: 14:15
Booking Reference: 41764177
Phone: +44 (0)131 225 0672

Alison will have your tickets for the entry and will give them to you when she meets you.

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Kyloe Restaurant | Location: Edinburgh
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: 6799449
Phone: +44 (0) 131 229 3402 | Website: https://kyloerestaurant.com/

Please note that this is a Table Reservation only. Please pay directly

Day 3 - Monday 13th May - Arthurs Seat & Rosslyn Chapel

After breakfast, you will meet your private guide who will also be your driver for this next part of your trip. Together you will hike to the top of Arthur’s seat, taking in the beautiful morning views and the 360 panoramic of the buzzing city and the expansive coastline.

After lunch, head out to rural mid Lothian with your guide and visit the beautiful and infamous Rosslyn Chapel, full of mysterious symbolism with ornate stonework, it has provided the inspiration that has attracted writers, artists and visitors throughout history. This evening enjoy dinner back under the twinkling lights of the city.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Rutland Hotel, Edinburgh
Room Type: Classic Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Guide Details - Ailsa Armstrong Read More +

Name: Ailsa Armstrong
Contact Number: +44 (0)147 984 1381
Meeting Place: The Rutland Hotel, Edinburgh | Meeting Time: 09:00

Your guide will meet you at the reception of your hotel

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Auld Hundred | Location: Edinburgh
Reservation Time: 19:30
Phone: +44 (0)131 225 1809

Please note that this is a Table Reservation only. Please pay directly

Day 4 - Tuesday 14th May - Head West & Cruise Loch Lomond

This morning, your private guide will pick you up from your city hotel and together you will head west to the shores of Loch Lomond. Settle into your hotel and enjoy some lunch before taking to the sparkling waters of Loch Lomond for a boat cruise exploring around some of the little islands as you hear the local history. Keep your eyes open for the local wildlife, including Ospreys, Red Deer and maybe something a bit more unusual.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Loch Lomond | Cameron House
Room Type: Classic Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Cameron Grill | Location: Cameron House
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 (0)1389 312 210

Please note that this is a Table Reservation only. Please pay directly

Day 5 - Wednesday 15th May - Hike the Trossachs

Explore the beauty of the Trossachs National Park with your guide today. There are lots of options to choose from and your guide will help you decide a great hike based on the weather and how you are feeling. You may decide to summit the small but mighty Ben A’an, which has lovely views back over Loch Katrine, or explore some of the trails in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. After lunch, make the most of the hotel amenities, perhaps enjoying a spa treatment or an afternoon tea with a view.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Loch Lomond | Cameron House
Room Type: Classic Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: La Vista | Location: Cameron House
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 (0)1389 312 210

Please note that this is a Table Reservation only. Please pay directly

Day 6 - Thursday 16th May - Transfer to Ayr

After breakfast your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to Ayr via the coast. Along the way stop for lunch by the sea and you may choose to explore the Largs for an hour to stretch your legs. On arrival at your accommodation, your guide will bid you farewell. Settle in and relax for the evening ahead of an exciting day tomorrow.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Ayr | Fairfield House Hotel
Room Type: Superior Sea View Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Fairfield House Hotel | Location: Ayr
Reservation Time: 19:30 | Booking Reference: BGT2A4H9
Phone: +44 (0)1292 267 461

Please note that this is a Table Reservation only. Please pay directly

Day 7 - Friday 17th May - Wedding

Attend Wedding in Brig o’ Doon House, just an 8 minute taxi ride away.

Overnight: Ayr | Fairfield House Hotel
Room Type: Superior Sea View Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Saturday 18th May - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to Edinburgh airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2703033
Pick Up Location: Fairfield House Hotel | Pick Up Time: 08:00
Phone: 0141 883 2111

Your private driver will meet you at the reception of your hotel.

Transfer Company system will send contact details for the chauffeur as an SMS 30 minutes prior to the reservation taking place, to the mobile number for the travelling passenger. If the client is unable to locate our chauffeur, they must call the mobile number provided, or call the Little’s Office on +44 (0)141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 8 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: May 18, 2024 | Airline: UA | Flight Number: 979
Departure Airport: Edinburgh (EDI) | Departure Time: 12:30
Arrival Airport: Washington (IAD) | Arrival Time: 15:35

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 7 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 3 to Day 6 (plus 1 half days with a local city guide in Edinburgh)
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Edinburgh Castle
    • Mary Kings Close
    • Loch Lomond Boat Cruise
    • Rosslyn Chapel
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
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
Notes Read More
  • Activities are only private if specifically stated

 

Notes On Weather & Flexibility

Weather – May in Scotland 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

  • 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.

 

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 112

NHS 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 Additional Information Read More

Accommodation

The Rutland Hotel, Edinburgh

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

Cameron House

Loch Lomond | West Dunbartonshire |
G83 8QZ | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1389 312 210
Web: cameronhouse.co.uk

Fairfield House Hotel

12 Fairfield Road | Ayr |
KA7 2AS | Scotland
Phone: 01292 267461
Web: fairfieldhotel.co.uk

Meet Your Guide

Ailsa Armstrong

Contact Number: +44 (0)147 984 1381

Having been brought up on one of Scotland’s beautiful west coast islands, I have always treasured the opportunity to explore Scotland’s wild places and this continues to bring me much pleasure today.

I particularly enjoy walking in the mountains and completed all of Scotland’s Munros some years ago. I also get a great deal of pleasure from the long distance, lower level, walks Scotland has to offer and continually seek out new adventures.

Travel has not just been limited to Scotland as I have been fortunate to have walked, climbed and ski toured in many parts of the world, although there is always something special about coming home to the Cairngorms.

Place to Play

I love heading off to explore and experience the wild places of the Highlands mountains, but also the beautiful low level walking routes and coastal paths. My perfect day is always complete when I come across a coffee shop and/or gallery with local Scottish artisan products in unusual places.

Not a lot of people know this

I am a keen mosaic artist and was delighted to have had a piece of work displayed in the National Gallery of Scotland.

Virtuoso

Wood Scotland Trip – Final Information

Saturday 11th May – Saturday 18th May 2024