Tuesday 18th March – Thursday 27th March 2025
v2 – 6th Feb 2025 (also date of confirmation)
Dates flexible within Sept 2026 – However, please note that Lundies is typically closed Tues & Wed nights.
On arrival in Inverness Airport you will be met by your private guide (who will also act as your driver for your time together). Depending on your time of arrival you may want to head straight to your welcoming hotel to settle in before dinner.
Or, if time allows, then you could start your explorations with your guide on route. Perhaps stopping to visit the atmospheric Culloden Battlefield, last stand of the Jacobite Rebellion. Or the medieval castle of Cawdor, which was made infamous by Shakespeare’s play Macbeth.
The choice is yours.
Overnight: Aberlour | The Dowans Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: None
This morning enjoy a private fly fishing experience. Your guide will take you to a quiet stretch of river bank on the Spey where you will be met by your expert local fisherman. Immerse yourselves in the techniques and lovely location with the added benefit of specific insider knowledge.
This afternoon discover why this area is known at the ‘Heart of Whisky Country’ and understand why Speyside whiskys are known around the world. If you have time then take the chance to observe the ancient art of coopering, which is the skilled art of creating the all-important barrels that spirits rest in. Or take a stroll on the Whisky Smugglers Trail, before heading to a classic whisky distillery for a private tour and special tasting. Finish your day with a toast to your good health, ‘Slainte Mhath’!
Overnight: Aberlour | The Dowans Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today you transfer north to the lovely Links House at Royal Dornoch, but the proximity of the superb hiking in the Cairngorms National Park is too much to resist.
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 discuss the best options to suit your energy levels, the weather and your preferred level of challenge!
Note: Transfer drive time would be approx 2 hrs if you go directly, Diverting to Glenmore to hike there only adds approx 45 mins.
Overnight: Dornoch | Links House at Royal Dornoch
Room Type: Glenshiel Master Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Spend a leisurely morning enjoying a superb round of golf at Dornoch.
Afternoon options – relax at hotel, explore the local area hiking with your guide, or perhaps visiting Dunrobin Castle. Discuss your preferences with your guide.
Overnight: Dornoch | Links House at Royal Dornoch
Room Type: Glenshiel Master Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today the summit of the northernmost ‘Munro’ (Scottish mountain over 3000 ft tall) is calling you. This is a great introduction to the sweeping open skies and landscape of the Northern coast of Scotland, and well worth the steep climb. If the weather is in your favour you will enjoy views in all directions as you celebrate at the trig point.
A short half hour drive will then take you to your unique and welcoming accommodation in Tongue.
Overnight: Lairg | Lundies House
Room Type: Shona OR Isla
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Dunnet Head is officially the furthest north point of the British mainland, and a nature reserve home to a diverse range of birds including puffins, razorbills, guillemots, fulmars, kittiwakes, shags and cormorants. There is superb cliff top hiking here, or you could head to Ducansby Head with its impressive sea stacks. The local Swilkie whirlpool is where Viking legend would have you believe salt for all the oceans is churned.
This afternoon visit Castle Mey, which was gifted in trust by the Queen Mother in 1996 after over 4 decades of cherished royal visits. Explore the beautiful gardens that have been lovingly tended to over the years and immerse yourselves in the stories of the past before heading back to your accommodation for the night.
Overnight: Lairg | Lundies House
Room Type: Shona OR Isla
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
You have the full day to get out hiking and embrace this stunning open northern landscape. It is easy to see why the North Coast 500 route has become so iconic. Following the road will take you past sweeping wild landscapes, remote quirky dwellings and awe-inspiring coastal views.
Your guide will discuss the options with you and you can decide the best option. Perhaps enjoy a gentle circuit with a visit to the unique Smoo Cave which has a 50ft high entrance set into the surrounding limestone cliffs. Or maybe an invigorating coastal route. Or even set out to the challenging summit of Ben Loyal. See how you feel.
Overnight: Lairg | Lundies House
Room Type: Shona OR Isla
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today you transfer to Torridon on the West Coast. This will be a longer transfer day (drive duration from 3 to 4 hours depending on route choices), but the scenery and options on route will more than make up for it.
You may want to stop in Ullapool, a small town with great fish & chips which you can sample as you watch the ferries heading to the Outer Hebridean islands before you carry on.
A lovely hiking option could be to take the longer route and do a river loop through forested land, a lovely contrast to the open scenery of the far north and with waterfalls to impress along the way.
Then continue your journey to your ornate and luxurious hotel which enjoys superb views of the surrounding scenery.
Overnight: by Achnasheen | The Torridon
Room Type: 1887 Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
The mountains of Torridon sweep up out of the ground almost from sea level in dramatic bare slopes which culminate in rocky ridgelines which are little visited. And you don’t have to head up to the heights to appreciate them, a hike around a serene loch in the glen will amaze you with the reflections and views on offer. Together with your guide you will decide on the best route for the day, depending on the weather and what level of challenge you wish.
You may want a full day out to explore as much of this incredible landscape as possible, or you could choose to have a relaxed final afternoon making the most of your hotel’s facilities. No matter what you decide, this setting is sure to provide a day to remember and a wonderful end to your trip.
Overnight: by Achnasheen | The Torridon
Room Type: 1887 Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning your guide will transfer you to Inverness Airport to catch your onward flights. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.
Note: Drive time is approx 1 hr 45 mins
Meals Included: Breakfast
The NET price for this itinerary, based on 2 clients on a twin-share basis, and including a £12 per person conservation contribution is:
Conservation Contribution
This voluntary donation of £12 per person goes towards conservation projects in the locations we operate. If you would like to opt out just let your trip designer know. Click here for more information.
Please see our booking terms here.
Tuesday 18th March – Thursday 27th March 2025