Exclusive UK Self-Drive Scottish Highlands Tour
5 days, 4 nights

DAY 1, INVERNESS-CAWDOR-CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD

Your self-drive tour starts in Inverness. Leave your luggage in your hotel as you start your road trip. Head to the village of Cawdor for a self-guided tour of Cawdor Castle. Option: Private afternoon tea with the Dowager Countess Cawdor can be arranged in advance. Visit Culloden Battlefield after leaving Cawdor on the way back to your hotel in Inverness. Upon arrival to Inverness, enjoy a short city walk with some free time for lunch (own arrangement). We suggest to finish your excursion at Castle Viewpoint. It offers amazing 360° views of Inverness and the Scottish Highlands. Return back to your hotel and relax before dinner at the Torrish restaurant with stunning views over the river.

DAY 2, RIVER NESS-CALEDONIAN CANAL - DOCHGARROCH

After a traditional Scottish breakfast depart the hotel for a short walk along the River Ness and the Caledonian Canal to Dochgarroch. Later, self-drive to Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness to discover more than 1,000 years of stirring history. Optionally we can book a private or small group RIB boat trip on the famous Loch Ness. After visiting the Castle, we suggest a quick lunch in the village that we can be pre-booked in one of the nice village pub or restaurants of your choice. After lunch, visit the historic village of Beauly. From there, take a short self-drive to Glen Ord distillery. We can arrange a private tour of the distillery followed by a tasting of their Singleton Whisky for you to enjoy. After the whiskey tasting, return back to your hotel in Inverness.The evening is yours to relax. The dinner can be arranged in one of the city restaurants.

DAY 3, INVERNESS - SHIELDAIG LODGE

This morning after breakfast you will be heading to the fantastic Shieldaig Lodge. Upon arrival check in for 2 nights or longer if you choose any of the optional activities at the lodge.

DAY 4, SHIELDAIG LODGE - GAIRLOCH

Gairloch village is a fantastic place to visit and for exploring Wester Ross and the North West Highlands. We can arrange an unforgettable cruise to watch minke whales, dolphins, basking sharks and many more in their natural environment. On the Shoreline, there are colonies of Seals and families of Otters. There are birds as rare and spectacular as the White-tailed Eagle and as lovable as the Puffin. We cooperate with Hebridean Whale Cruises company based at the pier in Gairloch and they are one of the top cruises in the UK for whale spotting. After cruise, enjoy your lunch in the village before heading further 13 miles up to visit the Arctic Convoys Memorial Museum in Cove Loch Ewe (Birchburn, Aultbea, Achnasheen, IV22 2HZ). Alternatively, you might want to speand your day at Gairloch Golf Club - probably the best gold fields in Scotland! Visitors are welcome to “walk-on” and play the course – no need to book the times in advance. *Cannot be guaranteed as it is wildlife watching experience.

DAY 5, RETURN BACK HOME

Today is the last day of your unforgettable Highlands tour. Unless you decide to extend your itinerary with adding extra days to explore this area by cycling to nearby Red Point Beach, Badachro. Or to experience deer stalking, Falconry or Pony trekking Enjoy your morning and full Scottish breakfast before planning your own road back home!

OPTIONAL I - Shieldaig Lodge. Deer stalking. Red deer stalking is available from mid-August.

Enjoy an early morning breakfast at the lodge. A day’s stalking normally commences at 09.30 after having checked the rifle on our range. We will use an 8 wheel Argo to take us close to the more remote stalking areas. Our stalker will take up to a maximum of 2 rifles on one beat and a maximum of 2 beats. Potential Rifles are requested that they have undertaken some walking and physical exercise prior to arrival, as the hills are very unforgiving to the unfit; good strong footwear is a must, and aspiring Rifles are recommended to bring a windproof outer jacket which can be worn once the heights have been ascended. Sporting weapons are required to be of above .243 calibre. Our preferred minimum calibre is .270 for stags. Prices available on application.

*12 pointers and above are available as per the stalking guides authorization and discretion only.

*Normal traditional Highland stalking methods apply.

*Guide tip (per attempted shot) suggested GBP 30.00.

Alternatively, on this day you can choose to do fly fishing or salmon fishing on Loch & river Badachro. The Lodge has its own stalkers and ghillies to see visitors round the estate lochs and rivers which include eight hill lochs with boats. Activity availability and prices on request only.

OPTIONAL II - Shieldaig Lodge. Falconry Experience / Pony trekking at the Lodge.

After your breakfast, we suggest an unforgettable flying experience. We can book this for you at the lodge on request. You will get the chance to fly an impressive variety of birds including eagles, hawks, buzzards, falcons and owls within the grounds of the Lodge. Packages are available to book individually or in small group. You might choose to enjoy pony trekking on the beautiful Red Point beaches with breath-taking scenery. We have a great selection of well-mannered native horses and ponies to suit all ages and abilities. The trekking centre operates to a very high standard with friendly, knowledgeable and qualified staff. Enjoy amazing rides on the Estate beaches. Alternatively, why not just try your hand at the medieval sport archery for some fun! Hit the target with the guidance of one of our qualified instructors.

OPTIONAL III - Shieldaig Lodge. Cycling. Full Scottish breakfast at the lodge.

Today you are free to explore spectacular sceneries! Pick up your bike and cycle from Shieldaig Lodge to nearby Red Point Beach, Badachro. The lodge will provide you with 'Things to see on your ride' leaflet as there's plenty of spectacular scenery to explore. All bikes are safety checked daily and you will be asked to sign a disclaimer and damage form before your departure. All bikes come with a pump, an essential yellow high visibility jacket, a helmet, spare inner tube, tyre levers. Our bike range is designed to fit almost every rider (minimum height requirement 4'3" (130cm). When booking, please inform our reservations team about your height. There are several good sandy beaches in the area for you to enjoy, such as the brilliantly-named Big Sand and at Redpoint, which offers lovely views to Raasay, Skye and the Western Isles, an unforgettable sunset across the Minch.