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Exclusive UK Self-Drive Scottish Highlands Tour
5 days, 4 nights
The readers of the influential travel guide Rough Guide voted Scotland as ‘the most beautiful country in the world’, beating the likes of Canada, South Africa, Indonesia and Iceland to take the number one slot. You can’t deny that Scotland’s wild beaches, deep lochs and misterious castles are some of the most incredible sights in the world. There is someting for everyone: bustling cities, rich culture, remarkable historic attractions, and of course awe-insiring unspoiled nature!
We've created a short 5 day tour to get a taste of what Scotland has to offer. You can add extra activities and extend the trip as you wish. What awaits you on the tour? Inverness, Cawdor Castle, then a scenic road to Drumnadrochit and the mysterious Urquhart Castle, Red Point, Loch Ewe and many more.
Move forward to the new discoveries!
- Tour Introduction
- Tour Itinerary
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The Route:
INVERNESS • Cawdor Castle • Culloden Battlefield • Urquhart Castle • Beauly • Glen Ord distillery • Shieldaig Lodge • Gairloch
Inverness
Inverness is a city on Scotland’s northeast coast, where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth. It's the largest city and the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands. Its Old Town features 19th-century Inverness Cathedral, the mostly 18th-century Old High Church and an indoor Victorian Market selling food, clothing and crafts. The contemporary Inverness Museum and Art Gallery traces local and Highland history. Inverness was described as the happiest place in Scotland and the second happiest in the UK in 2014 and 2015...Read more about Inverness
Cawdor Castle
Cawdor Castle dates from the late 14th century and was built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor. Still home to the Cawdor family to this day and lovingly filled with beautiful furniture, fine portraits, intriguing objects and amazing tapestries the Castle has evolved for over 600 years. Famed for its 6 exquisite gardens, the castle grounds are an absolute gem to explore...Read more about Cawdor Castle
Glen Ord distillery
The distillery, one of the Highland's hidden treasures, was founded in 1838 by Thomas Mackenzie. In the northern highlands, barley from the Black Isle meets water from the White Burn to make a Scotch of vibrant colour: The Singleton of Glen Ord. Open all year, Glen Ord offers a range of tours to suit everyone; from the whisky novice to the connoisseur...Read more about Glen Ord Distillery
Culloden Battlefield
Site of bloody last battle of Jacobite Rising, with visitor centre and interactive exhibition. The richly researched, stimulating and sensitive Culloden Visitor Centre, which stands beside the battlefield, features artefacts from both sides of the battle and interactive displays that reveal the background to the conflict...Read more about Culloden
Urquhart Castle
Urquhart Castle, a ruin, sits beside the famous Loch Ness. Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart saw great conflict during its 500 years as a medieval fortress. Take in the Grant Tower and the unmissable views from its battlements, Imagine splendid banquets staged in the Great Hall, See the Urquhart Ewer and other medieval artefacts left by castle residents...Read more about Urquhart Castle
Gairloch
A quaint little village with a golf course, a museum, several hotels, a variety of shops, Chinese and fish and chip takeaways, a community centre, a leisure centre with sports facilities, a local radio station, beaches and nearby mountains. There are several good sandy beaches in the area: Big Sand and Redpoint...Read more about Gairloch
The Arctic Convoys Memorial Museum
It was Loch Ewe where many convoys bound for the Soviet Union were formed during the Second World War. The defensive and harbour installations remind now of the past war times.The monument in Cove was unveiled in 1999 thanks to the efforts of British veterans of the Arctic Сonvoys...Read more about the Arctic Convoy Museum
Deer stalking
Deer stalking in Scotland has centuries of history and tradition behind it while being an excellent way to really get to know its wildlife. It’s regarded by sportsmen and women the world over as a privilege. Stalking a Stag, under the instruction of an experienced stalker, often using working ponies, is a unique and memorable experience many associate with ‘Scottishness’...Read more about Deer stalking
Whale watching
Take an unforgettable cruise with Hebridean Whale Cruises company based at the pier in Gairloch 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...Read more about Whale watching
Video
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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.
Ness Walk 
5 crown
Address
12 Ness Walk, Inverness IV3 5SQ, United Kingdom
Location
Luxurious 5-star Hotel in Inverness. Nestled on the leafy banks of the River Ness, lies Ness Walk. An idyllic 5-star retreat hotel in Inverness, just 10 minutes from Loch Ness. Surrounded by a dramatic canopy of impressive trees, Ness Walk allows you to experience a secluded atmosphere in the heart of the vibrant city centre.Originally a 19th century house, our lovingly restored Grade B listed building still retains many of its period features. But unified with modern design and architecture, providing a flawless balance between past and present.
Shieldaig Lodge
4 crown
Address
Badachro, Gairloch IV21 2AN, United Kingdom
Location
Shieldaig Lodge 4* is part of an 26,000-acre estate pinned to the west coast of the Scottish Highlands, overlooking the shores of Gairloch. Beautifully restored and quietly sophisticated, each of the Lodge’s 12 boutique bedrooms is furnished with antiques and cosy touches, all with your comfort in mind. All bedrooms are all individual, but they share some common traits, namely: 400 thread Egyptian cotton sheets, synthetic duvets, sumptuous pillows, excellent mattresses, handmade shortbread from lodge’s own kitchen, and Scottish styling. The rooms are stunning, it’s worth spending a little more and getting a loch view room if available – you will not regret it.
Other services
Your stay will include a full Scottish breakfast plus a choice of pastries, cereals and fruit, yoghurts, tea and coffee. Vegetarian options are available, including much-loved vegetarian haggis!
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Price: from £680 per person, based on 2 passengers travelling and sharing the room.
Package Includes:
• Bed and Breakfast Accommodation at hotels as mentioned in the itinerary (Ness Walk and Shieldaig Lodge)
• Hebridean Whale Cruise
Package Does Not Include:
• Optional activities, which we will add to you summary/quote upon request
• Entrance tickets
Terms and Conditions:
• The terms and conditions will be personalized for every booking, and will reflect the supplier's conditions
• All prices are NETT / non-commissionable;
• The prices are given as indication only and can be changed in accordance with the actual date of departure and the hotels' availabilities;
• The example price from is calculated on the 15th August 2020 departure;
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