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HF
Holidays
British Discovery Tours
The Scottish Highlands
Glen Coe 2012 Dates:
May 5, July 21, Sept 29 |
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HF Discovery Tours include
accommodation staying at the same hotel for seven
nights. Groups are small - usually 12 - 15 participants.
Transportation
is by minibus with an expert guide. |
For this tour we are based for a week in a magnificent
setting at Glen
Coe on the shores of Loch Leven. It is a good base to
explore and learn about the turbulent history of the Highlands. Clans fought
bloody feuds with each other and against the English so the area is scattered with
memorials - both mournful and proud. Remember Braveheart and Rob Roy.
A road from
nearby Fort William leads to Mallaig, gateway to the Hebrides. To the Northeast
is
Culloden, where, in 1746, English armies defeated the Highlanders under Bonnie Prince
Charlie. But Scotland offers more than history - there is
beautiful scenery with lochs and mountains as well as abundant
wildlife and interesting culture..
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Itinerary: The
following are just some of the highlights. Our back-roads
touring will include lovely scenery, visits to interesting
villages and many historic sites.
Saturday: Depart by private coach from Glasgow at
16.00 (cost of the bus 16 pounds). Afternoon tea at Glen Coe.
Sunday: Today is a scenic drive along the shores of Loch
Leven. We stop for a short stroll at the woods of Glen Coe and
then we drive through the spectacular scenery of Glen Coe. After
a trip to the White Corries where, weather permitting, we enjoy
far reaching views across to Ranoch Moor, we explore peaceful
Glen Etive and hopefully see wildlife like local deer. We
return to Alltshellach in time for afternoon tea.
Monday: This is a long day with spectacular views all
the way. We drive north to Eileen Donan Castle. As
one of the most iconic images of Scotland, Eilean Donan is
recognized all around the world. Situated on an island at the
point where three great sea lochs meet it is one of the most
important attractions in the Scottish highlands. The island
is called after the 6th
century Irish Saint, Bishop Donan and the original fort
protected the lands of Kintail against the Vikings who
raided the Western Isles between 800 and 1266. From the mid
13th century, this area was the quite separate "Sea
Kingdom" of the Lord of the Isles where the sea was the
main highway and the power of feuding clan chiefs was counted by
the number of men and galleys or "birlinns" at their
disposal. The first castle was built here in the mid 13th
century.
A little further west we have views of the Isle of Skye and the
Skye Bridge. We have a chance to stroll in the Lochalsh Woodland
Garden before heading back to Alltshellac.
Tuesday: This
morning we drive over the Atlantic Bridge and catch the ferry to
Easdale Island, a small island in Argyll. There will be a little
time to explore the island and abandoned slate workings and to
visit the folk museum (it may be to early in the day to sample
Easdale whisky). We then travel north to the town of Oban
(Gateway to the Isles). Gaelic is still spoken in the Oban area
and bi-lingual signs are in evidence to show the importance of
preserving the cultural heritage. The "Water of
Life" is brewed at the local distillery but if it is still
too early in the day you may prefer to stroll up to McCaig's
Folly or just to enjoy views from the harbour.
In the afternoon we drive along the shores of Loch Etive and
enjoy the peace of Ardchattan Priory and gardens.
Wednesday: Free day to enjoy the magnificent scenery or
perhaps take a local bus into the town of Fort William. You
could wander into the village of Ballachulish with its pub that
is reputed to be haunted. The drive leading to it was said to be
ridden by a headless horseman. Overlooking the narrows you will
find a monument to "James of the Glen" who was
"hanged on this spot for a crime of which he was not
guilty".
Thursday: This morning we take the short ferry
crossing at Corran across to Ardgour. We then travel beside the
shores of Loch Linnie and Eil to reach Glenfinnan where we can
see the famous viaduct. We then travel to the coast
and the small village of Arisaig to have lunch and a
stroll before continuing to the head of Loch Sheil. This was a
place of inspiration for Bonnie Prince Charlie and we visit the
Glenfinnan Monument that marks the place where Bonnie Prince
Charlie raised his standard, at the beginning of the 1745
Jacobite uprising. Friday:
In the morning we stop at Bridge of Orchy for a stroll and then
continue by coach through scenic Glen Orchy. We spend the
afternoon in the lochside town of Inverary and visit Inverary
Castle which is the home for the chief of the Campbell clan,
also known as the Duke of Argyll. There is a chance to visit the
castle, the old jail which is now an exhibition centre dealing
with crime and punishment through the ages. There is also a
Maritime Museum with an old sailing ship.
Saturday: Depart by bus for Glasgow (included). Return to
Glasgow approximately 12 noon.
Cost per person: (based on double occupancy) 729 GBP (Great
Britain pounds)
Sole Occupancy Supplement: 257 GBP
A few small single rooms are sometimes available with a
supplement of 49 GBP.
Extra charges for admissions to museums approximately 50 GBP |
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We stay for a week at Alltshellach -
formerly a large bishop's mansion, this hotel enjoys a classic Highland
location at the edge of North Ballachulish village. It stands
amid lawned and wooded grounds sweeping down to the shores of
Loch Leven with a superb backdrop of mountains rising to more
than 3,000ft above Glen Coe. Facilities include two lounges, bar
and dance / games room, laundry facilities, mini-shop, croquet,
indoor pool and spa pool.
All meals are included. All HF hotels are non-smoking.
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