Scotland – Castles, Lochs & Highland Splendour

Sunday: Following a morning departure we travel Northwards through the Midlands, the Northwest and on passing The Lake District, making the usual refreshment stops. Soon we are in the Scottish border region, we continue to Dumfries where we spend our first night at the Holiday Inn. The Hotel is situated within 100 acres of the Crichton Estate on the outskirts of Dumfries.

Monday: This morning we continue our journey further into Scotland, passing the outskirts of Glasgow. Our first stop is at the Falkirk Wheel to see this impressive structure, the only one of its kind in the world, built to replace eleven locks. Afterwards we continue to Perth where we have a stop for lunch, later we arrive in the historic small town of Pitlochry. Here we spend four nights at Fishers Hotel which is located in the Town Centre. Pitlochry is known as the Gateway to the Cairngorms National Park and is a great base for exploring this scenic region of Scotland.

Tuesday: Today we travel through Perthshire to Drummond Castle Gardens known as one of Scotland’s finest gardens and established in 1490. The formal gardens were first laid out in the 1630’s, the Italian Parterre was added in 1830. We return to Pitlochry to the Scottish Baronial Splendour of the Atholl Palace Hotel and its fascinating museum followed by a delightful cream tea.

Wednesday: A relaxed morning before departing for Loch Tummel and the Panoramic ‘Queens View’ originally named after Queen Isabel, wife of Robert The Bruce in the 14th Century not after Queen Victoria as she presumed in 1866. Later we continue to Blair Castle, home to the Dukes of Athol for 19 generations, where the family history is brought to life against a backdrop of fine 18th Century interiors and Scottish Baronial architecture.

Thursday: This morning we head North, revelling in the wonderful highland scenery before arriving at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and a visit to the Rothiemerchus Estate. Here we meet our Ranger for a coach safari, savour the best views of the surrounding countryside and get the opportunity of meeting the resident deer and highland cattle. Time permitting we make a stop in Aviemore before returning to our Hotel.

Friday: Today we leave Pitlochry and commence the homeward journey, making the usual refreshment stops en-route. We spend our last night at The Gretna Hall Hotel, here we have complimentary entry into the famous Blacksmiths Gretna Green experience.

Saturday: Our last day of this memorable holiday, we continue Southwards passing The Lake District and on through the Northwest and The Midlands towards home, arriving during the early evening.