Highlands, Railways & Dolphins

Thursday 1st April

Following our local departures, with a stop en route, we make our way to Stirling Castle. Perched high on a volcanic rock overlooking the surrounding countryside, Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s grandest and most historically important castles. Once home to Scottish kings and queens, including Mary Queen of Scots, the castle played a central role in the nation’s history and offers a fascinating journey through royal palaces, magnificent halls and beautifully restored Renaissance interiors. With breathtaking panoramic views across the Highlands and Lowlands. We continue on and make the short journey to our overnight hotel - The King Robert Hotel, Stirling. Time to relax following our evening meal.

Friday

After a full Scottish breakfast we depart The King Robert Hotel and continue our journey through Glencoe - one of Scotland’s most dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes, to Beauly. Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Beauly is a charming and picturesque village renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, historic character and stunning surrounding scenery. Often described as one of the prettiest villages in the Highlands, Beauly is home to quaint independent shops, welcoming cafés and the beautiful ruins of Beauly Priory, dating back to the 13th century. We check into the Priory Hotel for our next three nights stay.

Saturday

We enjoy a one way train journey today from Dingwall to Kyle of Lochalsh on the Kyle Line. Widely regarded as one of the most scenic railway experiences in the world. Winding through the heart of the Highlands, the route passes shimmering lochs, rugged mountains, dense forests and remote moorland, offering ever-changing panoramic views at every turn. Travelling through peaceful villages and vast, untouched landscapes, you can truly appreciate the scale and beauty of the Scottish wilderness, culminating at the picturesque coastal village of Kyle of Lochalsh, gateway to the Isle of Skye. We arrive at 1.35pm when we board our coach to make the short journey for a photo opportunity at Eilean Donan Castle - one of Scotland’s most iconic and photographed castles, dramatically set on a small tidal island where three sea lochs meet in the western Highlands. Connected to the mainland by a graceful stone footbridge, the castle is surrounded by sweeping mountain scenery and reflective waters, creating a picture-perfect setting. We return to our hotel with time to relax before our evening meal.

Sunday

Today we are on the lookout for dolphins with an unforgettable two hour catamaran cruise on the Moray Firth, this area is home to the worlds most northerly population of Bottlenose Dolphins along with other marine wildlife including seals and otters - fingers crossed we are lucky enough to see some today! Once we are back on dry land we make our way to Dunrobin Castle, a magnificent fairytale-style Highland castle overlooking the Moray Firth, renowned for its elegant French-inspired architecture, beautifully manicured gardens, and rich history as the ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland. Following a lovely full day we make our way back for our evening meal - then time to relax!

Monday

Today we say goodbye to The Priory Hotel and head back towards Glasgow, we make a stop in Pitlochry, a charming Highland town nestled on the River Tummel, known for its Victorian character, scenic woodland setting, and welcoming atmosphere at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. It offers boutique shops and cosy cafés, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and forest walks. We continue our journey to our last overnight hotel the lovely Westerwood Hotel, Cumbernauld. We check in and have time to relax before enjoying our last evening meal.

Tuesday

This morning we check out of The Westerwood Hotel and make the short journey to The Kelpies. The Kelpies are two towering 30-metre-high horse-head sculptures that stand as a striking tribute to Scotland’s industrial heritage and the mythical water spirits of Scottish folklore. Located in Falkirk, they form the centrepiece of the Helix Park and represent the strength and endurance of the working horses that once pulled barges along Scotland’s canals. We continue our journey home with a stop en route, arriving in our local area early evening.