Tour Ref: SH8/1
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Join us for a summer sensation in the magnificent Scottish Highlands. Our outline is only the beginning of a story that gets better and better as the chapters unfold – a never to be forgotten Scottish yarn – read on Macduff!
The holiday starts at Inverness Station to coincide with the arrival of The Highland Chieftain at about 20.00. You will, no doubt, have enjoyed a glorious journey through the heart of the Highlands with mountain, loch and riverside views. We are staying overnight at the Station Hotel so simply check in, meet your courier, and enjoy a welcome evening meal together.
Luggage to the coach and then we are off, crossing the Kessock Bridge and the Black Isle. We pause in Invergordon to see the impressive murals and then board a train on the far north line for a spectacular journey. The line hugs the coast, passing Dunrobin Castle and Golspie, before heading inland amongst the mountains. The last part of the journey crosses the broad expanse of the barren northern plateau and arrives in Wick. Here we rejoin the coach and head to the world-famous John o Groats, a must when up here. A final drive of the day passes the Castle of Mey as we track along the northern coast to Thurso.
The Orkneys beckon today and we cross the Pentland Firth from Gills Bay this morning. Then we tour “mainland” Orkney with the main attractions being Skara Brae, the wonderful Italian Chapel and the Churchill Barriers. There’s also time in Kirkwall (the capital) for a visit to the cathedral. Our circular tour is completed from Stromness over to Thurso’s port, Scrabster, passing the iconic “Old Man of Hoy” – lovely!
Leaving Thurso behind we drive across country joining the coastal route at Latheronwheel. Onwards then, with stops in Helmsdale and at Dunrobin Castle where you can explore the magnificent family home of the Sutherlands. We rejoin the railway at Tain to complete the line into inverness by skirting the Beauly Firth, keeping an eye out for dolphins. A late afternoon drive down the A9 sees us arrive in Newtonmore in time for dinner.
A super day out begins by heading back up to Inverness for the classic cruise on Loch Ness to Urquart Castle. Clan history continues with a visit to melancholy Culloden before we continue along the Morayshire coast to Keith for ever so friendly Keith and Dufftown Railway. We then track back to Newtonmore along the Spey Valley, passing distilleries galore.
The Skye Circular - to the west coast we head on what is without doubt one of the very best scenic days we do – anywhere. We start off with a gentle drive to Fort William with a stop or two on the way. Here we join the world -famous Jacobite steam train for the unsurpassable ride to Mallaig - this is the most stunning steam hauled railway journey in the British Isles. From Mallaig we cross by ferry to the Isle of Skye and tour through the Garden of Skye before using the Skye Bridge to return to the mainland. Now, sit back and relax as we take the train back across from Kyle of Lochalsh, skirting sea-lochs and passing idyllic villages, before the wide expanse of the Highlands opens up around us – magic! We alight at Dingwall and drive back down to Newtonmore.
We’re not going too far today as we tour in and around the Cairngorms getting to know the locals. A flexible itinerary allows for plenty of scope and variety with wildlife, scenic and transport highlights including the Strathspey Steam Railway and (provided it is repaired by now!) a memorable trip up Cairngorm itself aboard the modern funicular railway. We can’t ignore the Highland Folk Museum that is within walking distance of the hotel.
Breakfast at leisure before commencing homeward bound journeys. Our coach will run us 5 minutes up the road to join the Highland Chieftain at Kingussie Station. Sit back as the Highland scenery passes and then recedes leaving wonderful memories to reflect upon.
Probably the best hotel in this northern outpost The Pentland has comfortable rooms, a good restaurant and a large bar shred by locals and residents alike. It is perfectly situated for our day trip to Orkney and Thurso town centre is full of interest for explorations on those long light evenings.
With a location that puts you in the heart of Scotland’s most stunning scenery, the Balavil offers more than accommodation with comfort, convenience, and that special personal touch you won’t find just anywhere. New to Inside Track, this hotel comes with the personal recommendation of one of our most trusted coach firm owners. Oh, and it has a pool!
