SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 – Travel to Braemar

Set off from Edinburgh this morning and drive 2.5-hours across the Firth of Forth on the Queensferry Crossing to the Kingdom of Fife. Then traverse Highland Perthshire and the soaring landscape of the Cairngorms to the genteel Alpine-like village of Braemar.

Your accommodation

Describing this glorious property with mere words couldn’t be more difficult. The granite Victorian structure has been a fixture at the centre of this mountain community for over a century. In 2018 its new owners embarking on an ambitious programme of refurbishment, creating an overwhelmingly beautiful place to stay. The attention to detail in every nook, from the carefully chosen furniture both antique and modern, to the specifically created art that appears at every turn, alongside world class dining and impeccable service combine to make this one of the best new hotels in Britain.

Day 2 – Discovering Braemar and Royal Deeside

Take your time to enjoy a fine breakfast, before heading out to take in some of the delights within easy striking distance of your hotel.

This fabulous location attracts lovers of the outdoor, and in-house ghillies are on hand to provide advice and maps to help you make the most of the local landscape. Local paths and tracks take you away from it all in moments, or the more intrepid will love any of the 40 ‘munroes’ (mountains) on your doorstep, with red squirrel, osprey, ptarmigan and red deer all making regular appearances.

Sound a little tiring? Maybe some of the superb driving routes fanning out from Braemar are more your thing, interspersed with the odd castle or two. We’ll make sure you have all the information you need to make the most of your time here.

Day 3 – West across the Highlands and Over the Sea to Skye

A superb day on the road awaits as you make your way west today.

Cross some of the highest mountain passes in the UK, skirting Speyside malt whisky country on your way through the Highland capital of Inverness. Away from the city, our special route takes you high above mighty Loch Ness before travelling through vast Glen Garry and past famous Eilean Donan Castle on your way to the Skye Bridge.

Once on the island, it’s a short drive on to the Sleat Peninsula and one of Skye’s finest hotels.

Your accommodation

Something of a legendary place is your base for the next two nights here on Skye. Hidden away down a long driveway, this 16th century hunting lodge is run by members of the family who built it some 500 years ago. Even on this spectacular island, the beauty of this whitewashed jewel and its location simply takes the breath away, while inside the friendly family owners know how to make guests feel special, with calm refined bedrooms coalescing alongside quite stunning food, making any stay here a truly memorable experience.

Day 4 – Private RiB trip from Armadale

After breakfast take a short drive south to the tiny port of Armadale.

Here meet your local skipper for a thrilling private RiB ride on the waters surrounding the island and experience its shoreline from a unique perspective. You’ll see the bustling port of Mallaig on the mainland before entering Loch Nevis, with remote Knoydart Peninsula to the north and aptly named Seal Island just offshore. Your pilot is a lifelong native of the area, the perfect guide to bring this incredible location to life.

Day 5 – Travel to Private Island in Argyll

Head back to Armadale this morning to catch the short ferry crossing to Mallaig.

From here, drive the ‘Road to the Isles’ to Fort William, passing through the shadow of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak. Skirt shimmering Loch Linnhe, with the slender island of Lismore rising in its waters.

Your accommodation

What could be more romantic than staying on your own private island? Cross the rickety bridge from the west coast mainland to this idyllic hideaway and you enter a different world – a world of luxury, seclusion and not a little eccentricity! You’ll discover intriguing contrasts and pleasant surprises at every turn.

This baronial castle-style hotel sits proudly as the centrepiece of the sprawling estate, with an atmosphere of intimacy and informality belying its five-star status. If the weather is a little inclement, there’s nowhere cosier to relax and enjoy afternoon tea or your favourite tipple by the fireplace in the wood panelled lounge.

On bright days, take time to explore the island – you’re free to roam. What really makes this place special is the simple pleasure of wandering along secret woodland pathways, past lichen covered trees and discovering rocky coves where you’re unlikely to meet another soul save for a few playful otters or seals swimming out to sea.

At the end of the day, unwind further in the acclaimed restaurant where the head chef creates a daily changing menu using local produce: salads, herbs and vegetables from the kitchen garden, fish and seafood from surrounding waters and meat and game from nearby estates. Whatever you do, leave room for some cheese from the famous farmhouse trolley, which simply must be seen to be believed.

Day 6 - At Leisure

Today is free to relax and explore your private island. Your stay includes free use of the golf course and driving range, gym, sauna, steam room and swimming pool. We’ve included a couple of massage/beauty treatments for you to choose from, while others are available subject to an extra charge – just let us know and we can pre-book these for you.

If you’d like to venture further afield, the bustling harbour town of Oban, gateway to the islands, is less than half an hour away - with easy day trips possible to Mull and Iona, amongst others. You are also perfectly located to visit a number of gardens, including Kinlochlaich House with its nursery, Ardchattan Priory and Barguillean Angus Garden. A little further south is the National Trust garden of Arduaine.

There are also numerous castles you can visit, including Dunstaffnage, or the infamous and quite stunning valley of Glencoe.

Day 7 – Depart from Argyll

Today leave Argyll and drive back to Glasgow (or Edinburgh) through the stunning West Highlands.

PRICING

Prices is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes and suggestions on places to visit, depending on your interests, to help you get the most from your holiday.