SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 – Inverness

This holiday starts from Inverness, accessible by air from the south of England or by rail from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Inverness is a compact city, easily navigable on foot. We’ll provide you with plenty of recommendations for places to eat and strolls by the river and the Caledonian Canal. Ease yourself into a more relaxing holiday pace.

Your accommodation

Your guest house in Inverness is set within a stone’s throw of the centre of town. Secluded behind mature hedges, with a colourful garden behind, the house features a relaxing guest lounge where visitors are encouraged to take the weight off their feet and perhaps enjoy a drink before heading out to dinner. Unfussy, comfortable rooms are furnished in simple style, while your ebullient host serves home cooked breakfast in the bright dining room, sunlight flooding through the large bay windows.

Day 2 - Cruise on Loch Ness

Take a short taxi ride this morning to the shores of Loch Ness, the UK mainland’s largest body of fresh water, for a small group cruise aboard a beautifully equipped vessel. Informative audio guiding tells the story of this most mysterious loch, while the on-board sonar constantly sweeps the water, hoping to catch a glimpse of its most famous ‘resident’. The cruise meanders around the striking sight of Castle Urquhart, so make sure you have your camera at the ready!

At cruise’s end, you will return to Inverness for more time to explore.

Day 3 - Far North Line to Dornoch

Hop aboard the train from Inverness station, to begin your meandering trip on the atmospheric Far North Line – the most northerly railway line in the UK – as it sweeps around the Cromarty and Dornoch Firths.

Alight at the unmanned station at Tain. Here, you’ll be met by private driver and transferred to your accommodation for two nights in the pretty town of Royal Dornoch.

Your accommodation

Steeped in Scottish history and fascinating legends, this hotel is based around a 15th century castle. It is a well established and comfortable base in this attractive historic town. It firmly stands its ground opposite the inspiring 12th century cathedral. Rooms are divided between the old castle and a tasteful modern extension, which enjoys views to the garden.

Day 4 - Make the most of Durnoch

You’re spoilt for choice in this corner of the Highlands. Learn about the local history in the community-run museum, with stories panning from the persecuting of ‘witches’ to fame and celebrity – Madonna married at nearby Skibo Castle. Dander a while in the myriad local shops, ranging from antiques and crafts through to whisky specialists. Take a long walk on the magnificent beach to blow away any lingering strands of urban life.

Day 5 – Dunrobin Castle & head north to Thurso

After breakfast, you will be transferred the short distance to Dunrobin Castle, a spectacular stately home overlooking the Dornoch Firth. It is one of Scotland’s oldest continuously inhabited houses, dating back to the 14th century, yet latterly re-styled to resemble a French chateau. Take your time to discover its rich, fascinating and at times turbulent history, during which the castle enjoyed spells as a private fortress, military hospital and boys’ boarding school.

Once your visit is over, continue by train from Dunrobin’s dedicated halt and make your way north, travelling via some of the UK’s remotest stations. You’ll get up close with this pristine landscape in a couple of days’ time. On arrival in Thurso, your guest house is just around the corner from the station.

Your accommodation

This imposing Victorian villa is set in extensive, beautifully kept gardens. Family-owned for many years, the welcome here is as warm as they come. Guests are made to feel immediately at ease by the friendly proprietor, an enthusiast of all things Caithness.

Each of the four en-suite bedrooms features high ceilings and vast windows with views over the garden, as well as a wealth of touches included to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Indoors, there’s a games room with full size billiard table, perfect for whiling away a wet evening, while outside you’ll find a pitch-and-putt course and a summerhouse with decking - a fine spot for an afternoon tea or light refreshments.

Day 6 – At Leisure on the North Coast

A day to relax and enjoy your surroundings.

Take a tour at the Wolfsburn Distillery for a taste of Scotland’s water of life, or hop aboard a local bus (Monday -Friday) if you’re motivated to tick off a photo at John O’Groats. You can walk to the beach – another expansive strand – and perhaps glimpse the Orkney Islands hovering offshore in the distance. You could even choose to visit Orkney on a day trip for a small group tour of its Neolithic sites – do let us know if you wish to do this as it requires advance planning and booking.

Day 7 - Private Guided Tour of the North Coast & Flow Country

Our chosen local guide will collect you this morning and take you on a great day out to experience this very special corner of Scotland. Some of the country’s most spectacular sights are within a very short drive of Thurso, such as the UK mainland’s northernmost point at Dunnet Head, the intimidating Duncansby Stacks and the scarcely believable Whaligoe Steps, leading all the way down to an ancient herring wharf.

In the afternoon board your train and head inland into the peatlands of the Flow Country, wending your way to mainland Britain’s remotest hotel, your base for the next two nights.

Your accommodation

If you are seeking “remote”, then you’ve found it here. On some days, the only passing traffic will be the postman off to collect the mail from Kinbrace station. While out and about, you’re likely to see more sheep and deer than fellow humans. Keep your eyes peeled on the vast skies for birds of prey too.

Your hotel has an ancient inn at its heart and is the kind of place that encourages sociability and the swapping of stories, whether in the company of fellow guests during mealtimes or over a dram or two in one of the cosy lounges with your genial hosts. There is no whiff of pretension here – just good old-fashioned hospitality, home cooked produce, the most relaxing ambience and – of course – tranquillity. Dinner is included on both nights here.

Day 8 – At Leisure in the Flow Country

By now you will have totally relaxed into holiday mode and a slower pace of life, so today round off your far north journey with car-free leisure time.

Take a walk into the surrounding countryside, perhaps clambering a nearby hill if you still have energy to burn, or simply chill in the comfort of the lounge poring over the many books in the hotel’s collection.

Day 9 – Return by Rail to Inverness

After a delicious breakfast, your host will drive you to Kinbrace Station where you will board the train once more for the three hour zig-zag journey back to Inverness, sparking memories of your outbound trip and no doubt marvelling that this was but a week ago.

PRICING

Prices based on two people sharing a double / twin room ensuite for eight nights bed and breakfast plus dinner included on two nights. The holiday includes a full day’s private guided tour/transfer from Thurso to the Flow Country, as well as a cruise on Loch Ness. All train travel as detailed is included.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

As this trip is car-free and self-guided, we recommend packing lightly, with one manageable main piece of luggage per person. Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information, including full directions and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your trip.