Highland Wonders Wester Ross & Isle of Skye

HIGHLAND WONDERS – WESTER ROSS & THE ISLE OF SKYE

13 – 18 October 2027

Wednesday – Monday

6 Days

From £689

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Scottish Highlands on a spectacular holiday filled with dramatic landscapes, picturesque villages and fascinating heritage. From the rugged shores of Wester Ross to the magical Isle of Skye, enjoy unforgettable journeys through towering mountains, tranquil sea lochs and some of Scotland’s most magnificent scenery.

Explore the beautiful Inverewe Garden, uncover remarkable Highland stories at Gairloch Museum and the Russian Arctic Convoys Museum, and marvel at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle and spectacular Corrieshalloch Gorge. With visits to charming Highland towns including Ullapool, Pitlochry and Aviemore, this wonderful escape showcases the very best of Scotland’s wild and beautiful north-west.

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

· Discover the picturesque Highland village of Gairloch, overlooking the beautiful waters of Loch Gairloch

· Explore the spectacular Inverewe Garden, an exotic oasis overlooking the shores of Loch Ewe

· Marvel at magnificent Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks

· Discover the breathtaking Isle of Skye, famous for its dramatic mountains and rugged coastline

· Go behind the scenes for a special insight into Gairloch Museum’s collections and hidden treasures

· Admire spectacular mountain scenery and beautiful Highland landscapes.

· Uncover the extraordinary story of the Arctic Convoys and the brave sailors who served during the Second World War

· Marvel at the spectacular Corrieshalloch Gorge, one of Scotland’s most dramatic natural wonders

· Explore the charming Scottish town of Moffat, surrounded by beautiful Dumfries and Galloway countryside

· Discover picturesque Pitlochry, beautifully situated amongst the hills of Highland Perthshire

· Step back in time and uncover the stories of couples who crossed the Scottish border to marry at Gretna Green

· Discover picturesque Ullapool, a charming fishing village on the shores of Loch Broom

· Experience the tranquillity and natural beauty of the unspoilt corner of Wester Ross.

(13) DAY ONE – Moffat, Aviemore and Arrival

We depart from your home and travel north to our hotel in the village of Gairloch, on our way we’ll stop at Moffatt and Aviemore for a break, before arriving at our hotel later afternoon/early evening.

(14) DAY TWO – Russian Convoys Museum, Carrieshalloch Gorge and Scenic Drive

After breakfast this morning we will make our way to visit the Arctic Convoy Museum at Aultbea. A great museum working hard to keep the memory of those who took part in the Arctic Convoys during WWII alive. Step inside the museum and discover one of the most daring allied operations of WWII and learn about the Arctic Convoys right where they took place.

We’ll then make our way along a scenic drive via laide, Dundonnell and Little Loch Broom, before stopping at the Carrieshalloch Gorge - a fantastic example of a deep gorge created by glacial meltwater. There is opportunity for refreshments here before we continue our scnic drive via Garve, Achnasheen and Kinlochewe making our way back to Gairloch and our hotel.

Please note: The walk to the suspension bridge at Carrieshalloch Gorge is steep in places and may be challenging.

(15) DAY THREE – Eilean Donan Castle and The Isle of Skye

This morning we visit Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks. The stunning castle is situated on its own island at the intersection of 3 lochs, Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh. We take time here to explore the castle and its atmospheric surroundings, before we continue our journey to the Isle of Skye.

Afterwards, we continue our journey to the Isle of Skye, passing over the Skye Bridge and on to the small village of Portree for our lunchtime stop. Portree, although a small harbour village, is the capital of Skye, and is surrounded by rocky cliffs and rolling hills. Its beautiful surroundings make it a perfect stop to have lunch and enjoy views of the boats.

Moving on, we visit various points of interest in Skye such as; Kilt Rock for amazing coastal views, take a short walk at Lealt Falls and admire the Old Man of Storr. After spending the afternoon exploring Skye and admiring its stunning scenery we will stop off on the return journey at Strome Viewpoint (April-October) for photos of Loch Carron before continuing back to our hotel.

(16) DAY FOUR – Gairloch Museum and Gairloch

Today we stay local in Gairloch, after a leisurely breakfast we’ll visit the Gairloch Museum, located not far from the hotel.

The Museum Collection is a fascinating insight into over 7000 years of local history, from the area's earliest settlers to the 20th century engineering marvels of Rubh Re lighthouse, all in a converted Cold War nuclear bunker.

There are also two Art Gallery spaces at the Museum and throughout the year, they play host to a varied programme of solo and group shows as well as touring exhibitions and "in-house" exhibitions.

We have included a Gairloch Museum Behind the Scenes Tour - a special tour of the object store, the place where the museum carefully keeps hundreds of items from the local area that are not currently on display. Led by a member of the Museum team, the tour offers insight into how the collections are looked after and why some pieces remain in store. This is a unique opportunity to explore more of the collection and hear the stories behind the objects.

Over the road, in front of the Museum, you will find a viewpoint with information about the local geology, as well as large samples of rock types. There are also some Museum objects to view relating to the local fishing industry.

Or if you prefer to be a little more adventurous you can pick up a trail guide from the Museum shop and take a self-guided tour of the Achtercairn Archaeology Trail. Please note however a good level of fitness is required to do this trail.

Ans then you are ready for refreshments, situated on the fully accessible first floor of the Museum, there is a café that offers homemade soup, fresh scones, delicious coffee, teas, and home baking.

You can also have some free time to look around Gairloch then before returning the short distance to the hotel.

(17) DAY FIVE – Poolewe and Inverewe Garden & Estate

After a leisurely morning we depart our hotel and take a short ride to Poolewe, time here before we continue our journey for our afternoon visit to Inverewe Garden and Estate.

Inverewe Garden is like no other. Amazing species that simply shouldn’t grow here are thriving, aided by the effects of the Gulf Stream. From pre-historic trees such as our Wollemi pines to rhododendrons from China, Nepal and India, Himalayan poppies and Tasmanian eucalyptus, there is something to discover and enjoy in every corner. The estate has many designations recognising its importance as a species-rich habitat. The wildlife hide provides the perfect vantage point over Loch Ewe, where coastal birds, seals and otters can be seen.

(18) DAY SIX – Pitlochry, Gretna Green and Departure

After our breakfast, this morning we depart Gairloch and visit Pitlochry and Gretna Green, before continuing our journey home with comfort stops en route.

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

Home pick-up

5 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival & departure

Inverewe Garden & Estate

Eilean Donan Castle

Russian Convoys Museum

Carrieshalloch Gorge Visitors Centre

Gairloch Museum and Behind the Scenes Tour.

GAIRLOCH HOTEL, GAIRLOCH

Nestled beside Gairloch Bay, The Gairloch Hotel overlooks several quiet, secluded beaches, as well as offering spectacular views of the world-famous Isle of Skye, surrounded by a landscape rich in wildlife with unspoilt shores, lochs, and mountains. With 70 bedrooms, as well as a restaurant and lounge bar, guests can enjoy a calendar of live entertainment on site, alongside all the tranquillity associated with the beautiful scenery of Wester Ross, Raasay, and the Western Isles. The hotel has a lift to all floors.