Castles and Wildlife of Scotland

After meeting at London Euston station this evening, we board the only overnight service running between London and Scotland, the famous Caledonian Sleeper Train, (there is also the option of joining the train at either Preston or Crewe.) The train's inaugural journey took place back in 1873, and since then it's become a bit of a clandestine institution, something many have heard of but few have experienced. Settling into our comfortable club cabins, we enjoy a night on the rails.

Following breakfast on the train, we pull into Inverness at the end of a comfortable and relaxed overnight journey. At the station, we are met by a coach that will transport us to the quayside for a magical dolphin spotting cruise along the Moray Firth. After an hour or so at sea, hopefully spent admiring pods of energetic cetaceans, we continue by coach further into the Highlands, making our way to Tulloch Castle, our unique accommodation for the next 2 nights. On arrival, we can expect a warm welcome as well as a talk and guided tour of the historic property. After time to unpack, this evening we meet in the hotel's dining room for a sumptuous meal.

We spend the day discovering Scotland's treasures with an excursion to beautiful Eilean Donan Castle, on the tiny island in Loch Duich. We start with a journey from Inverness on the acclaimed Kyle Line, one of Scotland's most scenic railway lines. Notable stops en route include Achanalt, where the marshlands surrounding Loch Achanalt have been declared a site of Special Scientific Interest and provide a habitat for several rare and interesting plant and bird species, as well as Achnashellach Forest, reputedly the site of an historic battle between 3 Scottish clans in 1505.

We disembark at the end of the line, transferring to Eilean Donan Castle, perched atop a tiny island at the confluence of Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh. This iconic castle has been filmed and photographed numerous times over the years, most famously being featured in the film 'Highlander'.

Originally built in the 13th century, the fortress was destroyed 400 years later during the Jacobite rebellions, and we learn more about the property's long and fascinating past during our guided tour. Afterwards we return to Tulloch Castle by coach for dinner.

We say a fond farewell to Tulloch Castle after breakfast, travelling further north by coach to Alladale Wilderness Reserve. Along the way we stop off at Dunrobin Castle, a turreted stately home set within rolling landscaped gardens, and the seat of the Earl of Sutherland - a member of the Sutherland Clan. There's time to wander round the house and gardens before we complete our journey to Alladale itself, a 23,000 acre Highland retreat. Alladale is one of the largest privately owned members of the re-wilding project in the UK. Regular schemes include tree planting, a captive breeding program for the Scottish Wild Cat, and relocation projects for red squirrels.

Surrounded by rugged terrain, woodland dells and heather-tinged valleys, Alladale is a very special destination, offering remote, rural experiences amidst landscapes that have been used in many high-end commercial shoots by the likes of Vogue and Rolls Royce. After checking in, we have some welcome tea and cakes followed by an opportunity to walk around the lodge and into Glen Alladale. Afterwards we enjoy a real treat, dinner cooked by our own private chef who specialises in traditional Scottish cuisine such as wild smoked salmon and locally-caught venison, with a twist.

This morning, we fortify ourselves with a hearty breakfast ahead of our full-day excursion. After being collected from Alladale's main lodge by expert rangers, we embark on a 4x4 adventure through the winding valleys and craggy peaks as our guides try to get us up close and personal with some of the native wildlife. Watch out for herds of red deer roaming the lush terrain and eagles catching a ride on the thermal currents high above us. On our return to the lodge, we enjoy coffee, tea, and cake as we participate in a talk about the history of the reserve, their re-wilding projects, and surrounding area.

We have a little time at leisure this morning; perhaps unwind in Alladale's cosy surroundings or head back into the wild for a short walk before we make the trip back to Culloden Battlefield by coach. After a guided visit of the famous Battlefield, we transfer back to Inverness. There's some free time here before we board the return overnight sleeper train back to London Euston, where our holiday comes to an end.