Castles and Wildlife of Scotland
Castles and Wildlife of Scotland
Castles and Wildlife of Scotland
7 Days Starting and ending in London Euston
Visiting: Scotland
Tour Overview
Discover some of Scotland's most spectacular sights and experiences, with the opportunity to embrace the local wildlife. Enjoy accommodation at two distinctive hotels and step back in time to the golden age of rail travel with an overnight journey on the Caledonain Sleeper train.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - The Caledonian Sleeper Train
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.
Day 2 - Dolphins And Tulloch Castle
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.
Day 3 - The Kyle Line And Eilean Donan Castle
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.
Day 4 - Alladale Wilderness Reserve
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.
Day 5 - Wilderness Exploration
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.
Day 6 - Inverness And Culloden Battlefield
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.
Day 7 - London
Our overnight sleeper train arrives into London Euston this
morning and our holiday comes to an end.
What's Included
-
UK Tour Manager from start to finish
-
All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
-
2 nights' hotel accommodation at 3-Star Tulloch Castle
-
Two overnight journeys aboard the Caledonian Sleeper Train
-
2 nights' hotel accommodation at Alladale Wilderness Reserve
Accommodation
- Alladale Wilderness Reserve
- Tulloch Castle Hotel, Dingwall
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