This year we have developed two itineraries based around the Highlands, both arranged to show you the most beautiful scenery of the north of Scotland and beyond. It is an excellent time of year to visit as the Gulf Stream fans the countryside and usually brings good weather. If you chose to travel to Orkney and Shetland, you will find wild scenery, and a remarkable history. If you chose to stay on the mainland, you will visit two wonderful castles: Crathes and the wonderful Castle of Mey.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Your holiday starts from home as usual with a taxi. We then make our way up through middle England to the Carlisle area for our overnight stop.

Day 2 After breakfast, we cross the border into Scotland and travel via Glasgow, Stirling and Perth. The journey continues through Pitlochry to the Forest of Atholl, Inverness and our destination in Strathpeffer.

Day 3 A leisurely start to the day as we make our way out to Wester Ross, Ullapool and then visit the famous National Trust garden at Inverewe. We will return via Gairloch and Loch Maree.

Day 4 A free day to relax or explore the local area. There are some beautiful walks available. The Childhood Museum, The Old Pump Room and the Pavilion Gardens are all within easy walking distance of the hotel.

Day 5 A leisurely start to the day as we take the scenic route through Beauly and Cannich and then along the shores of Loch Ness followed by free time in Inverness for lunch and sightseeing. We return to our hotel for the evening meal.

Day 6 We set off north and follow the east coast road up to John O’Groats where we will stop for photographs so you can prove to everybody you have been there! Then on to the Castle of Mey, much loved by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, where there will be time to visit the house and gardens and the excellent restaurant. We return across the moor and head south to our hotel.

Day 7 Leaving Strathpeffer behind we make our way to Ballater where we stop for lunch. We continue via Aboyne and Banchory to Crathes Castle and Gardens where we will stop for a visit. It is one of the most beautifully preserved castles in Scotland and occupied by the Burnetts family. There is also a shop and restaurant. It is then just a short drive to our hotel in Aberdeen.

Day 8 We travel south to Stonehaven and Forfar through the Kingdom of Fife over the Forth of Firth through the Pentland Hills to our hotel in the Newcastle area – a wonderful day of beautiful scenery to be enjoyed.

Day 9 Travelling south we stop at Grantham, then continue across the Queen Elizabeth Bridge, Dartford to the south coast where the taxis return you safely to your homes.