The visitor's center is well worth a stop and provides easy access to many
of the walks in the area. We will leave our van behind and spend time in
this glen on foot. We have some wonderful walking choices. An easy walk to
Signal rock takes us up through the mountain pass to where the signal fire
was lit to begin the raid on the MacDonald's. A bit more strenuous walk into
the Hidden Valley is well worth the effort, we are rewarded with striking
views of the towering mountains that surround a beautiful, quiet meadow. The
hike option from Glen Etive to Glen Coe is a spectacular hill walk thru
Lairig Eilde. This narrow pass is towered over by rugged hills where red
deer can be spotted high on the hill. The Eilde stream escorts us along the
way and invites us to cool our feet on a hot day. Another possibility is to
catch the West Highland Way Train along some of the most fantastic country
in the highlands.
The days end will find us settled into looking for Bonnie Price Charles
around Glenfinnan over a cool pint.
Lodging - Princes House
Day 4
We have a wee drive today as we continue traveling west to the Isle of Skye.
The steep and rugged mountains along the coast make for a dramatic backdrop
during our travels. A short ferry ride across the Sound of Sleat delivers us
to the Isle.
Our destination is Greshornish Lodge, and on the way we will probably wet
our canoes in Loch Dunvegan, and explore Dunvegan Castle, or some trips make
a detour to the Talisker Distillery. The Talisker distillery is worth a
visit to learn about whisky making. The smoky aroma of this single malt
whisky is unique and a wee dram should be tried at least once.
The staff will warmly greet us, and afternoon tea is a nice touch after a
full day of traveling. Having lived on Skye for over 30 years Jane is happy
to answer questions and share the history of the Isle with us.
Lodging - Greshornish Lodge Hotel
Day 5
We focus on the Trotternish Peninsula today and discover all that it has to
offer. An impressive drive up the coast brings us to Uig, a small fishing
village and the ferry terminal that links the outer islands to the rest of the world.
The Quiraing (coo-rang), Gaelic for "pillard stronghold", is truly a
remarkable and magnificent place. The moderate walk to the saddle begins by
crossing the bogs along the base of the dark cliff and across a succession
of tiny waterfalls and burns. The Quiraing is a maze of towering pinnacles
with some rising as high as 120 feet. Once at the saddle one is rewarded
with breathtaking scenery. For those not afraid of heights or steep hills
continuing on up to the Table is truly unforgettable. The Table is an eerie
and magical place, where fairies are said to frolic on moonlit nights.
Our day of discovery continues as we return from the hike and continue
around the peninsula. A stop atthe Skye Heritage Center gives us a greater
understanding of island life and crofting. If there is time and interest we
may visit the Duntulm Castle ruins and take a stroll along the shore.
After an invigorating day of discovery we return to Greshornish for one more
evening. After tea and freshening up we look forward to a wonderful evening
meal at Greshornish. An after dinner walk is a wonderful way to end our stay
on this magical and mystical island.
Lodging - Greshornish Lodge Hotel
Day 6
After our farewells and one last look out to sea we return to the mainland
and continue our journey in the Highlands. We will have a bit of a drive
today, but we will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful scenery in
all of Scotland. Moorland, forests, lochs and rivers all converge in
spectacular style. The area offers a peaceful haven, breathtaking views and
wonderful paddling.
During our travels today we plan a short paddle on the river Oich and Loch
Ness and a visit to Eilean Donan Castle. It is enchanting, and rich in
history.
At day's end we will be guests at the Forest Lodge Guest House. Ian and
Janet welcome us into their home. This is a small inn and more than likely
we will be the only guests, so we can settle in and relax after a full day.
A home cooked meal and Ian's friendly banter are the perfect way to end the
day.
Lodging - Forest Lodge Guest House
Day 7
While our final destination today is the Dunalistar Hotel in Kinloch Rannoch
we have many choices on how to fill our day. As we drive through Dalwhinnie
we may enjoy a stop at the Dalwhinnie distillery where we can take the
informative tour and sample a bit of the "water of life".
The river Garry offers a wonderful choice for a day of paddling. The river
carves its way through the Highlands dancing and sparkling throughout its
length. From the canoe the charm of the countryside reveals itself on its
own terms. We float past lonesome country lanes, quiet meadows and hillsides
bathed in sunlight. To view the landscape from this perspective is truly a
world apart.
Our walking choices abound. We can enjoy an easy walk in the Killiecrankie
reserve or opt for a hill walk that will lead us into Kinloch Rannoch.
Nestled at the foot of Loch Rannoch this tiny village is steeped in history
and folklore of the clans. The Dunalistar Hotel has been welcoming guests
for many seasons and is a warm and welcome haven at the end of an active
day.
Lodging - Dunalistar Hotel
Day 8
We
will enjoy another evening at the Dunalistar Hotel so today is again filled
with choices. Our paddling choices include exploring Loch Rannoch and the
waters of Dunalistar. There are isolated islands, follies and ruins to
explore. We can combined a paddle with a walk in the ancient Caledonia pines
or up on the hills near Loch Ericht. Or perhaps some would like to take part
of the day off to relax, catch up on postcards or just soak in the
surroundings from a quiet spot by the loch.
The Kinloch Rannoch area is full of choices so rest assured our day will be
filled. We will enjoy another evening at the hotel. We can relax in the
guest living room or enjoy a drink in the pub before gathering for our
evening meal.
Lodging - Dunalistar Hotel
Day 9
We leave Kinloch Rannoch by foot today. We walk through some of the last
stand of ancient Caledonia forest as the path leads us up in to the hills
and out onto the moorland. We follow the old Kirk road that leads us into
Glen Lyon. Clansmen and highlanders to travel from one glen to the next have
used this footpath for centuries. The scenery is wild and rugged and gives
us a true sense of what makes Scotland so special.
Our footpath brings us into the tiny hamlet of Bridge of Balgie and the
river Lyon. The river is a true delight and the countryside that unfolds in
front of our eyes is beyond description and must truly be seen in person, to
fully take it all in and appreciate its regal beauty.
This evening we will be guests at Fendoch B&B, in the quaint village of
Fortingall where Pontius Pilate is said to have been born. The Yew tree in
the churchyard is over 3,000 years old and the standing stones in a nearby
field tie the present world to the ancient past.
A walk after dinner reveals a late summer sunset, with hillsides awash in
the glow of twilight and fields of barley giving the image of rolling waves
on the sea.
Lodging - Fendoch B&B
Day 10
We continue with a day of options. We may choose to paddle a fastwater
section of the River Lyon from Fortingall to Aberfeldy. The Lyon is intimate
and lively as it leaves the narrow Glen Lyon behind and opens into the wide
and fertile Tay valley.
Other walks include journeying over Drummond Hill to the quiet village of
Kenmore. From Kenmore we can get the canoes wet for one last time and enjoy
a day of paddling on the Tay. This lively river takes us past Taymouth
castle and offers some exciting rapids before gently leading us to our take
out in Aberfeldy.
After a day of paddling and walking through these ancient lands we return to
Fendoch for our final evening.
Lodging - Fendoch B&B
Day 11
Reluctant to leave this wonderful, mystical and magical place we linger as
long as we can. Perhaps we will find one more river to paddle or walk to
take before leaving the Lochs, Glens and Highlands behind.
As we journey back to our world we are reminded by legends and chronicles
that episodes in Highland history ended with...And the Highlanders went back
to their glens.
Our journey ends as it began with a 3:00pm return to the Glasgow Airport. If
your travel plans differ from this time, you will be responsible for your
own transfers.
Scotland Rambles Trip
Notes Supplement
The Scotland Highland Ramble is
rated 2-D, which is moderate to rigorous, according to our trip grading
system. We will be paddling on up to class II rivers, and hiking in open
fells and mountains, four to 12 miles per day, following footpaths and
carrying only a daypack. The paddles and hikes will range from 4 to 7 hours
in length, with stops for picnic lunches. Elevations will not be high, but
the hiking terrain can be rugged, with optional steep climbs over uneven
ground.
This trip is appropriate for anyone in good heath, leading an active outdoor
lifestyle. Generally the more difficult sections are optional and often we
have more strenuous extensions available for those who desire a longer day.
Please feel free to call our office, and often you can discuss the trip with
a guide who has lead this trip and be able to share thoughts with you.
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