Edinburgh & Highlands Explorer

Begin your exploration in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, steeped in centuries of history, stories and legends. Everywhere you turn, you will be greeted by contrasts – from narrow medieval alleyways and the imposing castle to the chicest of Michelin-starred restaurants, from geological wonders and hills-to-hike to smart shops and cosy whisky bars. It’s a city we know and love. We’ll share plenty of local recommendations – that way, you’ll get to experience the real city beyond the tourist hotspots.

Your Accommodation in Edinburgh

Conveniently located in Edinburgh’s vibrant southside and dating from 1780, this elegant Baronial house has been lovingly converted into a contemporary hotel. Refurbished throughout, each of the welcoming rooms offer a comfortable and cosy haven away from bustle of Scotland’s capital, while the stylish bar is a perfect location for you to enjoy a coffee, or maybe something a wee bit stronger, when planning your ideal activities for the day, or reflecting on a great evening out.

Accommodation in Edinburgh will be different in winter months.

Today you head north over the Forth Road Bridge with views of the original Forth Bridge, the spectacular diamond-shaped rail-crossing. Perhaps take a short detour to visit the National Trust town of Culross, with its palace and beautifully-preserved seventeenth century gabled houses. No wonder it has featured in Outlander. You continue through Perthshire and across the Highlands to the Cairngorms National Park. This memorable drive incorporates many other potential stopping off points, depending on your chosen route – such as fairytale Blair Castle or the royally-connected town of Ballater, just along the road from the summer residence at Balmoral.

Your Guesthouse in The Cairngorms

Set upon its own grounds within the Cairngorms National Park and resting directly beside its own stretch of the Dulnain River, your accommodation in Carrbridge is a former Edwardian Hunting Lodge dating from 1845. The property retains its original pitched pine woodwork and high corniced ceilings and new furnishings are in keeping with the character of the Lodge. It makes for a splendid place to take a restful pause in tranquil surroundings.

So much to see, so many choices! You could head for the whisky trail if the water of life is what drew you to Scotland. Speyside is the country’s distillery heartland, featuring both famous and lesser-known names. Let us know your favourite tipple in advance and we’ll help you book a visit – Glenfiddich, Macallan and Johnnie Walker all have their spiritual homes right here. For a more outdoors experience, head off into the hills and pine forests of the Cairngorm National Park itself, perhaps taking the Mountain Railway to the peak of Cairngorm itself.

Today’s classic route will take you through the Highland capital, Inverness, and along the shores of Loch Ness. En route you could visit Culloden Battlefield or explore the picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle, before continuing down the Great Glen and past the sentinel Castle Stalker to the beautiful Argyll coast and your next destination.

Your Hotel in Argyll

Right by the water’s edge at the end of a dead-end single track road, this historic restaurant, with its adjacent modern residence, is a tranquil and romantic spot. Do book in for dinner – its reputation for the freshest local seafood and game is second to none.

You could choose to upgrade to stay in a Scottish castle on nights five and six – please ask us for details.

A day on or by the waters of the west coast is our recommendation. Perhaps abandon the car and hop on board the morning ferry to the small island of Lismore – well worth a day’s exploration either on foot or bike (available for hire locally). Or take a short drive into Oban for a day-trip by ferry to the Isle of Mull or simply take a seal-spotting boat trip in the Bay. If you prefer dry land, head for magnificent Glencoe, with its brooding mountains and moving human history of the Macdonald massacre.

Today your scenic route passes Loch Etive and Loch Awe, featuring photogenic Kilchurn castle, before reaching your next base in the Trossachs, the Scottish Lakeland.

Your Hotel

Set at the head of the classic lochside village of Luss, your hotel by Loch Lomond is a relaxed and comfortable spot at which to have a final unwinding. Recently upgraded to a high standard, the owners have made great strides in improving all aspects of the hotel’s many features. Rooms are traditionally furnished, with simple, elegant grace, while the restaurant has received much recent acclaim for the quality of its menu, accompanied by a wine-list curated by a national newspaper columnist.
The village itself could not be more picturesque, and a first stroll from the hotel to the lochside, along the tiny beach and out on to the jetty to admire imposing Ben Lomond, takes the breath away.
Boat trips are available to one of the loch’s 30+ islands, and dinner at the village smokehouse, whose salmon has to be tasted to be believed, is a classic Scottish treat, perhaps for your final evening.

Return home – Edinburgh is within 90 minutes’ drive, or you can pick up the motorway network at Glasgow.