Details
Day One – Torridon
This driving route could start in Inverness, or further south and we can tailor-make it to suit.
Your first destination is in one of the most scenically beautiful and secluded locations in the whole of Scotland in the wild and rugged area of Wester Ross. Your route today could include Loch Ness and the famous Bealach na Ba (Pass of the Cattle), with its series of exhilarating hairpin bends.
Your Hotel
This small, family-run inn makes a picture-perfect base for exploring the dramatic west coast with its abundance of lochs, forests, mountains and rivers. The grandeur of the surrounding mountains forms a stunning backdrop to your hotel, which nestles in the crescent-shaped village high street. Converted from a row of white-washed fishing cottages, the hotel overlooks an idyllic loch which reflects a tiny island covered in Scots Pines. Two snug lounges both feature glorious views over the peaceful loch, and offer visitors the chance to idle away an afternoon watching the occasional boat come and go, and maybe enjoy a wee dram from the honesty bar in the corner. If you’re lucky you could even be treated to one of the west coast’s spectacular sunsets.
Day Three – Ullapool
Next head further north, following the coast road as it traverses deeply set lochs, and pass more soaring mountains. Plenty of time today to explore as you tour. Your next stop is the colourful harbour village of Ullapool.
Your Hotel
This unique hotel offers visitors a genuinely warm welcome, and is a particularly interesting place to rest awhile. Behind a traditional row of whitewashed fishermen’s’ cottages lies an assorted collection of coffee bar, book shop, arts venue, restaurant and hotel. The owners have developed their eclectic establishment over the years to become the genial and sociable hub of the local arts community.
The large and cheerful visitors lounge on the first floor is stuffed full of comfy sofas and cosy corners, books, games and pictures. Conversations spill out into general discussions, with excellent advice offered on local things to see and do. Ceilidhs, plays, poetry readings, and local artists’ exhibitions are frequent events. Complimentary tea and coffee is available here and there is an honesty bar too. The excellent food is sourced locally with the emphasis on fresh seafood and vegetarian dishes.
The book shop is a great place to browse. Here you will find a large selection of special and unusual Scottish literature, arts and history books, and can stock up on scarce editions and hard-to-find volumes. Each bedroom also has a selection of books which guests are welcome to read during their stay, and are available to buy when they leave.
Day Five – Caithness
Drive further north, now entering Sutherland and some of Scotland’s most dramatic coastal landscapes, passing Durness and crossing the Kyle of Tongue before entering the region of Caithness at Scotland’s northeastern tip.
Your Hotel
Your hotel is a delightful 1810 country home nestling in 20 acres of woodland, below a waterfall, on the gently meandering River Forss. In truth there can be few finer spots to linger in the big sky country; a place where time always seems to be on your side. The hotel restaurant has a reputation as one of the finest in the North and is the only 2AA Rosette restaurant in Caithness.
Day Six – Caithness
You have a full day to relax and explore Caithness – perhaps visit John O’Groats for those keen to cover one of Britain’s “extremities” and the Castle of Mey, as well as Wick, home of the Old Pulteney Distillery. A day trip to Orkney is also possible.
Day Seven – Cromarty
Drive south down the east coast of Caithness and Sutherland and on the Black Isle to the intimate village of Cromarty. Your route could take you inland to explore the remarkable flow country of Sutherland, or keep to the coast to find the Whaligoe Steps, Dunrobin Castle and the cute Highland town of Dornoch.
Your Hotel
Just on the edge of Cromarty, down a leafy driveway, your guest house here is an acclaimed five-star Victorian property of fine quality, whose proprietor is a skilled hospitality professional of many years. Step through the glazed vestibule to the welcoming hallway, with comfortable guest lounge featuring honesty bar just off; relax here with a dram after the splendid home-cooked dinner, available on selected evenings. Beautifully presented ensuite bedrooms feature views across the garden to the Cromarty Firth and Nigg beyond, while the house couldn’t be better placed as a base from which to explore the Black Isle.
Day Eight – Cromarty and the Black Isle
Despite its name, the Black Isle is a peninsula, surrounded on three sides by firths Moray, Cromarty and Beauly. The village of Cromarty betrays its merchant history with fine Georgian houses and rows of fishermen’s cottages, and contains two fine museums telling the story of its bustling past. Fortrose, overlooking the Moray Firth, is the isle’s largest town, not far from the fine sandy beaches of Rosemarkie, home also to a clutch of Pictish stones at Groam House. Wildlife lovers are drawn to Chanonry Point, where the resident pod of bottlenose dolphins are spotted gambolling throughout summer months, or two one of two RSPB reserves, particularly at Fairy Glen, whose eerie wooded glen features rushing waterfalls, a great place for an energetic stroll and picnic.
Day Nine – Return Home
The trip ends making the short drive to the Highland capital of Inverness. We can arrange additional nights here or further south as suits.
