Mystical Scotland - June 16th - June 27th 2010
The west coast is blessed with stunning scenery and an abundance of sacred sites, and late spring is a glorious time to explore them. On the mainland, we'll stay by Kilmartin, where people settled thousands of years ago and where a cornucopia of ancient monuments dots the picturesque landscape. This is the Kingdom of Dalriada, coronation site of Scottish Kings. Then on to the Isle of Mull where we find an island retreat amidst stunning scenery, and Iona, a small island off the coast of the Isle of Mull, where it's said that Druids once lived, and in the 6th century, when Celtic Christianity was brought from Ireland, an abbey was founded. Not only will we be able to explore the abbey, holy well, and deserted beaches, but we'll have a chance to sail to the nearby Isle of Staffa and visit Fingal's Cave.
The wild spirit of Scotland could not be found to be stronger than in the Outer Hebrides, our next destination. Here the windswept islands and the haunting stones of the ancient sites evoke mystery and closeness with Nature. We'll journey over to the Isles of Skye and Lewis, and our travels will include the best of sacred sites, including Callenish, to be seen at all hours, and many lesser known gems of sites, castles, and spectacular scenery, from heather strewn mountains to amazing coastal panoramas.
Wednesday 16th June - Meet at Glasgow International Airport at prearranged time and place, then enjoy our journey north alongside the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and other gorgeous scenery between lochs and mountains, stopping off for lunch in Inveraray, en route to Oban, where we’ll spend the next couple of nights. After settling in at Glenburnie House, our lovely Victorian B&B on the Esplanade overlooking Oban Bay and the Isles of Kerrera and Mull, we can relax or take a walk by the sea before enjoying our “Welcome dinner” at a special place.
Thursday 17th June – After breakfast we drive to Kilmartin Glen– a valley full of ancient sites going back thousands of years. We’ll start our investigations at the well preserved 16th century ruins of Carnassarie Castle on a ridge at the north of Kilmartin Glen. Next visit Kilmartin House, a centre for archaeology and landscape interpretation. Close by is the churchyard at Kilmartin Church which houses one of the best collections of Celtic crosses and grave slabs dating from the 9th century. We’ll go on to explore the linear cemetery where 500 years before the pyramids were built, the inhabitants of the area erected the first of the line of massive burial cairns. There are a great many sites dating from Neolithic and Bronze Age, and Templewood stone circle and Ballymeanoch standing stones are two of the best examples of these monuments in this area. In the afternoon our explorations will take us to the southern end of Kilmartin Glen, and Dunadd Fort, capital of the ancient kingdom of Dalriada, and place where kings were anointed. Around this area are the best examples of inscribed rocks and cup and ring mark stones, which we will view.
Friday 18th June - After breakfast, take the ferry across to the Isle of Mull. Our first excursion is to Lochbuie stone circle in its magical setting surrounded by mountains, where sea eagles and golden eagles are often seen, and seals are often spotted on the nearby beach. Also close by is Moy Castle. We leave this idyllic setting to go on through a scenic Pass to Fionnphort, where we will embark on our boat trip to the stunning Isle of Staffa where its Basalt columns are a natural architectural masterpiece, inspiring many, including Mendelssohn, whose Hebridean Overture was inspired by the sound of the sea in Fingal's Cave. Also we will have the opportunity to observe the extraordinary puffins that breed on the island. Then it’s on to our small hotel on Ardalanish Bay on the Ross of Mull, where the deserted beach stretches out before rugged farmlands. Dinner is provided tonight.
Saturday 19th June - After breakfast we take a short drive to Fionnphort and take the foot ferry across to Iona to explore this beautiful island which has been celebrated as a holy place for millennia. It was inhabited by the Druids until the 6th century, when St. Columba sailed over from Ireland and established the first Christian settlement. The haunting 12th century Abbey now dominates the landscape. Also whilst on Iona, we can take an adventurous trek and a picnic to the south side of the island, where a magical hidden beach reveals its treasures of marble rocks tumbled naturally by the incessant tides and labyrinth put together with some of them. Dinner is provided tonight.
Sunday 20th June –Time to leave the tranquility of our island retreat and drive to the north end of Mull for the Fishnish ferry and wend our way north, across the small Corran ferry and then on through Fort William beside Ben Nevis, tallest mountain in the UK, to Fort Augustus, where we’ll stop for lunch. We proceed through the Great Glen and then along the shores of Loch Ness, taking a short detour to see the Corrimony chambered cairn, a real showcase cairn, and later stopping by to see the beautiful Corrieshalloch Falls and Gorge. We stay at a B&B in Ullapool tonight.
Monday 21st June –This morning we take the ferry over to the Isle of Lewis. On arrival in Stornaway, stop for a quick look around and afternoon tea before heading to our B&B not far from Callenish on the west side of the island. After settling in, take our first visit to walk amongst the hauntingly beautiful Standing Stones of Callenish, where we can commune with these wonderful beings. Dinner is provided tonight.
Click to enlarge images above
Tuesday 22nd June –This morning we will have a local guide, Margaret Curtis, to take us around some of the auxiliary Callenish sites; the circles, standing stones and associated mystical places. In the afternoon we will visit Dun Carloway Broch, one of the best preserved in Scotland, take a walk on one of the island's deserted sandy beaches, and visit craft galleries on our drive to the north end of the island, where, Clach an Truiseil, or Trushel Stone, the tallest standing stone in Scotland resides. After dinner, take a last stroll around the Callenish stones. Dinner is provided tonight.
Wednesday 23rd June – After breakfast, drive to Harris to catch the afternoon ferry and on our way, (weather permitting) enjoy a picnic lunch on a gorgeous sandy beach where the impressive Clach Mhic Leoid standing stone presides on the headland above. Catch the ferry at Tarbert and then it’s “over the sea to Skye”, landing at the village of Uig. From here it is a short drive to our accommodation for the next couple of nights in a distinctive small hotel on the outskirts of Portree, set within 12 acres of woodland. Discover the rich family history of the Macdonald family over dinner (provided this night).
Click to enlarge images above
Thursday 24th June –Today after a quick trip into Portree to see a few craft galleries and shops where local treasures can be found (and bought if you’re not just window shopping), we’ll spend our day exploring parts of the island like the Quiraing, which offers spectacular scenery and unusual topography. Some of the other sites are the Old Man of Storr, Lealt Falls, Kilt Rock, Fairy Glen, and Dunvegan Castle, which flies the Fairy Flag. In the evening, after dinner in Portree, we can search out some fine Celtic music at one of the local pubs.
Friday 25th June - Today we journey back to the mainland, taking the ferry over to Mallaig, on the way stopping by “Handspinners Having Fun” in Broadford and “Ragamuffin”, on the pier in Armadale, a couple of shops that sell unique collections of handmade knitwear. Drive the scenic road passing by Glenfinnan viaduct and on back to Oban, settling back in to Glenburnie House. After dinner in town, walk up to McCaig’s Tower to take in breathtaking sunset views.
Saturday 26th June - In the morning visit Loch Nell serpent mound and Strontoiller stone circle in Glen Lonan, and then a free afternoon to do as you wish – visit a castle, take a boat trip, shop, or just relax by the sea . End the day with our “Farewell dinner” and a night out at Skippinish Ceilidh House.
Sunday 27th June - It’s goodbye to the west coast and back to Glasgow Airport.
Price - £2155* which includes:
- Pick up and set down at Glasgow International Airport
- All accommodation, breakfasts and 7 dinners
- All land transportation and ferry fares
- All entry fees
- A multitude of ancient and heritage sites in stunning locations
A deposit of £300 will secure your place.
*Cost is based on 2 people sharing. Single rooms may be available at extra cost. Please contact Denni for availability and price.
You can pay for the deposit of the tour or the total amount using a debit or credit card using Paypal. However PLEASE check availability with Denni first either by phoning on 44 (0)1631 564 750 or filling in the online enquiry form.
Cancellation Policy
91+ days £50
61 – 90 days £300
46 – 60 50% of tour price
31 – 35 days 75% of tour price
0 – 30 days 100% of tour price
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Judith W. Boulder Creek, CA
"Thank you SOOOO much for such a memorable time. I think the "small" group of us really made it all the more special. The trip was full of wonder-filled moments!"
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