Mystical Scotland
Ancient Kingdoms and Holy Islands
September 3rd – 14th September 2012
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 ancient Kingdom of Dalriada, and coronation site of Scottish Kings. 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 ancient sites, castles, and spectacular scenery, from heather strewn mountains to amazing coastal panoramas. Then back south to the Isle of Mull where we find stunning scenery, and Iona, a small island retreat off the coast 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 for a visit to enchanting Fingal’s Cave.
Monday 3rd September - 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 our lovely Victorian B&B 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”.
Tuesday 4th September - After breakfast we drive to Kilmartin Glen – a valley full of ancient sites going back thousands of years. We’ll start our explorations at the well preserved 16th century ruins of Carnassarie Castle on a ridge at the north end of the 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 investigations 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. Stay in Oban tonight.
Click to enlarge images above
Wednesday 5th September – Today we drive north to Ullapool before we sail over to the islands. We go through Fort William and pass beside Ben Nevis, tallest mountain in the UK. We proceed through the Great Glen to Fort Augustus, where we’ll stop for lunch before hugging the shores of Loch Ness all the way to Drumnadrochit. Along the road to Ullapool we’ll visit the Corrimony chambered cairn, a real showcase cairn, and later on have a walk by the beautiful Corrieshalloch Falls and Gorge. After settling into our B&B in Ullapool, go and explore this loch side town before dinner.
Thursday 6th September - This morning we take the ferry over to the Isle of Lewis. On arrival in Stornoway, stop for lunch and a quick look around 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 before returning for dinner (which is provided tonight).
Friday 7th September - This morning we will have a local guide, Margaret Curtis, to take us around main Callenish and auxiliary Callenish sites; the circles, standing stones and associated mystical places. We’ll learn about the astronomical alignments and the remarkable precision the ancients used in their construction. 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.
Saturday 8th September - 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 20 acres of woodland. In the evening, after dinner in Portree, we can search out some fine Celtic music at one of the local pubs.
Sunday 9th September - Today after a quick trip into town 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. Have a relaxing dinner at the hotel tonight.
Click to enlarge images above
Monday 10th September - After breakfast, drive down the island to Armadale to catch the ferry back to the mainland. En route stop by a couple of interesting places – “Handspinners Having Fun” in Broadford, and “Ragamuffin”, on the pier in Armadale; fun shops that sell unique collections of handmade knitwear, both modern and traditional. On the mainland, at Mallaig we take the scenic road passing the Glenfinnan viaduct which is famous from the Harry Potter movies (where the “Hogwart’s Express was filmed crossing over the viaduct). Take the small Corran ferry to Morvern wending our way south to the Fishnish ferry and over to the Isle of Mull. We’ll take a scenic drive over to the west of the island to Fionnphort where we leave our vehicle behind and catch the foot ferry over to the Isle of Iona, which has been celebrated as a holy place for millennia. Iona was inhabited by the Druids until the 6th century, when St. Columba sailed over from Ireland and established the first Christian settlement. After settling into our hotel we’ll explore the haunting 12th century Abbey which now dominates the landscape before dinner, which is provided tonight.
Tuesday 11th September - After breakfast we take a picnic lunch with us and go and explore this lovely island. We’ll take an adventurous trek to the south side of the island, to Columba Bay, where a magical hidden beach reveals its treasures of marble rocks, tumbled naturally by the incessant tides and, where the beach meets the grass, a labyrinth has been lovingly put together with a multitude of them. When we get back to our hotel we’ll have some free time to relax, or take a walk on one of the other beaches, or have further explorations of the Abbey, the Nunnery, or a walk to the Holy Well. Dinner is provided tonight.
Wednesday 12th September – This morning (weather permitting) we will embark on a boat trip (optional) 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. Afterwards, it’s time to leave the tranquility of our island retreat but we’ll take our time and visit 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 close by to Moy Castle. On leaving this idyllic setting we’ll wend our way back to Craignure to catch the ferry back to Oban. Settle back in to our B&B and then walk up to McCaig’s Tower to take in breathtaking sunset views before enjoying dinner on the pier.
Thursday 13th September - In the morning visit Loch Nell serpent mound and Strontoiller where a small stone circle and the dominant Clach na Carraig, or Diarmid’s standing stone preside, all in the enchanting Glen Lonan. And then have a free afternoon to do as you wish – visit a castle, take a boat trip, souvenir shop or just relax by the sea. End the day with our “Farewell Dinner” and a night out at Skippinish Ceilidh House.
Friday 14th September - It’s goodbye to the west coast and back to Glasgow Airport.
Price - £2455* which includes:
- Pick up and set down at Glasgow International Airport
- All accommodation, breakfasts and 6 dinners
- All land transportation and ferry fares
- All entry fees
- Kilmartin Glen, Iona, Skye, Callenish
- 2 castles
- A multitude of ancient and heritage sites in stunning locations
A deposit of £400 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.
PLEASE NOTE: tour cost is based on 4 - 6 participants. Less than 4 and it may be necessary to add a surcharge of between £200 - £500, depending on tour and number.
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
"The trip couldn't have been more enlightening for me. In fact, everything was perfect, from the accommodations, the small and friendly group, to the pace. I'm already planning my next trip with Denni."
Mary Lou, Watsonville, CA
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