QUEEN OF SCOTS - APRIL 2023

By Les Snaith

 

 

Day 1 -

After meeting at Glasgow Queen Street station we head along the shores of the River Clyde then Lochs Long and Loch Lomond until we arrive at Crianlarich where we make our way to the Crianlarich Hotel. This comfortable hotel is located between the Oban and Fort William railway lines in a beautiful part of Scotland.

 

Day 2 -

After a superb Scottish breakfast (choice optional) we set off by coach through Strath Fillan, the Pass of Brander through magnificent scenery as we pass along Loch Etive to Oban where we catch out ferry to Craignure on Mull where we joined our coach and driver John who kept us entertained and informed across the island to Fionnphort from where we caught another ferry across to Iona. Iona is known as the birthplace of Celtic Christianity in Scotland where St Columba came in the year 563 to establish the Abbey.

 

 

Day 3 -

Today is another journey by coach through amazing straths and glens. We head east along Glen Dochart then south along the magnificent Glen Ogle following the track of the long abandoned Callander and Oban Railway. Passing through Rob Roy land at Balquhidder Glen and Strathyre, we make our way to Loch Katrine (pronounced Katrin) where were enjoyed a 2 hour cruise on the Lady of the Lake.

From there we continued through the beautiful Trossachs over the Duke Pass for a lunch break at Aberfoyle. Glengoyne Distillery was next where we were given a guided tour of the distillery, plus tasting and we say a 50 year old Malt selling at £22,500. Our return journey by road took along the length of Loch Lomond back to our hotel.

 

 

 

Day 4 -

Another day of outstanding scenery as out coach skirts round Rannoch Moor and the Stunning Glen Coe. Continuing north we follow the coastline of Loch Linnhe until Britain's tallest mountain, Ben Nevis comes in to view. On arrival in Fort William, there is time to take photos of the Jacobite steam train or even have a look inside the cab if you are lucky before we make our way to Mallaig along the "West Highland Extension", one of the most scenic railway lines in the country. On arrival at Mallaig there is time to but lunch before we head along the great Glen following the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness past the Dochfort Haggis Farm to Inverness and the Palace Hotel, our home for the next 4 nights.

 

 

 

Day 5 -

Yet another journey on one of Britain's most sceninc rail journeys. Which is best? You need to experience the Mallaig and Kyle of Lochalsh lines yourself to make up your own mind. Soup and sandwiches were provided at the Kyle Hotel.

 

 

Tour Manager Les, at the Skye Bridge.

 

 

Day 6 -

Today is a free day where you will be spoilt for choice of things to do, whether you take yourself off on the Far North Line to Thurso, stay and explore Inverness, the captial of the Highlands or relax in the Hotel's pool and sauna, maybe even take a dolphin cruise on the Moray Firth.

 

 

Day 7 -

For our final day, two contrasting visits. First a trip on a steam train on the Strathspey Railway followed by a tour of Ballindalloch Castle, an old 16^th century castle but modernised and lived in. It is a fascinating experience.

 

 

 

Day 8 -

Our grand circular tour concludes as we bid farewell to Inverness and if travelling by train return homeward over the Cairngorm Mountains to Edinburgh and the South.

 

Photos taken by Tour Manager Les Snaith.

 

Book your place on the Queen of Scots now! A wonderful circular highland tour!