An exhilarating and action-packed visit to Scotland thanks to Group North

This was my first trip to Scotland, so landing at Edinburgh airport, with plans to head on to an activity and sightseeing packed programme in the Highlands, immediately filled me with a sense of anticipation.  I was not to be disappointed.

Our party of 16 from the Netherlands was greeted at the airport by a representative of Group North, who efficiently shepherded us towards a waiting executive minibus.  We were then transferred in comfort to the Moulin Hotel, a warm and friendly hotel in the heart of the Highlands.

After an excellent night’s sleep, aided by a few drams of Scottish whisky before bed, we awoke to experience the delights of a full Scottish breakfast - a hearty feast, and clearly a close relative to the ample English breakfast, but with the welcome additions of porridge, and the option of haggis.

Following breakfast, we were met at the hotel by Donald, a formidable local man who briefed us on the day’s events.  The itinerary was to take us on a 25km route, climbing to 2000 ft and leading us to views of some of Scotland’s most sensational scenery.

Climbing aboard our safari Land Rovers we headed west towards Glenlyon, the longest and reputably most beautiful Glen in Scotland.  The views were incredible, and we kept a look out for wild deer along our route as well as golden eagles, or buzzards soaring majestically overhead.  Arriving at Glenlyon itself we had the opportunity to practice our skill at clay pigeon shooting, with expert instruction.

Leaving Glenlyon the terrain became tougher, as we began our climb on forest tracks, through mountain burns and up heather clad slopes, putting the Land Rovers through their paces, and testing our driving skills to the full.

By lunchtime, even the effects of a Scottish breakfast were wearing off, so the arrival of lunch, prepared by local chefs in a marquee high above the Apin valley was highly welcome.  The excellent food was a perfect complement to the superb scenery, and accompanied by fine New World wines and chilled beers.  Rounded off with a whisky toast, we were then invited to attempt the Dewar’s Whisky Haggis Challenge.  This involves ‘ Tossing ‘ a haggis, aiming to hit a bottle of whisky as the prize.  After lunch we were given a first-hand introduction to the ancient art of falconry, with a display of their speed of flight and hunting skills, as well as the opportunity to handle the birds.

After an amazing first day in Scotland, I did not think the experience could be improved upon.  I was wrong!   The next day we were transferred to Grandtully, to receive an initiation in white water rafting on the River Tay.  Scotland’s rivers can create highly challenging conditions, and we were soon battling together to navigate our way through the rapids, whilst staying afloat! By the end, we were soaked, but it was a totally exhilarating experience, and one that I will remember for a very long time to come.  

After drying out, and enjoying a warming lunch of soup and steak pie, we were suitably revived and transferred by luxury coach to Inverness.  Here we travelled along the edge of Loch Ness, looking out for glimpses of legendary Nessie, the prehistoric monster.  Our journey then took us through the superb scenery of Glen Coe and finally to our overnight accommodation at the Ballachulish Hotel, a relaxed and comfortable location, overlooking Loch Linnhe on the edge of Fort William.

The next day, our tour of the beautiful Scottish scenery continued with a ferry trip to the Island of Mull, where we had the opportunity to visit the charming port of Tobermory, with its brightly coloured houses, and Calgarry Bay with an unfeasibly white and untarnished beach.  Having returned to the mainland on the Kilchoan ferry, we heading north through the remote scenery of Sunart and Moidart, taking us alongside lochs and mountains, and some of the most dramatic and unspoilt coastal scenery I have ever encountered.  Finally we arrived in Mallaig where another ferry took us to the Isle of Skye.  On Skye we spent the night at the ancestral home of Lord Macdonald of Macdonald, an idyllic country house hotel, dating from the early 1600s, with gardens sloping down to the sea loch, Na Dal, where there are many seals and a colony of otters.

The following morning, with some reluctance to leave this haven of tranquillity, we returned to the mainland, but were soon revitalised by a visit to the legendary Eilean Donan Castle, featured in the film Highlander.  After appreciating its embattled history over the centuries, which it fiercely defended through resolute battle skills and an advantageously insular position, we carried on our journey to the shore of pretty Loch Carron.  Our route from this point continued steeply up a single track road ( not suitable for a large coach !) up the side of Sgurr a Chaorachain – 2529 metres above sea level, with the reward of stunning views of the western islands of Scotland. The Applecross Inn created the opportunity for a timely break for lunch and a pint, before we continued our passage along the headland and cliff tops to reach the small village of Shieldaig on the edge of Loch Torridon.  Here we stayed the night, with views of the impressive Torridon Mountains, and enjoyed delicious seafood at the Tigh an Eilean Hotel.  

Over the next 4 days we enjoyed an amazing and packed tour of the North of Scotland, even reaching the furthest North Western point of Cape Wrath, a remote peninsular, which whilst used as a military zone for air force bomb practices, also plays host to an abundance of wildlife.  Our tour also took us to the Orkney Islands, where we visited the Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war, and stayed in historic Balfour Castle. Finally, we travelled back via the intriguingly named Shin Forest and Black Isle to Inverness, and on to Aberdeen for our return flights.

Whilst taking in a wealth of sites and scenery, every aspect of this tour will stay in my memory, as it is impossible to omit any part of it.   The exceptional local hospitality, not to mention the enormity of Scotland’s heritage, and the way it has engrained itself on its country’s many architectural landmarks.  The wild beauty of the landscape, which is second to none, and of course the enthusiasm of the local guides. I heartily recommend this programme to anyone who is visiting the UK and thank the team at Group North for hosting a trip I will never forget.