GARDENS WALKING TOUR A guided walking and gardens tour on the Hebridean islandsof Mull, Iona and Skye and in the Western Highlands as well as in Edinburgh and its neighbourhood. In addition to wonderful walking you can visit five public and private gardens, either by yourself or with a guide, which will inspire any garden lover. These comprise Torosay Castle and Gardens, Armadale Castle and Gardens, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, Dirleton Castle and Gardens, as well as having the option of a private or public garden in the Edinburgh area, and other gardens on the tour.
Transcript
GARDENS WALKING TOUR
A guided walking and gardens tour on the Hebridean islandsof Mull, Iona and Skye and in the Western Highlands as well as in Edinburgh and its neighbourhood.
In addition to wonderful walking you can visit five public and private gardens, either by yourself or with a guide, which will inspire any garden lover. These comprise Torosay Castle and Gardens, Armadale Castle and Gardens, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, Dirleton Castle and Gardens, as well as having the option of a private or public garden in the Edinburgh area, and other gardens on the tour.
A background of dramatic coastal landscapes and lonely moorlands sets the scene for Scotland's fascinating flora and fauna. It does not matter if you are already knowledgeable about gardening and natural history, or if you would just like to catch a glimpse of the hidden wealth of natural beauty - beginners and experts alike will be enthused by unique opportunities for watching nature and seeing an incredibly wide variety of rare seabirds, plants and flowers, as well as wild animals, in one of Europe's last real wildernesses.
Our walks take you through the Scottish islands' and Highlands' breathtaking scenery. On foot you enter the romantic, wild beauty and tranquility of the islands and the wide open spaces of the Highlands, always returning in the evenings to good small hotels with good food and personal service. We change hotels only twice during the whole tour. You round off your richly varied journey by exploring the finest aspects of Scotland's capital city.
As part of a small group or on your own initiative you discover spectacular landscapes, castles, whisky distilleries, the important monastic sites of Iona and much more. The continuing influences of Celtic and Scandinavian cultures, as well as the picturesque little fishing communities where visitors and inhabitants alike look forward to passing each day away from bustle and stress, contribute to
the special charm of our exclusive tour. Depending on the length of your holiday, along with the pleasure of visiting the superbly landscaped gardens of Torosay, Armadale and Dirleton, is the possibility of other wonderful experiences, among them seeing breeding colonies of gannets and puffins, sea eagles and golden eagles, dolphins and whales, herds of red deer, unbelievably extensive rhododendron woods, brilliant yellow gorse, moorland plants such as bog myrtle and orchids, insectivorous plants, rare ferns and alpine- arctic environments or bright heather-clad hillsides.
General Description of the Tour You will be guided by your tour leader who is an experienced walking and Scottish tourist guide and knowledgeable about gardens.
The essence of the tours is enjoyment of the countryside, not mountain sport. You undertake idyllic island walks in lonely glens with picturesque lochs, along deserted beaches of white sand, and through colourful fishing villages. You wander along cliffs with marvelous views over the islands of the Hebrides; you make numerous boat trips and picnic on beautiful beaches. Also included is the possibility of a demanding mountain walk, the ascent of Ben More, Mull's highest summit. You can ask your tour guide for alternatives to the more strenuous walks.
A varied journey in a small bus takes you from Edinburgh or Glasgow through Argyll, on to the beautiful Hebridean islands, and finally through the Western Highlands via Glencoe. You see the romantic
wilderness of Rannoch Moor and travel parallel to the famous West Highland Way and beside scenic Loch Lomond. Then, at the conclusion of the tour, Scotland's cultural centre, Edinburgh, awaits you with its castle, cafés and botanical garden, followed by further garden visits and walks in East Lothian.
The sightseeing highlights of the trip are the island of Iona, known as the cradle of Christianity, Castle Tioram, the fortress of Duart castle or impressive Torosay Castle with its garden. In the picturebook little town of Inveraray stands the fairytale Inveraray Castle, seat of the Duke of Argyll, and the interesting Inveraray Gaol Museum. On request you may be able to take part in a Scottish evening, and much, much more.
We make frequent stops on our journeys by comfortable minibus: for instance, beside Loch Lomond, famous in song, at the evocative ruin of Kilchurn Castle, in dramatic Glencoe and in historic Glenfinnan, as well as at a traditional fish smokery.
Maybe you would sometimes like to do something on your own as an alternative to a walk. An excursion to picturesque fishing villages or small towns like Tobermory, the island 'capital' of Mull, is a possibility. Discover the impressive island of Staffa with its unique rock
formations, or other islands such as Muck, Eigg and Rum. Tour Tobermory whisky distinllery or visit Britain's smallest theatre on Mull. Experience a historic railway journey or the historically significant Glenfinnan monument, as well additional walks, for instance to Europe's deepest lake, Loch Morar. Take time out at the seat of Clan Donald, Armadale Castle and Gardens, or at significant prehistoric sites such as stone circles, or in cosy tearooms and traditional pubs where you can learn much about the country, the people, ale and whisky in conversation with the locals.
You do not have to be an experienced walker. You should arrive with the stamina and fitness to walk for 4 hours, bearing in mind that the Ben More walk can last 6 hours.
Your tour leader will offer alternatives to all the more tiring and strenuous sections, so that no one need be overtaxed. Clients can easily take a day off from walking in order to relax, or to do something on their own. You walk and travel in small groups which facilitates personal
attention. The smallest possible group is 8 people. A tour group generally consists of 10 to 14 persons. On the walks you need bring only a small day sack to carry packed lunches, camera and so on. Luggage is transferred by road from hotel to hotel. Frequently we walk directly from the hotel. In cases where it is unnecessary to use a tour bus to take us to the start of a walk, if possible we take the train or a boat. In this way even a transfer can be an experience, and you enjoy your walk away from roads and traffic. Individual holiday extensions in hotels, guest houses or self catering accommodation on the islands, in the Western Highlands, or in Glasgow and Edinburgh are a possibility.
Climate Forget the prejudice that it rains constantly in Scotland. The mild, temperate climate is influenced by the warmth of the Gulf Stream. Frequently a light breeze blows and the temperature even in summer is not too hot for comfortable walking. When it does rain it is usually a shower. It does not rain all day long as in many other countries. The passage of clouds creates constantly changing scenes and wonderful contrasts of light and shade for the photographer. You can walk in ideal conditions from May to October.
Which of the five departures should you choose? Spring tour: In May you see a profusion of wild flowers, making the Highlands and Islands incredibly colourful. Gorse clothes the scene in bright yellow. Everywhere bluebells form an intense blue carpet.
Spring tour: In June rhododendrons vividly colour the landscape in shades of white, pink, and purple. Rhododendrons grow abundantly in the area of the tour and to a considerable height in the woods. In the north Atlantic daylight scarcely fades. The magical light of dusk lingers, ending, only towards midnight after beautiful, long sunsets, in a romantic semi-darkness.
Summer tours: In July and August there are many beautiful colours to enjoy. The emerald green of the Highlands and the deep blue of the lochs set off the other colours of the countryside to advantage. You will easily find as many as twenty different shades of green. As early as the beginning of July bell heather is in bloom.
The flowering of the common heather takes place from mid-July to the mid of September, covering hills and moors in a pale purple. Our walks explore the heart of of this incredibly brightly coloured Highland landscape.
Autumn tours: Our Indian summer begins in the middle of September and reaches its zenith in mid-October. Bracken glows rust-red and brown; the deciduous trees such as birch, rowan and maple assume their bright, multicoloured autumn foliage. The violet of heather can still be seen as the grasses turn yellow and gold. The deep, intense palette of landscape oil paintings is reflected here in reality.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh or Glasgow. Arrival in Glasgow up to 13.30h or in Edinburgh before c. 11.30h or a day earlier. If you arrive early enough you will have time to visit Glasgow's fine Botanical Garden. Around 14.00h a very varied journey from Glasgow Airport by coach or minibus through the Western Highlands, taking in Loch Lomond, Loch Awe, Kilchurn Castle and Loch Etive, to Oban (about 21/2 hours). One hour ferry trip to Craignure on the Isle of Mull and transfer by bus to your hotel(c.1/2 hour). Check in at hotel where you stay for the first four nights. Getting to know each other, free drink, and dinner.
Day 2: Round Walk across Mull from the hotel and back. (5 hours, 8 miles, total ascent 300 metres). A beautiful coast to coast walk from the hotel across the island's narrowest point through both forested and open country with wonderful views. Short and gentle ascents and descents ensure an easy start to the walking holiday on this five-hour (13 km.) exploration. With a little luck on this first day you will see seals, eagles and rare seabirds. Individual participants can if they wish extend the walk: for example to Aros Castle or prehistoric sites.
Day 3: To the holy island of Iona, the "cradle of Christianity". First by tour bus we travel for a little over an hour to Fionnphort to take the small passenger ferry over clear blue water to Iona. We explore the island on foot and enjoy the spiritual tranquility of Iona . Our
walk takes us along empty white beaches, through dramatic rock scenery and over smooth green hillocks with wonderful views of the Hebridean islands. (5 hours, 6 miles, total ascent 300 - 350 meters). At the start of our walk we see impressively carved Celtic crosses. and romantically situated monastic ruins. We have the option of visiting historic Iona Abbey. From here St Columba sent out his missionaries and warriors to convert the natives. In the oldest graveyard in Scotland Scottish, Irish and Norwegian royalty are buried - amongst others, Macbeth and Duncan.
Alternatively on this day you can take a boat trip from Fionnphort to Staffa, famous for its spectacular rock formations and Fingal's Cave. Staffa inspired Mendelssohn to write his Hebridean Symphony. Around Staffa from May to the end of July you should be able to see numerous puffins. At the end of the Staffa trip the boat sails to Iona which leaves you plenty of time to visit the Abbey. The eventful day's programme is made complete with a wonderful bus tour of south-eastern Mull. Most of the way we follow the escape route taken by David Balfour, hero of Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Kidnapped', who was stranded on the island of Erraid off the Ross of Mull. We stop at Duart Castle, ancient seat of the Macleans. Depending on the duration of the walk on Iona and the time available in the afternoon, participants have the option of visiting the fortress of Duart Castle or the nearby Torosay castle and gardens.
Day 4: Walk Ben More. Ascent of the highest mountain in Mull, Ben More. (5-6 hours, 4-5 miles, 966 metres). During the ascent and especially on the summit you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. In good conditions you can see the Western Highlands and virtually all the Hebrides.
Less demanding alternatives for this day are various walks without a guide. Possible examples are along the coast, or through beautiful Salen forest to lonely Loch Frisa. The length of the walks is up to you. Another sightseeing option today is a visit to the pretty little island capital, Tobermory. A service bus takes you in half an hour from just outside your hotel to Tobermory. The colourfully painted fishermen's houses lining the harbour and the friendly inhabitants give Tobermory a welcoming character. Here islanders and visitors alike have time and peace to enjoy the relaxed pace of Hebridean life. You might take a guided tour of the Tobermory Distillery with a tasting of Scotland's 'water of life', eat lunch in a traditional pub, or you might enjoy a traditional British afternoon tea in a teashop overlooking the harbour and the sea. Small shops sell interesting and tasteful souvenirs, jewellery and the work of local artists and craftsmen. Also worthwhile is a visit to the cheese farm at Sgriob-Ruadh. The Mull cheese is excellent. A walk round the picturesque harbour or in beautiful Aros park ends a rewarding day. You can also walk the 12 kilometres back to the hotel.
Day 5: Check out from the hotel, 10 minutes in the bus and short ferry ride to Lochaline in the Morvern district of the mainland. A drive of about 2 hours through the varied landscape of Morvern, one of the last extensive undisturbed natural areas of Europe, to Castle Tioram's romantic ruin.
After a picnic lunch at the castle, our round walk leads through graceful pines along the craggy shores of tranquil Loch Moidart and then continues through open country to traverse the slopes of Beinn Breach, passing small lochans and with wonderful views, and finally back to the castle. (3-31/2 hours, 4 miles, 6 km, total ascent 250 - 300 metres).
Continuing our journey for about 11/2 hours via Lochailort on the famous Road to the Isles, we drive along what is said to be Britain's most beautiful road. En route we see Loch nan Uamh, scene of Bonnie Prince Charlie's first step onto Scottish soil to raise the clans in the 1745 rebellion. To the west we enjoy open views across the famous white sands of Arisaig over to the islands of Muck, Eigg and Rum. We pass by Loch Morar, Europe's deepest freshwater lake, home of the monster Morag.
If the group wishes, we can take a second walk in the afternoon. Finally we see the jagged outline of the Cuillin Hills of Skye before us as we approach our hotel in the Arisaig/Mallaig neighbourhood. Check in to the hotel where we stay for two nights.
Day 6: Walking on Skye and Armadale Castle and Gardens. With a 30 minute ferry trip In the morning we sail 'over the sea to Skye from Mallaig to Armadale. The final walk of the holiday will be tailored to the interests and abilities of the group. Skye offers lonely lochs in fairytale glens and the breathtaking Cuillin range - which is reckoned to be the most beautiful in Britain - making this day the climax of our walking tour.
Garden lovers can expect a treat today in the form of Armadale Castle and Gardens. You can either spend a restful day in the superb gardens, from which several different short walks can be taken, or you can visit the gardens more briefly on the return journey to the hotel, following the programmed group walk on Skye. In the landscaped gardens you will find the extremely interesting museum of The Clan Donald Centre, here because Armadale Castle is the headquarters of the MacDonald clan.
Day 7: Bus Trip to Glasgow and onwards to Edinburgh. The eventful day's journey, with lots of opportunities for photography and sightseeing, takes you through the Western Highlands. At first we drive south along the Road to the Isles.
After a stop in historic Glenfinnan, and passing Neptune's staircase, the multiple locks at the start of the Caledonian Canal, we reach Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain.
Continuing along the banks of Loch Linnhe we come to the superb mountain scenery of the famous 'Glen of Weeping', Glencoe, where in 1692 the MacDonalds of Glencoe were murdered at night in their homes on the orders of the English king by soldiers of Clan Campbell. Even today the massacre has not lost its power to shock and is certainly not forgotten. Our route crosses the western end of the wilderness of Rannoch Moor. Rannoch Moor covers an area of 145 square kilometers and is one of the few remaining wild areas of Europe, a paradise for wild animals and birds and home of rare plants. Our way lies amid unforgettable scenery between Rannoch Moor and the impressive hills of the Black Mount. Once again we pick up the trail of Robert Louis Stevenson's hero, David Balfour.
For some distance the road runs parallel to the famous West Highland Way, before we make a photo stop at the imposing ruined stronghold of Kilchurn Castle on Loch Awe, and come eventually to the picturesque little town of Inveraray. Here, during a longer break you can, for example, visit the fairytale Inveraray Castle, seat of the Duke of Argyll or the fascinating museum in the old Inveraray jail. Even more relaxing perhaps is a stroll around the town on the shores of Loch Fyne.
After a stop at a fish smokery we go on to experience the beauty of Loch Lomond, celebrated in the famous song. Stopping at the village of Luss, we can see the "bonnie banks of Loch Lomond" for ourselves. Soon we come to the city of Glasgow which has much to interest the traveler. After a brief city tour we take some of the party to their Glasgow hotel. Finally we take you in about 1 hour to Edinburgh. Check in at a centrally located hotel, 3 stars or equivalent, in which you will spend the next four nights. Later you could choose to attend a traditional Scottish Evening or undertake a Ghost Tour or Pub Tour. The last night is spent in the city of Glasgow which offers many choices of entertainment for the last evening - from ghost tours to pub crawl.
11 Days Tour Days 8 to 10: Edinburgh, its environs and gardens. If a rewarding day in one of Europe's most beautiful cities is for you, then you've come to the right place. In this picture book city, consisting of the medieval Old Town and the fascinating New Town (250 years old!), you can comfortably discover the highlights on foot. You will be entranced by the wonderfully welcoming atmosphere of this friendly city. In August the biggest arts festival in the world takes place in Edinburgh. We recommend that first of all you familiarise yourself with the city by taking a city tour organised by us for you.
Edinburgh's Botanic Garden is one of the finest in all Great Britain. You should plan to spend not less than three hours there. As an option we can organise a further visit for you to one of the most attractive private gardens in the Edinburgh area.
Always and everywhere there is something going on in Scotland's festival city. You really will chance upon its many sights. Visit a couple of its important museums, the impressive castle, perhaps too one of the major art galleries. Discover St. Giles Cathedral, or the fascinating Botanic Garden, or trace the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots when you explore Holyrood Palace. Between sightseeing and excellent shopping you can relax in a friendly café and watch the lively hustle and bustle of the passing scene.
For Edinburgh we recommend three excellent self-guided walks we have selected for you:
Coastal Walk, Dirleton Castle and Garden The coastal walk combines beaches, islands, a lighthouse and seabirds with the small seaside town of North Berwick. On this walk you can easily make a visit to Dirleton Castle and Gardens. The charming gardens even have an entry in the Guinness Book of Records.
The second walk is a delightful round walk in the rolling Pentland Hills just outside Edinburgh. The route combines easy hillwalking with picturesque lochs and stunning views not only of Edinburgh's coastal scenery, stretching from the Firth of Forth to the North Sea, but also of the Borders and of the Highlands. You finish up at a traditional pub, the Flotterstone Inn.
A walk of about two hours on Arthur's Seat, the little mountain in the heart of Edinburgh, gives you a superb overview of the city and its surroundings. If you would prefer to plan your own programme, you will find the Tourist Information Office at Waverley Market on Princes Street, just above Waverley Station. There you can find precise information about all the sightseeing possibilities as well as about the day trips by train and bus which most interest you. Examples of these might be Glasgow, or the golfer's Mecca, St Andrews. Picturesque expeditions can be made along the beautiful East Lothian coast with its seabird colonies and to the rolling hills and ruined abbeys of the Borders.
On one of the three evenings you might like to go on a pub crawl or take a ghost tour. Various hotels offer a Scottish Evening. The Tourist Information Office can tell you about these attractions or about pub entertainment, jazz clubs and a range of restaurants.
Day 11: Depending on the time of the return flight, individually planned free time in Glasgow followed by transfer to the airport and departure. We reserve the right to make changes to the published programme.
You can travel with an English and German speaking international group. Please ask for details.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAY? You can combine this tour perfectly with the walking tours: "In the Heart of Scotland" - walking and culture based on a single location "Northern Highlights" - Orkney and Shetland Islands and Sutherland "Western Highlands" - in the footsteps of Rob Roy - our classic! "Western Isles" - Islands of Lewis, Harris, Uists, Barra, and north-west Scotland "Lake District" - English Lake District and Yorkshire Dales Self-guided railway and walking tour
"Scotland - the Whisky Trail and More" (exclusive bus tour for connoisseurs) "Scotland in Style - Railway Adventure" (self-guided)
We can organise your own holiday extension.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 8 day programme: Gardens and walking tour includes all visits, guiding, admissions, road and/or rail travel,
And transfers according to the programme, English-speaking tour leader - guide, 7
nights in good small hotels with en-suite rooms with bath/shower and WC and full
Scottish breakfasts. 4 evening meals, luggage transfers, welcome drink. Brief city tour of
Glasgow. Airport transfer. Entry to Glasgow and Edinburgh botanical gardens is free.
11 day programme INCLUDES IN ADDITION: Gardens and walking tour as in the pubished programme. Detailed walking and touring
information, 3 nights in good hotels with en-suite rooms with bath/shower and WC and
full Scottish breakfast. Brief city tour of Edinburgh.
Transfer to Edinburgh Airport.
Travel Europe Edinburgh: Rob Roy Tours Ltd. Suite 3, Ground Floor, Stuart House
