Charismatic Wildlife
Zip across the waves on a zodiac boat in search of bottlenose dolphins
The myths and legends of Scotland are inextricably woven through the country’s spectacular wilderness and are kept alive by the people who are rightly proud of their heritage.
This trip celebrates the myths, legends, wilderness and people of the Highlands while also looking to give you memorable encounters with the region’s wildlife.
You’ll explore the spectacular landscape of the Highlands, trekking through forests, glens and discovering waterfalls and beaches. You’ll take two different boat trips – one will go in search of dolphins while the other will be on a mission to find the mythical beast of Loch Ness. In the company of your driver-guide, you’ll meet a whole host of other experts and local people who will provide a wonderful narrative to your holiday.
The itinerary and the indicative price shown are based on a private tour including a driver-guide throughout. While the itinerary has been put together with a family in mind, the trip can be adjusted to cater for all ages, abilities and interests. Please get in touch so we can help you tailor-make a trip that works for you.
Zip across the waves on a zodiac boat in search of bottlenose dolphins
Paddle with seals in the sparkling waters off the west coast of the Scottish Highlands
Cycle around a loch in the shadow of the peaks that dominate the landscape of Cairngorms
Meet a woodsman and learn how to throw an axe like the Highland warriors of old
We have put this holiday together with families in mind and there are plenty of activities to keep both parents and children from getting restless. Kayaking, biking, boat trips and axe throwing are all included and there are visits to museums and interesting sites to satisfy the keenest of curiosities. You will be guided throughout but there is time set aside for the whole family to spend time together, exploring the towns of Fort William and Aviemore, having fun at a beach or simply relaxing together at your hotel. In short, we think this is the perfect family introduction to the Scottish Highlands.
Day 1
Inverness to Contin
Arrive Inverness, Touchstone Maze and the Fairy Glen. Overnight in Contin.
Day 2
Fortrose
A drive of 30kms to Fortrose for dolphin watching and a rock pool ramble
Day 3
Coln, Loch Ness and Fort William
Drive from Coln to Loch Ness for a boat trip before driving to Fort William.
Day 4
Fort William
A morning of sea kayaking and an afternoon's trek to a waterfall.
Day 5
Aviemore
Travel to Aviemore - the access point for the Cairngorms National Park
Day 6
Aviemore
Rewilding project - Cairngorm Connect
Day 7
Aviemore
Learn how to throw an axe!
Day 1
Inverness to Contin
Head north from Inverness to the little village of Coln near Strathpeffer. En route, you will stop to get some Highland soil on your boots with exploratory walks in the Fairy Glen and Blackmuir Woods to see the Touchstone Maze.
Day 2
Fortrose
Take a rib boat safari on the Moray Firth looking for dolphins and spend the afternoon rock-pooling.
Day 3
Coln, Loch Ness and Fort William
Take a boat trip on the world’s most famous loch and visit the Nessie museum before heading to Fort William where you can relax in the afternoon or explore the local town and area.
Day 4
Fort William
Visit the white sandy beaches of the west coast and kayak in crystal clear waters in the company of curious seals. Back on dry land, take a short walk to the third highest waterfall in the UK, which cascades down a sheer cliff edge to the river below.
Day 5
Aviemore
Spend an exhilarating afternoon exploring the Cairngorms on a mountain bike.
Day 6
Aviemore
Spend the morning learning about Scotland’s rewilding movement with the chance of seeing red squirrels. This afternoon is left free for you to explore – speak to our team if you would like ideas for what to do.
Day 7
Aviemore
Meet with a local woodsman and learn the ancient art of axe-throwing, used by Highlanders in battle many years ago. This afternoon you will be driven back to Inverness for your onward journey home.
Hotels in Scotland are in demand for the high season so please get in touch with us early to secure the best options. This holiday is put together based on three properties selected for their family-friendly environment and location but bear in mind we may need to look for alternative properties based on availability.
Coul House in Contin is owned and run by a local family and is a beautifully restored eight-room country house hotel with lovely gardens and views across to the mountains. We have chosen Guisachan House, a classic townhouse bed and breakfast, for its central location in Fort William, its delicious breakfast and the warm welcome you’ll receive from the owners, Carmen and Phill. Your final stay will be in the Ravenscraig Guest House in Aviemore, a 4-star Georgian villa style property with 12 rooms and perfectly located for exploring the Cairngorms.
As the name suggests, Fairy Glen has a mystical quality and legend has it that the local children used to decorate the well here to make sure the fairies kept the water supply clean. A large stream (or ‘burn’ as it is known locally) tumbles through broadleaf woodland carpeted with moss, ferns and wildflowers. As you follow the ‘burn’ along the trail to the waterfalls, keep an eye out for dippers along the water’s edge.
For a relatively easy, low-level walk in the Highlands, on a clear day, from Blackmuir Wood you will see Ben Wyvis, the Monadhliaths and the Cromarty and Moray Firths. The wood is also home to the Touchstone Maze, an interesting creation built using 81 stones from quarries across the Highlands to represent the region’s complex geographical landscape. The wood is also home to red kites and buzzards which can often be seen circling in the skies above the trees.
On Day 5 of this holiday, you will leave the west coast behind, to head inland to the largest national park in the UK – the Cairngorms. You will jump onto mountain bikes for a wonderful afternoon travelling along some gentle off-road tracks to the highest inland beach in the UK. Sitting in the shadow of the mighty Cairngorm Mountain, you will cycle around the loch stopping for a swim or an ice cream if you fancy.
The return journey is an exhilarating downhill ride through the trees, all the way back down the hill to where you started. This day can of course be adapted to suit your skill levels and previous experience of mountain biking. What we have described here is ideal for cyclists with little previous experience of mountain biking.
It all starts here
Let’s put that once-in-a-lifetime trip in your hands. Get in touch with the team and we will work with you at every step to make sure that it’s extraordinary.
01285 880 980Get in touch with our travel experts to start
creating your tailor-made holiday.
Cost is based on a family of four travelling together.
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