Things to do in Dalwhinnie, Scotland

Day 1: You depart Edinburgh and travel west. This part of your journey is a history lover’s dream. You pass Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, and Doune Castle, before stopping in Callander for refreshments. Next, we venture north through the splendid scenery surrounding Loch Lubnaig and up to the wild desolation of Rannoch Moor. You continue through the spectacular mountain pass of Glencoe, scene of the great massacre of the Clan MacDonald in 1692. And after lunch we pass Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and head into the Great Glen. Travelling west, you head past the Five Sisters of Kintail. You then stop at the famous Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed castles. Crossing over the bridge to Skye, you follow the dramatic coastline, towards the island’s capital, Portree. And after all this breath-taking beauty, you’re dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening with enough time to go out and explore the town. Day 2: Today is a flexible day on Skye; and your driver-guide ensures you take a unique route that suits the weather, the local events, and your group's interests. You can travel north to the Trotternish Ridge and beyond. Here you find the geological wonders like Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the stunning mountain pass of the Quiraing. Or your guide may take you back in time and teach you about the legends and clan culture surrounding the 13th-century home of the Clan MacLeod, Dunvegan Castle. You return to Portree in the evening. Day 3: You travel south through the Cuillin Hills and back over to the mainland for stunning views over Loch Duich and the Five Sisters of Kintail. You visit Loch Ness for lunch and the chance to spot "Nessie"!* Heading south through the Grampian mountains along Loch Laggan, famous now as "Monarch of the Glen Country" before passing Dalwhinnie and onwards past Blair Castle. We stop for refreshments in one of the Perthshire villages before heading past Perth, over the Firth of Forth, and back to Edinburgh.

Day 1: Departing Glasgow you travel north, crossing the ancient natural fault line that runs across Scotland. We travel into the majestic Highlands where the scenery changes quickly and dramatically - the flat fertile plains of the Lowlands give way to shimmering lochs, rugged mountain tops and forest-filled glens. Next, we venture north through the splendid scenery of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park up to the wild desolation of Rannoch Moor. You continue through the spectacular mountain pass of Glencoe, scene of the great massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. And after lunch we pass Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and head into the Great Glen. Travelling west you head past the Five Sisters of Kintail. You then stop to visit the famous Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed castles. Crossing over the bridge to Skye, you follow the dramatic coastline, towards Broadford/*Portree. And after all this breath-taking beauty, you’re dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening with enough time to go out and explore the village. Day 2: Today is a flexible day on Skye. Your driver-guide will ensure you have the best day out no matter what the weather. North of Portree is the Trotternish ridge with spectacular cliffs and rock formations, such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the stunning mountain pass of the Quiraing. Or your guide may take you back in time and teach you about the legends and clan culture surrounding the 13th-century home of the Clan MacLeod, Dunvegan Castle. You return to Broadford/*Portree in the evening. Day 3: You travel south through the Cuillin Hills and back over to the mainland for stunning views over Loch Duich and the Five Sisters of Kintail. You visit Loch Ness for lunch... but will you spot 'Nessie'? Heading south through the Grampian mountains along Loch Laggan, famous now as "Monarch of the Glen Country" before passing Dalwhinnie and onwards past Blair Castle, stopping for refreshments before heading back to Glasgow.

Day 1 You head north through the Kingdom of Fife, to your first distillery; Lindores Abbey. This is a modern Scottish distillery built on the site of the first-ever recorded distiller in the country in 1494. Visit this site to discover the historic legacy of the area blended with innovation and sustainable practices all captured in their fine whisky. Continue north towards the UK's largest National Park, Cairngorms National Park. This will be a stunning drive, so keep your cameras ready. You stop in Braemar and have some time for lunch and a little explore. A bite to eat is a good idea though because your next stop is the Whisky Castle. This whisky emporium has been selling the finest malt whiskies for over 120 years and is stocking over 600 malts. Savour three Speyside whiskies to get familiar with a distinctive taste of this region. Once you’ve warmed with this dram of “the gentle spirit”, you continue through the Cairngorms National Park before reaching Grantown-on-Spey, your base for two nights. Day 2 Today you spend the whole day exploring Scotland’s most famous whisky region. Your first stop is Cardhu Distillery*,which is the first distillery pioneered by a woman, Helen Cumming. Today, Cardhu is the most important whisky in Johnnie Walker Black Label. After lunch in nearby Aberlour, you travel along the Spey River to Craigellachie for a visit to the Speyside Cooperage**, where you see another aspect of the whisky making process. We take a scenic drive inland to the Cragganmore Distillery for a tour and tasting. Cragganmore* takes its name from the mountain in whose shadow the distillery sits, and their whisky boasts complex flavours that you'll simply adore sampling Time permitting, your driver-guide might stop in at Sueno's Stone for a quick photo, where you can admire this incredible Pictish standing stone. From here you travel back to Grantown-on-Spey. Day 3 In the morning get ready for a whisky and chocolate tasting at Dalwhinnie Distillery, set in splendid mountain scenery at the heart of the Cairngorm National Park. You then leave the Highlands and journey south to Perthshire. Lying in the heart of Scotland, Pitlochry is a beautiful little town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The time is yours to explore and have some lunch. Next, you stop for a walk among towering Douglas firs in the Hermitage, a lovely forest with a roaring waterfall. From here the route south takes you to the stunning wee village of Dunkeld, where you've got some time to explore before heading to your final whisky experience of the tour. You then over the Firth of Forth, take in the magnificent South Queensferry bridges, and head back into Edinburgh. *Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.

Day 1 Travel north past Stirling Castle and to the region of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. You venture through the impressive mountains of the West Highlands and the magnificent whitewashed 18th-century town of Inveraray, home to the Campbell Clan and the Duke of Argyll. The afternoon will be spent in the heart of Argyll before arriving in the bustling town of Oban for your two-night stay. Day 2 Today you have an early start, beginning the day crossing on the ferry to Mull for a chance to explore dramatic coastlines and wild beauty. You take the small ferry to Iona, the birthplace of Celtic Christianity, and ancient burial ground of Scottish Kings. Here you can visit the historic abbey with its intricate carved crosses in the churchyard, or explore rocky headlands and sandy coves. There’s an opportunity to take a small boat for an optional trip to the island of Staffa and view the dramatic basalt columns immortalised by Mendelssohn in his Hebridean Overture "Fingal's Cave". You then return on the ferry to Oban for your second night. Day 3 You ramble north along the west coast around Appin, passing the impregnable Castle Stalker. Next, you head to the gorgeous Glencoe, one of the most famous natural landmarks in all of Scotland. This beautiful area boasts steep slopes and photogenic peaks. Your driver-guide may reveal to you the tragic tale that’s haunted this valley for over 300 years. You then venture through Fort William and under the shadow of Ben Nevis, which at 1,344 meters is the highest mountain in the British Isles. We continue through the Great Glen, a natural fault in the earth’s crust that runs through Scotland. From here, we'll take you to your overnight accommodation at the Balmacara Hotel, a lovely four star hotel with a classic Scottish view of Loch Alsh. You’re dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening. Day 4 Today is a very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather, and your driver-guide will use their local knowledge to decide on the best day out for the group. You may ascend the Quiraing along Trotternish Ridge and be rewarded with spectacular views. Alternatively, you could drink in the scenery at Loch Corruisk or drive through the dramatic Red Cuillin to the little hamlet of Elgol. We return you to your accommodation at the Balmacara Hotel in the late afternoon for you to enjoy a free evening. Day 5 You’re collected from your accommodation for the short drive to the famous stronghold of Eilean Donan Castle. Then, you travel east taking in the stunning views over Loch Duich and the Five Sisters of Kintail. You continue to Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting 'Nessie'. Your tour moves through the Grampian Mountains and along Loch Laggan, before passing Dalwhinnie, home to Scotland's highest whisky distillery. In Perthshire, you stop for refreshments before heading back to Edinburgh past Perth and over the Firth of Forth.