Thursdays - West & Skye Coast Highlights

Achnasheen - Loch Carron - Eilean Donan Castle - Skye Bridge - Isle of Skye - Kylerhea / Glenelg Ferry

Click on images above to view larger versions. To view more photos taken on this tour, click here.

Driving past Inverness and over the Kessock Bridge (watch out for the dolphins), we descend into the rugged and dramatic West Coast area via Achnascheen, where we enjoy a lovely morning coffee in an old hunting lodge hotel. We continue via the beautiful Loch Carron to reach what is probably the most famous Castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle. Originally built in 1230 it was fully re-built in the 20th Century following its destruction during a naval battle between the Spanish Jacobites and the Government forces. A truly spectacular castle (inside and outside) said to be the most photographed castle in Scotland! There we have ample time for lunch and a visit to the Castle.

We then drive on to the mysterious Isle of Skye via the Bridge, and after a few photo stops, we make our main stop at Eilean Iarmain, where you can usually partake of a free tasting of Gaelic Whiskies - there is also a local craft shop and exhibition). Eilean Iarmain was formerly the herring fishing centre on Skye. This is just a beautiful and peaceful spot - trust me it is hard to leave it behind!

We leave the island via the remote Kylerhea road which descends to a tiny slipway from where a small ferry takes us back to the mainland (opportunity to see seals and otters during the short crossing - even saw a very close view of a basking shark in 2006!). Once back on the mainland, we continue through rugged scenery for several miles, stopping briefly at Ratagan Pass for stunning panoramic views before driving through the magnificent Five Sisters of Kintail.

Our journey continues via the south end of Loch Ness which we reach at Invermoriston. We stop there briefly before going further North and re-joining the A9 at Inverness.

Plenty of 'pit stops'/photo opportunities on this scenic tour. Perhaps a bit of a long day for youngsters?

Tour Notes

		Pick up points include Cromdale, Grantown-on-Spey, Dulnain Bridge, Nethy Bridge, Boat of Garten, Carrbridge, Kincraig, Aviemore - Other collection points by arrangement.
		Tour departs around 7.45 am & returns 7.00 pm approx (Departure times based from Aviemore). If you have an alternative pick-up point - times may be earlier or later - please check at time of booking.
		This tour requires a minimum of 6 passengers to operate.
		Entrances are not included (approximately £4 per person)
		Printed tour guides are available in a range of languages. We also speak good French and passable German and Spanish!
		The tour content and route may alter slightly at short notice due to adverse weather.
		Please inform the driver if you have any special requests or medical conditions.
		Please note that smoking is not permitted on the coaches and that seat belts must be worn.

Contact Details/Bookings

Click HERE to pre-book this Tour

For further information, please contact Bill or Steph at:

Highland Discovery Tours , Balnafettach, Cromdale, Moray, PH26 3LW
Tel: +44 (0)1479 870 341 Fax: +44 (0)1479 870 409 Email: steph@balnafettach.com

Payment

Payment can be made in cash, by credit card (all major credit cards accepted, except Amex) or by cheque (accompanied by guarantee card).

Skye & West Coast Highlights Tour 2008 Prices are:

Adults: £62
Children up to 15: £41

Payment will be requested a few days prior to the tour - please contact Highland Discovery Tours as soon as you have arrived at your destination (Bill or Steph on 01479 870 341). Booking only confirmed on receipt of payment.

Cancellation conditions: please note that a £10 cancellation fee will apply for cancellations after a confirmed booking has been made.  Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure will result in the full tour fee being charged.