A unique combination of two very different, small but intensely romantic locations. The first is a comfortable lochside hotel in a remote corner of the west highlands. The second is tucked away on the southern coast of the gloriously romantic Isle of Skye.

Day One

Your first hotel is around 3 hours from Glasgow, and reached by a short ferry ride across Loch Linnhe, near to Fort William.

Set picture perfectly by the side of a peaceful loch, your hotel is a real hidden gem. Surrounded by trees and mountains flawlessly reflected in the still waters, you may be forgiven for thinking you have stepped straight into an oil painting. Stunning views across the loch are just one of the highlights of this charming country house hotel. Elegant yet informal, its comfortable opulence exudes Scottish hospitality.
Period furniture rubs shoulders with comfortable modern sofas and local paintings adorn the walls. Quirky touches (your ‘do not disturb’ sign is a soft toy reindeer outside your bedroom door) give the house real character, and log fires and well-stocked book cases are a temptation if the weather is wet. In the evenings white linen tablecloths and candlelight set the scene for a fine dining experience. Outside the grounds lead down to the loch past an old upturned rowing boat rumoured to belong to Arthur Ransome (author of Swallows and Amazons) who spent many of his childhood summers here.  

Day Two

Despite its remote location there are plenty of options to explore today. From the peaceful Ardnamurchan peninsula, the most westerly part of mainland Britain, to Castle Tioram, the white sand beach at Ardtoe and the nearby ancient woodland of Ariundle. The Isle of Mull can even be reached by short ferry. After a day's exertions, try a gentle walk from the hotel along the lochshore, watching for otters.

Day Three

Leave your first hotel and taking a scenic route, you head to the port of Mallaig, perhpas stopping to explore some of our favourite beaches in Scotland, at Camusdarrach by Arisaig, before catching the short ferry over the sea to Skye.

Sheltered by a gently curving bay, your charming whitewashed hotel sits right on the seashore, enjoying expansive views over the Sound of Sleat to the wilderness of Knoydart. This, the most southerly part of Skye, is an area of great natural beauty, often referred to as the Garden of Skye thanks to its abundant bird life and profusion of wild flowers.

The hotel lies at the heart of a Gaelic-speaking community and the bar is a convivial meeting place for the locals, who mix happily with hotel guests, often to the accompaniment of traditional music and Gaelic song in front of the roaring log fire. Twelve bedrooms (six in the Garden House) are decorated with pretty cotton and linen chintzes and there are four new suites in the recently restored stables, each enjoying superb views across the water to the lighthouse of Isle Ornsay. Candlelit meals in the wood-panelled dining room reflect the estate's culinary riches, with wonderful shellfish and game featuring prominently on the menu. Langoustines are landed at the old stone pier, and oysters come from the hotel's own oyster beds.

Day Four

On the little harbour right beside the hotel is the headquarters of 'The Gaelic Whiskies', where you can sample an excellent range of connoisseur brands before browsing in the nearby craft shop.The surrounding area of hills, moorland, woodland and seashore offers endless opportunities for walking and drinking in the magnificent sea views. Don't miss the enchanting walk to the Point of Sleat, from where you can gaze across to the small isles of Rum and Eigg and dream of future visits! On the way down to the Point of Sleat, it's worth stopping off at the Clan Donald Centre at Armadale Castle, with its fine arboretum and lovely garden. Further afield, in the north of the island, you'll find historic Dunvegan Castle, and Portree, the bustling island capital, with its pretty painted harbour. A day trip by boat to the beautifully unspoilt neighbouring island of Raasay is well worth considering for those who enjoy walking in the wilds!

Day Five - Return Home

Your return journey takes first across the Skye bridge, then past the soaring mountains of Kintail and on homewards.

From £385 per person, for holidays in February & March 2008, from £415 for April, May, June & September from £435 for July & August and from £395 for October. All prices per person, based on 2 people sharing a room, for 4 nights on a bed & breakfast basis, and include a single ferry from Mallaig to Skye for car and passengers.
The ferry across Loch Linnhe is not pre-bookable and must be paid direct.

Note that we may recommend a different order for this tour, depending on your starting point in Scotland.

All our touring holidays include a map of Scotland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £7 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.

We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.