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Touring Scotland: Family holidays

Itinerary fam-4: Triple Highland Adventure from GBP 495 per person for 5 nts

Ideal not just for families with active teenage children, but for anyone who wants to experience the drama of the Scottish Highlands at close quarters, this unique two centre holiday includes three different experiences - a 4WD safari, downhill mountain bike ride and a full day guided walk in the mountains. You will stay in friendly, relaxed country hotels, ideal locations to chill out at the end of a busy day.

Day One - the Southern Highlands

Your first base is less than two hours north of Edinburgh or Glasgow, in a small and historic village close to Loch Tay.

Your Hotel

This charming hotel, with its unique "Arts & Crafts" design has been welcoming guests for over one hundred years, and has recently been sympathetically, and stylishly modernised. It has been, and still is, the heartbeat of the village, where no-one is too busy to say hello. As happy to receive dogs as their owners, in a place where guests rub shoulders with ghillies and fishermen,  walkers at the end of a long day Munro-bagging, or city guests up for a get-away break of doing nothing but relaxing. The village lies at the geographical centre of Scotland, and many believe that because of this, magical qualities have been conferred on the area. Indeed, next to the hotel is a Yew Tree that is so ancient that it was probably planted in the Bronze Age, 5,000 years ago.

Day Two - Discover a Secret Scotland at over 2500 feet.

Today's safari is a journey of discovery by Land Rover leaving from the valley floor and heading up to the high ridges to enjoy an easy paced trek to explore this stunning environment sculptured by the elements. There will be a chance for some easy walking and this will be followed by a mountain picnic, perhaps taken in a cosy shepherd's hit or bothy, situated at over 2500 feet. Views of 50 miles to Ben Nevis in the west and the Falkland Hills in the south are possible on a clear day. This truly is an amazing experience on the roof of Scotland.
Return to the hotel in the early afternoon.

Day Three - Effortless Hilltop start on a self-guided bike ride

Today escape to the hills with a "Drop at the Top" Cycle Safari, a cycling adventure which takes you onto the hill tops without the effort of the climb up! Experience the exhilaration of cycling down the mountain tracks, country lanes and forest roads, the perfect way to explore Highland Perthshire. Adventure deep into Scotland's stunning wilderness with minimal environmental impact and the maximum fun! With maps, timings and all equipment supplied, as well as a delicious picnic lunch from the local farm shop, this is a day to take your time and enjoy the scenery and the fresh air, together with some gentle exercise. 

Day Four - to the West Highlands

Today you travel north and west, with your route taking you through the majestic and infamous Glencoe valley and on past the soaring peaks of Kintail, to your second base.

Your Hotel

Converted from a former shooting lodge, the hotel stands at the foot of the Five Sisters of Kintail, just off the road and right on the loch shore. As the only hotel (and public bar!) for six miles, this welcoming Highland hotel is an ideal and comfortable base. You can relax with the locals in the public bar, or retreat to the more discrete atmosphere of the residents’ lounge, in front of a crackling open fire. A good selection of home-cooked food - with local sourcing a particular focus - is served both in the bar or, accompanied by fine loch views, in the conservatory restaurant. Don’t miss the black pudding at breakfast – it’s Scotland’s finest.

This evening you will be able to discuss tomorrow's itinerary with your guide, who will plan a route to suit your preferences and the weather - all you need is a reasonable level of fitness. You will need to bring good walking boots, suitable clothing, a camera and preferably a small day sack to carry your picnic (supplied by the hotel).

Day Five - Walking in the mountains

There are numerous options to suit everyone within a short distance of this hotel - the most adventurous could decide to bag a Munro, including the Five Sisters of Kintail, there are waterfalls and high mountain passes to explore or you could choose a gentler, coastal walk in southern Skye. Throughout the day you will be accompanied by our fully licensed and experienced local guide. Not only will they take the strain out of navigation and route selection, they will also teach you about the flora, fauna and history of the Highlands whilst ensuring your safety and comfort.

Day Six

Return Home
With a choice of routes, perhaps passing Loch Ness before heading south from Inverness to Edinburgh.

Prices & Dates

This holiday can be arranged from March to October 2010.

The price is £495 per adult for holidays in March, £555 for April & October, £579 per adult for May to September. The price for teenaged children sharing their own room is to £395 in March & October, £425 for May to September. Prices are based on 2 people sharing a room for 5 nights on a bed & breakfast basis, and include the three activities described, with picnic lunches each day.

For all activities you will need to bring suitable outdoor clothing and shoes or boots, as well as a sense of adventure. Cameras are definitely recommended, as well as a day pack to carry picnics on days three and five.

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 £8 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.