The Royal Route

Departing Edinburgh we travel ‘The Royal route’ past Linlithgow Palace, Birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and The Kelpies , a famous modern art installation designed by local artist Andy Scot. We then descent in to the Carse of Stirling with panoramic views towards Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument.

The Trossachs

We typically stop in The Trossachs at a loch side location for a comfort stop and refreshments. This area of Scotland has high mountain peaks, picturesque lochs and whitewash villages and was the home of famous Jacobite Rob Roy MacGregor.

Rannoch Moor

This remote area of Scotland is home to a huge array of flora and fauna and large parts of the landscape are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest. We’ll stop at various locations along the road to take in this wild expanse and for photos.

Glencoe

In the heart of the Western Highlands, Glencoe offers some of the finest mountain scenery in Scotland. Towering above Glencoe village, several rugged peaks and ridges rise to heights well over 3000 feet (914 metres). The Massacre of Glencoe took place on 12 February 1692 when government soldiers of the Clan Campbell received secret instructions to “kill all MacDonalds under 70 years of age”. They rose at 5 am next day to murder 38 of their sleeping hosts.

Oban

Known as the ‘seafood capital of Scotland’ the picturesque coastal town has a long history with the Atlantic Ocean. For centuries a fishing fleet has called Oban home and many of the Caledonian MacBrayne ferries to the Hebrides Islands leave from the town.

After some free time in Oban we’ll set out north along the coast of Loch Linnhe, crossing the impressive Connel bridge that was transformed from rail to road in 1914. We’ll stop briefly to take in the view at Castle Stalker before continuing into Loch Leven and into Glencoe.

Inveraray Castle

On the banks of Loch Fyne, Inveraray Castle stands out as one of the finest Gothic revival buildings in Scotland. It is home to the Dukes of Argyll and the Chief of the Clan Campbell. Torquhil Campbell, the 13th Duke of Argyll, lives in a private annex within the castle to this day.

As you tour Inveraray Castle, you will discover all the myths and legends surrounding this historical site. In both the history of Argyll and its modern culture, the Clan Campbell played a significant role. Your tour will include information about the great fire, the Massacre of Campbells, and the arson of the town.

The armory, dining room, lounge, and grand saloon of this castle are full of antiques. Spaces are arranged as they would have been for Queen Victoria’s visit in 1900.

Inveraray Castle was the location for a special Christmas episode of Downton Abbey as ‘Duneagle Castle’, the mythical Scottish home of The Marquess and Marchioness of Flintshire.

Note that Inveraray Castle is closed on Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s so on those days we’ll see the castle but spend some time in Inveraray Village.

Kilchurn Castle

Standing at the head of Loch Awe is an imposing castle that fits well into its dramatic surroundings. Kilchurn Castle offers all the hallmarks of a medieval Scottish Castle, with its imposing curtain wall matching the imposing mountains that rise on all sides to make this one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. We’ll admire this mighty fortress from the castle viewpoint.

Loch Lomond

As we travel up the western side of the Uk’s largest freshwater Loch (lake) we’ll stop at the picture-postcard village of Luss. Take in the panoramic views over the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond before returning to Edinburgh.

Returning into Edinburgh between 7pm – 8pm, you’ll have a camera full of photos and memories of a fantastic trip to last a lifetime!