Scotland’s Castles and Manors – 7 Days

Landing in Glasgow or Edinburgh collect your vehicle and make the short journey north to historic Stirling. On route, you can stop at Falkirk home of engineering masterpiece the Falkirk Wheel which lifts canal boats over 100ft in the air between the Union and Forth & Clyde canals. Nearby you can gain magnificent views over the Stirlingshire countryside at the towering Wallace Monument erected in dedication to the Great Scottish Hero “Braveheart” William Wallace. Later explore Stirling itself, wander the cobbled old town and climb to Stirling Castle which, once the Royal Seat of Scotland, rivals that of Edinburgh for its historic significance and beauty. Finally make your way to your nearby historic castle hotel.

• Accommodation: overnight in Airth Castle, near Stirling.
• Distance: 30 miles / 50 km, 30 minutes (approx.), if starting at Edinburgh Airport*.
• Highlights: Falkirk Wheel, Stirling Town, Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument.

DAY TWO – Loch Lomond, Inveraray and the Mull of Kintyre

First stop today could be Doune Castle, which you may recognize from Monty Python’s Life of Brian, before continuing through the raw natural beauty of the Highlands to the famous Mull of Kintyre. Pass around the southern edge of Loch Lomond and along her “Bonny Banks” before stopping in the historic town of Inveraray, perhaps viewing the opulent castle which featured as Duneagle Castle in television’s Downton Abbey. Arriving in the remote landscapes of the Kintyre Peninsula explore stunning land and seascapes including deserted sandy coves and rugged cliffs battered by the North Atlantic Ocean. By evening, retire to your Baronial Manor hotel.

• Accommodation: overnight in Stonefield Castle Hotel, Tarbert.
• Distance: 120 miles / 195 km, 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Doune Castle, Loch Lomond, Inveraray Castle and Argyll.

DAY THREE – Scotland’s West Coast, Oban and the Glenfinnan Viaduct

Today pass north along the scenic West coast of Scotland and make your way to the charming town of Oban “Gateway to the Isles”, where you can explore the pretty harbour town including Mccaig’s Tower overlooking the docks and the famous Oban Whiskey Distillery. Continuing North you may stop at Dunstaffnage Castle on route to the lively port town of Fort William on the shores of Loch Linhe and at the foot of the magnificent Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak. Time-permitting you may choose to take a slight detour to Glenfinnan to view the Glenfinnan Monument and the viaduct made famous in the Harry Potter movies. Continue to your castle accommodation at the foot of the Great Glen.

• Accommodation: overnight in Glengarry Castle Hotel, Glengarry near Fort William.
• Distance: 120 miles / 195 km, 3 hours (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Scotland’s West Coast, Fort William, Ben Nevis and Glenfinnan Viaduct.

DAY FOUR – Inverness City, Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

Today pass north and travel the length of the Great Glen. Make your way along the windswept banks of Loch Ness perhaps taking a boat ride to uncover the mysteries of the waters and try to find “Nessie”! Visit the weather-beaten ruin of Urquhart Castle perched on the shores of loch it offers and intriguing history and the perfect look-out. Arriving in Inverness, capital of the Highlands, explore the city and its hilltop castle and museum or the wealth of surrounding cultural sites including Culloden Moor, the standing stones of the Clava Cairns (inspiration for Outlander), and the 18th century Fort George.

• Accommodation: overnight in Tulloch Castle Hotel or Newton House Hotel, near Inverness.
• Distance: 60 miles / 95 km, 1 hour 40 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Great Glen, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Inverness City, Inverness Castle, Culloden Moor, Cawdor Castle, Clava Cairns and Fort George.

DAY FIVE – The Grampian Highlands and Castles of Aberdeenshire

Departing Inverness head East through the Grampian Highlands where you can visit the elegant Spynie Palace and nearby Elgin Cathedral. Arriving in Scotland’s renowned Whisky country may want to stop at one of Speyside’s famous single malt distilleries such as Cragganmore Distillery or Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery. Passing in to Aberdeenshire, renowned for its “castle trail” you can explore one or more of the beautiful forts and baronial manors including Huntly Castle, Leith Hall and Gardens or Balvenie Castle. Time-permitting you may decide to head in to Aberdeen itself; known the granite city Aberdeen displays a unique granite architecture and is home to much of Scotland’s rich maritime heritage.

• Accommodation: overnight in Ardoe House Hotel or Norwood Hall Hotel, Aberdeenshire.
• Distance: 130 miles / 210 km, 3 hours (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Grampian Highlands, Elgin Cathedral, Balvenie Castle and Aberdeen.

DAYS SIX AND SEVEN – Edinburgh City and Edinburgh Castle

From Aberdeen follow the coastline south perhaps stopping at the spectacular ruin of Dunottar Castle dramatically perched on a cliff-top overlooking the north sea, or at the elegant Glamis Castle setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth and the favoured residence of the late Queen Mother. Arriving in Edinburgh explore this magnificent city from the winding streets of the cobbled old town to the wide avenues of the opulent Georgian new town before visiting the Queen’s residence at the Palace of Holyrood House. You may choose to head for the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith Docks before climbing the Royal Mile to the city’s centrepiece at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and St Margaret’s Chapel.

• Accommodation: overnight in Dalhousie Castle or Melville Castle, near Edinburgh x 2 nights.
• Distance: 140 miles / 225 km, 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Dunottar Castle, Glamis Castle, Edinburgh City, Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle and Royal Yacht Britannia.

DAY EIGHT – Return home

Time permitting you may spend today continuing to explore Edinburgh and its magnificent surrounding sites or make your way to the airport to return your vehicle and for your return flight.

*Journey times and distances are estimates and are based on the direct route between the start location and end location for each day of the itinerary, where applicable. They do not include detours or stops for sightseeing.