The Kelpies & The Helix

See the spectacular Kelpies – 30 foot high metal equine sculptures, built at the entrance to Forth and Clyde Canals as a tribute to Central Scotland’s industrial past. You’ll see why the Kelpies are fast becoming one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks and the perfect spot for photographs.

Balloch

Heading West we make our way towards the town of Balloch, situated at the southern of Loch Lomond’s Bonnie Banks where you will have a chance to explore and also take an optional hour-long boat cruise on the loch. Whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery from the boat you can also hear the expert onboard commentary from Neil Oliver, who is amongst other things a renowned Scottish historian and archaeologist.

Rest and be Thankful

We continue north to the village of Arrochar which nestles on the edge of Loch Long at the foot of the high peaks of the Arrochar Alps. It’s onwards and upwards over the steep pass of Rest and be Thankful for our lunch stop in the village of Inveraray - seat of the Clan Campbell and Dukes of Argyll. The town is lapped by the sea water of Loch Fyne and is famed for its oysters and seafood

Kilmartin Glen

On to Kilmartin Glen, one of the richest Neolithic sites anywhere in Europe. The Glen is home to dozens of ancient standing stones, rock carvings and burial chambers. You will have time to stroll among some of nearby standing stones and burial chambers.

Oban

You will arrive in Oban at approximately 6:30PM at our central drop off - 1 Station Rd, Oban, PA34 4NU. The evening is then your own to explore the city or meet up with your fellow travellers and enjoy a meal in a local restaurant or traditional pub. You will be required to book your own accommodation in Oban, but we're more than happy to help if needed!

Glencoe

Departing Oban we travel up the side of Loch Linnhe through the Great Glen to our first stop of the day in Glencoe. Considered by many to be the most impressive glen (valley) in Scotland, in 1692 the towering peaks of this majestic landscape bore witness to the infamous Massacre of Glencoe. Your driver guide will explain the details of this incident and why it was such a turning point in Highland history - stoking the Jacobite Rebellions for many years to come. There will be time for many photographs in Glencoe before we make tracks for our next amazing location – Glenfinnan Monument and Viaduct.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Glenfinnan has something for everyone – set on the edge of the fijord-like Loch Shiel, this is one of the prettiest spots in Scotland. It is also the place where on 17th of August 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the Royal Stuart Standard and set in motion the last Jacobite Rebellion which would come so near to changing history only to end in bitter defeat some 7 months later at the Battle of Culloden. In more recent times, Glenfinnan Viaduct has become very well known to fans of Harry Potter as the magnificent railway bridge crossed by the Hogwarts’ Express. Climb the hill for best views of the Monument to the 1745 Rebellion and the Viaduct.

Fort William

We'll then travel to Fort William where you have two options... Option 1 – Take a tour of Ben Nevis Whisky Distillery and see the whole process of how Scotland’s most famous export is made and matured. The tour concludes with a taste of Ben Nevis single malt whisky – the true “water of life”. Option 2 – Wander back in time as you explore the ruined late 13th century Inverlochy Castle (free). You can then check out Neptune’s Staircase, starting point of the Caledonian Canal, opened in 1826 and designed by Thomas Telford to link the Atlantic Ocean on Scotland’s west side and the North Sea on its east. Lunch is in Fort William, the second largest town in the Highlands (after Inverness) where the ruined fort was destroyed by Jacobite forces at the very start of the 1745 Rebellion.

Pitlochry

Pitlochry is situated in the heart of the stunning scenery of Highland Perthshire. The town sits below Beinn Bhracaigh (Ben Vrackie), the speckled mountain and beside the River Tummel, in some of the most magnificent scenery in Scotland. With a backdrop of surrounding hills and beautiful woodlands, it is wonderful walking country.

Forth Bridge

As we re-enter Edinburgh from the North, you will be met with views of Scotland’s greatest piece of engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forth Bridge. This 19th century engineering marvel was at one point the World’s longest cantilever bridge. Today it neighbours the 20th century Forth Road Bridge and the 21st century Queensferry Crossing which opened in 2017. Three spectacular bridges, from three different centuries, span the Firth of Forth connecting our Capital city and the Kingdom of Fife.