All our tours can be adapted to suit you
HORSE RIDING, KAYAKING & BIKE RIDING TOUR
Day 1. Arrive into Scotland at Perth, via Edinburgh or Glasgow stations or airports then a short taxi ride will take you to your first nights accommodation. Perth overnight to start your experience. Day 2 The west coast beckons: After collecting your car (or meeting your driver), your first stop is Spean Bridge, a good stop here at the Woollen Mill, shops, café and rest rooms. From here towards Fort William, then to Mallaig – the road to the isles. You will pass the Glenfinnan Monument, where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed in 1745. You finally Glenuig, the wee village, you are staying at for the next 3 nights.
Days 3/4/5
During the space of a couple of days you learn all the basics of sea kayaking. If you have done it before this can easily be adapted. The course include boat handling skills, navigation whilst on the water, trip planning (including some basic tidal knowledge) and essential rescue techniques. You try out a selection of different boats and paddles. Based from Glenuig, you head out each day to a different location so you are also able to explore the local area and go for some amazing journeys whilst learning from a top level coach. Days start at 9:30 am and return to base at the end of the day where there are hot showers, a drying room and great food and drinks on offer! Plus your en suite bedroom of course.
Look out for basking sharks, dolphins and Minke whales, especially during late spring& summer. Scores of seabirds can be seen whilst paddling around the Sound of Arisaig. At almost any time of the year you might spot Golden Eagles and Sea Eagles (can you tell them apart?). And of course you have every chance of seeing otters fishing and playing . . . so long as you quietly keep your distance!
Day 6: After breakfast drive through the infamous Glencoe. From here to Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland where you can stop of lunch by the harbour. Drive all the way to Kilmartin Glen where you find ancient Celtic crosses. Outside grave stones and burial cairns, 350 ancient monuments to discover in this glen, an amazing Scottish history lesson awaits you. Whenever you wish, drive back north again to Craobh Haven, your accommodation for the next two nights. Their breakfast selection, personally prepared by Barry, features the best of fresh local produce unrivalled in Argyll. Enjoy your time here, many superb walks available ask your hosts for ideas.
Day 7
Horse riding in Argyll: A 4-hour ride including a lunch stop at one of the area’s top hotels, with discounted deals. . Craobh Haven is within walking distance of the stables. Currently introducing American Quarter horses offering a smoother ride as well as the existing Appaloosa horses. Western riding or natural horsemanship groundwork lessons. Have an amazing ride around the west coast of Scotland, lessons for starters or advanced riding available. Plenty of time left today for more exploring locally.
Day 8
You board a private charter boat sailing from Craobh to Corryvreckan, Europe’s second largest whirlpool . You can try a spot of sea fishing (or stay in the cabin with a large Scottish gin and tonic) then sail into the Crinan Canal for lunch before returning to Craobh Marina. Craobh Haven harbours the largest fleet of cruising yachts on the west coast, it was built in 1983 as a holiday resort village and marina. Overnight Craobh. Travel down the Sound of Jura to the remarkable Corryvreckan Whirlpool – the third largest in the world. This natural wonder is located between the islands of Jura and Scarba. Back on dry land – relax or enjoy the local area by car or on foot!
Day 9
The road to Edinburgh: Using today to drive south to Edinburgh, spend the whole day doing this – via Perth, where you drop off the car, as Edinburgh is a nightmare for cars, you will not need one. From Perth take the train to the city centre. Tickets are included. From the railway station take a short taxi ride to your accommodation in the New Town (1800’s). We will make many suggestions where to dine, enjoy Scottish music this evening.
Day 10
Edinburgh cycle tour: City Centre Holyrood Park Portobello Guided Tour 10:30: This guided bike ride (3 hours, 18 km) lets you sample the rich diversity which Edinburgh has to offer: picturesque cycle paths, a few of the iconic sites in the heart of the city, Holyrood Park and a coastal promenade. Head into the New Town area, just ½ mile from the city centre. After a short, steep climb through residential streets in this UNESCO World Heritage Site cross Princes Street (from where you can see Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens) and head down the lower section of The Royal Mile, experiencing some of the history of the Old Town, towards Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament. Enter Holyrood Park and pass Arthur’s Seat on the way to another quiet cycle path, which follows the route of a disused railway line back down to the coastline, finish along Portobello Promenade. A free afternoon and evening in Edinburgh.
Day 11
Edinburgh or Glasgow (cities or airports) – it all depends on where you are coming from how we plan your final night. Please just ask, we’re happy to help.