Loch Lomond & The Western Isles - June 27-July 3, 2010

Loch Lomond & The Western Isles - June 27-July 3, 2010

Introduction

PhotographyCoastal WalkingHistorical ThemeAncient ManCastles

The Scots' pride in their land's spectacular beauty, Celtic traditions and historic battles are evident throughout our Walk in this stunning countryside.

On Highland trails we encounter a pristine landscape of magnificent lochs, heathered moors, mountains and woods scattered with fields rich in flowers, birds and wildlife. Remote islands beckon with lush scenery and picture-perfect spots.

Scotland is a country of legendary and romantic heroes - William Wallace ("Braveheart"), Robert the Bruce, Rob Roy and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Ancient peoples built mysterious stone circles, and contentious clans gathered within medieval castles before doing battle. We take the ferry to the Isles of Kerrera, Mull and Ulva and visit hauntingly beautiful Gylen Castle .

Walk Summary

Date 27-JUN-10 - 03-JUL-10
Trip

7 days, 6 nights

Terrain
Moderate

Walk Rating: Moderate. An unmatched landscape of lochs, sea and islands makes for moderately easy but invigorating walking on a mixture of paths and unsurfaced, but well-marked, tracks. Expect some moderate hills, dips and rises, walking from between 7-10 miles each day. With the exception of the walks on the islands of Kerrera and Ulva, the minibus will be close by,  if needed.

Price

US$3695.00 per person double occupancy
(single supplement US$495.00)

Walk begins in Cairnbaan, with arrival at Glasgow and ends at Loch Lomond, with transfer back to Glasgow.

Walk Itinerary

Sunday

We rendezvous in Glasgow and drive to our beautifully situated hotel by the Crinan Canal in Cairnbaan, for an Introductory Talk and Welcome Dinner.

Overnight: Cairnbaan

Monday

This morning we walk along the Crinan Canal, built by the Duke of Argyll in the 18th century to link Glasgow and the Hebrides. Enjoy panoramic views of the Sound of Jura and Loch Crinan, setting for the James Bond movie "From Russia with Love". We experience spectacular vistas of ocean, highlands and islands as we explore an Iron Age fort and return to Cairnbaan.

Overnight: Cairnbaan

Tuesday

We walk through Kilmartin Glen, noting Iron Age stone circles and burial cairns, visiting Dunadd, capital of one of the early Scottish kingdoms. After lunch in the museum, we transfer to Loch Melfort and walk to Armaddy Castle through wild country with the islands of Luing and Seil on the horizon. We cross the "Bridge over the Atlantic" for Afternoon Tea in a small historic inn. Then it's on to Oban for Dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Oban

Wednesday

We take a ferry across Oban Bay to the unspoiled Isle of Kerrera where the few local residents and the abundant wildlife live in harmony. On the rocky south-west coast we visit haunting Gylen Castle, the ancestral home of the Clan MacDougall. After lunch in a charming setting, we take the ferry back to the mainland, then walk towards Oban along a track with panoramic views of the town and surrounding islands. A highlight of the day follows with a visit to the local whisky distillery.

Overnight: Oban

Thursday

Antique ShoppingWe cruise to the legendary Isle of Mull and travel to the remote and unspoiled Isle of Ulva, population 30, with the possibility of seeing otter, red deer and golden eagle. After lunch in the local boathouse, we visit Tobermory, the picturesque and colorful capital of Mull, passing cascading streams and waterfalls tumbling into the ocean. At the end of the day we return by ferry to Oban.

Overnight: Oban

Friday

After breakfast, we drive south to catch a boat across Loch Lomond.   Then we walk along the West Highland Way, exploring the shores and hills of the eastern side of the loch with views of the awesome peak of Ben Lomond towering above. After lunch we explore one of the islands in the loch. Our final destination is The Lodge, our stunning hotel, sitting on "the bonnie, bonnie banks" and a Farewell Dinner overlooking the loch.

Overnight: Loch Lomond

Saturday

After breakfast, we provide a private transfer back to Glasgow.

This itinerary represents a typical Walk. We prepare itineraries well in advance of the trip and therefore we reserve the right to make changes due to weather, local events or other circumstances - but always to improve the experience of our guests.

Hotels

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The Manor House Hotel - Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

The Manor House Hotel

Gallanach Road
Oban PA34 4LS

T: +44 (0)1631-562-087
F: +44 (0)1631-562-053
E: info@manorhouseoban.com
W: www.manorhouseoban.com

The Manor House is located on the South shore of Oban Harbour in a lovely position by the sea. It was built in 1780 as the principal residence of the Duke of Argyll's Oban estate and was later used as a Dower House for his family. Of late Georgian architecture, great consideration has been given to preserve the elegance, charm and atmosphere of its past.

It has elegantly decorated, ensuite bedrooms in the period style but they also include every modern amenity including phone, TV, hairdryer. There is Wi-Fi internet access in the public rooms.  The Manor House is particularly known for it's beautifully restored Dining Room. Head Chef and his team are proud of their gourmet menu featuring fresh local fish, game and produce and using fresh herbs from the hotel's garden. The Bar and lovely Drawing Room, like the Dining Room, have magnificent views over Oban Bay, the adjacent islands and the mountains of Morvern and the Isle of Mull.

The Lodge at Loch Lomond - Friday

The Lodge at Loch Lomond

Luss, Argyll
G83 8PA

Tel: +44 (0) 1436 860201
Fax: +44 (0) 1436 860203
www.loch-lomond.co.uk

Set amidst some of Scotland's most idyllic and unspoilt areas,The Lodge is engulfed by a natural beauty, surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. The hotel offers all the intimacy, warmth, charm and atmosphere of a family hotel. Yet it has the quality of service and standards that have attracted two United States Presidents.

Many of the rooms and the restaurant, offer undisturbed panoramic views of Scotland's most breathtaking loch and its majestic mountainous surroundings.  The bedrooms provide all the usual amenities including phone, TV, hairdryer and there is Wi-Fi internet access in the public rooms.

This hotel list is a provided as an example. We may use different hotels of the same quality and style on specific trips. The Wayfarers will notify confirmed travelers of any changes to the hotels.

Photo Gallery

Firth of Lorn So many whiskies so little time. Bagpipes capture the sound of the Highlands. Oban Whisky tasting. Peaceful loch. On the trail - walking toward a croft. Golf course! Local ferryman. Tobermory Manor House Hotel

Travel Information

Before & After Your Walk:

  • Venture further to Loch Ness, Fort William and the Cairngorm Mountains or stay close on the Isle of Eriska
  • Arrive early and visit Edinburgh ~ only an hour from Glasgow ~ or extend your stay there afterwards.

Weather:

Temperatures usually range from around 45º to 65ºF (7º to 18ºC) in spring/autumn and from 60º to 70º F (15º to 21ºC) in summer although it can rise to above 80º F (27ºC) on some days. You are likely to need a light jacket or sweater in the evenings. Rainfall is unpredictable but occurs all year round and can be heavy, even in summer. Equally there can be long spells of warm dry weather so you will need to bring clothing to accommodate all situations.

To see more Travel Information and a list of our recommended tips please register or sign in. Once you confirm a booking for this walk, as a registered website member, you will be able to access detailed Joining Instructions including exact arrival and departure points and times as part of the Travel Information.

FAQs

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  1. Are there any hidden costs?
    Our Vacations do not include the cost of air or rail fares to and from the destination or tips for your walk leader and manager.
  2. How large are the Groups?
    Our maximum group size is 16, but groups average between 8-12 people.
  3. Will I feel welcome as a single traveler?
    Yes! Our walks are the perfect environment of comfortable camaraderie for the single traveler.
  4. Can you accomodate special diets?
    Yes!
  5. How physically fit do I have to be to do a Wayfarers Walk?
    If you are in good health and reasonably fit you will be comfortable participating in a walk.

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Founded in 1984, The Wayfarers have been blazing new trails and leading the world in walking vacation adventures. Visiting England, Europe, the United States and New Zealand, the Wayfarers delivers fresh itineraries a new way in experiencing places and cultures. Walking Tours, European Walking Vacations and British Isle Walking Vacations provide the staple diet to a truly memorable holiday