Tour of Isle of Skye, Edinburgh, the English Lake District and Hadrians Wall

Tour ID: 1065 Tour Theme: Small Group Sightseeing Tours (Multi-days) This tour starts from: Edinburgh Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
	Operated by: Rabbies Trail Burners

Tour Description:

A tour coupling Scotland and England - 7 days combining one of Scotland’s most famous and enchanting Islands, the Isle of Skye, the great capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh, one of the greatest legacies of the Roman Empire, Hadrian’s Wall, and a chance to enjoy the idyllic beauty of the Lake District In England.

DAY 1: EDINBURGH - GLENCOE - EILEAN DONAN - POTREE
Depart Edinburgh at 09.00 and travel west passing Linlithgow Palace and Stirling with its imposing castle and views of the Wallace Monument. We pass Doune Castle, set of Monty Python's "Holy Grail" before stopping in Callander for refreshments. Crossing into the Highlands we head north towards the glorious scenery surrounding Loch Luibnaig then through Breadalbane (meaning the ‘high country of Scotland’) and up to the wild desolation of Rannoch Moor. We continue through the spectacular mountain pass of Glencoe, scene of the great massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Leaving Fort William after lunch we drive past Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and into the Great Glen. Travelling west on the "Road to the Isles" we head through the splendour of the Five Sisters of Kintail, the mountains guarding the pass on the way to the Isle of Skye. We stop to visit the famous Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, set at the junction of 3 lochs and completely surrounded by water. Crossing over the bridge to Skye, we follow the dramatic coastline north towards the island’s capital, Portree. You are then dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening where you are free to go out and explore the town..

DAY 2: DAY EXPLORING SKYE
A very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather and your driver/guide's knowledge will come to the fore in developing the best day out for you on that particular day. North of Portree is the Trotternish ridge with its spectacular cliffs and rock formations, such as the famous landmark – the Old Man of Storr, the impressive sea cliff, Kilt Rock and the stunning mountain pass of the Quiraing. Amazing natural scenery, which is best enjoyed away from the bus by taking a walk through this unique landscape. Further west the scenery changes again with the emerald green valley of Glendale, the dramatic sea-cliffs of Neist Point (the most westerly point on the island, where you might get lucky and spot some whales or sharks!), and the 13th-century home of the Clan Macleod, Dunvegan Castle. We return to Portree in the evening.

DAY 3: POTREE - LOCH NESS - PERTH - EDINBURGH
You will be collected from your accommodation and travel south through the Cuillin Hills and back over to the mainland for stunning views over Loch Duich and the 5 Sisters of Kintail. Onto Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting "Nessie". There is a boat trip (Summer only) available here that will get you that bit closer! Heading south now through the Grampian mountains along Loch Laggan, famous now as "Monarch of the Glen Country" before passing Dalwhinnie, home to Scotland's highest whisky Distillery, and onwards past Blair Castle stopping for refreshments before heading back to Edinburgh past Perth and over the Forth Road Bridge. Arriving at 19.00 approx.

DAY 4: EDINBURGH
Free day to explore Edinburgh, the historic capital of Scotland. There are so many options available here - why not take a local open top city bus tour to familiarise yourself with the 'old' and 'new' towns of the city. No visit to Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to her medieval castle. Sitting on a volcanic plug there is no other city in Europe to offer a setting quite as unique as that of the castle rising high above the majestic Princes street gardens, to the hustle and bustle of the city’s first new town, and the main thoroughfare awash with designer shops. Or why not explore the largest urban park in Europe, home to our extinct volcano known locally as 'Arthur’s seat'. The park nestles beside the official royal residence in Scotland, Holyrood house. Another possibility to visit, or, you could also take a trip to visit the Queen's retired cruise ship- 'The Royal Yacht Britannia' anchored at the port of Leith. There are beautiful Botanic gardens if you wish to escape from the busy streets, and enjoy the tireless efforts of the numerous gardeners ensuring that this oasis remains a wonderful local feature. There are ghost, haunted and literary tours available to while away an evening, and of course the locals pubs offer a choice in music. There is so much to do; the list is endless for Edinburgh! This is just a taster!

DAY 5: SCOTT'S VIEW - JEDBURGH - NORTHUMBERLAND - HADRIAN'S WALL - HARTSIDE PASS - KESWICK
Depart Edinburgh at 09.00 and travel South into the Scottish Borders stopping at the world famous Scott’s view with stunning views over the River Tweed and the Cheviot hills that form the border between Scotland and England. We continue on to take a short walk to the William Wallace statue, the first ever statue erected to Scotland’s most feared warrior. Stopping briefly for refreshments by the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey we continue our journey towards the border crossing at Carter Bar. We follow the old Roman Road known as Dere Street into Northumberland and continue over the moors to follow the route of Hadrian’s wall, built by Emperor Hadrian to keep the Scots out of the Roman Empire. After lunch we take the opportunity to explore some of the Roman remains and walk in the footsteps of the Roman Centurians who patrolled this desolate frontier of the Empire. We head South West and travel over Hartside Pass, at over 1900ft - on a clear day the hills and mountains of Scotland and the English Lake District are clearly visible. We follow the route of the old sheep drovers road towards the lively market town of Keswick where you will be dropped off at your accommodation and are then free to explore this charming town.

DAY 6: EXPLORE THE LAKE DISTRICT
After breakfast we head a short distance out of town to the mysterious Castlerigg standing stones, thought by many to have been built over 5,000 years ago and the scene of ancient rituals. We then travel on to the shores of Ullswater described as England’s most beautiful lake where we take a forest walk to see the mighty Aira Force waterfall. Continuing south over the narrow and winding Kirkstone Pass we stop at Lake Windermere where you have the option to take a leisurely cruise on the Lake or simply eat lunch while enjoying views of the mountains and lakes. After lunch we travel around the southern tip of Windermere and on towards Coniston Water and shortly afterwards we arrive at the picturesque conservation village of Hawkeshead, where the poet William Wordsworth attended Grammar School. After free time to explore the village we take the narrow country lanes north towards Grasmere, which Wordsworth described as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”. There is free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage or enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy. In the late afternoon we return to Keswick.

DAY 7: EXPLORE THE LAKE DISTRICT - MOFFAT - GALLOWAY - EDINBURGH
You will be collected from your accommodation and we head for the Whinlatter Forest Park and over the Whinlatter pass and into some of the most dramatic landscapes that the Lake District has to offer. Our journey takes us through the rural village of High Lorton and past Crummock Water and Buttermere and on towards the Honister mountain pass. Stopping amongst the mountains we have the opportunity to visit the old slate workings where a small number of Cumbrians continue to make their living. Following refreshments we continue through the forests of Borrowdale, passing Derwent Water on our return to Keswick where there is free time for lunch and shopping. Following lunch we begin our return journey by heading north towards the border. After crossing into Scotland we make a stop in Moffat, one of Scotland’s oldest Spa towns. From here it is a leisurely drive through the Galloway Hills back to Edinburgh. Arrival Approx 18.00

On the last day you have the option to be dropped off in the afternoon at Penrith train station if you are wanting to continue on to London or other destinations south.

For departure details refer to the "Prices, Dates, and What's Included" Section...

THE ISLE OF SKYE, EDINBURGH, HADRIAN'S WALL &THE LAKE DISTRICT 7 DAY TOUR

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