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The Escape - Stunning crisp winter landscapes, a luxury Land Rover, a single malt by a roaring log fire and a remote lodge at the end of the day....its the ideal winter escape with our exclusive Land Rover Tours of Scotland.
The Route - We have taken the popular North Coast 500 route, and worked our own magic on it. Starting in Perthshire, and crossing the Cairngorms, the route weaves along the island dotted west coast, venturing to some of the wildest coastal points of Europe, taking in ancient castles & mystical lochs along the way.
Why Exclusive? - This adventure is unique. Enjoy stunning accommodations and food along the way, with our immaculate Land Rover Discovery 4's being the ideal luxury 4x4 to lift the winter blues.
You Choose
We offer a small group adventure, with just 2 client vehicles and one guide/safety vehicle. Our next available departure is on January 22. Alternatively you can go solo, with our innovative in-car tablet guide and personalised APP, which provides routing, accommodation details, weather, live navigation and much more.
Why Now? - Its been a frustrating and worrying year for everyone. Grab the opportunity to escape on a safe, easy, independent adventure to the last wild places in Britain, and to truly get away from it all.
e mail info@celticroutes.com to check availability on exclusive Land Rover Tours of Scotland, special winter adventure. Please use the booking link below to reserve your vehicle. We refund or re schedule if your break is affected by Covid issues.
Day 1
You will head North on an easy fast drive to historic Dunkeld, on the north bank of the scenic River Tay.
You have the option to stay the evening before departure at the Titanic Hotel on the Liverpool Waterfront, with easy air and rail access and free transfers to our base next morning, for your early departure to Scotland.
Frequently described as the "Gateway to the Highlands", you will have the option to head into the hills and put the brand new Land Rover Defender to the test, on a challenging special off road course at the nearby (optional) Land Rover Scotland Experience.
The centre is located on the shores of Butterstone Loch in Perthshire with some stunning scenery. If you are lucky you may spot an Osprey fishing for Trout in the loch, and visitors often see Stag or Deer when driving. Off-road facilities include an obstacle/assault course with rutted tracks, steep hills, boulders, slippery slopes and woodland tracks.
Your Accomodation
In unspoiled Perthshire countryside, Meikleour Estate is one of the oldest historical estates in East Scotland. Your accommodations, built in 1820, have a proud Franco-Scottish heritage and serve superb country food, incorporating produce direct from the estate.
Bed & Breakfast.
Day 2
We take in the main highland route North via the Cairngorms National Park or Loch Ness, to Inverness and cross the Moray Firth. Your final destination today is the Black Isle, and remote coastal village of Cromarty.
Your route transits the Ciarngorms, with stunning scenery, lochs, and a stop in the lovely riverside city of Inverness, before crossing the Moray.
A taste of dry aged local Scottish beef at the Glenmorriston overlooking the river in Inverness is good lunch option, while an optional Fly Fishing experience at Evanton is great fun, not to mention Glenmorangie distillary.
Despite its name, the Black Isle is not an island, but a peninsula, surrounded on three sides by water – Once you have crossed the Cromarty Firth bridge, this a location to enjoy wildlife - from dolphins to deer, from osprey to otters.
It's also steeped in history, with castles and cairns.
You can see Ben Nevis on a clear day, as well as the immense Fort George, the mightiest artillery fortification in Scotland if not Europe (Built following the 1746 defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie at nearby Culloden).
The guides books don’t mention the immense oil rig service facility at Cromarty, and at certain times of the year, the old village sits in the shadow of a couple of these imposing structures offshore, making an unusual contrast.
Your Accomodation
A hidden favourite of ours, set in private grounds overlooking the Cromarty Firth, just a short walk to the beach and harbour, and listed in the 2018 Michelin Guide.
Roll top baths and thoughtfully implemented decor, homemade organic toiletries, a lounge with log fire, comfy sofas and lots of books to settle down with, all complement views over the firth.
Winning an AA rosette has set the benchmark for the breakfasts, and dinners prepared and served by the owner, Fiona with homemade breads, pastries and preserves. The excellent seasonal three course dinner is available by pre booking only.
Bed & Breakfast. (Optional Set Dinner Served in the Dining Room, Recommended)
Day 3
Day 3 in Scotland sees you head west on a hard days drive, accross the mountains towards Kylesku, and the island dotted West Coast of Scotland.
The route west is simply superb, as we transit from the East Coast, stopping at the Falls of Shin, and then along the shores of Loch Shin, up to Tongue and Durness (weather permitting). We cross the remote "flow country" a wilderness area that has few inhabitants other than the wildlife, and the "Skyfall" scenery should look even more spectacular with its winter snows.
If time and weather permit, a trail leads along a hidden Glen into a private estate, fording the River Dionard, and then climbing into the Sutherland mountains to a remote loch.
We will take a break at the superbly located Newton Lodge, where the host, Lisa will host Scottish Sunday Lunch with a stunning view over Loch Glendhu.
From here, you drive on to Assynt, probably the most geologically impressive part of our Land Rover tours, with Britain's highest waterfall at 650ft near the head of Loch Glencoul.
A short diversion takes you down to Kylesku inlet, at the edge of the Loch, the haunt of puffins and seals, and then on to the final destination at Loch Assynt, and a traditional hunting lodge, again with lovely views.
Enjoy a Balblair scotch on the terrace overlooking the water, and its inquisitive seals. Then, retire to the lounge and log fire, before a special dinner of Paella with freshly caught langoustines from the Loch.
A lovely location to drink in the awesome scenery, cuisine, and wildlife of this most beautiful of west coast locations.
Your Accomodation
If one could imagine a classic Scottish Hunting Lodge in classic Highland scenery, with none of the tourist trappings, this is it. Your friendly host Andy will prepare dinner, as you enjoy the scenery and remote grandeur of Loch Assynt. Recently featured on an ITV series, it seems we are not the only ones to be enchanted by this unique location.
Bed & Breakfast
Day 4
Todays route takes you via Ullapool on a trail that again leaves the NC500, via a trail around the awe inspiring Stoer peninsula, south to Badrallach and Loch Broom.
Ullapool, at least for Northern Scotland, is a sizeable, but highly likeable fishing port and small town, situated in a sheltered arm of Loch Broom. Founded in the height of the herring boom in the 1700's, a handful of tiny pubs and two or three bistros face the pretty loch.
For lunch, try the "The Seafood Shack" (BBC streetfood of the year winner) while the nearby Caleidh Place offers roaring log fires, friendly staff, and some of the best food in town. Alternatively, enjoy a visit to the local deli & bakery, and then to the Ullapool Smokehouse to pickup some sublime smoked salmon.
Stop off at the Falls of Mearch, where the falls plunge 160ft into the imposing Corrieshalloch Gorge. Take in the view from the Victorian era foot bridge, spanning the sheer 200ft walls of lichen covered rock.
You can then head to your overnight accommodations in Badrallach to relax, or take an afternoon drive 1.5hrs out to the Rua Reidh Lighthouse.
Built in 1912 by David Alan Stevenson, cousin of the writer Robert Louis Stephenson, it's one of the most remote and wildest locations in Britain.
A narrow, winding single track road follows precipitous cliffs to the end of the peninsula. This outpost is an ideal chance to catch seals at play, and find the 37 species of seabird here. If you are lucky, otters also frequent the shoreline.
For the return, a tiny single track road leads to the tiny crofting hamlet of Badrallach
Your Accommodation
Shieldaig Lodge is a recently refurbished Victorian hunting lodge set in a 26,000 acre estate amongst stunning scenery of the West Highlands. The hotel retains the warm and welcoming atmosphere of its original 19th century origins. Cosy snugs with log fires, look out to magnificent waterside views. The Liberator Bar is home to over 250 award winning whiskies and over 110 world class gins, including every Scottish gin! Using fresh, locally sourced West Highland ingredients and home-grown produce, you can enjoy a daily bespoke menu designed by the classically trained Head Chef, Jerome Prodanu.
Bed & Breakfast
Day 5
You are reaching the Western edge of your adventure, with probably the most spectacular drive of all, via the Bealach Na Ba pass over the Applecross Peninsula *weather permitting.
Our Land Rover tours take in a coastal route along Gruinard Bay, with Golden Eagles and Seals frequently spotted, and a narrow viewpoint only accesible to 4x4, with one of the most breathtaking coffee break spots imaginable.
A fascinating stop is the Pool House on Loch Ewe, where the owner, Elizebeth Miles offers historical insights into this oppulant Georgian Manor as well as the local history of the World War 2 Atlantic Convoy base here. Amongst its previous guests is Winston Churchill, and a lunch or afternoon tea here is a must, perhaps with a walk to the 4000 year old Pictish Fort nearby, a refuge from marauding Vikings.
Leaving the shores of Loch Torridon, the route takes you to gentle and picturesque Shieldaig, where a maze of inlets creates a great location for kayaking, and the old Badachro Inn offers a pleasant waterside dining option.
From here, transit the nature reserve, Bienn Eigheand with its epic highland scenery and wildlife. Continue on towards the Applecross Peninsula, and start the 2045ft ascent on the daunting 1:5 gradient Bealach Na Ba pass, probably the most iconic section of the NC500 route and the must do drive.
This former drovers road, is a challenging one, and offers incredible views over to the Isle of Skye and beyond. Other than a tiny monastery founded here in AD 673, it's all wilderness and incredible scenery as you descend to the tiny village and then onwards to the Isle of Skye.
Your Accommodation
Overlooking the island of Ornsay, the Sound of Sleat, and the distant hills of Knoydart,
your evening sojourn offers another great location. Eilean Iarmain retains traditional charm, and a warm welcome from the friendly team at this waterside inn. Enjoy a candlelit dinner in the wood-panelled dining room to round off a long day, before retiring to your cosy accommodation for a well earned rest.
Bed & Breakfast
Day 6
You are reaching the end of your adventure, but the last day still offers an superb drive towards Ben Nevis and the shores of Ardrhu, for a final night of luxury, before your drive south.
Leaving Skye , you can route south with a view accross Loch Duich to probably Scotlands most classical scene, the Kyle of Lochalsh, overlooked by the magical Eilean Donan Castle.
There is an epic drive out from Sheil Bridge to Glenelg, where the film"Ring of Bright Water" was set. Otters and sea eagles still frequent the shore around Sandaig, on this historic road, built in the 17th century by Hanovarian Forces. The Mam Ratagan Pass offers the classic view back down the loch of the "five sisters of Kinsail" mountains.
Crossing north of Ben Nevis (britains highest mountain with its cloak of winter snow) the route heads South to Fort William. Here, on the shore of loch Linnhe you will find a truly unique property, set in brooding Outlander & Skyfall territory, and a luxurious way to round off your Northern Scotland experience with a relaxing evening and some spa treats.
Your Accommodation
An impeccably restored Scottish baronial manor, situated between the stunning Ben Nevis and Glencoe, sports a new spa with steam room, sauna, hydro-jet shower and outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the sea.
From your room, take in the mountain scenery of Glencoe and the Atlantic waters off the shores of Ardrhu. Throughout the house, an eclectic mix of art & antiques delight the keen observer. Bronze sculptures, Murano glass lamps and unique pieces of furniture all come together to make Ardrhu House a spectacular home away from home. A selection of spa aromatherapy, and heated mattresses make for a blissful sleep and a luxurious end to your Scotland Overland Adventure.
Bed & Breakfast
Day 7 (Extra Optional Night)
After heading South to our base, you can choose to stay in Lancashire, at nearby Moor Hall, a superlative option. The award-winning Restaurant holds two Michelin stars and five AA Rosettes, and was voted 'Restaurant of the Year' at the Estrella Damm National Restaurant Awards. This is no ordinary experience, and is just 15 minutes from our base. The accommodations and dining experience here compete with the very best in the UK.
Your Accommodation
Moor Hall has seven luxurious guest bedrooms, each one unique, full of character and complete with superb amenities. Five bedrooms are located in Moor Hall itself, with a further two bedrooms in the gatehouse by the lake.
Each of the bedrooms within the Hall has a wonderful view of the lake or gardens.
Bed & Breakfast / Optional Set Michelin Dinner 8 Courses
Exclusive Adventure Scotland
Stunning crisp winter landscapes, a luxury 4x4, and a single malt by a roaring log fire to finish. Explore on a unique winter escape.
Add Guide Safety Vehicle / 2 Guides option - next small group departure 22 Jan 2021
Our 4x4 lead escort safety vehicle and 1-2 expert friendly guides take you to those wilder secret locations, with a helping hand and a relief driver if required. Cost is per vehicle, min 2 client vehicles per guided tour. Next small group departure 22 Jan 2021
A challenging half day adventure, using new factory Land Rovers, with expert instructors to help you fully realise the capabilities of these off-road legends on challenging terrain on a beautiiful private Scottish estate. Min 2 persons
After your adventure, Moor Hall has, apart from beautiful accommodations, two Michelin stars. It was deservedly rated "the best restaurant in the UK" in 2019 . Head chef Mark Birchall has a clear ambition to not just create one of the best restaurants in the UK, but in the world. There isnt a better overnight stay to start, or round off your adventure, just 15 mins from our base and a wonderful "treat". Includes 8 course tasting menu and luxurious rooms.
Before or after your adventure. Set within a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the city’s most iconic areas by the River Mersey. Stanley Dock was once part of the largest dock system in the world. The hotel is conveniently located 20 minutes from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and minutes’ walk from the Pier Head, Tate Liverpool, the Cavern Club & The Beatles’ Story. For Titanic fans, nearby James Street, was home to the White Star Line. Huge rooms overlook the riverscape.
These prices are exclusive to former Peru guests and are not available to the public. If you have any special requests, please do let us know.
Book now, for your winter adventure.
6 Nights Winter Escape Booking Deposit - Please note your requested vehicle pickup date on your payment form and please e mail info@celticroute.com with any questions or requests. We can arrange vehicle delivery to Glasgow at extra cost on request, or complimentary transfers Liverpool / Manchester to our base.
Your booking will be confirmed within 24hrs via return e mail and we are always available via e mail or telephone.
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