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Isle of Skye: (1½ hr drive from the hotel)
One of the most romantic destinations in the Highlands, The Isle of Skye is steeped in beauty, history and has a vibrant Gaelic culture. For youngsters, the unique dinosaur museum hosts world class examples of dinosaurs from recent island finds, while the serpentarium offers the chance to get up close to some fascinating and very alive, reptiles With many castles, distilleries and clan visitor centres to see. We recommended an early start if you wish to do the Isle of Skye justice in one day. Alternatively, we highly recommend an overnight stay on Skye at one of the Macleod hotels www.macleodhotels.co.uk – The Broadford, The Bosville or The Marmalade. www.skye.co.uk
Ullapool: (1 hrs drive from hotel)
The lovely drive up the west coast takes you to the picturesque fishing village of Ullapool where there’s a choice of fantastic restaurants, many of which specialise in seafood. www.ullapool.co.uk
Cairngorm National Park: (1hr from hotel) Awarded ‘National Park’ status in 2003, the unique wildlife and countryside in this area make it one of the most magical places in Scotland. There are all types of walks from easy family rambles, through tougher, day-long, hikes to challenging mountain ascents. Things to do: Highland Wildlife Park, whisky distilleries and breweries, Landmark Forest Activity Centre, the Cairngorm Funicular Railway – the highest mountain railway in the UK, the Reindeer Centre, Strathspey Steam Railway, mountain exhibitions, numerous shops and restaurants. www.agtb.org/cairngorms-national-park.htm
Ballindalloch Castle, Speyside (1hr 20 mins drive from hotel)
This package is based on a party of four, permitting two people to play golf while the others explore the Castle, grounds and gardens.
One of the most beautiful and renowned castles in Scotland, Ballindalloch’s origins as a 16th-century fortification are still discernible despite many alterations and improvements over the last few hundred years. Elegantly furnished and superbly maintained, the Castle has been continuously occupied by the same family, and is now the much-loved home of the Macpherson-Grants, descendants of John Grant, the laird who laid the foundations of the building in 1546.
Visit the Castle and enjoy its many original architectural features, but don’t forget to explore the magnificent grounds and gardens too. There is also a charming tearoom where you can sample freshly-produced home baking.
Ballindalloch Castle Golf Course
World-renowned course designers Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie have created an absolute hidden gem. Set on the banks of the River Avon amongst the splendour of 150-year-old trees, this challenging course with its 9 greens and 18 tees is second to none.
Special Entry Package for Residents of the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel
- 2 x admittances to Castle and Gardens, plus
- 2 x golf course green fees, letting you play all 18 tees (twice round the course).
Total Package Cost for 4 People - £50.00
Please let the hotel know if you wish to take advantage of our special arrangement with Ballindalloch. We are delighted also to cater for parties numbering other than 4.
Applecross (leisurely 2-3hrs drive from hotel)
Experience one of the most beautiful routes in Scotland. On leaving the hotel, we recommend that you head West with the option of having morning coffee at The Cluanie Inn. Your route then offers you the opportunity to visit the famous Eilean Donan Castle before turning off towards Lochcarron. The highlight of the trip will be your drive up the Bealach na Ba - Gaelic for ‘Pass of the Cattle’ which is famous for its twisting, single-track mountain road, rising to 626 meters (2053 feet). There are designated viewpoints that allow you the opportunity to stop and take-in the amazing views. This road was also featured in several episodes of the television series Hamish Macbeth.
On arriving at Applecross there is a quaint little water hole called the Applecross Inn that serves food most of the day.
We suggest that you travel back to hotel by continuing on your route along the coast, enjoying the scenic wonders of Torridon, Kinlochewe, Achnasheen and the Black Isle.
The Castle & Gardens of Mey, Caithness (3hr leisurely drive from hotel)
On leaving the hotel you head North on the A9 we suggest a morning coffee stop at ‘The Storehouse’ at Evanton. Continuing up the coast you will probably be lucky enough to see seals basking on large rocks. A further ½ hrs drive will have the opportunity to visit Dornoch – the home of the famous ‘Royal Dornoch’ championship golf course. Pre booking is essential if planning a round. A further 7 miles North you pass Dunrobin Castle, the home of Lord Strathnaver which we thoroughly recommend. The Castle and gardens are wonderful and they have a daily ‘bird of prey’ flying demonstration at 11.30am and 2.00pm. A further 1 hours drive through the heart of Sutherland and Caithness will take you to Castle Mey – the late Queen Mothers favourite retreat.
Built in 1573 by King George IIII, this wonderful castle exudes history from its architecture and furnishings to its beautiful gardens and grounds there for you to explore.
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