Celebrated through the ages in poetry and song - and on this very special journey you will discover why. For a truly different, in-depth look at one of Europe’s most intriguing countries, explore with us by canoe and foot the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. A rugged beauty of bold vistas and independent nature calls us to the hills and rivers. 

Our first days are around Loch Tay and the rivers Dochart and Lochay. Soon we are off to the magical mystical mountains of Glen Coe.  Etive Mor rises out of the moorland and like a sentinel stands watch over the glen.   

We continue on to the Isle of Skye, a truly magical place.  The steep and rugged mountains along the coast make a dramatic backdrop during our travels. The Isle is rich in history and folklore.  The Quiraing (coo-rang) is truly a remarkable and magnificent place, and we plan to spend a day here walking and discovering.  The Quiraing is a maze of towering pinnacles and hidden meadows.  Some of the meadows are said to be magical places where fairies frolic on moonlit nights.

But there’s more and our travels continue to Kinloch Rannoch, the home of Black Woods Forests and fantastic open moors.  A narrow mountain path leads us up through the hills and into the magnificent grandeur of Glen Lyon. The river Lyon is a true delight and the countryside that unfolds in front of our eyes offers breathtaking beauty and true splendor. Over 25 miles long Glen Lyon is reputed to be one of the most beautiful places in all of Scotland, and we agree.

Scotland’s magic has many sources: the majesty of the mountain scenery and the loveliness of the glens, the quixotic history of the clans with their tartans and bagpipes, the castles of the feudal past and the humble elegance of an isolated crofter’s cottage, the sight of an eagle soaring above the fir trees or a proud stag on the hill.

We will remember friendly, welcoming people, and like Robert Burns, you’ll soon be singing “My heart’s in the highlands, wherever I go.”

The glories of Scotland have been celebrated through the ages in poetry and song - and on this very special journey you will discover why. For a truly different, in-depth look at one of Europe’s most intriguing countries, explore with us by canoe and foot the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. A rugged beauty of bold vistas and independent nature calls us to the hills and rivers. The Scottish Highlands are as different to the rest of Scotland as Scotland is from all of Britain. A rugged beauty of bold vistas and independent nature calls us to the hills and rivers.

Our adventure takes us deep into the heart of Scotland where timeless and tranquil beauty awaits. We settle into a slower pace of life, taking time to discover and explore the splendid landscapes, open rugged coastline, and hills of heather and dancing rivers. We look forward to spending our first days along Loch Tay. Here we will paddle the rivers Dochart and Lochay, have time to wander through the small village of Killin and enjoy walks in the hills above the village.

After our first few days along Loch Tay we travel west through Glen Coe and on to Fort William. Ben Etive rises out of the moorland and like a sentinel stands watch over Glen Coe. This area is well known for hill walks and climbing so our choices are numerous. The scenery throughout the glen is dramatic and no matter what we opt for we will find ourselves immersed in our surroundings.

We continue on the road to the Isles and the small coastal village of Mallaig. Here we catch the ferry and journey over the sea to Skye. The Isle of Skye, is truly an amazing place. Steep and rugged mountains along the coast make a dramatic backdrop during our travels. The Isle is rich in history and folklore.

Skye is home to the clans MacLeod and MacDonald. Throughout the Isle we will learn of clan struggles, the folklore of Bonnie Prince Charlie, crofting and clearances. The Quiraing (coo-rang) is truly a remarkable and magnificent place, and we plan to spend a day here walking and discovering.

The Quiraing is a maze of towering pinnacles and hidden meadows. Some of the meadows are said to be magical places where fairies frolic on moonlit nights.

We leave Skye and continue our journey Kinnloch Rannoch and Glen Lyon. Over 25 miles long Glen Lyon is reputed to be one of the most beautiful places in all of Scotland. Here we will find a wide range of walks to enjoy along with wonderful paddling on the

river Lyon. The Lyon provides the perfect setting for a day of paddling. The river is a true delight and the countryside that unfolds in front of our eyes offers breathtaking beauty and true grandeur.

Our last couple evenings are spent in Fortingall where we walk from the river along a quiet 0country lane past tidy thatched roofed cottages to Fendoch Guest House. Reputed to be the birth place of Pontius Pilate, this tiny hamlet is also home to an ancient Yew tree, druid stones and castles.

All to soon our journey is over and we are traveling back to Glasgow and saying our final good-byes to Scotland — a serene beautiful country, where every turn leads to further discoveries, wonderful vistas and an unhurried pace of life — The Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

WE stay at three great Inns, Visit their web site for more details.