Scot-Trek

Tuesday 24th April - Friday 27th April 2018

Coll + Tiree

New holiday on the Inner Hebridean isle of Coll which offers some of the best beaches in Scotland. We shall also explore the nature reserve… looking for corncrakes.. and climb a few hillocks to enjoy the views to Mull, Tiree + the Outer Hebrides. We also shall use the Calmac ferry to be able to spend some time on the neighbouring isle of Tiree with its own particular charm.

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Friday 4th May - Tuesday 8th May 2018

Mull + Tobermory

From our base on the shore of lovely Tobermory we have easy access to the best of Mull. We shall visit Aros Park, wild Calgary Bay, and the northern tip of Mull at Ardmore. A day shall be spent on the island jewel of Ulva.

Fully booked but we are looking for more accommodation so let us know if you are interested! A shorter weekend is possible.

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Wednesday 23rd May - Wednesday 30th May 2018

Tuscany

Return to our Italian oasis of the walled town of Barga in the hills of northern Tuscany and the most Scottish-friendly town in Italy. Most of the walks start from outside our base, the fabulous Casa Fontana listed as one of Trip Advisor’s top accommodations in Italy. Come along and see why! We use mule trails and good paths to visit mountain villages, market towns, an ancient monastery and gain a feel of the culture and life of the local people. Varied and fascinating walks through beautiful scenery full of colourful summer flowers. Very highly recommended.

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Friday 8th June - Tuesday 12th June 2018

Isle of Lewis

Welcome return to Stonoway on Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Staying at the ’grand dame’ of Stornoway hotels, The Royal overlooking the harbour, we have easy access to the many sites of interest in this most northern of the Outer Hebrides archipelago. Above all you will get the chance to attune to the unique Hebridean lifestyle.

One half day will be spent exploring Stornoway itself and the attractive grounds of Lews Castle. We shall travel south-west visiting the magnificent ever changing beach at Uig, where the Lewis Chessmen were found, and cross over the bridge to walk around the rugged terrain of Great Bernera. We shall explore the far north coast of Lewis around Ness and the Butt of Lewis as well as wandering around the area centred on the world famous standing stones at Callanish. A visit to the famous ‘blackhouses’ at Arnol will also be included to give another insight into the old Hebridean lifestyle. We shall also head south towards the Harris border and follow the ‘boardwalk’ above Loch Seaforth.

We can arrange a tour of Stornway’s butcher shops to giveyou the opportunity to buy some of Stornoway’s most famous export!

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Thursday 5th July - Tuesday 10th July 2018

Orkney

Another chance to visit this wonderful archipelago. We are staying in the capital, Kirkwall, on the Mainland of Orkney. Most of our walks will be there although we will have one day when we shall sail out to one of the smaller isles. Six days of relaxation, wide open spaces and gentle exploration. We will be in an area unbelievably rich in bird life and archaeological sites. Excellent food. Very distinctive retail opportunities.

After the flight north from Glasgow or Edinburgh we shall relax with easy coastal walks along the coast of the western Mainland visiting Marwick Head, Earl’s Palace and the Viking settlement of Brough of Birsay. We will be walking through the most archaeologically important area in Scotland and en route we will visit some of those remarkable sights including the Ring and Ness of Brodgar, Skara Brae and Maes Howe. Another day exploring the eastern Mainland with a tour of the historic Kirkwall, including St Magnus Cathedral, before heading to the coastal walks beyond the Gloup, Deerness and Mull Head. We shall make the short trip south to Lamb’s Holm to visit the Italian Chapel. From Kirkwall there are frequent ferries to the outlying isles and we shall spend a day on one of those. All of the islands of Orkney have completely different characters and we shall have the time to get a feel for one of these fascinating communities.

We have had bookings for this holiday since we visited Orkney in June 2016 so if you want to join us this year book ASAP.

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Saturday 4th August - Tuesday 7th August 2018

Muck + Eigg

We are based at the luxurious Gallanach Lodge on Muck where we have had such great times in recent years. Gallanach Lodge is luxurious accommodation and we have exclusive use of it for our stay. Both breakfast and dinner are outstanding. It is a place to come and relax and know that by the end of the holiday you will probably have met everyone on the island and discovered its many treats.

We travel up to Mallaig for the two hour crossing to Muck, including a short stop at Eigg en route. The House overlooks the main sandy beach on Muck - Coraiag Bay. The population is about 40 while before the Clearances of the 19 th century it was over 300. There are various early history ruins to discover. The main hill, Ben Airem, is 449 feet high. Stunning views from here over the Small Isles or back to the mainland. There is also an excellent café and Craft Centre near the pier including a 24 hour shopping opportunity! If you like animals this is the place to come as you will pass hens, cattle and horses wandering around along with the sheep, of all breeds, and pigs in the fields. Then there are the seals playing in the bay below the lodge. You can spend hours just watching them. The island is full of interesting corners and we should have the time to walk around and visit most of them. Or you could take a day off and just sit in the Lodge.

We shall arrange a 30 minute voyage across to Eigg to explore its beautiful coast and hopefully either get into the Massacre Cave or explore the rugged east coast.

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Saturday 1st September - Tuesday 4th September 2018

Raasay

Staying on Raasay means we have time to explore every corner of this beautiful island rather than being restricted to the area around the ferry terminal. We shall be able to discover both parts of Raasay. The wooded picturesque southern corner is where the ferry comes in and where virtually everyone lives. To the north which is now almost deserted is the highlands and coastline. This includes the famous hand-made ‘Calum’s Road.’

We stay at the ex-landowners home, the wonderful Raasay House. After decades as an outdoor centre it has recently been reborn after a major fire to include hotel rooms in the upper floors with dorms on the ground floor for children pursuing outdoor courses. This does mean that we can organise canoeing, boating, rock climbing etc for you if you are feeling particularly active!

Otherwise our walks are split between the two parts of the island. There are some good paths around the House and village letting us visit the Telford church, wander along the nearby bay and coastline and discover hidden lochans and graveyards. To the north there is a spectacular trek up Dun Can one of the most iconic hills and best viewpoints in Scotland. We shall walk the length of Calum’s Road and explore the sites of the many abandoned townships cleared in the 19 th century.

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Saturday 22nd September - Saturday 29th September 2018

Slovakia

Popular return to the Tatras mountains in north Slovakia. This area is dotted with various ski resorts and the access paths to the national parks are excellent and all embracing. We are based in upgraded accommodation, with indoor swimming pool and spa, at the charming mountain village of Tatranska Lomnica. This area of Slovakia is very similar to the Swiss Alps with green valleys, spectacular mountains and beautiful chalets and villages.

Our walks are in the Tatras Mountains and Paradise National Parks. We follow an exhilarating path through the Sucha Bela Canyon, climb easily up to mountain lochans at almost 5000 feet, walk between the highest mountains in Slovakia, visit waterfalls and the largest Ice Caves in Europe. We will also make time to explore the attractive regional capital of Poprad with its charming ‘old town’. Those who want more challenging treks to the summits of the highest mountains can be accommodated although in some cases there might be a supplement involved. Various wildlife is to be found in the mountains and the valleys. Bears are common. They raided our hotel grounds in 2017! We use a private bus and electric trains to move quickly to the beginning of all the walks. In some cases we can take advantage of the cable cars and funicular railways to move easily up the mountains. Temperature will be 15 - 20°C.

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Friday 5th October - Monday 8th October 2018

Royal Deeside

Relaxing weekend in beautiful Deeside. Surrounded by glorious scenery our walks are on excellent paths as we follow the River Dee through well maintained estates and attractive woodland. We have easy ascents up to local viewpoints and visit some historic communities. We are based in the attractive small town of Ballater where about every shop seems to have some royal connection!

Ballater is right in the heart of some wonderful walking country. We plan to walk through Invercauld Estate, complete the Seven Bridges walk around Ballater itself, climb easily up to the viewpoint over the Dee on Craigendarroch Hill, explore the dramatic landscape of Cambus o’ May and visit a spectacular castle. The walking is mainly very easy and generally on excellent paths and tracks with the old Deeside railway track put to good use. This is gentle countryside as the Dee meanders through some very pleasant woodland which should be stunning with the Autumn colours at this time of year. It’s a place to come to relax and enjoy the best of country life. We average 8 miles a day. This is a glorious area for gentle but very varied walking.

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Friday 19th October - Monday 22nd October 2018

Lake District

Pleasant weekend in a beautiful quiet part of the Lake District. We are based in the northwest corner of the Lake District, close by Keswick, in the attractive village of Braithwaite. This is in the very heart of the area that Alfred Wainwright thought was the best in the Lakes for walking and exploring. We will offer a mixed selection of walks with the option of climbing onto one of the easier fells or staying on the more low-level routes through the valleys.

The paths are excellent and the landscape is pretty and ideal for walking. We walk an average of 7- 9 miles each day through the fields and valleys and then up gentle slopes into the grassy fells. By coming at this time of year we shall escape the crowds that sometimes spoil this beautiful area. Our relaxing weekend will be made even better by staying at the warm, cosy and friendly Braithwaite Country Inn with its lively bar, good food and perfect location.

One day will be spent walking down the wooded shore of Derwent water with the option of enjoying a launch across the lake. One trek will be up following becks along the pastoral Newlands valley with the option of an easy hillwalk up the Barrow before descending down an open valley. Another walk will be to the east of Derwentwater as we follow paths towards Borrowdale and a series of spectacular viewpoints.

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Friday 2nd November - Sunday 4th November 2018

Arran

Always popular weekend in Arran with extra bonus of spectacular bonfire celebrations and glorious Autumn colours. Based in Brodick we have a selection of walks around Glen Rosa, Brodick Castle, Whiting Bay and a section of the Arran Coastal Way. Also the option to climb Goat Fell.

Arran does offer so much variety and in November it is at its very best. Marvellous scenery, Autumn colours and no crowds. We shall walk sections of the Arran Coastal Route either at Blackwaterfoot or between Whiting Bay and Lamlash, visit Glenashdale Falls, explore the splendour of Glen Rosa and the beauty of the grounds around Brodick Castle. Arran always offers magnificent views across to the mainland and the morning sun on Goatfell is a special sight. We plan to walk 7 - 8 miles each day. There is also the extra bonus, always much appreciated, of fantastic retail opportunities and an opportunity to make real progress on your Christmas shopping whether it be toiletries at Arran Aromatics or local produce such as cheese, beer, chocolates, oatcakes and preserves. As you might have guessed Gail has a say in these last sentences!

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