Departures

Single room supplement £60.00 per person

Rail/air connections and overnight accommodation in Glasgow, Edinburgh or Perth before or after the tour available on request

A four day package by air is available from London (other airports on request) from £485pp

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Tours ~ Tour Details

Far North - Gardens of the Far North, 3 Nightsfrom £ 385.00

Walk in the footsteps of the Queen Mother at her beloved Castle of Mey and in the shadow of Kings at Cawdor.

Tour Overview

A journey to the far north of Scotland brings many rewards, not least the sense of freedom and open space to be found in the thrilling seascapes of the coasts or the vast, empty expanse of mountain and moorland that separates east from west. Rewards also come in the shape of some enchanting castles and gardens, which we have threaded together to bring out the best of this remote and unspoilt region.

The Castle of Mey sits high on a cliff, overlooking the turbulent waters of the Pentland Firth, and it is here that Queen Elizabeth, the late Queen Mother, had one of her favourite retreats, and where she created a homely garden which reflected her great love of flowers. We also visit the gardens of Cawdor Castle, immortalized by William Shakespeare in Macbeth, and Dunrobin Castle, the château-style ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland. Finally there is Inverewe, a truly wonderful garden, which involves a journey to the wild beauty of the west coast through some of the most spectacular scenery to be found anywhere in the world.

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Tour Itinerary Back to top of page

Day 1

We depart from your local area and travel to the gardens of Cawdor Castle, near Nairn. William Shakespeare immortalised Cawdor in Macbeth as the scene of Duncan's murder, however, both the castle and its history are colourful enough without the aid of myth. A turreted 14th century tower, protected on one side by a gully and on the other by a dry moat, rises majestically from the woods of the Nairn Valley. The magnificent gardens include vast herbaceous borders, a rose garden, a peony walk and a kitchen garden - there is also a fascinating holly maze and a romantic bluebell woodland walk.

Later we will continue to Inverness to our accommodation at the Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel, centrally located on the banks of the River Ness. All rooms are en-suite with tv, hairdryer and tea/coffee-making facilities. The hotel’s facilities include a gymnasium, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. Dinner will be served in the evening.

Day 2

Enjoy your full Scottish breakfast. This morning we will visit Dunrobin Castle - the château-style ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland. The castle is a wonderful early 19th-century fantasy castle with a touch of the Loire and a dash of Bavaria. Below the castle is a magnificent example of a formal nineteenth century garden. The gardens are laid out on terraces which descend to the sea. We continue to John O'Groats before having an afternoon visit to the private gardens and former home of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, at the Castle of Mey. Dinner will be served on our return to the hotel.

Day 3

After breakfast we have a long but most rewarding day as we drive across the north of Scotland to visit Inverewe gardens, unquestionably one of the most outstanding gardens in the country. The northern road into Inverewe is spectacular - towering mountains and breathtaking vistas. The view from above Gruinard Bay has to be seen to be believed.

Famous gardens do not always live up to their reputations but it would be hard to imagine anyone failing to be excited by Inverewe, when at this time of year it will be at its most colourful. The balmy Gulf Stream Drift Climate promotes luxuriant growth and today it is a jungle of mature exotic trees and shrubs laced with winding walks, rising and falling, giving sudden glimpses of shimmering water through the foliage. We will return to Inverness via Loch Maree and Achnasheen, another spectacularly scenic journey. Dinner will be served on our return to the hotel.

Day 4

Enjoy your full Scottish breakfast. This morning en route home we have included a visit to Abriachan Gardens, near Drumnadrochit where you will have the added benefit of being able to purchase plants from the adjoining nursery. We expect to arrive at your original pick-up point during the evening.

What's Included Back to top of page

3 nights dinner, bed and full breakfast at the Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel. All rooms have en-suite facilities.

Comfortable coaching throughout.

Visits to the gardens of Cawdor Castle, Inverewe, Dunrobin, the Castle of Mey and Abriachan.

Services of a Brightwater Holidays tour manager

Supplements Per Person Back to top of page

Single room supplement £60.00

Insurance £19.00 (66 years and above £38.00)

Departure Points Back to top of page

Dundee - Outside Discovery Point

Perth - Bus stop in Canal Street at Tay Street end

Kinross - Moto Services, M90

Edinburgh - Outside front entrance Marriott Hotel, Glasgow Road (formerly Royal Scot Hotel)

Glasgow - Outside Millennium Hotel, George Square

Dunfermline - Bus stop layby outside Lauder College

Arbroath - Railway Station

Montrose - Outside Railway Station

All pick-up-points are subject to minimum numbers

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