'Scottish Highlander' Cruise in Scotland

Whisky Trail cruises include visits to 3 distilleries with private guided tours and tutored tastings.
 

Sunday, Day 1 Banavie to Gairlochy
Guests are met at the Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel in Inverness and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Scottish Highlander. A champagne welcome by the Captain and crew, before we enjoy an early evening cruise to Gairlochy through Moy Bridge, with the last hand-operated bridge of its type on the Caledonian Canal. Time to savour one of the hotel barge’s many single malts before your first dinner onboard.

Monday, Day 2 Gairlochy to Laggan
Our tour today takes us to the renowned Dalwhinnie Distillery, standing in the Cairngorms National Park. Here, we are given a tour of the distillery and taste some single malts paired with a selection of delicious chocolates. If time permits, on the drive back to the barge we can also visit the ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle. In the afternoon, we cross Loch Lochy and as we approach our mooring at Laggan, a Highland Piper may be there to greet us with a stirring rendition of traditional Scottish music. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 Laggan to Cullochy
This morning, we take in some of the finest scenery Scotland has to offer as we drive to one of its best known and most photographed castles, Eilean Donan, which has featured in movies such as “Highlander” and James Bond’s “The World Is Not Enough” and overlooks three sea lochs. Our afternoon cruise today takes us across the very scenic Loch Oich, perhaps stopping en route for a spot of fishing and enjoying a walk, then onto our pretty mooring at Cullochy. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 Cullochy to Fort Augustus
This morning we cruise to Fort Augustus and down the “flight” as the locals call it, to moor opposite the Benedictine Abbey at the entrance to Loch Ness. Later, we can visit the Tomatin Distillery nestled in rolling hills alongside the River Findhorn and founded in 1897.  We are given an expert tour, followed by a tutored nosing and tasting of a range of single malts, including some from exclusive casks. Alternatively, we can encounter some of Scotland’s bloody past and visit the majestic ruins of Urquhart Castle overlooking Loch Ness, then a gentle drive will take us back to the Invermoriston Falls and the “Old Bridge” designed by Thomas Telford. You may even see a salmon leaping. This evening we are given a tutored private whisky tasting at a nearby hotel in Fort Augustus, The Lovat, followed by dinner in the fine dining restaurant.

Thursday, Day 5 Fort Augustus to Dochgarroch
This morning we enjoy a picturesque cruise from Fort Augustus across world-famous Loch Ness, with perhaps a chance of spotting “Nessie”, before passing through Loch Dochfour and mooring at the hamlet of Dochgarroch. After lunch, we drive through some stunning scenery to visit the Glen Ord distillery, founded in 1838 on the Black Isle by the Mackenzies of Ord. A fascinating description of the maturing and ageing process of single and blended malts is followed, of course, by a tasting. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 Dochgarroch to Muirtown
This morning, our final cruise will take us through Tomnahurich swing bridge and the locks to Muirtown, where there will be the opportunity to take a bicycle ride or walk to take in the wonderful views over the Moray and Beauly Firths. In the afternoon, we visit the Benromach Distillery near Forres, the smallest distillery on Speyside and run by Gordon & MacPhail of Elgin, a family business for over 100 years. Here we enjoy a guided tour and then a tutored tasting of the classic Benromach Speyside single malt whisky. On the way back to the barge, we can stop off at Culloden Moor, scene of the last major battle on British soil in 1746, or visit the Inverness Whisky Shop to discover its huge range of specialist whiskies. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 Muirtown
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Inverness.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change

If you are a family with children, we are able to create a bespoke itinerary and substitute a maximum of 4 excursions from our Classic Cruise Itinerary with your preferred family activities.

The following activities can usually be arranged on-board directly with the barge Captain and included in your itinerary without any extra charge (unless otherwise stated):

Bowling
24 Lane Bowling Alley in Inverness. Open for a quarter of a century, Roller Bowl was one of the first such bowling alleys in the Highlands. Bowling shoes are available for hire. Suitable for all ages. Baby-changing facilities are available on site.

Ice Skating
Ice rink in Inverness on the banks of the River Ness, offering ice skating for all ages and levels of expertise. Disabled access throughout the facility, which also has a lounge bar, café and baby-changing facilities.

Nevis Range Mountain Gondola
Unique in Britain, the Nevis Range cable car system allows visitors to enjoy a scenic ride while taking in stunning views and clear mountain air from high above the ground. The gondolas transport visitors 1,850ft up the north face of Aonach Mor, the eighth highest peak in Britain. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes in each direction and each car can accommodate up to six people. The journey allows for breath-taking views of the Scottish Highlands, including the Great Glen, Ben Nevis and the surrounding areas. On a clear day you can see as far as the Inner Hebrides! Suitable for all ages.

Swimming
Large leisure centre in Inverness with 2 swimming pools, wave pool, river with jets and geysers, flume rides and a thistle-shaped outdoor pool. Suitable for all ages. Baby-changing facilities available.

Other activities* – shown below – can be arranged but, due to their nature, they should be booked directly by the client with the activity provider. These activities are:

Steam Train Ride
Described as the greatest railway journey in the world, this 84 mile round trip aboard The Jacobite takes you past a list of impressive landmarks between Fort William and Mallaig. Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain’s most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig, passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, the River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis! Suitable for all ages. Must be booked in advance. (Supplement Payable)

Outdoor Discovery Park
Outdoor adventure park featuring numerous activities, including climbing walls, dry-skiing, quad biking, laser quest, high ropes, grass sledging, river assault and much, much more. All instructors are fully trained in their activities and all hold the relevant safety certificates. Suitable for all ages. (Supplements may be payable depending on the activities requested)

Dog-Sled Riding (12 years+)
Situated in Aviemore, at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountain Range, the Cairngorm Sled-Dog Centre offers a wide range of activities for the whole family. Be part of a real sled dog adventure, taken by a large dog team into some of the best scenic routes in the Cairngorms, past herds of red deer and other wildlife, taking in breath-taking panoramic views of two sets of mountain ranges. Weight limit 16st (224lb/101kg) pp. Must be pre-booked. (Supplement Payable)

Horse Riding (3 Years+)
A family run enterprise since 1963 and located in Drumnadrochit in the Scottish Highlands, Borlum Farm offers magnificent riding country set within 400 acres of land. The site incorporates riding stables with excellent facilities and horses and ponies to suit most riders. Riding durations range from 1 to 3 hours, while other treks and rides can be offered on request. Must be pre-booked. (Supplement Payable)

Sea Kayaking
Explore the Scottish coastline from a sea kayak and you may be lucky enough to encounter sea otters, seals, basking sharks and a huge variety of coastal birds. Several itineraries are available, and many have options for different levels of expertise, whether you are new to water sports or experienced in sea kayaking. Suitable for all ages, although parents’ discretion is advised. Must be pre-booked. (Supplement Payable)

*Activities are payable by the client directly to the provider, whose individual terms and conditions apply.
All activities are subject to availability. Children’s bicycles, bicycle helmets, child car seats and high chairs and available without cost 

Golf cruises include four pre-booked and paid tee times and transfers to and from the golf clubs. Hire of clubs, caddy or buggy not included. Only those golfing pay the supplement. A minimum of 4 passengers on a golf charter are required to play golf.
 

Sunday, Day 1 Banavie
Guests are met in Inverness and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Scottish Highlander. A champagne welcome by the Captain and crew and perhaps an early evening stroll before our first dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 Banavie to Laggan
After breakfast we transfer to Newtonmore Golf Course (30 mins drive). Established in 1893 this comparatively flat, easy-walking, parkland course is full of exciting and invigorating challenges. It nestles appealingly in the midst of the Monadhliath and Grampian Mountains and on the banks of the River Spey.  Return to the barge for lunch and a cruise through Moy Bridge, the last hand operated bridge of its type on the canal, across Loch Lochy and on to Laggan where we moor for the night. A Highland Piper may be there to greet us with a stirring rendition of traditional Scottish music. Dinner on board.
(18 holes, 6041 yards, Par 70, pull carts and buggies available)

Tuesday, Day 3 Laggan to Cullochy
This morning, we take in some of the finest scenery Scotland has to offer as we drive to one of its best known and most photographed castles, Eilean Donan, which has featured in movies such as “Highlander” and James Bond’s “The World Is Not Enough” and overlooks three sea lochs. Our afternoon cruise today takes us across the very scenic Loch Oich, perhaps stopping en route for a spot of fishing and enjoying a walk, before reaching our pretty mooring at Cullochy. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 Cullochy to Fort Augustus
This morning we cruise to Fort Augustus and down the “flight” as the locals call it, to moor opposite the Benedictine Abbey at the entrance to Loch Ness. After lunch on board, we head out to encounter some of Scotland’s bloody past as we visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle in a spectacular setting overlooking Loch Ness. If time allows we can visit the Invermoriston Falls and the “Old Bridge” designed by Thomas Telford where you may even see a salmon leaping.
This afternoon enjoy a round of golf at the nearby Fort Augustus Golf Course, probably the only course in the world kept manicured by a herd of sheep!  This course features 9 holes in a challenging canal side setting. Dinner ashore tonight at a local restaurant.
(9 hole, 5,454 yards par 67: pull carts available)

Thursday, Day 5 Fort Augustus to Dochgarroch
This morning we enjoy a picturesque cruise across world-famous Loch Ness, with perhaps a chance of spotting “Nessie”, before mooring at the hamlet of Dochgarroch. We enjoy lunch on board and afterwards journey to the Championship Links course Castle Stuart (20 min drive) overlooking the Moray Firth.  Dinner on board.
(18 holes, 6,705 yards, Par 72: buggies and pull carts available)

Friday, Day 6 Dochgarroch to Muirtown
Depart early for the Royal Dornoch Golf Course (1hr 30mins drive) for a round on the Championship Golf Course, one of Scotland’s famous links courses designed by Tom Morris. Dornoch dates from 1616 and is internationally acclaimed. Our final cruise today will take us through Tomnahurich swing bridge and through the locks to Muirtown, where there will be the opportunity to take a bicycle ride or walk to the sea lock with wonderful views over the Moray and Beauly Firths. Captains Farewell Dinner on board.
(18 holes, 6,514 yards Par 70: buggies and pull carts available)

Saturday, Day 7 Muirtown
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Inverness.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change

Sunday, Day 1 Muirtown
We meet you at the designated meeting place and transfer to Scottish Highlander moored at Muirtown near Inverness. Champagne welcome followed by a toast to the newly married couple. Whilst you unpack in your exclusive double suite enjoy a complimentary bottle of champagne on ice. A short evening cruise along the heather-lined canal, with only sheep for company, to the winding hole for your first romantic, candlelit dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 Muirtown to Fort Augustus
This morning we visit the 14th century fairytale Cawdor Castle* immortalised by Shakespeare with Macbeth, housing a superb collection of tapestries, pictures and furniture with beautiful landscaped gardens. We also visit Culloden Moor, site of the last battle on British soil in 1746. After lunch we cruise Loch Dochfour to Fort Augustus anchoring for tea beneath Urquhart Castle, then cruise the south shore of the mysterious Loch Ness to moor near Fort Augustus Abbey a romantic setting for Champagne cocktails before dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 Fort Augustus
After breakfast we cruise up the staircase of five locks through the village of Fort Augustus, which gives us plenty of time to shop and look around this pretty Caledonian gem. Lunch today is a luxury, romantic lock-side picnic for 2 with the local piper discreetly in attendance. After lunch we visit Urquhart Castle and Invermoriston Falls. Fort Augustus has a charming heather-laced 9 or 18 hole golf course, where the official green keepers are sheep! Later in the day, when available, we watch a sheepdog trial demonstration. You dine out tonight at a local restaurant where we have arranged for you to be seated at the best table.

Wednesday, Day 4 Fort Augustus to Cullochy Lock
We leave Fort Augustus this morning and cruise to Cullochy Lock via Kytra. After lunch we drive through Glen Moriston and stunning highland countryside to romantic medieval Eilean Donan Castle, setting for the film Highlander. Eilean Donan Castle has an idyllic island setting with commanding views of three sea lochs and frequent sightings of otters, dolphins and the Isle of Skye. Following the abortive Jacobite rising of 1719, the ruins of the castle were abandoned for 200 years until the 20th century when a complete reconstruction was undertaken. Champagne cocktails before your romantic, candlelit dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 Cullochy Lock to Gairlochy
Leave Cullochy Lock for a morning cruise via two locks at Laggan, and through Lochs Oich and Lochy to Gairlochy. In the afternoon there is a chance to see either the World War II Commando memorial, the woollen mill at Spean Bridge, selling traditional knitwear and tweeds, or the Clan Cameron museum. Champagne cocktails before your candlelit dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 Gairlochy to Banavie
Morning visit to the mystic battlefields of Glencoe. On the way back visit the Ben Nevis distillery for an insight into the secrets of the various stages of Whisky preparation and taste a wee dram or two. In the afternoon we cruise to Banavie and Neptune’s Staircase, a flight of eight locks that is a spectacular feat of engineering. Farewell Captain’s Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 Banavie
Passengers disembark after a hearty Scottish Breakfast for their transfer back to the designated drop off point by minibus.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change