Scotland

My favorite parts of Scotland

Sometimes I wish the climate was a wee bit cooler in California so I could get more wear out of my kilts. I always try and do my client travel lectures on Scotland in December, so I don’t look daft in a heavy kilt and cashmere jumper.

Surrounded by sea and boasting over 30,000 lochs (lakes) Scotland is a dream come true for nautical adventurers. From the shores of mysterious Loch Ness to “The Misty Isle” of Skye take in beautiful lochs and coastlines whilst experiencing the breath taking landscapes of the Northern Highlands where I grew up.

Admire the Crown Jewels at Edinburgh Castle, visit a whisky distillery, explore the Scottish Isles and visit its exciting cities, such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen. All different, and worth visiting.

I love arranging a dream holiday for someone, with a car and local driver guide so you can enjoy the trip and not worry about one lane roads, and driving on the opposite side of the road. My special route starts at the Boath House in Nairn, near Inverness where you stay for two nights. Once described as the most beautiful Regency house in Scotland, it is set on twenty acres of absolutely gorgeous grounds. The restaurant holds a coveted Michelin Star. A drive to Speyside the famous whisky region to sample a wee dram (little sip) is a must, along with a visit to a famous battlefield, and a cashmere shop. There are lots of castles to see on this route.

On day three, the Bealach na Ba, our highest mountain road takes you to the remote highlands. Until the 20th century, the Applecross Peninsula was only accessible by boat, and this road is named one of the world’s greatest car journeys. There are wonderful views of Skye, and you should stay at the Torridon Hotel which has twenty bedrooms. Wester Ross is considered one of Scotland’s hidden gems. You always see eagles, and puffins here. Good walking shoes and a brolly (an umbrella) are a must. We don’t get rain, just mist.

Day Four - you take a private guided walk of the Torridon Hills to stand and look at the stunning views. If you are interested, we could arrange for a round of golf, or some fishing.

Day Five will have you on a one of a kind opportunity, on board a private charter from the pontoon at Torridon to set off on a unique sea expedition to the Isle of Skye where my family is from. There is now a bridge from the mainland, and I liked it better when you had to take the ferry. The capital of Portree, leads us south to Kinloch Lodge, cited as one of the world’s top twenty five small hotels by Conde Nast as well as holding a much coveted Michelin star. Owned by Lord and Lady Macdonald, he is the High Chief of the Clan Donald. Claire Macdonald is an award winning cook and food writer.

Day Six – take the afternoon ferry to Mallaig, and step aboard the most famous Jacobite Steam Train in the world. The Harry Potter books made this the world’s greatest train journey. You get taken over the 21 arches of the Glenfinnan Viaduct with smashing views of Loch Sheil and the Glenfinnan Monument which is important in our history. You stay at the Airds Hotel which is a lovely inn on the west coast of Scotland with a great restaurant.

Day Seven takes you a short distance to the little town of Oban, which means “little bay” in Gaelic. This is the gateway to the isles with many sailing boats and ferries for both the Outer and Inner Hebrides. Climb aboard the Bloodhound, the class 1930’s yacht, owned by the Queen and Prince Philip until 1969. It is a 63 foot Royal Racing Yacht and will be yours for the day. You can sit back and relax on board, or help the crew if you are a yottie. There are 35 inhabited and 44 uninhabited islands in the Inner Hebrides.

Day 8. Travel thru Glencoe, site of the massacre of Clan Macdonald by British troops in 1692, to see Loch Lomond where you can have a private cruise. One of my favorite hotels in the whole land is Cameron House on the shore of the loch. It too has a Michelin Star.

Day 9. Our chauffeur guide will take you to Glasgow Airport to fly home. Another option is to take the train to London, if you want to have a few days there which is what I always do.

Go on our website – www.froschvacations.com and explore.

Have a dream escape to my homeland.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz aVE

Menlo Park, CA 94025

650-961-2340 direct