From Oban to Kyle of Lochalsh · Northern Europe · 7 nights
From Oban to Kyle of Lochalsh
This former Aegean ferry was remarkably transformed and rebuilt to transit the intricate waters of the Caledonian Canal, with the elegant appeal of a vintage Pullman carriage.
Lord of the Highlands is infused with the same relaxed house
party atmosphere as the Hebridean Princess, and is perfectly in
keeping with the line’s unmistakably Scottish heritage.
The waterfront town of Oban, situated on Scotland's west coast, is the main gateway to the Hebridean islands, and it's a busy place in summer. We recommend sampling the excellent seafood while enjoying the views across to the islands of Mull and Kerrera.
Islay is renowned for its peaty, smoky whiskies, and the island is home to nine different distilleries, including the famous Laphroaig. Other highlights include the RSPB Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve and the ruins at Finlaggan, former seat of the Lords of the Isles.
The island of Colonsay is blessed with a varied landscape of birch woods, sandy beaches, rugged hills and grassy lowlands known as ‘machair’. Highlights include the dramatic sweep of Kiloran Bay and the magnificent gardens of Colonsay House, spread over some 30 acres.
Tiree is the westernmost of the Inner Hebrides, and enjoys some of the longest sunshine hours in the UK. The influence of the Gulf Stream also means the climate is milder than on the mainland, and the island is characterised by sweeping white sand beaches, pretty wildflowers and strong winds that keep the midges away.
The Isle of Coll is rocky and rugged in the north, while to the south a landscape of grassy dunes known as machair is surrounded by sandy beaches. The tranquility is disturbed only by the island’s abundant birdlife, and in particular by the rasping call of the corncrake.
Armadale sits near the southern tip of the Sleat Peninsula on the Isle of Skye, linked by ferry to Mallaig on the mainland. Next to the ruins of Armadale Castle is a visitor’s centre dedicated to the history of Clan Donald, one of the largest clans in Scotland, and the castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Pull up a seat and enjoy a pint at the most remote pub in mainland Britain, the Old Forge in Inverie. This sleepy little village is situated on the wild Knoydart Peninsula, and can only be reached by boat or by hiking 17 miles over some pretty challenging terrain.
The isle of Raasay lies off the east coast of Skye, just 10 miles long and rising to a 443-metre peak at Dun Caan. Raasay has an interesting history, visited by James Boswell and Samuel Johnson during the 18th century, and was the birthplace of the Scottish poet Sorley McLean.
Kyle of Lochalsh is a pleasant little town that sits at the mouth of Loch Alsh, close to the bridge that links the mainland with the Isle of Skye. Nearby attractions include the 13th century Eilean Donan castle, one of the most iconic tourist destinations in Scotland.
