Those wishing to discover the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and Islands now have even more opportunity to do so, as the number of flights between London Heathrow and Inverness is increasing next year, from 10 per week to 16 from 31st March 2019 for the summer season.
Inverness is the start point for exploring the world-famous Loch Ness – take a boat trip to try and catch a glimpse of ‘Nessie’ or explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle on the loch shore. McKinlay Kidd offers an extensive range of self-guided tours starting from Inverness and ranging across the Scottish Highlands. Itineraries can be personally tailored to each customer’s precise requirements and all have been tried and tested by one of McKinlay Kidd’s specialist team, ensuring authentic experiences plus unique combinations, genuinely recommended using personal knowledge.
North Coast 500 Fly-drive
Travel to Inverness by air, then experience the UK’s most exhilarating driving route and stunning Scottish scenery. The North Coast 500, a coastal road – and Scotland’s answer to Route 66 – runs for 516 miles, starting and ending in Inverness. From tackling the famous “Bealach na Bà” (“Pass of the cattle”) to the mesmerising twists and turns of the road heading north, it’s a thrilling driving experience that’s not for the faint hearted. McKinlay Kidd’s recommended spots for stopping along the way ensure that the experience is truly an adventure, combining unforgettable scenery and incredible coastal views with fascinating towns and villages. Spend two nights in the charming village of Shieldaig, followed by one night in Sutherland, two nights in the northern town of Thurso and, finally, two nights in Dornoch.
North Coast 500 Fly-drive costs from £945 pp (two sharing), including seven nights’ B&B in small hotels/guest houses, return flights (London Heathrow-Inverness) and eight days’ manual car rental. Flights from London Gatwick, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Dublin and Belfast also available. Tailor-made trips from March to November.
Far North Line to Orkney
Journey to the captivating Orkney Islands via Britain’s most northerly railway on this self-guided train tour. Boarding the Far North Line in Inverness, there’s much to see on this scenic rail route to Thurso, the most northerly town in mainland Scotland; gaze across the Dornoch Firth (just after Tain) to see Skibo Castle, spot Carbisdale Castle (shortly after Culrain, which is supposedly haunted) and make sure to catch a glimpse of Dunrobin Castle too. From Thurso, take the ferry to the historical Orkney Islands and discover Scotland’s rich Viking and prehistoric past. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Heart of Neolithic Orkney – made up of Skara Brae, Maeshowe, the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, marvel at mysterious stone circles and learn what life was like in the Stone Age. Admire the Bishop’s Palace – the oldest surviving domestic building of old Norwegian port, Kirkwall, dating from 1046, and join a small group guided tour to explore Orkney’s rich archaeological landscape.
Far North Line to Orkney costs from £655 pp (two sharing), including five nights’ B&B in family-run hotels/guest houses, return train travel on the Far North Highland rail line, return ferry travel to Orkney, transfers, a small group guided tour in Orkney and an Orkney Explorer Pass (offering free admission to major prehistoric sites in Orkney). Tailor-made trips from April to October. Flights extra, from £100 pp.
For more details, or to book, visit www.mckinlaykidd.com or call 0141 308 8009 to speak to an expert.
