Scotland's west coast is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the United Kingdom, with its remote and mysterious islands, highlands and spectacular lochs. There can be few better ways to see the likes of Skye, Mull and Oban than sailing to them on the luxury private yacht Lord of the Glens, which can take you to the hidden sea lochs and magical islands of Scotland's western shore.
The names Loch Ness, Loch Nevis, the Sound of Mull, Iona, Eigg, Skye, Fort Augustus, Fort William conjure up images of glistening waters, wild landscapes, towering castles, majestic flora and fauna, and myths and legends. You'll see them all with west coast resident, explorer and broadcaster Monty Halls, who will join you for the duration of your trip. He will deliver two talks as well as a photography and filming masterclass.
This is not a cruise but a private yacht experience, similar to the Royal Yacht Britannia. With just 27 outward-facing ensuite cabins, the yacht offers sumptuous accommodation and superb cuisine.
A former Royal Marines Officer who worked for Nelson Mandela in the early '90s, Monty left the forces to pursue a career in expeditions, travel journalism and marine biology. He has presented award-winning documentaries and become a renowned speaker and writer.
Cabin pricing:
Cat 1B James Watts Deck | £2,589
Cat 2 David Roberts Deck | £2,864
Cat 3 David Roberts Deck | £3,314
Cat 4 Alexander Graham Bell Deck | £3,314
Make your own way to Inverness, where a coach transfer will pick you up from either Inverness Airport or bus station in the afternoon. You'll drive to Kyle of Lochalsh to embark Lord of the Glens. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner on board while docked.
After breakfast you will visit Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, with its stunning setting on Loch Duich. From there it's on to the village of Plockton on the shore of Loch Carron, surrounded by a ring of hills. In the afternoon, you'll sail to the Isle of Skye to see the Clan Donald Centre and Gardens before heading to Inverie in Loch Nevis. This remote location has a famous pub that can only be accessed by boat.
Today, you'll sail to the small island of Eigg, which came into community ownership in 1998. You will get a sense of what life is like for the 90 or so people who live here. From there you will sail around Ardnamurchan Point, the most westerly point of mainland Britain, and into the Sound of Mull to arrive at Tobermory. Tobermory's most famous feature is the row of brightly painted houses that lines the waterfront, built by the British Fisheries Company for £20 each to house its workers.
After breakfast you'll sail down the Sound of Mull to Craignure and visit to the Isle of Iona, the last resting place of 50 Scottish kings and the place where St Columba introduced Christianity to Britain. This tiny crofting island has a unique sense of peace and tranquillity. Later you'll sail across the Firth of Lorn, pausing for pictures in front of Duart Castle, the 13th-century home of the chief of Clan MacLean.
Sail north into Loch Linnhe, a fjord carved by the last ice age, and on to Corpach. Cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the West Highland Railway to see the Glenfinnan Monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites.
After breakfast we ascend Neptune's Staircase, an impressive flight of eight inter-connected locks that lifts the vessel 103 feet above sea level to Banavie. We then sail through peaceful Loch Lochy and Loch Oich and various man-made sections of the Caledonian Canal, which was started in 1803 to plans produced by Thomas Telford following survey work by James Watt thirty years earlier. Overnight in Fort Augustus.
Cruise Loch Ness today - 23 miles long, one mile wide and up to 600ft deep. You'll pass photogenic Castle Urquhart, and travel onwards to Culloden, scene of the last battle fought on British soil in 1746. In the evening you will be joined by members of the crew for a farewell dinner. Moor here in Inverness overnight.
Disembark after breakfast for your transfer to Inverness.
For general information, click here.
What our customers have to say...
"Every one of the team I met yesterday gave a fantastic service and it is really appreciated the efforts you all went to. Not just for Mum and myself but for all your clients."
"We are delighted that every member we met yesterday went above and beyond and gave such great service. What a great team you must be to all work together in this way."
"I had a very enjoyable few days. Suzannah Lipscomb was amazing. I shall be doing more tours with you."
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