Scotland - Coast to Coast

Day 1

We travel to Scotland to the North West Castle Hotel, our base for the next 2 nights.

Day 2

We start the day with sightseeing in Portpatrick, a pretty picture-postcard harbour on the Mull of Galloway with superb views over the Solway Firth to Ireland and the Isle of Man. After a short stop, we head to Logan Botanic Garden, Scotland’s most exotic garden. Due to the location’s almost subtropical climate, we can explore fascinating plant treasures from South/Central America, Southern Africa and Australasia. In the afternoon we visit the delightful Castle Kennedy Gardens, one of Scotland’s hidden treasures and home to a historical collection of Rhododendrons, Championship Trees and rare species.

Day 3

After breakfast, we say goodbye to the west and begin our journey to Aberdeen via Dundee, where we pause for a visit to Discovery Point. Here we explore Captain Scott’s ship, RRS Discovery, which he sailed on his remarkable Antarctic expedition. Afterwards, we continue our journey on to Aberdeen to the Sandman Signature Hotel, our base for the next 3 nights.

Day 4

Today we spend the day at leisure exploring the ‘Granite City’ of Aberdeen, famous for its stunning, sparkling, granite buildings and monuments which shimmer in the sunlight. Perhaps take a stroll down to the harbour where you may just see their resident pod of dolphins playing in the waters, then do some serious souvenir shopping in the vibrant centre of Union Street. Perhaps we can explore Old Aberdeen, with its cobbled streets, mature trees and 15th century fortified cathedral.

Day 5

After breakfast, we visit Crathes Castle and Gardens. Standing against a backdrop of rolling hills and set within its own glorious gardens, Crathes Castle is every inch the classic Scottish tower house. Inside we find a labyrinth of cultural history including family portraits and fine antique furniture, whilst the walled garden is a wonderful jungle of history, from modern exotic blooms to massive yew hedges. In the afternoon we travel to the Lochton Of Leys Farmhouse, the home of Aberdeenshire Highland Beef. Here, we meet Grace and her herd of pedigree Highland Cattle up close and personal, learning about the history of this native breed and how they are farmed today, on a 1 hour guided tour. We also enjoy a beef tasting and tea/coffee served with homemade Scottish shortbread.

Day 6

We depart Aberdeen and make our way to Gretna Green for an overnight stay at the Gretna Hall Hotel.

Day 7

After breakfast we begin the return journey home.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner