Pre-Trip Service
My trip was first booked before the pandemic hit. I chose to keep the booking for the following year, when the holiday had to be cancelled once more. I particularly appreciated being offered to book once more, for the same price and with the bonus of a single room at no extra cost.
Accommodation & Food
The location of the lodge, overlooking the bay, was simply stunning. We loved to wake up to find stags grazing on the lawn in front. The rooms were tiny but clean and comfortable. Although we had to share 2 toilets and 3 showers among 11 people, we never really felt any tension in the bathroom. This being a wilderness holiday, far away from it all, one cannot expect to have first-class facilities. Some cleaning in the middle of the week would have been welcome though.
Your Guide
Laurence was very professional and was keen to adapt the walks to the group's abilities and to the weather. We enjoyed Laurence's anecdotes on the way and the whisky testing was a real plus! Some of us could have been challenged more by some harder, longer walks.
The Bottom Line
This was a real wilderness experience, with stunning scenery and wild life on the doorstep. The holiday is a good combination of boat trips to the islands, and walking inland. The accommodation is rather basic but fitted with modern conveniences, not least of all Wi-Fi. The nearest pub or shop is 5 or 6 miles away and you need either a boat, or to walk down/ up a hill for 20 minutes to reach Doune. Those were absolutely peaceful and refreshing holidays.
What does this mean?