Wild Luxury

Welcome to Scotland

Arriving in Scotland, meet your private guide, and transfer to the luxurious Glenapp Castle Hotel. If you wish to make this transfer by car, there are plenty of things to see along the way. Accompany your guide on a ramble to stretch your legs, visit a historic house or explore a local village. You may also reach Glenapp by helicopter, landing directly on the castle’s grounds. On arrival, relax into your comfortable suite before cosy aperitifs around the fire and a delicious award-winning dinner.

Lighthouse Keeping

After a leisurely breakfast, join your guide on a stunning walk along the sea cliffs to Scotland’s most southerly point, Mull of Galloway Lighthouse. Perched on the edge of the headland, with waves crashing in from below, it was first lit in 1830 and remains a guiding light today. Explore the exhibition, perhaps enjoying tea and sticky gingerbread, before returning to Glenapp Castle. You may wish to spend the afternoon relaxing, or for those with energy to spare, join your guide to go mountain biking or canoeing.

Island Hopping

Head out into the waves on a privately chartered zodiac for an exciting day of island hopping. Skirt the edge of Corryvreckan whirlpool, listening to the tale of Beira, Goddess of Winter and the story of the tempestuous currents. Look out for porpoises and otters, alongside many different species of birds. Journey ashore and visit the site of an ancient monastery, take a tour of a whisky distillery or delight in a castle’s hidden gardens. As the sea turns dark beneath the bow, arrive at your luxury camp for the night. Enjoy a hot shower and a dinner prepared by your private chef. Relax beside a crackling fire, under a star-studded sky.

As a unique extra, you may be joined on your adventure by Ripley, a sea eagle, who will fly from the boat and pluck fish from the water.

The Isle of Islay

After campfire coffee and an alfresco breakfast, make the short journey to the Isle of Islay, Queen of the Hebrides. Choose to spend the morning hiking the remarkable sea cliffs or perhaps ambling along sweeping sandy beaches in and out of rocky coves. Visit a medieval island settlement, potter around the quirky hamlets or enjoy a round or two of golf. No trip is complete without a visit to one of Islay’s nine whisky distilleries. Depending on your interest, a varied range of behind the scenes experiences can be arranged. Bring your Hebridean adventure to the perfect conclusion with a scenic helicopter ride from the Isle of Islay, directly to your next destination.

A Steam Train to Mallaig

Wake in Inverlochy Castle, a beautiful country hotel, nestled below Scotland’s highest mountain. After breakfast, board the famous Jacobite Express, a historic steam train for a journey noted to be one of the most scenic in the world. Travel along the famous Road of the Isles, passing through the misty mountains and over the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct. Arrive in Mallaig and have a nosy around this bustling fishing port. After lunch, head out sea kayaking, enjoying the company of a colony of curious seals as you glide along through the turquoise water. If you don’t fancy a paddle, decide instead to hike the coastline and explore a secret cave where Prince Charlie spent the night. Later, travel back to Inverlochy and relax after a lovely, busy day.

Time to Relax

A morning’s drive northeast will transport you to a beautiful, exclusive-use castle on the southern shores of Loch Ness. After settling in, take some time to simply relax in the seclusion of your own private paradise. Explore the 500-acre Highland estate, taking a walk in the dappled sunlight of the woodland garden or relax on the terrace with stunning views over the water and mountains beyond. After lunch, perhaps take part in a bushcraft workshop or delight in Scotland’s quirkiest gin distillery. As ice cubes crackle with gin and the hot smoky smell of a BBQ floats across the lawn, sit back and relax in the heart of the Highlands.

Exploring Loch Ness

As it is widely known, the dark depths of Loch Ness are said to be home to a monster, referred to more colloquially (and affectionately) as Nessie. Following breakfast, you may wish to meet a wonderful character who is recognised as an authority on the fascinating history and unique ecosystem of Loch Ness. Spend your final afternoon on a 100-mile helicopter flight to the far-flung and windswept Dunnet Head. During your journey watch purple moors unfurl, mountain peaks drop into ribboned glens, and lochs appear like jewels. Upon landing, wander the clifftops, looking north for beautiful views of the Orkney Isles. On returning, enjoy a final evening of celebration, culminating with a gala dinner, live folk music and highland dancing.

If you would prefer to spend the afternoon exploring more locally, a trip to nearby Glen Affric will not disappoint. Considered by many to be the most beautiful valley in Scotland, it offers an outstanding network of trails, excellent canoeing and the largest area of ancient Caledonian pine forest in the country. Those with a fondness for history, choose to visit local battlefields and ancient monuments in the surrounding region.

Homeward Bound

Depending on when you choose to depart, have a relaxed breakfast and take a stroll around the castle’s 500-acre estate. Join your guide who will transfer you to your chosen destination to begin your journey home.

Extend your Stay

Sometimes simplicity is the best option – so perhaps choose to extend your stay in your final, exclusive use castle destination, gifting yourself the luxury of time spent in a private and stunning location.

Photography Class

Head out with a professional photographer in search of the perfect shot. With excellent instruction in a beautiful location, be sure to gain both knowledge and skill while also having a thoroughly good time.

A Round or Two of Golf

Enjoy a round or two of golf on one of the many exceptional courses Scotland has to offer. Perhaps indulge in a luxury tour, hopping on a helicopter to take you to your chosen destination.