Steppes Travel: Scotland's NC500 4x4 Exploration

STEPPES TRAVEL PRESENTS YOUR

SCOTLAND NC500 SELF-DRIVE 4X4 LAND ROVER EXPLORATION

Scotland's NC500 Journey Discover the wild side of Britain, staying at an eclectic mix of boutique hotels and lodges, travelling in your own immaculately prepared Land Rover, along carefully chosen routes.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

Services of a guide (in the lead vehicle) 7 nights' accommodation on a B&B basis Your own specially equipped Land Rover Vehicle insurance In-car tablet-based travel app Selected signature adventure activities

Your Land Rover LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 4 EQUIPPED AS BELOW: 5 seats All-terrain tyres Leather interior Heated seats Meridian sound system Air suspension and 4x4 Electric cooler Water carrier Additional lights Picnic table/2 chairs Full picnic set Cooker, gas and tea/coffee kit Device charging kit Guide app and in-car tablet

Your Itinerary DAY 1: Liverpool to Dunkeld on the River Tay. DAY 2: Take in the main highland route north via the Cairngorms National Park, to Inverness, and across the Moray Firth. Explore the Moray Firth by Rigid Inflatable Boat looking for bottlenose dolphins. In the afternoon take a guided tour of Balblair Distillery before reaching your final destination for the day, the remote coastal village of Cromarty on the Black Isle.

DAY 3: A longer, wilder drive leaves the conventional North Coast 500 route and instead heads inland across spectacular "Skyfall" country. The remote "Flow Country" land of wild tundra, peaks, and lochs serves up a classic drive on some of the finest driving roads in Europe. Explore Dunscanby Head, before descending to the incredibly remote Loch Assynt area.

DAY 4: Sutherland is a land of stupendous mountains and spectacular beaches of silver sand, soaring cliffs, and deep caves, rich with flora and fauna. It is one of the last truly natural and unspoilt places left in Britain. Included in your itinerary today is a guided kayaking excursion.

Your Itinerary DAY 5: Taking the coast from Ullapool, the route again leaves the traditional NC500, via a trail around the awe-inspiring Stoer Peninsula, with its remote lighthouses, and then south to Badrallach and the Falls of Mearch, where water plunges 160ft into the imposing Corrieshalloch Gorge. This afternoon you will take a sailing trip out to the Summer Isles and also visit the Pool House Museum.

DAY 6: A mainly coastal route along Gruinard Bay, with golden eagles and seals, frequently spotted, and on to the 2,045ft ascent on the daunting 1:5 gradient, Bealach Na Ba towards the Applecross Peninsula, and probably the most iconic section of the NC500 route, before crossing to the Isle of Skye.

DAY 7: You now route south with views across Loch Duich to probably Scotland’s most classical scene, the Kyle of Lochalsh, overlooked by the magical Eilean Donan Castle. Crossing north of Ben Nevis via Fort William, the final destination of the trip is Port Appin on the shores of Loch Linnhe. Today you will take a guided half-day trek searching for otters and other birdlife that occupies the coastline.

DAY 8: After a leisurely breakfast, start your journey south back to our HQ just outside Liverpool.

Included Activities Day 2 RIB Dolphin Tour at Cromarty Firth Explore the Firth of Cromarty aboard a custom-built, wildlife-watching RIB, and discover the scenery, history and wildlife that make this stretch of water so special, including the resident colony of bottlenose dolphins.

Day 2 Balblair Distillery Tour Meet the craftsmen and select your bottle from a hand-made cask which you can fill, cork, seal, and label yourself. Balblair is what you imagine a distillery should be. It sits on an ancient Pictish gathering place, tucked away on the Dornoch Firth.

Day 4 Sea & Loch Kayak Adventure The stunning sea lochs of the west coast provide an ideal location for beginners and experts alike. Otters, white-tailed eagles and seals are often spotted around the maze of small islands while the spectacular coastal backdrop is a constant companion.

Included Activities Day 5 Summer Isles Afternoon Sail Take a late afternoon sail out to the beautiful Summer Isles, visit the local seal colony, and spot guillemots, shags, and puffins. The islands offer a spectacular backdrop, and if you are lucky you might even get to see porpoises, basking sharks, or whales.

Day 5 Pool House Museum On the shores of Loch Ewe, Pool House is filled with an eclectic selection of memorabilia from around the world. The loch was the base for the WW2 Atlantic convoy fleet, so is a must-visit for anybody with an interest in naval history.

Day 7 Otter Trek, Isle of Skye Join an International Otter Survival Fund trek on the Isle of Skye to track otters on an exclusive half-day trek. You will be shown how to read the field signs and look for otters in the wild without disturbing them, which is vitally important.

Positive Impact Travel

Cairngorms Connect is the biggest habitat restoration project in Britain, encompassing 600sq.km. (230 sq. miles) of contiguous land – dedicated to wildlife. From the floodplain of the River Spey, through huge and ancient forests, to some of the highest mountains in Britain, they are shoulder-to-shoulder; a powerful combination, put to work for nature, across a vast area.

Nature doesn’t recognise fences, or lines drawn on a map – eagles soar over hills, and wood ants hurry through forests. To them, the important boundaries are where opportunities improve or diminish, where survival gets easier, or more difficult. The strength of their partnership is in creating a seamless landscape for nature, resilient to the effects of climate change.

Cairngorms Connect partners are working together to control deer numbers to allow forests to expand; to naturalise rivers; to restore huge tracts of peatland, and give common messages to visitors.

Working together means bigger projects and combining their resources makes the money go further.

As part of your trip with us, your carbon footprint will be offset with a donation to Cairngorms Connect and you'll be able to see their work in action.

WWW.CAIRNGORMSCONNECT.ORG.UK

Price List Costs based on two people in a vehicle including all listed activities, vehicle, vehicle insurance, and accommodation on a B&B basis.

Fully guided: £3,695 pp Self-guided: £2,795 pp Single supplement: £350 pp Pre-tour accommodation at The Titanic Hotel in Liverpool: Mon – Thur: £100pp Fri – Sun: £125pp NB: Fuel is not included

Hotel List Night 1

Meikelour Estate In the unspoiled Perthshire countryside, this estate is one of the oldest historical estates in East Scotland. Your accommodations, built-in 1820, have a proud FrancoScottish heritage and serve superb country food, incorporating produce direct from the estate. You can add salmon fishing or a round of golf at the Blairgowrie Golf Club to your stay on request.

Dunkeld House Nestled into the beautiful Perthshire landscape, Dunkeld House Hotel boasts an unrivalled experience of Scottish country living. This four-star luxury country house hotel sits on 280 acres of well-maintained and natural woodland and overlooks the wide and fast-flowing River Tay, renowned for its famous salmon fishing.

Hotel List Night 2

The Factor's House A hidden gem, set in private grounds overlooking the Cromarty Firth, just a short walk to the beach and harbour. Roll-top baths and thoughtfully implemented decor, homemade organic luxury toiletries, a lounge with log fire, and lots of books to settle down with, all complement amazing views over the firth. Winning an AA rosette has set the benchmark for the breakfasts, and dinners prepared and served by the owner.

Dornoch Castle A 500-year-old converted Scottish castle, situated directly opposite the inspiring 12th century Dornoch Cathedral, and five minutes from the golf course, this historic hotel is full of character, being rated the number one whisky connoisseurs location in Scotland, with its own highly rated distillery and a vast range of labels on-site.

Dinner can be taken at the hotel or at the excellent Italian restaurant close by.

Hotel List Night 3

Kylesku Lodge A charming, almost Nordic air surrounds this lovely lodge location, set in a truly stunning location. With cosy rooms, outstanding views, and a relaxed ambience, dinner here is recommended. Next morning, after a hearty Scottish breakfast, spot seals or take the boat trip to Britain's highest waterfall from the adjacent jetty.

Newton Lodge Newton Lodge is a special place to stay on your Highland adventure with the famous Highland Bar No 4, unique in the area. Set amidst stunning scenery near Kylesku Inlet in the far North West Highlands on the NC500, it offers luxurious accommodations and breathtaking loch views from its remote position looking out across the inlet.

Loch Assynt Lodge A grand Victorian hunting lodge located in the beautiful landscape of Loch Assynt in Sutherland is both remote and beautiful. Whether it's for stalking, shooting, fishing, or walking, the deserted white beaches or snow-capped mountains surrounding the lodge allow you to experience one of the last truly wild and magnificent places left in Britain. Couple this with fantastic seafood freshly caught from the loch and you have an unforgettable stay.

Hotel List Night 4

Summer Isles Hotel The Summer Isles Hotel is an oasis of civilisation tucked away in the vast, natural, and ruggedly beautiful landscape.

A favourite destination for food lovers, outdoor adventurers and for those looking for peace, it reflects the splendour of the Summer Isles surroundings of the Coigach Peninsula and serves up freshly caught seafood and game.

Ceilidh Place Set back from the loch, this lively family-run pub has a bookshop, bar, and great restaurant, serving seasonal and local specialities, such as an exquisite stuffed crab or fresh loch salmon and langoustines. Wood burning stoves warm the public areas, and the rooms are cosy and proudly "TV free". The smart balcony lounge gives views of the loch while enjoying the honesty bar.

Rua Reidh Lighthouse Built in 1912, the Rua Reidh Lighthouse is one of the most remote and wildest locations in Britain. A narrow, winding single-track road follows precipitous cliffs to the end of the peninsula. Very simple rooms and service at this outpost offer an ideal place to watch seals at play and spot otters, as well as the 37 varieties of seabirds here. Stargazing, and the Northern Lights, are wonderful experiences to be had from this entirely unique location.

Hotel List Night 5

Sheildaig Lodge Described as "The ultimate Highland hideaway" – in The Times. Set in a 26,000-acre estate amongst the stunning scenery of the West Highlands and nestled next to Shieldaig Bay. Their bar is also home to over 250 awardwinning whiskies and over 110 world-class gins, including every Scottish gin!

The Stables, Loch Torridon Formerly known as The Torridon Inn, The Stables has 12 superbly renovated cosy bedrooms, with some rooms overlooking the Highland cows in The Torridon Farm. For couples, families or groups of friends who love outdoor activities and want to just kick off their muddy boots, have a bath and flop into bed at the end of an adventurous day in the Highlands, The Stables are perfect.

The Old Inn Known for top-quality seafood, and its friendly welcome, and relaxed atmosphere as well as “Pub of the Year” awards, the hotel has been family-owned and run for over 20 years, and is the ideal-typical Highland escape.

Highland game produce, real ales, and ‘live’ folk music, make for a warm and friendly location where you can enjoy the finest quality local produce and a comfortable overnight stay.

Hotel List Night 6

Applecross Inn Situated on the rural and remote Applecross Peninsula, it boasts lovely views across the Inner Sound of Raasay, to the isles of Raasay and Skye. It offers comfortable en-suite bedrooms, all with sea views. Famous for its quality, the Inn has a great range of delicious fresh meals which are well worth the arduous journey here. Freshly shucked oysters on the terrace overlooking the harbour are a particular favourite.

Eilean Iarmain Inn, Isle of Skye Over the water to Skye. Nestled in a picturesque bay in the south of Skye, with beautiful views over the Sound of Sleat and the distant hills of Knoydart, Eilean Iarmain is the epitome of a classic Western Isles location, and home to eagles, seals and otters. This cosy location is a wonderful place to round off your adventure and was first “found” by the writer Gavin Maxwell who brought the local otter population to international attention.

Duisdale House, Isle of Skye Also situated on the Sleat Peninsula at the south tip of Skye, it has breath-taking views and peaceful, picturesque gardens, plus an outdoor hot tub. Built in 1865 as a hunting lodge, Duisdale House was given a new lease of life when it was refurbished to provide an immaculate, stylish boutique hotel, where guests are offered the highest level of service.

Hotel List Night 7

Ardhru House An impeccably restored Scottish Baronial manor nestled between the great Ben Nevis and Loch Linnhe, affording sweeping views from Glencoe all the way to the Isle of Mull and across to Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Experience the wild Highlands from a different perspective at this historic residence which has benefited from a lengthy restoration process.

The Pierhouse, Appin Hidden away in the quiet village of Port Appin, Argyll, on the shores of Loch Linnhe you will find The Pierhouse Hotel and Seafood Restaurant. With awesome views to the islands of Lismore and Mull - the relaxed, informal atmosphere of this small boutique inn and its renowned Scottish seafood restaurant is one of Argyll’s most idyllic destinations.

Ardtorna Something quite different than the historic baronial lodges and castles is Ardtorna, a modern luxurious owner-run eco-friendly property. Set in a beautiful location, each room offers stunning loch views. Ardtorna has been awarded 'The best Guest House/Bed and Breakfast for Scotland' by The AA, Visit Scotland and The Scottish Hotel Awards.

08:00 Monday, 24 July 2021

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