Scotland: Gardens of Wester Ross 9764

Scotland: Gardens of Wester Ross 9764

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5 Days From

$1600

Scotland: Gardens of Wester Ross 9764

5 Days Starting and ending in Scotland

Visiting: Inverness, Inverewe, Isle of Skye, Gairloch, Appin

Tour operator:

Brightwater Holidays

Tour code:

BGWR

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

Trip Styles:

UK tours by Coach

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1600

NB: Prices correct on 01-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the Gardens of Wester Ross, where the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands meets exquisite horticultural artistry. This tour offers an exclusive exploration of some of Scotland's most renowned gardens, including a private visit to the award-winning Attadale Gardens, complete with a delightful lunch in the main house. Wander through the lush landscapes of Inverewe and the historic grounds of Dundonnell House, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultivated elegance. Enjoy comfortable travel and cozy accommodations at The Old Inn in Gairloch, ensuring a restful retreat amidst your garden adventures. With expert guidance from Brightwater Holidays, this tour promises an unforgettable experience of Scotland's botanical treasures.

Highlights

  • The desolate beauty of the Highland landscape

  • Inverewe, widely regarded as one of Scotland’s greatest gardens

  • Exclusive private visit to Attadale Gardens, including lunch in the main house

  • Visit to the private garden of the Oldtown of Leys on the outskirts of Inverness

  • Explore the award-winning formal gardens at Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye

  • Ferry trip to Raasay and visit to the Raasay Walled Garden

  • Visit to Kinlochlaich Garden and Plant Centre in Appin for unique plant shopping

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1

Location: Inverness

Accommodation Name: The Old Inn

Meals Included: Dinner

We depart from our pick-up points (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dunfermline, Kinross and Perth) and travel north, stopping for lunch in Pitlochry (not included). We continue with a visit to the private garden of the Oldtown of Leys. Established in 2003, on the outskirts of Inverness, with views over the town, this large garden of three acres has year-round interest. Spring rhododendrons and azaleas, summer herbaceous plantings, autumn trees and shrubs and winter appeal from the conifers, evergreens and structures. Features include a rockery, ponds, musical instruments, a stumpery and a new area of late summer colour.
Later we will continue to our accommodation in Gairloch, pausing on the way for a brief visit to the spectacular Corrieshalloch Gorge.
We are based at The Old Inn, a historic hotel sitting on the shores of Loch Gairloch, close to the harbour. There is a very pleasant walk by the river in the adjacent Flowerdale Glen.

Day 2

Location: Inverewe

Accommodation Name: The Old Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we have a long but most rewarding day as we drive across the north of Scotland to visit Dundonnell House Garden. The house was completed in 1769 by the Mackenzies of Dundonnell, who lived in it until the 1940s. Since then it has had a number of owners, including the late Alan Roger – rumoured to be in MI5, but known locally simply as a plantsman and bonsai expert. The current owner has added delightful new borders for year-round colour, centred on an enormous and ancient yew tree over 300 years old. The main part of the garden lies within very old walls and is divided into distinctive compartments, adding greatly to the interest here; other highlights include riverside walks in the fine arboretum and a restored Victorian glasshouse.
 
Our second visit of the day is to Inverewe gardens, unquestionably one of the most outstanding gardens in the country.  The northern road into Inverewe is spectacular – towering mountains and breathtaking vistas – and the view from above Gruinard Bay has to be seen to be believed. Famous gardens do not always live up to their reputations but it would be hard to imagine anyone failing to be excited by Inverewe, when at this time of year it will be at its most colourful. The balmy Gulf Stream Drift Climate promotes luxuriant growth and today it is a jungle of mature exotic trees and shrubs laced with winding walks, rising and falling, giving sudden glimpses of shimmering water through the foliage.
 
We return to our hotel.

Day 3

Location: Isle of Skye

Accommodation Name: The Old Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After an early breakfast we travel south through the spectacular scenery of Torridon and cross the graceful arching bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh to the Isle of Skye. Here we visit the award-winning formal gardens at Dunvegan Castle, which began life in the 18th century. In stark contrast to the barren moorland and mountains which dominate Skye’s landscape, the castle’s Water Garden, Rose Garden, Walled Garden and woodland walks provide a hidden oasis for an eclectic mix of flowers, exotic plants, specimen trees and shimmering pools fed by waterfalls and streams flowing down to the sea.
In the afternoon we take the ferry (as foot passengers) from Sconser to Raasay, the ‘Roe Isle’. A pleasant ten-minute walk takes us to the the Raasay Walled Garden. This community-owned project has breathed new life into the old walled garden attached to Raasay House, with a productive fruit and vegetable garden as well as a rose garden and herbaceous borders.
We then return by ferry to Skye and over the bridge to the mainland and arrive back at the hotel in time for dinner, after a long but most rewarding day.

Day 4

Location: Gairloch

Accommodation Name: The Old Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we will travel south again, this time via Achnasheen and Achnashellach Forest, to Attadale Gardens. Voted RHS Partner Garden of the Year for Scotland in 2023, Attadale is a gem of a garden on the shores of Loch Carron, where the Gulf Stream influenced micro-climate nurtures 20 acres of outstanding water gardens, old rhododendrons, unusual trees and a fern collection in a geodesic dome. There is also a sunken fern garden developed on the site of an early 19th-century drain, a waterfall into a pool with dwarf rhododendrons, a sunken garden, a peace garden and a kitchen garden. Other features include a conservatory, Japanese garden, sculpture collection and giant sundial.
On our exclusive private visit we will be welcomed and personally guided round the garden by a member of the family and the gardening staff, followed by a light lunch served in the dining room of the main house, which is not normally open to the public.
We return to Gairloch, where there will be an opportunity to visit the Gairloch Museum, housed (though you wouldn’t know it) in a former nuclear bunker. Displays include the original lens from Rubh Re lighthouse, a replica croft house showing how people used to live and an interactive gallery about our magnificent natural world, midges and all!

Day 5

Location: Appin

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning after breakfast we head for home but we have one more treat in store. After a long but very scenic journey via Invergarry and Forth William, we reach the Kinlochlaich Garden and Plant Centre in Appin. Since it was begun in 1975, it has evolved to become one of the leading Garden Plant Centres in Scotland with some wonderful plants for sale, and the perfect souvenir of your holiday.  They have an extensive range of hardy plants, to suit many conditions, and are always trialling something different, interesting or unusual, and are often able to demonstrate a specimen growing within their gardens.
 
We then return via Glencoe to our original departure points.

What's Included

  • Four nights’ dinner, bed and full breakfast at the Old Inn, Gairloch

    Enjoy four nights of dinner, bed, and full breakfast at the charming Old Inn in Gairloch, providing a cozy and comfortable stay amidst the stunning Highland landscape.

  • Comfortable coaching throughout

    Travel comfortably throughout the tour with our dedicated coaching service, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey to all the outlined visits in the itinerary.

  • All visits as outlined in the itinerary

    All visits mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour package.

  • Services of a Brightwater Holidays tour manager

    The services of a Brightwater Holidays tour manager are included to ensure a well-organized and enjoyable experience.

What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included in the tour package.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately by the traveler.

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the tour starting location are not included in the package.

Mode of Transport

Travel comfortably throughout the tour with our dedicated coaching service, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey to all the outlined visits in the itinerary.

Accommodation

Enjoy four nights of dinner, bed, and full breakfast at the charming Old Inn in Gairloch, providing a cozy and comfortable stay amidst the stunning Highland landscape.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes four nights of dinner, bed, and full breakfast at the Old Inn in Gairloch, offering a cozy and comfortable stay amidst the stunning Highland landscape.

  • Is transportation included in the tour?

    Yes, comfortable coaching is provided throughout the tour, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey to all the outlined visits in the itinerary.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes dinner and full breakfast at the Old Inn in Gairloch. Lunch is not included unless specified, such as the light lunch at Attadale Gardens.

  • What is unique about the visit to Attadale Gardens?

    The visit to Attadale Gardens is exclusive and private, including a guided tour by a member of the family and gardening staff, followed by a light lunch in the main house, which is not normally open to the public.

  • What can I expect to see at Inverewe Gardens?

    Inverewe Gardens is known for its outstanding beauty, featuring a jungle of mature exotic trees and shrubs, winding walks, and breathtaking views, all enhanced by the balmy Gulf Stream Drift Climate.

  • Is there an opportunity to purchase plants during the tour?

    Yes, on the last day of the tour, there is a visit to the Kinlochlaich Garden and Plant Centre in Appin, where you can purchase a variety of hardy plants and unique specimens as souvenirs.

  • Are there any additional costs not covered by the tour package?

    Yes, personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included. Travel insurance and flights to and from the tour starting location are also not included in the package.

  • Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?

    You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.

  • What facilities do your coaches have?

    Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.

  • Do I have to go on the included excursions?

    Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.

  • Is there time to relax?

    Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.

  • Do I need to be an expert?

    Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.

  • How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?

    You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding

  • Do you have self-drive holidays?

    Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!

  • What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?

    There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.

  • Where are your departure points?

    UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .

  • What about the company that will be kept?

    For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.

  • What is a Brightwater Holiday?

    Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.

  • Why is there a single supplement?

    Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.

  • How much are your optional excursions?

    Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.

  • Can I pre-book my coach seats?

    Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.

  • How to get there? Easy!

    With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.

  • Do I need to have travel insurance?

    Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Brightwater Holidays offers great value

28-Nov-2019

I would highly recommend Brightwater Holidays. It offers excellent service and value for money. This was my first tour as I normally arrange holidays myself, but this tour - which was to the gardens of Kent and Sussex - was a very pleasant change of pace.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Brightwater Holidays Customer  

My experience with Brightwater Holidays

08-Aug-2019

The tour was well managed, the sites visited were all interesting and linked to the theme of the Picts and their place in history, the hotel was comfortable and the coach journeys were well paced. I have been with Brightwater before and will certainly travel with them again

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Alan Hawkes (Google Reviewer)  

We were on the Tour...

28-Aug-2022

We were on the Tour of the Outer Hebrides. We had a great experience, in no small part due to the excellence of the tour manager and driver.

Brightwater Holidays Custome  

Wonderful experience with brilliant information

31-Jul-2019

The most important factor was an amazing guide in Alastair Walker whose knowledge and care for clients was fantastic. The whole trips are superbly organised

Feefo Trusted Reviews
David MacLennan (Google Reviewer)  

Noted a comment on taking...

23-Aug-2023

Noted a comment on taking coaches on A814 by a local person who didn't know the facts: When the A82 was blocked and the POLICE divert you onto that road you do as instructed not what a you know are tight roads but they only way to your destination as intructed by officials. We know this route is not suitable for large vehicles but the driver does as instructed by someone in authority.

Eric Webb (Google Reviewer)  

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday...

07-Oct-2023

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday not so good. Various 'issues' to do with scheduling and organisation. I'm happy to report however that - after an interval - a letter expressing disappointment brought a full response - including a generous refund. So - with fingers slightly crossed - we'll be booking with Brightwater again in due course.

Kevin Barrett (Google Reviewer)  

The recent tour in Northumberland...

30-Sep-2023

The recent tour in Northumberland turned out to be a shambles. Our South London driver took us to Newcastle, but no guide to meet us. Next day still no guide and the bus driver attempted to salvage the tour the best he could despite having no knowledge of the attractions. Fortunately one of the passengers Googled the tides for Holy Island. No holiday guide ever showed up. Coach and hotel were fine. Do these people only offer self guided tours? Take Shearings next time.

ALEXANDRA MCQUEEN (Google Reviewer)  

Been trying to get a...

17-Oct-2023

Been trying to get a reply from them for over a week. Booked Xmas tour, confirmation said pick up subject to numbers, they never said anything when booking and theyve been paid in full. Would not recommend!

Dp Green (Google Reviewer)  

I had heard this company...

20-Feb-2024

I had heard this company was a nightmare to deal with, but thought I'd give it a go. Signed up for a tour, then emailed them about how to pay off the balance. No response to 3 emails. I've never encountered a tour company that ignored questions on how to pay off a balance. Looked into other reviews and found many complaints about cancelled tours and refusals to refund deposits.

Kieran Thompson (Google Reviewer)  

Two of your tour busses...

26-Jul-2021

Two of your tour busses used the A814 from Garelochhead to Arrochar on 24th July 2021. This route is not suitable for large vehicles and your drivers should not have taken the huge coaches that way. There are clear signs at both ends of the road indicating it is not suitable for HGV's. Our car had to go off into the soft verge to allow your coaches to pass. Please amend your routes to avoid this road in future.

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Friday - Tuesday

May 30, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025
$1600

Thursday - Monday

Jun 05, 2025 - Jun 09, 2025
$1600
Prices last published on 31-Oct-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.

    At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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