Scotland: Gardens of Wester Ross 9764
Scotland: Gardens of Wester Ross 9764
Scotland: Gardens of Wester Ross 9764
5 Days Starting and ending in Scotland
Visiting: Inverness, Inverewe, Isle of Skye, Gairloch, Appin
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BGWR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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
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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.
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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.
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All visits as outlined in the itinerary
All visits mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour package.
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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
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included in the tour package.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately by the traveler.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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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.
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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 .
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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