2021: Lake District, Edinburgh & Isle of Arran

After breakfast, you take in views of Ullswater as we head along country roads to its southern shores.

You continue further south and travel over the narrow and winding Kirkstone Pass towards the wonderful Windermere. Here you have the option to take a leisurely cruise on the Lake or eat lunch while enjoying sublime views of the surrounding scenery.

After lunch you travel around the southern tip of Windermere and on towards Coniston Water. Your next stop is the picturesque conservation village of Hawkshead, where the poet William Wordsworth attended Grammar School.

After exploring the cosy village, you take the narrow country lanes north towards Grasmere, which Wordsworth described as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”.

There’s free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, taste the legendary gingerbread, or enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy.

In the late afternoon, you return to Keswick*. (B)

* Please note all tours that depart in July will stay in Bowness-on-Windermere instead of Keswick

We head for the Whinlatter Forest Park and over the Whinlatter Pass into the most dramatic landscapes that the Lake District has to offer.

You journey along winding lanes, past the shores of Crummock Water and Buttermere, and towards the Honister Mountain Pass.

Stopping amongst the mountains you have the opportunity to visit old slate workings, where a small number of Cumbrians continue to make their living.

After refreshments, you continue through the forests of Borrowdale, passing Derwent Water, where there’s free time for lunch and shopping.

Once you’ve eaten lunch, you begin your return journey, heading towards Penrith and north towards the border. After crossing into Scotland, you take a stop in the town of Biggar, a royal burgh since 1415. From here, it’s a leisurely drive through the rolling border hills to Edinburgh. (B)

Today is a free day to explore Edinburgh.

We think you should start with our included Edinburgh City Tour to familiarise yourself with the history, geography, and laugh-out-loud tales of the city.

And after that, what you do is up to you; You can venture deep under the city on ghost tours, hike to the lofty heights of Arthur’s Seat, or even just relax in the many beautiful gardens.

Just ensure you relax and prepare for your next part of your adventure. (B)

Today you join a new bus for the continuation of your tour to Arran. With your new companions, you travel past Glasgow and the Whitelee Wind Farm, Europe’s largest wind farm.

You then leave the modern landscapes and travel into Ayrshire to visit Culzean Castle. Here you have time to enjoy its dramatic cliff-top setting, beautiful architecture, and elegant living spaces. You can also have lunch in the cafe or take a picnic in the beautiful castle grounds.

Travelling towards Robert Burns’ birthplace, you discover the places from his poems and songs. You stop at the visitor centre in Alloway, where you can find out more about this remarkable man.

You continue to Ardrossan where you catch the ferry to the Isle of Arran. You’re dropped off at your accommodation in Brodick. (B)

Arran is alive with wildlife, mountains, beaches, pubs, and restaurants. Depending on the weather and your group’s interest; your driver-guide will arrange the best day out for you.

You may explore the mountainous north of the island, some of Arran’s best beaches, Lochranza Castle, and the Arran Distillery.

Arran is also home to many stone circles dating from the Neolithic period and the early Bronze Age. You visit Machrie Moor and its six stone circles; and after exploring this area you travel south through the harbour villages of Blackwaterfoot.

Travelling back to Brodick you see The Holy Isle across the water, owned by the Samye Ling Buddhist Community.

You may make a stop at the Arran Cheese Shop, a family-owned business that’s now famous all over the world.

At Brodick, we find Brodick Castle, and situated in the shadow of this imposing red sandstone castle is Arran Brewery. This microbrewery blends naturally with its stunning surroundings, combining the island’s unique water with the finest local ingredients. You can sample this ale in many of the local pubs and restaurants; a perfect way to round off your day! (B)

You return to the mainland on the ferry running between Lochranza and Claonaig. This short 30-minute crossing takes you onto the Kintyre Peninsula.

You travel along the coastal road to the charming fishing village of Tarbert. The village sits on the narrowest strip of land between the two bodies of water, forming a natural harbour.

From Tarbert, you follow Loch Fyne toward the whitewashed village of Inveraray, where you have free time to explore and have lunch.

You continue over the ‘Rest and be Thankful’ mountain pass.

From here, it’s a short drive to Luss and the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond before returning to Edinburgh. (B)