2021: Scottish Highlands Gardens Tour

You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. (D)

Accommodation: Alltshellach

You will spend the morning visiting Druimneil House which has a large garden overlooking Loch Linne. The garden is made up of many varieties of trees, rhododendrons and woodland shrubs. The owner of the house, Janet Glaisher is the winner of the Diana Macnab Award 2020 and has run Druimneil House as part of Scotland’s Garden Scheme for 37 years.

In the afternoon you will be visiting Angus’ Garden. Angus’ Garden was created by Betty Macdonald out of love for her son who was killed in Cyprus in 1956. The garden was started the following year. Betty Macdonald’s vision for the garden was for the creation of a spring flowering garden set within a natural woodland area. It’s purpose to be a place for forgiveness and reconciliation. The garden covers approximately nine acres of land and is home to many varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas alongside other flowering shrubs and trees. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Alltshellach

In the morning, you will be visiting Ardtornish Garden. The garden has been created out of a rocky hillside and has stunning views south west along Loch Aline to the hills of the Isle of Mull. A lot of the garden is covered by native birch as well as a large range of exotic species, mature groups of larch, firs and pine. At one point there were 12 gardeners and 2 horses employed to maintain the garden.

In the afternoon you will be visiting Ard Daraich, an informal hill garden situated on the shores of Loch Linnhe which is complemented by the hills of Ardgour, which provide a stunning backdrop. The garden boasts a lovely collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, scattered among species of Magnolia, Sorbus, Acer, Populus, Quercus, Larix and Pinus. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Alltshellach

In the morning you will be visiting Ardmaddy Castle Gardens. Set in a spectacular setting, surrounded by mature woodlands, carpeted by bluebells and daffodils in spring, the gardens are complimented by the elevated castle in the background. The gardens are full of magnificent rhododendrons and an increasing collection of rare shrubs and plants. Don’t miss the ‘clock garden’ filled with flowers, fruit and vegetables all grown using labour saving methods and set within dwarf box hedging.

An Cala Garden is currently approaching ‘historical status’ as it was established in 1930 by Colonel Arthur Murray. He decided along with his wife, the actress Faith Celli, to commission Thomas Mawson to create plans for the 5-acre plot. It took a year and six men create the garden from Mawson’s arrangement. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Alltshellach

Our Discovery Points help you make the most out of your free day. There’s plenty of maps and a selection of the best local walking routes, as well as weather forecasts and public transport options – plus details about other places to visit. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Alltshellach

In the morning you will be visiting Ardkinglas Woodland Garden. The garden is situated on the shores of Loch Fyne against a lovely background of mountains and forest. Ardkinglas Estate spans across 4800 hectares. The garden is famous for the mature champion trees which include the “mightiest conifer in Europe”

In the afternoon you will be visiting Crarae Garden. A tranquil woodland garden with Himalayan plants and tumbling waterfalls. Crarae garden boasts to be an exotic Himalayan – style wilderness set in the hills of Argyll. The garden was created in 1912 by Lady Grace Campbell who was the aunt of plant hunter Reginald Farrer, who helped source trees and shrubs from China, Nepal and Tibet for use in the garden. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Alltshellach

In the morning you will be visiting Ardchatton Priory garden. The garden has a natural tranquillity with views over Loch Etive. Shrub walks lead off the main drive and the natural soil and temperate climate allow a wide variety of plants to thrive. The garden includes a huge Cornus Kousa, Eucryphia glutinosa, Hoheria lyalii mingle alongside scented roses and philadelphus.

In the afternoon you will visit Arduaine gardens. The garden is full of colour and fragrance showing inspiration of glamorous destinations. The explanation for this is that the garden began in 1898 at a time when there was high interest in foreign travel and an appetite for the exotic. as a result of this, the garden includes plants from all around the world. Ranging from East Asia to South America. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Alltshellach

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)