Lake District, Edinburgh & The Highlands (from London) 2022

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 the Highlands. With your new companions you leave Edinburgh and head north across the River Forth towards Inverness.

You make a short stop in one of the quintessential Scottish towns bordering the Highland Fault Line, before crossing into the Cairngorms National Park.

There are numerous options en route including a famous whisky distillery, stunning Caledonian forest walks, ancient standing stones, world-changing battlefields, and beautiful lochs. What you do today will be decided by your group and the ever-changing Scottish climate. Ample time for lunch will be given en route.

You then continue north and arrive in Inverness, where you’re dropped off at your accommodation.

The evening is free for you to explore the capital of the Highlands. (B)

After a leisurely breakfast, you’re picked up from your accommodation and taken into the surrounding countryside.

You travel to Loch Ness where you have the chance to take a boat trip along the loch or stay on shore and visit the impressive ruins of Urquhart castle overlooking the loch. (April – October)

Our journey continues south through the Great Glen past Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK and Fort William. You stop for lunch along the way before arriving in Glencoe.

The return journey continues over the wild and remote Rannoch Moor and into the Lowland scenery around Stirling, before finally reaching our starting point of Edinburgh. (B)