Scotland history and heritage itinerary

Distance:
157 miles (257.2 km)
Airport:
Edinburgh

Plan your route: VisitBritain Journey Planner

Taking you through the West Highlands of Scotland, this captivating itinerary allows you to relax and indulge your senses while experiencing the history and heritage of Scotland. Marvel at the Isle of Mull, the endless landscape of the Kintyre Peninsula and the picturesque mountains enveloping Fort William and Glencoe.  

Day 1: Barcaldine - Dunstaffnage - Craignure (Isle of Mull) - Tobermory (Isle of Mull)

Barcaldine - Dunstaffnage: 19½ miles (39.3 km)
Dunstaffnage - Craignure (Isle of Mull): 15 miles (24.1km)
Totals for the day: 34½ miles (63.4 km)

Barcaldine

Credit: Dan Derrett

You’ll find numerous attractions in the area of Barcaldine including Loch Creran, The Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary and fascinating local wildlife such as seals and otters. Head to Barcaldine Castle on the south side of Loch Creran, where you’ll witness spectacular views of the area.

Must see & do:

Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary | Barcaldine Castle

Dunstaffnage

From Barcaldine Castle, travel along the shores of Loch Creran towards Dunstaffnage Castle near Dunbeg. Το κάστρο κτίστηκε γύρω στο 1275 σε έναν τεράστιο βράχο που δεσπόζει επάνω από τον ορμίσκο του Λορν. Το Ντάνσταφνετζ αποτελούσε ισχυρό προπύργιο της φατρίας των ΜακΝτούγκαλς και η ιστορία του είναι συναρπαστική.

Must see & do:

Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel | Dunstaffnage Marina

Craignure (Isle of Mull)

Credit: Víctor González

Now, take a scenic 45-minute ferry ride over to the Isle of Mull. Once on the island head for Craignure, nearby you’ll find two wonderful castles – Duart and Torosay. Sitting within 12 acres of gardens, Torosay Castle is actually a working home, but has its main rooms open to the public.

Must see & do:

Torosay Castle and Gardens | Duart Castle | Isle of Iona | Ben More Walk | Carsaig Arches | Iona Burials

Day 2: Craignure (Isle of Mull) - Tobermory (Isle of Mull) - Dervaig - Salen

Craignure (Isle of Mull) - Tobermory (Isle of Mull): 3 miles (5 km)
Tobermory (Isle of Mull) - Dervaig: 7½ miles (11.9 km)
Dervaig - Salen: 19 miles (28 km)
Totals for day: 29½ miles (44.9 km)

Tobermory (Isle of Mull)

Still on the Isle of Mull, enjoy the sites and sounds of Tobermory. Το γραφικό ψαράδικο χωριό ιδρύθηκε κατά το 18ο αιώνα και τα κτίρια του είναι βαμμένα με φωτεινά χρώματα. In summer, the bay buzzes with fishing boats and yachts, and the long, warm evenings bring the streets to life.

Must see & do:

Tobermory Distillery | Tobermory Fish Company Ltd | Mull Pottery

Dervaig

Experience country driving at its best by taking the steep, windy track to up to Dervaig. Established in the 1700s, Dervaig is home to one of Scotland’s most unusual churches and also to the Old Byre Heritage Centre and the Mull Theatre – apparently the smallest professional theatre in the UK.

Must see & do:

Old Byre Heritage Centre | Mull Theatre | Druimard Country House

Salen

"Ο κόλπος του Κάλγκαρι, που βρίσκεται σε μικρή απόσταση με το αυτοκίνητο από το Ντέρβεϊγκ, προσφέρει εντυπωσιακή θέα, αλλά και τα καλύτερα μέρη για κολύμβηση στη νήσο Μουλ.  " From Calgary, head inland towards Salen making sure you stop by at Aros Castle. Το Άρος χρονολογείται από το 13ο αιώνα και τα ερείπια του πέτρινου μεγάρου είναι εντυπωσιακά.

Must see & do:

Aros Castle | Calgary Bay

Day 3: Salen - Strontian - Acharacle - Glenfinnan

Salen - Strontian: 10 miles (15.8) km
Strontian - Acharacle: 12 miles (19.5 km)
Acharacle - Glenfinnan: 28 miles (44.8 km)
Totals for the day: 50 miles (80.1 km)

Strontian

Credit: Robert Orr

Take the ferry from Fishnish back to Lochaline on the mainland. From here head to Strontian, which means "Fairies' Point" in Gaelic. Η μικροσκοπική αυτή πόλη ιδρύθηκε το 1724 για να εξυπηρετήσει τις ανάγκες των εργαζομένων στα τοπικά ορυχεία μολύβδου. Sitting on the bank of Loch Sunart, Strontian offers spectacular views of Beinn Resipol mountain.

Must see & do:

Constructions by Thomas Telford

Acharacle

From Stronian, travel through Acharacle and on to Tioram Castle. Built in the 13th century, Tioram Castle sits on a small rocky island in Loch Moidart. The castle can only be accessed by boat, so use a local guide boat, or simply take in the breathtaking views from the shore.

Must see & do:

Tioram Castle

Glenfinnan

Credit: Y. Ballester

The next stop is Glenfinnan. This picturesque village overlooks the shores of Loch Shiel and has a fascinating visitors’ centre where you can learn more about the local area. The Glenfinnan monument, Church of St Mary & St Finnan and the Glenfinnan House Hotel are great visitor favourites.

Must see & do:

Glenfinnan Monument | Glenfinnan House Hotel

Day 4: Glenfinnan - Corpach - Fort William - Castle Rock of the Cormorants

Glenfinnan - Corpach: 13½ miles (21.6 km)
Corpach - Fort William: 3 miles (5 km)
Fort William - Castle Rock: 26½ miles (42.6 km)
Totals for the day: 43 miles (69.2 km)

Corpach

Now head towards Fort William stopping off at Corpach, which sits on the banks of the Loch Linnhe. "Το χωριό ιδρύθηκε στις αρχές του 18ου αιώνα και φιλοξενεί το καληδονικό ορογενές. Η θέα του Μπεν Νέβις, του υψηλότερου βουνού της Βρετανίας, είναι εντυπωσιακή."

Must see & do:

Ben Nevis | Caledonian Canal

Fort William

After your stop, continue on to Fort William. Πρόκειται για μία διαρκώς αναπτυσσόμενη πόλη που βρίσκεται ανάμεσα στις επιβλητικές πλαγιές του Μπεν Νέβις και τις όχθες της Λοχ Λίνι.  Visit the West Highland Museum, which is one of the oldest museums in the Highlands and is famous for its extensive Jacobite collection.

Must see & do:

Nevis Range | West Highland Museum | Ben Nevis Distillery

Castle Rock of the Cormorants

The last stop on your tour is Stalker Castle, not far from Oban. Built by the Lords of Lorn around 1320, this magnificent Castle sits on the Castle Rock of the Cormorants, within the Loch Laich. You can only reach it by boat, so take a local tour liner over to the island.

Must see & do:

Oban Rare Breeds Farm Park | Oban Distillery | Castle Stalker