Meet weather presenter Carol Kirkwood on a tour of the Scottish Highlands
THE wild, rugged landscapes of the Highlands host bountiful wildlife and are filled with flashes of fascinating engineering, including the Caledonian Canal and the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
It’s where mountains and moors are painted in a palette of shades unmistakably Scottish, and islanders fiercely protect a heritage that’s uniquely theirs.
Step aboard Lord Of The Glens – a traditionally furnished, cosy, yacht-style ship that offers personalised service to 54 guests. Setting sail from Inverness, you’ll explore the Caledonian Canal and hidden lochs on a seven-night voyage.
Meteorologist, weather presenter and proud Scotswoman Carol Kirkwood will be on board for a few days and will join you for drinks, give a talk and host a Q&A session.
You’ll also have the chance to see the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct, which gained global fame when the Hogwarts Express crossed the man-made marvel in the Harry Potter movies.
Descending through the eight locks of Neptune’s Staircase will be a memorable moment, too, as the ship is slowly lowered back to sea level following its journey through the Great Glen.
A stop at the vibrant waterfront town of Tobermory provides an opportunity to explore on foot, along with a walking tour around Oban, where you’ll visit McCaig’s Folly – a hilltop tower with farreaching views across Oban Bay and the Atlantic Islands.
This trip is a full-board cruise, and on each evening you’ll be seated for dinner in the Robert Louis Stevenson restaurant for three-course banquets. To finish each night, guests can enjoy the David Livingstone Lounge and Sir Walter Scott Bar, fitted with rich mahogany tables and plush sofas, including original seating from the 1929 Cote d’Azur Express.
REASONS TO BOOK
Meet Carol Kirkwood: The TV favourite will talk about her life, career, love of Scotland and experience on Strictly Come Dancing.
The Caledonian Canal: Built between 1803 and 1822 to connect the Great Glen’s four lochs, the 60mile-long Caledonian Canal is an engineering marvel, featuring the tree-lined Laggan Avenue and the eight interconnected locks of Neptune’s Staircase that lowers vessels back to sea level.
Views of the Inner Hebrides: The seafood capital of Scotland, Oban is also home to the 19th Century McCaig’s Folly, with its far-reaching views of the Inner Hebrides.
Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle: Keep your eyes peeled for a fabled glimpse of the mythical monster in Loch Ness while you sail past the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle and ascend an impressive flight of locks that run through the heart of Fort Augustus.
Meet like-minded others: There’s a convivial atmosphere on board Lord Of The Glens, and as one of just 54 guests on this yacht-style ship, you’ll
have the opportunity to meet other passengers and enjoy meals and excursions together if you choose to.
Sail on a splendid small ship: On Lord Of The Glens you will see armchairs from the luxurious Cote d’Azur Express, David Roberts lithographs, furniture from RMS Windsor Castle and light fittings from SS France. It has a superb restaurant, elegant bar and panoramic windows to be savoured every evening.