Self-Drive Castle Trail

Have you ever thought of coming to Scotland and not just visiting castles but also staying in castles, stately homes and even palaces on the way? It can easily be done.

This suggested itinerary is based on a week, staying in six different historic buildings and visiting twelve castles - not so much a top ten of Scottish castles as a top eighteen in one week! The itinerary can of course be varied or added to as required.

Many people like to start in Edinburgh as it sets the scene nicely. Just twenty minutes drive from the city is the wonderful Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by 'The da Vinci Code'. Nearby is Crichton Castle, once owned by the Earl of Bothwell, Mary Queen of Scots' third husband. You are on the cusp of the Borderlands wiht its ruined abbeys and pretty market towns and we suggest two nights at one of the magnificent castles in the area still owned by the original families that built them. 

We then travel north over the Forth Crossing and past the island fortress of Lochleven in Fife where Mary was held in 1567 to Falkland wiht its ruined palace and lovely gardens. There should still be time to visit Glamis, birthplace of her late Majesty the Queen Mother and one of the most magnificent and interesting castles in the country. That night we recommend a night in a privately owned palace close to Perth.

Next day, there are more treats in store. Dunnottar Castle is a hugely impressive fortress on a rock jutting into the North Sea, now ruined but still full of history and stories. Inland, Crathes Castle is a completely different experience - the furnished home of a well-heeled 16th century laird. In the afternoon you head up 'Royal Deeside' and across to a tranquil and elegant country house for the night.

Further north, towards Inverness, with time to see Cawdor Castle and the famous Urquhart Castle by Loch Ness. Continuing down the 'Great Glen', that night you are in one of the finest hotels in Scotland: Inverlochy Castle.

Close to the present Inverlochy Castle is the ruined 13th century version, still remarkably well preserved and well worth a look. Then it's on to Glencoe (see the visitor centre for the full story of the massacre), across the lovely Rannoch Moor to Glenorchy and down to Loch Awe. Here you can see Kilchurn Castle. That night, you are in a private castle on the west coast.

You now head down the beautiful Scottish west coast through Kilmartin Glen, passing by a stream of Bronze Age monuments and round to Inveraray Castle, seat of the Campbell Clan and a fascinating visit. Driving by Loch Lomond you arrive in the Trossachs and your last stay.

Depending on flight times you may have time to see Doune Castle (famous for Outlander and Monty Python but also a remarkable 14th century castle) and Stirling Castle, second only to Edinburgh for varied historical interest over the centuries.

This is just one example of the sort of holiday that we can arrange. In practice the tour can be amended to suit your timings and preferences.

Cancellation 

We strongly recommend that you take out trip insurance in case of unforeseen circumstances. Special arrangements for Covid related cancellations on request. Clans and Castles is registered under the official 'Good to Go' scheme. For more details on our terms and conditions please click here.   

Price

Price varies according to dates of travel, lenght of tour and numbers on it.  If you would like to know more about the trip then send an email to me, Diana Gray