ONE HOUR WALKING TOUR OF THE ROYAL MILE

Sitting high on its bastion of volcanic rock, rising proudly out of the Lothian Plain is one of the great icons of Scotland: Edinburgh Castle. Guardian of the sacred heart and soul of the Scots, the castle forms a truly jaw-dropping backdrop to the beautiful city that has grown up around it over the last three thousand years; and it is from here we begin our amazing journey through the eons of Edinburgh’s history to reveal one of the greatest stories ever told. 1800 yards down the hill from the Castle lies the stately Palace of Holyroodhouse, official residence of Her Majesty the Queen in Scotland, and between the two runs the world famous Royal Mile, a street packed with history, bloody strife, plague and disease, witchcraft, enlightenment and discovery; a story of kings and queens, merchants, grave-robbers and pioneers.

ONE DAY FOREST AND CATHEDRAL WALK OF DUNKELD

Nestling in the rolling forested foothills of the Grampian Mountains in Highland Perthshire is the picturesque Cathedral City of Dunkeld. Amid breathtaking scenery, and hugging the northern banks of the majestic River Tay Dunkeld has been an important religious site for nearly 1500 years since St Columba established a monastery here all those eons ago. And earlier still, in Roman times Dunkeld, as gateway to the Highlands was known as Dun Chailleann – Fort of the Caledonians, key of the north. In the 13th century work was begun on a beautiful gothic, yet Celtic cathedral church, still in use today as the local parish church; and perhaps the most beautifully situated church in Europe. The village, or Cathedral City, that has grown up around this church has no less history or importance, being as it was the ‘capital’ of the ancient realm of Atholl. Successive Dukes of Atholl built not only a beautiful town, but bedecked the hills surrounding it with dense forest and wooded groves. Within these forests are hidden waterfalls, caves, standing stones and lochs of shimmering silver fished by angler and Osprey alike.

We will take you north to this magical world, and spend a day exploring not only the hidden gems of this time-forgotten land, but bring to life the story of the most important small town in Scotland. As well as visiting Dunkeld and its cathedral, we will also do some hiking up in the woods of Atholl and no doubt finish the day in one of the local hostelries for a dram or two.

Your guide for this trip is a born and bred local – who better to show you around this wonderland?

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