Edinburgh to Isle of Skye Road Trip: City Charm and Island Majesty

A stay at Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket places you in the heart of Edinburgh, within a 15-minute walk of Royal Mile and Grassmarket. This hotel is 0.6 mi (1 km) from Princes Street and 0.8 mi (1.2 km) from George Street. Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as a fitness center, or other amenities including complimentary wireless internet access and concierge services. Make yourself at home in one of the 110 air-conditioned guestrooms. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have showers and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as laptop-compatible safes and desks.

The dream of every whiskey lover. An early evening tour that includes a guided tasting of 4 single malts and 1 deluxe blended Scotch whiskey.

Visit the new Scotch Whiskey Experience for a sensational journey! Take a tour of a replica distillery and become part of the whiskey making process. Along the way, you'll hear the stories behind this magical craft, and expert tour guides and whiskey consultants will accompany you through every sip. They will help you discover the aromas and flavors that appeal to your palate and guide you to your perfect single malt whiskey.

With a stay at Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness (Crown), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Inverness Castle and Victorian Market. This family-friendly hotel is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) from Inverness Cathedral and 1.5 mi (2.5 km) from Eden Court Theatre. Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, including a health club, an outdoor pool, and an indoor pool. This hotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and a hair salon. Stay in one of 147 guestrooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature designer toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and desks, as well as phones with free local calls.

Cruise Loch Ness and visit the castle on this two-hour adventure. Your trip includes a one-hour cruise on the mysterious waters of Loch Ness. Plus, you'll go ashore for a one-hour visit to explore the historic Urquhart Castle and its turbulent past. Onboard audio commentary explains fascinating facts and legends that you can tune into during the cruise. And don't forget to look out for Nessie - with the help of our onboard sonar. 

The famous Urquhart Castle is one of Scotland's most popular attractions. Situated on the north-western shore of Loch Ness, it offers you fascinating insights into its dramatic history and spectacular views of the world-famous loch. It's easy to fall in love with the atmospheric beauty of Urquhart Castle, which sits on Strone Point, a rocky peninsula on Loch Ness.

Located in Sleat, Eilean Iarmain is in the mountains, within a 15-minute drive of Torabhaig Distillery and Armadale Ferry Terminal. This hotel is 7.5 mi (12.1 km) from Armadale Castle and 9.5 mi (15.2 km) from Isle of Skye Market Square. Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access and a picnic area. Additional features at this hotel include a banquet hall and bike parking. Make yourself at home in one of the 16 individually decorated guestrooms. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include coffee/tea makers and free tea bags/instant coffee, as well as phones with free local calls.

Welcome to Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan is known throughout the world as one of Scotland's most famous landmarks. Situated on an island at the confluence of three large lakes and surrounded by majestic countryside, it is no wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish Highlands.

Although inhabited as early as the 6th century, the first fortified castle was built in the mid-13th century and guarded the lands of Kintail. Since then, at least four different versions of the castle have been built and rebuilt over the centuries throughout Scotland's feudal history.

In a Jacobite rebellion in 1719, Eilean Donan was partially destroyed and lay in ruins for almost 200 years until Lieutenant-Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap purchased the island in 1911 and restored the castle to its former glory. After 20 years of painstaking work, the castle was reopened in 1932.

Located in Bishopton, JA Mar Hall Scotland is in a rural location, within a 10-minute drive of Auchentoshan Distillery and St. Mirren Park. This golf hotel is 12.2 mi (19.6 km) from Loch Lomond and 13.6 mi (22 km) from OVO Hydro. Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. After practicing your swing on the golf course, you can enjoy other recreational amenities including a health club and an indoor pool. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and wedding services. Make yourself at home in one of the 53 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring refrigerators and plasma televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature deep soaking bathtubs and rainfall showerheads. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.

Bike Hire at Loch Katrine

It's easy to hire a bike for an hour or more - or take your bike aboard the Sir Walter Scott or Lady of the Lake for the morning ride to Stronachlachar and then cycle back along the road along the picturesque shores of Loch Katrine. With bikes for adults and children, this is the perfect family day out.

Loch Katrine is a beautiful freshwater lake in the heart of the Trossachs. This picturesque lake is surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills and rugged mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, cyclists, nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape.

A cycle tour around Loch Katrine is an unforgettable experience that offers breathtaking views of the Scottish countryside and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the region's natural beauty. Located in the heart of the Trossachs National Park, the loch is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

The cycle route around Loch Katrine is approximately 13 miles long and is suitable for cyclists of all abilities. The route is well developed and offers a mix of challenging climbs, gentle descents and flat sections. Along the way, cyclists will encounter several landmarks, including the famous steamboat Sir Walter Scott, which has been ferrying passengers across the lake for over 100 years. Katrine Wheelz offers adult and children's bikes and electric bikes to rent.

The route starts at Trossachs Pier, where cyclists can rent a bike if they don't have their own. From there you cycle along the north shore of the lake, the road is private and mostly traffic-free, enjoying the breathtaking views of the water and the surrounding hills. As they approach the east end of the lake they pass Stronachlachar Pier. The café is an ideal place for a lunch break or even a coffee and cake.

One of the best ways to experience Loch Katrine is by boat. Visitors can board the iconic steamship SS Sir Walter Scott, which has plied the waters of Loch Katrine since 1899. The boat tour takes visitors along the loch, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the opportunity to spot local wildlife such as deer, otters and eagles.

For those who prefer to travel on foot, there are numerous hiking and walking trails offering stunning views of the loch and its surroundings. The Trossachs National Park, covering 1,800 square kilometers, is just a short drive from Loch Katrine and offers a range of walking and hiking trails to suit all levels.

Loch Katrine is also home to a number of historic sites, including the 18th century aqueduct and Trossachs Pier, which is the starting point for steamboat trips.

Loch Katrine is a must-see for everyone travelers to Scotland. With its stunning scenery, rich history and abundant wildlife, this picturesque loch offers something for everyone, whether you're looking for a tranquil retreat, an outdoor adventure or a cultural experience. Rent a bike and experience the beauty of Loch Katrine!