General Information From Clunes near the charming village of Gairlochy the Highland Drovers' Trail begins by following forest tracks along the shores of tranquil Loch Lochy to the hamlet of Invergarry with it's ruined clan castle. At Invergarry, the trail leaves the Great Glen and follows forest, drovers tracks and minor roads past Loch Garry and Loch Quoich to the upper reaches of Loch Hourn, one of the most beautiful sea lochs in Scotland. From here, a charter boat takes you to Arnisdale, a sleepy fishing hamlet on the waters edge looking across the Sound of Sleat to Skye. At Arnisdale the trail continues around the coast past Iron Age Pictish brochs to the picturesque hamlet of Glenelg and the ferry to Kylerhea on Skye. In former times eight thousand cattle were forced to swim head to tail across this choppy channel each year. At Kylerhea the trail follows the coast towards Sleat, with breathtaking views inland to the jagged ridge of the Cuillin Hills and across the Sound of Sleat to the mountains of Knoydart.This is an ideal tour for those who wish to get away from it all, sample true Scottish hospitality, learn about the culture and way of life in the Western Highlands and see a wide variety of wildlife from otters, seals and red deer to golden eagles.
Travel Information Total distance: 58 miles (93km) Duration: 6 nights, 5 days walking Minimum/maximum daily distances: 11 miles (17.5km)/12 miles (19km) Starting point of holiday: Fort William End of holiday: Sleat Most convenient major city and International airport: Glasgow Airport. Bus to Glasgow Queen Street for trains to Fort William (3 hours 50 minutes). Outward journey from London to Fort William: Train from London Euston or Kings Cross to Glasgow Central (5 hours 30 minutes), then a short walk (10 minutes) or bus to Glasgow Queen Street for trains to Fort William (3 hours 50 minutes). Return journey to Glasgow airport at the end of the holiday: Train from Mallaig to Glasgow Queen Street (5 hours 10 minutes), then bus to Glasgow Airport. Return journey to London at the end of the holiday: Train from Mallaig to London Euston (approx 14 hours) or Kings Cross (approx 11 hours 30 minutes). Season: May to October
Itinerary Day 1: Travel to Fort William where your first nights accommodation has been booked.
Day 2: Clunes to Invergarry 12 miles (19km). Transfer to the start of the trail at Clunes. Great walking along forest tracks beside Loch Lochy. No significant height gain.
Day 3: Invergarry to Tomdoun.12 miles (19km). The trail leaves the Great Glen and follows forest and drovers tracks through Glen Garry. No significant height gain.
Day 4: Tomdoun to Arnisdale.11 miles (17.5km). Easy walking along single-track roads past Loch Quoich to Kinloch Hourn. Charter-boat along Loch Hourn to Arnisdale. 650ft (200m) height gain.
Day 5: Arnisdale to Glenelg.11 miles (17.5km). Easy walking along single-track roads with a short diversion to some Pictish brochs. 990 feet (300 Metres) height gain.
Day 6: Glenelg to Sleat. 12 miles (19km) Cross over to the Isle of Skye on a quaint ferry, then wonderful walking with terrific views inland to the Cuillin and across the Sound of Sleat to Knoydart. Transfer to accommodation in Sleat.
Day 7: Transfer from Sleat to Armadale to catch the ferry to Mallaig.
Accommodation & Meals 6 nights accommodation in ensuite rooms with private bathrooms (where available) in selected guesthouses, inns, hotels and B&B's. Full Scottish breakfast.
What’s Included Transfer from first night's accommodation in Fort William to Clunes (start of Trail) Charter boat on Loch Hourn to Arnisdale. Transfer to accommodation in Sleat (end of day 6) Transfer from Sleat to Armadale (for the ferry to Mallaig - rail link with Fort William) Door to door luggage transfer along the trail. A set of maps with the route marked on and route notes describing the trail. A detailed itinerary providing detailed instructions on how to find your accommodation, facilities along the trail and a kit list. Detailed travel instructions on how to get to the start of the holiday and back from the end of it. Emergency assistance.
Extra nights An extra night gives you a chance to explore some of the villages and old market towns along the trail, catch up with writing postcards or just relaxing and giving those weary legs a rest.
Many folk have an extra night in Fort William before starting the trail to visit Glen Coe or Glen Nevis or climb Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. If you want to spend time looking for the Loch Ness Monster then Invergarry is a good choice. If you fancy somewhere peaceful consider the coastal hamlet of Arnisdale.
Price: £395 per person, based on two persons sharing accommodation. For rest days along the trail, for each extra night add £26 per person. If you are travelling on your own, there is a single room supplement of £18 per night.
