May 15-21 SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

As an old Scots saying has it, ‘guid gear comes in sma’ bouk’ (good things come in small packages). And despite its small size, Scotland certainly has many treasures crammed into its compact territory. There’s something for all tastes. http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/1/a/c/event_63117772.jpeg

I have always wanted to go to Scotland to explore this great country with “Brave hearts” people. It is all planned now. To make the trip pleasant and enjoyable we have decided to organise a small and friendly group, staying at the good quality, cozy accommodation.

We plan to stay in Scottish Highlands for 6 nights and 5 full days, exploring the area, climbing Ben Nevis , the highest mountain in the UK (weather permitting); hiking in the Glen Coe Valley, which boasts some of the most majestic picture postcard scenery to be seen in the Highlands; visiting Loch Ness; Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed castle in the world? Certainly Eilean Donan is Scotland's most romantic and recognizable; visiting Oban, Scotland's most popular west-coast holiday town; visiting Isle of Skye, the worlds favorite island, recently voted '4th best island in the world by National Geographic magazine’ and movie film location of 'BLESSED', starring James Nesbitt.

This will be a combined holiday of hiking and sight seeing! All will be planned according the weather to enjoy the most of it.

After you RSVP yes, to secure your place you will need to pay £150 deposit within a week time. The deposit is non refundable but transferable. THE FULL PRICE IS £459.

The balance should be paid by 1st of March 2012.

The meeting point will be at Glasgow Airport on Tuesday May 15 at 2pm straight after the recommended flight with Easyjet.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/9/b/8/event_63119832.jpeg

Glen Coe & Loch Leven is a magical place where true Highland Hospitality combines with worlds famous scenery, poignant history and some of the best things to see and do Scotland has to offer. Here mountains and sparkling lochs combine to create the breathtaking uniqueness that is Glen Coe... Glen Coe is without doubt one of the most famous and scenic of all Scottish Glens.http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/2/c/e/event_63118062.jpeg

The Island of Skye, situated off the West coast of Mainland Scotland, is the largest and best known of the Inner Hebrides.

Sometimes referred to in Gaelic poetry and song as Eilean a' Cheò (The Misty Isle), Skye is renown for its natural beauty (http://www.ealaghol.co.uk/pictures/), history and wildlife.

The Cuillin Hills (http://www.ealaghol.co.uk/pictures/elglcuil/), the Red Hills and Blaven (http://www.ealaghol.co.uk/pictures/blabhein/) have long been favourites with climbers and walkers. If you don't fancy the high places, the deeply indented coastline means you are never far from the sea.

Wildlife abounds on the Island, with birds from the tiny Goldcrest to magnificent Golden Eagle, mammals from Pygmy Shrew to Red Deer and fish from Saithe to Salmon. If you are lucky you might catch sight of the elusive Otter playing on the shore. The wide range of geology and topography provides habitats for many wild flowers. http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/4/0/event_63122112.jpeg

Oban the Seafood Capital of Scotland, known also as the Gateway to the Isles. We may go for 1 hour cruise to the local seal colony giving good proximity for photographing seals and other wildlife. Well worth a visit while we are in Oban, especially if the weather is unkind, is the Oban Distillery, unusual in being located in the heart of such a busy town.

There has been a distillery here since 1794. It can readily be identified by its tall chimney and by its location, almost on the waterfront and immediately underneath McCaig's Folly. http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/6/2/a/event_63118922.jpeg

Loch Ness is a large, deep, freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands and is one of the most visited locations in Scotland. In fact it is the most famous lake in the world, loch being the Scottish word for lake or fiord. Loch Ness is a substantial body of water about 24 miles long by one mile wide and at its deepest point it goes down nearly 1,000 ft.

THE PRICE of £459 includes:

All accommodation for 6 nights in twin rooms ensuite with flat screen TV and free WiFi. Some rooms have mountain and loch views.

All food, cooked by our chef http://img2.meetupstatic.com/7721728740974823239/img/smileys/tongue.gif.

All transport and guided walks. We will have at least 2 hike leaders so may have different walk/hikes option on one day.

The price does not include flights and 2 dinners when we will go out to try some haggis http://img2.meetupstatic.com/1723755200050492932723/img/smileys/biggrin.gif.

No extra or hidden cost, you may forget your wallet at home http://img2.meetupstatic.com/48961800108910343402/img/smileys/laughing.gif!

Accommodation

We will be staying in the picturesque village of Onich, in an area of the Scottish Highlands renowned for its magnificent and varied scenic beauty.

Set within private & naturally wooded grounds, our accommodation has got panoramic views overlooking Loch Linnhe and the Ardgour Mountains, it is popular with active-minded guests - Being midway between the Ben Nevis & Glencoe mountain ranges, (20 minute drive to Ben Nevis, 10 minutes to Glencoe.) walkers and climbers are spoiled for choice.

Location

The Mamore Mountains are a 20 minute drive away also. The Lochaber area has taken on the title of 'Outdoor Capital of the UK', in recognition of the large & varied selection of outdoor activities available in the local area.

Glencoe Visitor Centre (10 min away) - a multi award winning Visitor Centre and Building, encompassing a shop - with lots of interesting local products, a café - with fabulous home baking, an information point - including weather forecasts for climbers & walkers and advice on routes, a viewing platform.

The weather is unpredictable in Scotland even in May, which is the best time of the year to visit this amazing country. There are long days and no midges yet (they start to appear in the beginning of June).

We will need to be very well equipped for this trip: WATERPROOF jackets, trousers, hiking boots are essential!!!

We will drop you off at Glasgow Airport on Monday May 21 at 11-30 am for the recommended flight with Easyjet.

Recommended flights:

London Stansted to Glasgow (http://www.easyjet.com/EN/Booking.mvc)

Dep 15 May 2012 12:05 Arr 15 May 2012 13:20 Flight 215 1 Adult 1 x £35.99 Glasgow to London Stansted (http://www.easyjet.com/EN/Booking.mvc)

Dep 21 May 2012 13:40 Arr 21 May 2012 14:55 Flight 214 1 Adult 1 x £26.99 Luggage (http://www.easyjet.com/EN/Booking.mvc/Step2#HoldBaggage) 1 Cases 1 x £18.00 20kg total combined weight. You’re saving £18.00 by pre-booking compared to paying at the airport Total flights and Luggage £80.98

Would love to see you with us http://img1.meetupstatic.com/614102232183174521616/img/smileys/wink.gif.