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Explore the Highlands, Islands and Regions of Scotland

"Here lies our land: every airt /Beneath swift clouds, glad glints of sun,/Belonging to none but itself./We are mere transients, who sing /
Its westlin’ winds and fernie braes, /Northern lights and siller tides, / Small folk playing our part. /‘Come all ye’, the country says, /
You win me, who take me most to heart
."      Kathleen Jamie (2013), inscribed on the national monument at Bannockburn (1314)

Getting Here

In planning a tour, don't be too ambitious

Start with the basic Highland Tour and add the options or alternative routes. Let me know your interests and we can build them in. The earlier you book the more chance you have of getting the best gay owned /gay friendly accommodation; especially during summer.

Despite roads appearing on maps, many are relatively minor in construction and speed is reduced considerably; especially in the North West Highlands where some important roads are single track.

Be prepared: detours can add to journey times. Landslips have closed the 'Rest and Be Thankful road' (A83) five times in five years adding 50 miles and an hour to the journey from Tarbet to Oban.

Ferries
Scotland has a network of ferry connections not only conecting the islands but in place of bridges, timetables vary depending on the day of the week and tides. Again based on my experience I will advise you on timings.

When is the best time of year to visit Scotland?

The scenery changes throughout the year but always looks stunning whether in spring, summer, autumn or winter. You should bear in mind that useful daylight hours are more important.
 
Latitude and Daylight
Scotland lies between 55 and 60 degrees North, the same latitude as Anchorage, Alaska. At this latitude the sun is visible for 18 hours, 52 minutes during the summer solstice and 5 hours, 52 minutes during the Winter Solstice.

Travel Distance and Time: Farther and slower than you think

It takes 5hrs 30mins to cover the 285 miles (458 Kms) from Edinburgh to John O' Groats and you can easily reach Skye in a day- but that isn't the point. You would miss out on what Scotland has to offer.

It takes 14hrs 30 mins by overnight ferry to travel the 225 miles northwards from Aberdeen to Lerwick in the Shetland Isles.

DID YOU KNOW?
Unst, the most northerly island in the UK is located nearer to the Arctic Circle than to London.
Unst's nearest railway station is Bergen in Norway!
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