Cruise Scotland’s scenic lochs with Carol Kirkwood

SCOTLAND’S West Coast is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK, with remote and mysterious islands, the Highlands and spectacular lochs. Step aboard Lord Of The Glens, a traditionally furnished yachtstyle ship that’s small enough to both pass through the locks of Scotland’s canals and offer personalised service to its 54 guests.

Setting sail from Inverness, you’ll explore the Caledonian Canal and hidden sea lochs during a packed itinerary on this sevennight voyage.

This special voyage enjoys the company of meteorologist, weather presenter and proud Scotswoman Carol Kirkwood, who will join you for a drinks reception and give a talk and Q&A. You’ll also have the opportunity to see the renowned Glenfinnan Viaduct, famously crossed by the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies.

Descending through the eight interconnected locks of Neptune’s Staircase will be a memorable moment as the ship is lowered back to sea level following its journey through the Great Glen.

A stop at the pretty painted waterfront town of Tobermory provides an opportunity to explore on foot, along with a walking tour of Oban. Here you’ll visit McCaig’s Folly, a hilltop tower with farreaching views across Oban Bay and the Atlantic Islands.

This cruise is full-board, and on each evening you’ll be seated for dinner in the Robert Louis Stevenson Restaurant for banquet-style, three-course meals. To finish the evening, guests can enjoy the David Livingstone Lounge or Sir Walter Scott Bar, fitted with rich mahogany tables, plush sofas and original 1929 armchairs from the legendary Cote d’Azur Express.

REASONS TO BOOK

Meet Carol Kirkwood: Carol will give a talk about her life, career, love of Scotland, Strictly experience and growing up in the small Scottish village of Morar.

The Caledonian Canal: Built between 1803 and 1822 to connect the Great Glen’s four lochs, the Caledonian Canal is an engineering marvel, featuring the picturesque, tree-lined Laggan Avenue and the eight interconnected locks of Neptune’s Staircase that lower vessels back to sea level.

Views of the Inner Hebrides:

As well as being the seafood capital of Scotland, Oban is home to McCaig’s Folly, which has farreaching views across Oban Bay to the Inner Hebrides.

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle: Search for the mythical monster in Loch Ness while you sail past the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle and ascend the flight of locks that run through the heart of Fort Augustus.

Meet like-minded others: There’s a convivial atmosphere onboard Lord Of The Glens. As one of just 54 guests on this yacht-style ship, you’ll have

the opportunity to meet other passengers and enjoy meals and excursions together if you choose to.

Sail on a splendid small ship: On Lord Of The Glens you will see armchairs from the Cote d’Azur Express, David Roberts lithographs, furniture from RMS Windsor Castle and light fittings from SS France. It has a superb restaurant, bar and panoramic windows.