Scenic Scotland - Glorious Glasgow,
Loch Lomond Cruise &
Benmore Botanic Gardens
20th- 27th  May 2023

Our second tour to Scotland sees us return to Dunoon, a town splendidly situated on the western shores of the Firth of Clyde, where Loch Long and Holy Loch join the sea. It boasts some lovely gardens, two bays, and a flat promenade - perfect for that most traditional of seaside occupations, strolling along the prom!  With no overnight stop, you will arrive in resort on the first evening.

On our first full day excursion we will visit the nearby Benmore Botanic Gardens home to a world-famous collection of plants from the Himalayas, China, Japan, North and South America. The 150 year old Redwood Avenue is one of the finest entrances to any botanic garden. The slopes are alive with brilliant reds, shocking pinks and papery whites as its unique and world-leading rhododendron collection blooms with over 300 species. For the more energetic, ascend to a spectacular viewpoint at 137 metres (450 ft) to enjoy views of Holy Loch and the neighbouring mountains.  See the traditional Bhutanese and Chilean pavilions along the way.  On lower ground, accessible to all, enjoy the splendour of the Golden Gates dating back to 1878 and the serenity of the Pond. Our return to the hotel is via a scenic drive along the very edge of Loch Long and Holy Loch.

We will also enjoy a day out to Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, renowned for its culture, style and the friendliness of its people. Glasgow offers a blend of internationally-acclaimed museums and galleries, stunning architecture, fantastic shopping and a diverse array of restaurants. As well as time at leisure to explore, we will pay a visit to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, with it’s stunning architecture and 22 galleries featuring everything from art and animals to Ancient Egypt.

Our next day out will sees us take a drive beside Loch Lomond to the pretty conservation village of Luss. Founded in medieval times, much of the current village dates from the 18th and 19th centuries. The parish church offers a haven of peace and has a lovely ceiling made from Scots pine rafters and some beautiful Victorian stained-glass windows. We then enjoy a leisurely 90 minute circular cruise to view the bonnie banks in the shadow of Ben Lomond, with live commentary on local heritage and history of the feuding clans while watching for the abundant wildlife.

Our return to the hotel will be via the Rest & Be Thankful pass. The viewpoint, over 800ft above sea level, has beautiful views of Glen Croe and the old valley road, engineered and completed as a military road in 1750.

You will also have a free day at leisure in Dunoon. the main resort on the beautiful Cowal Peninsula. It is one of the Firth of Clyde’s foremost resorts, built around the historic Castle Mound and famous for its large Victorian pier. Explore the high street, browse the selection of craft shops and galleries, or enjoy a refreshment in one of the cafes or restaurants. You could also visit the Castle House Museum to discover lots of fascinating facts about the area's local history and its people. 

We will also take a drive North to Oban, more recently better known as "The Seafood Capital of Scotland". The panoramic views of the mountains, lochs and islands which have captivated artists, authors, composers, and poets for centuries are as striking now as they were when Dunollie Castle stood sentinel over the narrow entrance to the sheltered bay six hundred years ago. The town's present-day popularity owes much to the Victorians, and Oban had the royal seal of approval from Queen Victoria, who called it "one of the finest spots we have seen".

Our return to the hotel will be via Inveraray, famed for it’s jail, which  you will get the chance to visit, with an included audio guide.

Our final day out takes on a scenic drive to nearby Tighnabruaich, on the shore of the beautiful Kyles of Bute and our journey there gives some amazing views of both Loch Striven and the Kyles of Bute. We will also visit Lochgoilhead, a small village situated at the northern end of Loch Goil, which was used for filming parts of the James Bond film Frome Russia With Love.

Tour Price includes:

Deposit £50 per person

Your Hotel - The Selbourne Hotel, Dunoon

The hotel is superbly situated looking South across the Firth of Clyde, with pleasant lawns reaching down to the promenade and waters edge. Many of the rooms have uninterrupted views of the river. Entertainment is provided on most evenings and as well as the bar there is a TV room, games room & quiet lounge. All rooms are en suite and have central heating,  complimentary tea/coffee facilities, a tv and a hairdryer.