Scottish Highlands & Islands If photographs could speak then those of the Scottish Highlands would beckon travelers to explore. Scotland Highland and Island Rambles meet at Glasgow Airport in Scotland and are offered on: 2008 Trip Dates June 19-29, 2008 Aug 28-Sept 7, 2008 Trip Price: $3250.00 Requested Single Supplement: $450.00. Private Bath: 8 nights Canoe Rental: included in trip price Trip Notes Day by Day Itinerary Scotland Highland Ramble Questions jim@battenkill.com		Scotland Highland and Island Rambles 11 day, moderate quick water Inn based canoeing and hiking trip.   If photographs could speak then those of the Scottish Highlands would beckon travelers to explore. The Scottish Highlands are as different to the rest of Scotland as they are from all of Britain. A rugged beauty of bold vistas and independent nature call us to the hills and rivers. To journey to the land of lochs and glens, castles and cottages, kings and clansmen, of kilts and bagpipes is a journey like no other. Our venture takes us deep into the heart of Scotland where timeless and tranquil beauty awaits. We settle into a slower pace of life, taking time to discover and explore the splendid landscapes, open rugged coastline, hills of heather and dancing rivers. We meet in Glasgow, quickly pass through customs and find ourselves traveling along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. The wooded islands and picturesque bays and clear waters are a wonderful beginning. We look forward to spending a couple days along Loch Tay. Here we will paddle the rivers Dochart and Lochay, have time to wander through the small village of Killin and enjoy a walk in the hills above the village. After a few days along Loch Tay we travel west through Glen Coe and on to Fort William. Etive Mor rises out of the moorland and like a sentinel standing watch over Glen Coe. This area is well known for hill walks and climbing so our choices are numerous. The scenery throughout the glen is dramatic and no matter what we opt for we will find ourselves immersed in our surroundings. We continue on the road to the Isles and over the sea to Skye. The Isle of Skye, is truly an amazing place, rich in history and folklore. Steep and rugged mountains along the coast make a dramatic backdrop during our travels. Throughout the Isle we will learn of clan struggles, the folklore of Bonnie Prince Charlie, crofting and clearances. There is much to do here. We will have time to visit Dunvegan castle, the seat of the clan MacLeod, or visit one of Scotland's wonderful distilleries and taste a wee dram of whisky. Our paddling choices include the river Snizort or one of the many sea lochs in the area. The Quiraing (coo-rang) is truly a remarkable and magnificent place, and we plan to spend a day here walking and discovering. The Quiraing is a maze of towering pinnacles and hidden meadows. Some of the meadows are said to be magical places where fairies frolic on moonlit nights. We leave Skye and continue our journey to Kinloch Rannoch and Glen Lyon. Over 25 miles long Glen Lyon is reputed to be one of the most beautiful places in all of Scotland. Here we will find a wide range of walks to enjoy along with wonderful paddling on the river Lyon. The Lyon provides the perfect setting for a day of paddling. The river is a true delight and the countryside that unfolds in front of our eyes offers breathtaking beauty and true grandeur. Our last couple evenings are spent in Fortingal where we walk along a quiet country lane past tidy thatched roofed cottages to the Fortingal Hotel. Reputed to be the birthplace of Pontius Pilate, this tiny hamlet is also home to an ancient Yew tree, druid stones and castles. All too soon our journey is over and we are traveling back to Glasgow and saying our final goodbyes. Our memories are still in the making as we pass silhouetted castle hugging cliff along rivers that wind through rolling green hills laid out like velvet carpet. Travel with us to this enchanting land that is just waiting to be shared. A serene and beautiful area, where every turn leads to further discoveries, wonderful vistas and an unhurried pace of life.   Contact Us BattenKill Canoe, Ltd. 800.421.5268 or 802.362.2800 fax--802.362.0159 ©2002 BattenKill Canoe, Ltd.. All rights reserved