Fly into Scotland, meet your tour manager at the airport, and board the coach for the scenic journey to your hotel. The Carrbridge Hotel is situated on the edge of Carrbridge village, and is close to some lovely local walks (the hotel staff will be happy to point you in the right direction). The famous packhorse bridge, dating back to 1717 and reputed to be one of the oldest in Scotland, is opposite the hotel. This evening, join your tour manager and fellow guests for a Welcome Drink and a get-together before dinner.
Board the coach and travel to Inverness, this morning. Here, you'll board the train for the spectacular 80-mile, two-and-a half-hour journey west to Kyle of Lochalsh, in its idyllic setting opposite the Isle of Skye. From Inverness, the line travels along the south side of Beauly Firth with views back across to the Black Isle, before turning north to the market town of Dingwall. Here it heads west once again, climbing slowly through the remote northern Highlands and offering glimpses (on clear days) of towering Liathach and its Torridon mountain neighbours. Probably the most spectacular part of the journey is when the line descends to the magnificent scenery of Loch Carron, and runs alongside the Loch, past Attadale Estate and Plockton, and on to Kyle. Once in Kyle you'll have time to explore, and perhaps have a spot of lunch, before heading back to the hotel by coach at the end of a wonderful day.
Set on the banks of the River Dulnain, and boasting spectacular views of the Cairngorm Mountains, this hotel was originally established in 1803 as an inn for travellers. It has been extended and refurbished over the years, and now has 100 bedrooms.