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Day One |
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Day Two |
We enter Kilmartin Valley, one of the richest archaeological landscapes in Scotland, home to an astonishing array of stone circles, cairns, henges, and forts over 5000 years old. Here we will meet with traditional Highland Bardic storyteller, Scot anSgeulaiche, a fascinating guide and keeper of the Old Ways, who will take us to Temple Woods, Auchnabreck, a hidden holy well and other little-known and very special sites of power. Then back to our peaceful hotel by the sea in the evening, and time to stroll by the sea or in the Arduaine Gardens, a haven of beauty on the shore. |
Day Three |
A short drive up the west coast takes us to the colourful Victorian harbour town of Oban, the “Gateway to the Isles” where you will have free time to stroll through the shops, walk up to McCaig’s Tower for spectacular views, and have lunch in one of the cafes. This afternoon, we cross by ferry, first to the wild and unspoilt mountainous island of Mull, and then over to the sacred Isle of Iona where we will be staying for four nights at the famous St. Columba Hotel. |
Day Four |
After a talk on early Celtic spirituality, we will walk to the ruins of the nunnery and to the restored Iona Abbey, founded by St. Columba. We will attune to the spiritual powers of the island and pay our respects to the ancestors at the royal burial mound of Scotland's kings. A guided tour of the abbey will follow. This afternoon, you may wish to visit the craft studios and bookshops in the village. Tonight there will be a session of sacred chanting in the 6th century chapel of St. Oran. |
Day Five |
This morning you will learn the lore of the Celtic goddess Brighid, who later in Scotland became Saint Bride of the Isles. We will enter into her Mysteries through the ritual gathering of the rushes and making of Brighid's Crosses, her ancient sun-symbol of protection and blessing. This afternoon, we will process up the hill of Dun I to bless the crosses in the waters of her sacred spring on its spectacular cliff-top setting, and invoke her presence through story, prayer and song. There will be an opportunity to attend the service in the abbey tonight. |
Day Six |
We start with a boat trip over to nearby Staffa Island, home to colonies of wild seabirds, including puffins. The extraordinary hexagonal rock formations and the cathedral-like Fingal's Cave have been known to open the higher spiritual centres within those open to its influences. After lunch, an optional ramble over the island will take us to pristine sandy beaches on which can be found the beautiful Iona greenstones. |
Day Seven |
Leaving Iona, we head northwards up the scenic west coast, passing through the deep glens and rugged coastline of the Western Highlands made famous in the films Rob Roy and Braveheart. We take the ‘Road to the Isles’ through the magnificent highlands, and make a stop at Eilean Donan, known as the most romantic castle in Scotland. Then it’s ‘over the sea to Skye’ for a relaxing evening at a comfortable, historic hotel in the picturesque harbor town of Portree. |
Day Eight |
This morning, you will learn about the Scottish faery tradition, after which we visit Dunvegan Castle, home of the famous Fairy Flag of the MacLeod clan. Then we journey through an enchanted country of waterfalls, dazzling seascapes and fascinating rock formations, such as the Old Man of Storr. We will cross the haunted Fairy Bridge and wander through the Fairy Glen, a truly magical place filled with strange little knolls believed to be fairy dwellings. |
Day Nine |
We set sail for the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, a remote and ancient island that is home to many world-famous archaeological sites, including Callanish, an extraordinary ceremonial complex that is older than Stonehenge. We meet with Margaret Curtis, archaeologist and expert on local folklore, who has made Callanish her life’s work. She will take us on an exciting journey of discovery through this magnificent Earth temple, both mythic and scientific. |
Day Ten |
This morning we continue our exploration of this ancient Northern ritual landscape. We can walk from our hotel to Dun Carloway Broch, a round-sided stone tower over 2,000 years old. Then we will drive to other extraordinary sites in the area, such as the Triple Goddess stones and Garynahine stone circle, beautifully situated on a ridge overlooking Loch Roag, a Beltane site which just happens to be on the way to a spectacular beach, and other ancient gems of this island. |
Day Eleven |
We sail back to the mainland, landing at the fishing village of Ullapool and make our way eastwards to the Clava Cairns, one of the best preserved Bronze Age sites in Scotland in a lovely woodland setting. Then we journey southwards through the Highlands, making a stop at the Pass of Killicrankie, renowned for its outstanding beauty and natural history, as well as being an important site of the Jacobite Rebellion. This evening we relax in a fine hotel at Pitlochry, a culturally rich town on a loch, surrounded by glorious mountain scenery. |
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We spend our last day in Pitlochry where there will be a free day of many options: Take a trip around one of its two distilleries, shop for last-minute gifts in the town, visit Blair Castle, ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl, walk by the loch or to a waterfall in the woods where there are many beautiful spots perfect for quiet reflection and being at one with nature. Tonight, we celebrate our journey together with a farewell feast and closing circle. |
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Our journey comes full circle with a drive south to Edinburgh, fond farewells to friends old and new, and a lifetime of memories to cherish. |
