Day 2 - 3: Flexible day on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula
Today you have the freedom to explore the wonderful, rugged landscape of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. It is a natural haven for wildlife and an area of exceptional tranquility and beauty. The ruins of the 14th Century Castle Tioram, the ancient seat of the Macdonalds of Clanranald, lie just to the South - and sit on a small islet by the shore, accessible via a sand spit - except at high tide! You can wander along the coast road, stopping at Glenborrodale to visit the Nature Reserve or drive right out to Sanna Point for a walk along the sandy beach with fine views of the Small Isles. One of the country's most scenic roads will take you out to Ardnamurchan Point where you will find the granite lighthouse, built in 1848 marking the most Westerly point on the British mainland. The road North will take you to Mallaig via the White Sands of Morar - a beautiful drive with plenty of places to stop for lunch or a walk. Mallaig is a picturesque fishing port and ferry terminal with excellent day trips over the sea to Skye and to the Small Isles of Eigg, Muck, Rum and Canna. You can take the car to Skye on the "Early Bird Saver", leaving on the first sailing of the day and returning to Mallaig on the last one (£28.50 return - only available Mon - Fri.). It is necessary to book this crossing. It is also possible to visit the Island of Mull, by taking the 5 minute car ferry from Lochaline.

Day 4: Glenfinnan, Fort William, Castle Stalker & Oban
Depart Lochailort and head East through Glenfinnan with its fine monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite Cause, standing majestically at the head of Loch Sheil. Then head out onto the main road where you can visit Fort William - the second largest town in the Highlands after Inverness. Being the home to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, its appeal lies more in the surroundings rather than the town itself. Cross over the bridge at Ballachulish and travel down the shores of Loch Linnhe, through the wooded landscape of Appin. You will pass the well restored and picturesque Castle Stalker, set on an islet off the headland. It dates back to the early 16th century and was home of the Stewarts of Appin. You can take time to visit the town of Oban, before going through the Pass of Brander to Dalmally. A nice detour here is the single track road through Glen Orchy, running alongside cascading waterfalls from the River. You will meet the main road again at Tyndrum and can make your way back south via Callander and Stirling.

Departures: Any day