Rob Roy Trail

Introduction
Argyle Scotland

Travel through the West Highlands along many of the same trails that the famous Rob Roy used for stealing cattle and escaping the law! You ride from Fort William to Inverary through some of the most spectacular and remote Highland scenery in Scotland. The Rob Roy Trail will show you the views that have inspired writers and poets for centuries, and it takes you to places you may have heard about but didn’t quite believe in. Along Loch Leven you will see the sights used in the film 'Rob Roy'. Explore truly "hidden trails" which, at one time, were known only to Rob Roy and members of his clan. Much of the scenery is the same as it was over two hundred years ago!
The ride is about 130 miles in length and is ideal for a fit and adventurous rider. Four to six hours are spent in the saddle each day.
Due to the remoteness of some of the hotels, we cannot guarantee single occupancy, however where it is requested we will do our very best.
Due to the adventurous nature of this trail, smaller luggage bags do make life easier!

Accomodation

Lodging will be a small country inns and 2 nights at the Loch Fyne Spa hotel.
7 nights accommodations  - all breakfast, lunches (along the trail) and 2 dinners are included.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

The ride is about 130 miles in length and is ideal for a fit adventurous rider who is comfortable at canter and is prepared for six hours or more spent in the saddle each day, with an average distance of more than 20 miles covered.

Itinerary

Day 1:  Transport will be from Glasgow Airport (GLA) at 12:00 noon. A representative of the riding centre will meet the riders at the International Arrivals Lounge. If you arrive early there is a coffee bar and lounge for you to relax in after your flight . You will be taken to your first hotel in Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis - Britain’s highest mountain! The journey from Glasgow takes you deep into the Western Highlands of Argyll, along the picturesque banks of Loch Lomond.
After settling in, guests meet their guides and get a briefing on the week ahead.

Day 2:   After breakfast you are taken to meet your horses in the heart of Glen Nevis. Once familiarised with your mount we follow the traditional peat track up out of the Glen before taking to the open hill, which is wild and remote, populated by Scotlands native black faced sheep, deer, eagles, hawks and a host of wildlife. Make sure to bring your camera every day!
Stopping for picnic lunch by the river at Blarmafulchuch before heading on through the Mamore mountain range, famous for its outstanding and scenic beauty, known worldwide by photographs but rarely seen in its natural state. Access to all, but the very few, is supremely difficult. The horse being the most versatile of cross country transport grants you, its rider, the privilege of first hand experience of this country.
The day ends at the head of Loch Leven where you stay in the idyllically situated McDonald Hotel, with the horses spending their night at a traditional sheep station in the mountains.

Day 3: Leaving Kinlochleven, we follow the famous West Highland Way over the mountains and down the “Devils Staircase” to the head of historic Glen Coe, site of the infamous McDonald Massacre in 1692, and used in the 1995 film “Rob Roy”.
Here we have lunch at the foot of Buachille Etive Moor (The Big Shepherd of Glen Etive).
After lunch we ride to the edge of Rannoch Moor and our accommodation for tonight, the Kings House Hotel – the oldest licensed pub in Scotland! Tonight the horses are corralled on the moor in front of the hotel giving us the opportunity to watch them relax from our doorstep.

Day 4: Today we ride across Rannoch Moor, Scotlands largest unspoilt moorland and the largest blanket bog in Europe. We get the opportunity to wind our way through the famous peat bogs and appreciate the vast expanses of purple heather, beautifully framed by the majestic mountains towering in the distance.
We ride to the door of Inveroran Hotel, a traditional 19th century inn and the first resting place for drovers having safely guided their herd across Rannoch Moor. Tonight as the horses graze in front of the hotel, they are often joined by wild red deer! After dinner (fresh wild haggis in hunting season) we retire to the bar for live music and the chance to sample the pubs “top shelf”! 

Day 5: Leaving Inveroran we follow the River Orchy (a beautiful salmon river running from Loch Tulla to Loch Awe) winding our way through Glen Orchy forest where we can increase our pace and jump the ditches if you like!
After lunch we ford the river (hopefully not getting too wet!) and ride on through a traditional sheep farm. We leave the horses in Stronmillichan Glen and then visit the stunning 15th century ruin of Kilchurn Castle, at the head of Loch Awe, on foot.
We then drive on to tonight’s accommodation at the Taynuilt Hotel a 16th century coaching inn. 

Day 6: Starting at Stronmillichan we ride out through the old village of Dalmally to the monument, raised in 1859, to the famous Gaelic bard Duncan Ban MacIntyre. We climb through the forest to the ridge before heading across the open plateau at the top. The stunning views, in all directions, make it feel like you’re on top of the world!
We have lunch by a mountain reservoir before riding down into Glen Shira, passing close to the site of the croft where Rob Roy stayed in 1715.
Leaving the horses in Glen Shira we travel the short distance down the glen to Inveraray
where we stay at the Loch Fyne Hotel which has a swimming pool and spa facilities to help you relax before dinner. 

Day 7: Today we ride through Glen Shira and onto the high ground with splendid views of Inverary and Loch Fyne below.
The ride ascends to the Dun Na Cuaiche, built by the 7th Duke of Argyll, again with stunning views of Inverary and the beautiful 16th century castle. Your camera is a must have item.
Late lunch will be taken at the Castle’s tea room, giving the opportunity to explore the castle, before visiting the famous Loch Fyne Whisky shop for a drop of the amber nectar!
Your host will then take you to Inverary’s finest alehouse to sample some local beer before returning to the Loch Fyne Spa hotel. 

Day 8: We will collect you from your hotel around about 10am to get you to Glasgow Airport (GLA) by 12 noon.

Note:  The above itinerary is an approximate description of the trail.  The route may vary due to many factors, such as forestry work, farming activities or deer stalking, making detours necessary.  Locations of night stops can in some circumstances vary too.  

Rates and Dates for Rob Roy Trail

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Argyle
Airport: Glasgow
Transfer: Glasgow

Climate:

Climate: Scotland is generally colder than the rest of the UK, especially in the more northerly regions. The west tends to be wetter and warmer than the cool, dry east. In upland areas, snow is common in winter, and fog and mist may occur at any time of year.

Your clothes for the evening should be casual but smart.