A taxi will take you to the coach and then we’re off to Skipton in North Yorkshire today. Stay for one night, with dinner, bed and breakfast, at the comfortable Rendezvous Hotel by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

After breakfast board the coach for the short ride to Skipton Station. The Settle to Carlisle Railway is regarded as one of the most impressive and scenic railways in the UK. Opened in 1876, it took six years to build. The 72-mile journey takes us across 21 viaducts, including the famous Ribblehead Viaduct, through the wild scenery of the North Pennines, Eden Valley and Yorkshire Dales. We arrive in Carlisle, where there will be time for lunch before driving through the Scottish borders and on to our Hotel in Drymen. We join the Hotel management for a welcome drink before dinner.

A day’s adventure in the Trossachs. We drive through Aberfoyle then over the spectacular Dukes Pass to pretty Lock Katrine, looking out for those carpets of blue along the way. After a soup and sandwich lunch we will set sail on the Steamship SS Sir Walter Scott for an afternoon cruise. After dinner the Hotel has arranged a weaponry display and storytelling.

A short drive takes us to Loch Lomond, where we will embark on a cruise. One of the Loch’s many islands is tranquil Inch Cailloch, and we will land for a while to experience its wild, natural beauty. In spring the Island is usually carpeted with bluebells. Back at the Hotel this evening we have a Scottish Show, with bagpipes, haggis and Highland dancing.

After breakfast we set off to explore Duntreath Castle, with its attractive grounds and 15^th century keep. We will be met by Lady Edmonstone and Sir Archie who will show us around their wonderful home. Afterwards, enjoy morning coffee and homebaking before we return to the hotel for an included lunch. A lazy afternoon in Drymen is followed by dinner and live music.

A prompt departure after breakfast, travelling south past Glasgow and joining the motorway. Home to Sussex where the taxis await.