All 5 Lochs and Glens hotels are situated in truly beautiful locations overlooking Scottish lochs and easily reachable in a single day’s coaching from Belfast. Their distribution through that part of Scotland stretching from the west bank of Loch Lomond to the Pitlochry area, at the beginning of the Highlands, makes them ideal bases for a wide range of adventures.

Throughout the period from September to July excursions and activities vary to suit the season - “Scenic Scotland”, “Mountains and Mistletoe”, “Winter Warmer” “Ceilidh Breaks” and a “Scottish Royal Tour” in June.

Detailed itineraries for this wide range of tours are available, on request, from Ulsterbus Tours who provide luxury coaching for all tours and act as sole booking agents for the Lochs and Glens Company in Northern Ireland. Tel. 028 9033 7004

The following is a sample selection of tours from the various Lochs and Glens Hotels.

Please note, the order of the excursions may vary from that shown. Prices exclude obligatory holiday insurance and single room supplements.

Ceilidh Break
AT THE LOCH LONG HOTEL

Day 1
We leave Belfast to catch the morning ferry crossing to Stranraer, continuing towards Glasgow across the Erskine Bridge and, following Loch Lomondside, on to the village of Arrochar.

Day 2
Morning cruise with commentary on Loch Lomond, Mainland Britain’s largest and the most beautiful of the Scottish lochs. As you enjoy the views you will have the opportunity of a complimentary taste of a unique Scottish liqueur made with local ingredients. We then continue on to the village of Lochawe overlooking the picturesque 15th century ruins of Kilchurn Castle. After a lunch stop we continue on to the black and white lochside town of Inveraray with its unique Gothic style castle.

Day 3
After breakfast, our excursion takes us through Glen Coe and over the “Rest and be Thankful” into Glen Kinglas then, following the shores of Loch Fyne, to Colintraive where we make the short crossing onto the Isle of Bute. After passing through the capital town and Victorian resort of Rothsay we arrive at Mount Stuart for a tour of the fabulous home of the Marquis of Bute. This fantasy gothic house, overlooking the Firth of Clyde is situated amid wonderful gardens and contains many treasures. Highlight of the tour is the outstanding Marble Hall.

Day 4
Full day excursion to Scotland’s foremost city, Edinburgh, the capital since 1437. Its dramatic situation, on seven hills between the Firth of Forth and the peaks of the Pentlands, together with a wealth of historic interest in its picturesque streets makes this a day to remember. A visit to the ancient castle, built on the crags high above Princes Street is strongly recommended.

Day 5
Our last day we travel back to Stranraer to catch the afternoon HSS back to Belfast, where we arrive at the Europa Buscentre around 5.00pm.

Loch Long Hotel

The hotel is situated on the edge of the small village of Arrochar, at the head of a sea lough which extends 17 miles from the sea. There are spectacular views dominated by the rugged peaks of the Arrochar Alps that encircle it. Loch Lomond is just 2 miles to the east and, to the north, the road winds over the “Rest and be Thankful Pass” on its way to the Highlands and Islands.

Winter Warmer
AT THE INVERSNAID HOTEL

Day 2
A journey through the Trossachs, an area of outstanding natural beauty including a visit to the attractive villages of Aberfoyle and Callander. Return to the hotel by ferry across Loch Lomond (weather permitting). In the evening dinner will be followed by live entertainment, music and dancing.

Day 4
Day excursion to the Royal Burgh of Stirling with an opportunity to visit the splendid 15th century castle - considered by many to be the grandest of all Scotland’s castles - set high on a rocky outcrop towering over this busy city. Afterwards there will be time for shopping in the recently completed Marches centre for an optional visit to the fascinating Old Town jail.

Day 5
Our last day we travel back to Stranraer to catch the afternoon HSS back to Belfast, where we arrive at the Europa Buscentre around 5.00pm.

Inversnaid Hotel

The hotel occupies one of the finest sites in Scotland on the banks of Loch Lomond overlooking its own harbour and jetty and within 50 yards of the dramatic Arklet Falls. The hotel launch is regularly used to ferry guests across Loch Lomond to and from the hotel. The 65 acre grounds contains Rob Roy’s Cave.

Scottish Royal Tour
AT THE LOCH ACHRAY HOTEL

Day 2
On an October day in 1859, Queen Victoria sailed along the length of Loch Katrine to Stronachlachar where she opened the sluice gates that allowed water to flow to Glasgow, the most ambitious water engineering project that had ever been conceived. Our tour follows this route, but at Stronachlachar our coach will be waiting to take us onward to Inversnaid, beautifully set on Loch Lomondside.

Day 3
For many of our guests this will be the highlight of their holiday - an opportunity to explore the Royal Yacht Britannia at her new home in Edinburgh’s Leith Docks. This fascinating tour will cover five decks and will include a visit to the bridge, the state dining room and drawing room, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh’s bedrooms, the engine room, the captain’s cabin and the galleys and new for this year a fascinating insight into the crew’s quarters - in remarkable contrast to the opulence of the royal suites. The visit is expected to last two hours and will be followed by time for general sightseeing or shopping in central Edinburgh.

Day 4
Today’s excursion takes us north via the Fair City of Perth, then on to Blairgowrie passing the famous Meikleour beech hedge. Continue to our destination, Glamis Castle, a royal residence since the 14th century and childhood home to the late Queen Mother. This imposing five-storey tower block comprises many sumptuous rooms with a rich range of pictures, furniture and tapestries. The tour includes many areas of the castle including the Royal apartments. The beautiful and extensive grounds are also well worth seeing.

Day 5
Our last day we travel back to Stranraer for the afternoon HSS, which brings us back to Belfast around 5.00pm

Loch Achray Hotel

The Trossachs is one of Scotland’s best known scenic areas and Loch Achray Hotel’s position, at its very heart, is unrivalled. The 50 acre grounds extend to the loch side and, as a backdrop Ben Venue rises to over 3,000 ft. The town of Callander is nearby and a few minutes away, just over the Dyke’s Pass, lies the attractive tourist village of Aberfoyle.

Scenic Scotland
AT THE LOCH TUMMEL HOTEL

Day 1
Morning HSS crossing to Stranraer travelling towards Stirling and on to Perth, along the A9 to Pitlochry and by the shores of Loch Tummel to Tummel Bridge and your hotel.

Day 2
Morning excursion through the Tummel Valley for an included visit to Blair Castle, home for the past seven centuries of the Dukes of Atholl. There will be a guided tour of 32 rooms of infinite variety displaying beautiful furniture and collections of paintings, arms, china and other unique treasures. We return to the hotel in time for lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Why not try one of the local walks. Details are available from reception, or alternatively there may be an optional tour on offer.

Day 3
Excursion to Royal Deeside, travelling via the famous Devil’s Elbow and the ski centre at the Spittal of Glenshee, then across the moorland road to Braemar. Continuing along the banks of the River Dee, we get a glimpse of Crathie Church and Balmoral Castle before reaching Ballater, its enduring royal popularity evident by the many shops displaying the Royal Warrant.

Day 4
Today we travel into ‘Monarch of the Glen’ country, the real Scottish Highlands. We travel north through Glen Garry and the famous Pass of Drumochter to the distillery village of Dalwhinnie, then continue west along the shores of Loch Laggan and into the Great Glen at Spean Bridge. Ben Nevis, the highest point in Britain should then come into view (weather permitting), before we arrive at the highland town of Fort William. We continue along Loch Linnhe, then into the infamous pass of Glencoe emerging into the truly spectacular wild scenery of Rannoch Moor. We return to Loch Tummel along the shores of Loch Tay to complete a wonderful circular tour.

Day 6
Day excursion to the well known highland resort of Pitlochry, beautifully set among woods and fells. There will be time to visit the hydroelectric station with its unusual fish ladder or cross the small suspension bridge over the river Tummel to visit the acclaimed Festival Theatre and the adjacent gardens. Afterwards we continue to the Edradour, the smallest distillery in Scotland. There will be a guided tour giving a real insight into the traditional methods of whisky making followed by a complimentary wee dram.

Day 7
Our last day we travel back to Stranraer to catch the afternoon HSS back to Belfast, where we arrive at the Europa Buscentre around 5.00pm.

Loch Tummel Hotel

This most recently built Lochs and Glens property occupies a spectacular position at the western end of Loch Tummel with beautiful views towards the famous Queen’s View. Pitlochry is just 30 minutes away and Royal Deeside, Inverness and the famous Loch Ness can be comfortably visited in a day.

Mountains & Mistletoe
AT THE LOCH AWE HOTEL

Day 2
After breakfast your driver will be waiting to take you on a morning coach excursion via Inveraray to Arrochar, arriving at the Loch Long Hotel where lunch is included. Afterwards return to Loch Awe for an afternoon of fun and games followed by complimentary sherry reception, dinner and entertainment.

Day 3
After breakfast we travel to the attractive village of Killin, where the Dochart Falls cascade alongside the main street. We continue to Comrie and the highland town of Crieff, where we visit Glenturret - the oldest distillery in Scotland. This popular tour has been much improved and is now known as the Grouse Experience. Take time to join the Famous Grouse in his own world, enjoy the sights and sounds of Scotland and experience flying with the Grouse.

Afterwards, sample a wee dram! Return via Loch Earn to Loch Awe Hotel for your traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and live entertainment.

Day 4
Breakfast, followed by an excursion to Stirling with an opportunity to do some Christmas shopping or visit the splendid 15th century castle which towers over this busy market town. In the evening there will be a candlelit dinner and a Hogmanay farewell party.

Day 5
Our last day we travel back to Stranraer for the afternoon HSS, which brings us back to Belfast around 5.00pm.

Loch Awe Hotel

Beautifully situated, overlooking Loch Awe and the 15th century ruins of Kilchurn Castle this Scottish Baronial style hotel was constructed in 1871 with the arrival of the railway and it still retains its very own station on the scenic Highland Line to Oban. The small village of Dalmally is close by and Oban 30 minutes away.