The Rob Roy trail is a six day ride from Inveraray to Fort
William through some of the most spectacular and remote Highland scenery in
Scotland. The ride is about 200 Km in length and is ideal for a fit experienced
rider. Six hours or more are spent in the saddle each day with an average
distance of more than 35 Km covered.
Guests are met at Glasgow Airport and taken to their comfortable hotel accommodation in Inveraray. After settling in, guests meet their guides and get a briefing on the week ahead.
The first day begins with a leisurely breakfast, followed by a short walk
from the hotel to Inveraray Castle. Time is allowed for a tour around the castle,
and then introduction to the horses. We carefully select and match you to your
horse. Our horses’ good nature and stamina ensure they will handle the most
challenging of terrains whether it be the fording of rivers or crossing high
mountain passes. The rider's safety and enjoyment is always our primary concern.
Once mounted, the horses are put through their paces in the field beneath the
Castle walls, and we then ride out exploring the extensive castle estates, with
a steep climb to a spectacular viewpoint at Dunaquaich Tower, high above the
castle and Inveraray town, with views as far as the eye can see down Loch Fyne
to the Isle of Arran
The next day, the trail continues north, up the picturesque Glen Shira. Here
we pass close to the hideout of Rob Roy and his clansmen, while they were in
hiding from the Earl of Montrose and the English army The trail follows the
north shore of Lochan Shira and climbs out of the Glen over the hillside to
cross open moorland at the top, before we start the long descent to Stronmilchan.
The horses spend the night here while the riders retire to a local hostelry
in the village of Dalmally, where they relax in comfortable surroundings with
good food and drink.
Leaving
Stronmilchan we cross the river Orchy and follow its Northern bank until
the river disappears into Glen Orchy forest. We now follow a forest track and
eventually rejoin the river at the Bridge of Orchy and then on to Inveroran for
the night. Tonight the horses are very close by - a field in front of the hotel,
where they can be observed grazing in the company of red deer, which are
abundant in this part of Scotland.
The Longest Day. We head west towards the shores of Loch Etive, by way of Glen Kinglass, famous deer stalking country. We are now deep in remote wild country, sanctuary to much rare wild life including the magnificent Golden Eagle. (You may be lucky enough to see one!). Where the river meets Loch Etive, the route turns north to the head of the Loch, almost certainly the same route used by Rob Roy himself. At the end of the day the horses get their well-earned rest at Invercharnan while the riders either stay at the remote Glen Etive Lodge, or are taken to a hotel at the head of Glen Coe.
Riders are transported back to Invercharnan and the horses. We ride through
Lairig Eilde, the deep ravine separating the soaring peaks of Buachille Etive
Moor, and Buachille Etive Beag - mountain guardians of Loch Etive. We are now at
the head of historic Glen Coe, site of the infamous McDonald Massacre in 1692.
After lunch we climb out of Glen Coe by way of the 'Devil's Staircase' arriving
for a well earned rest and dinner at a hotel in Kinlochleven.
Leaving Kinlochleven, the trail first heads east then changes direction to
the north, beneath Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. The
countryside here is wild and remote, populated by deer, eagles, buzzards, and a
host of wildlife. This day is outstanding in its 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 foot of Ben Nevis, the horses staying at
Achintee Farm and the riders at a comfortable hotel in Fort William..
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.
The trails starting at Fort William are generally a reverse of this itinerary, and are subject to the same influences affecting routes and accommodation.