Bespoke Hotels has created an alternative route to the NC500 to showcase Scotland’s very best. Seven hotels are incorporated into the ‘Tartan Trek’ itinerary, which will take in some of the country’s most eye-catching sights.
The group has designed a route that stretches from the Scottish Borders to the heart of the Highlands, taking in Loch Lomond, Oban, and Fort William enroute before sweeping back down again via Pitlochry.
Bespoke Hotels’ Expanding Scottish Portfolio
The group’s extensive Scottish portfolio of 24 hotels makes it the largest independent hotel group in Scotland.
The collection offers unparalleled locations, and the recent acquisition of three new management contracts for Hebridean hotels—the Colonsay Hotel, Polochar Inn, and Sligachan Hotel, further strengthens its presence in Scotland.
What Makes the Tartan Trek Unique
The Tartan Trek itinerary is aimed at intrepid travellers who are keen to get out there and see the best of the country. The collection orchestrates the requisite hotel nights as part of the package, with recommendations for essential sightseeing along the way. At 524 miles, it provides an alternative option to the popular North Coast 500 while offering access to a wealth of new sights and experiences.
The seven hotels can be done consecutively or broken up with additional nights in between to suit the traveller’s preference. This allows guests to determine how leisurely they’d like to take the route, making it perfect for older couples with time on their hands or families looking to make the most of school holidays.
Thomas Greenall, CEO of Bespoke Hotels, commented:
“The Tartan Trek is the perfect way for guests to explore Scotland and everything it has to offer — safe in the knowledge they’ll have accommodation sorted at the end of a day’s sightseeing. The locations of our fantastic Scottish hotels form the perfect stepping stones for this journey.
The recent UK staycation boom has seen more and more people come to appreciate what the UK has to offer. And while the height of that interest may be waning, by opening up a new alternative route to appreciate the beauty of Scotland, we’re hoping to entice those who’ve already done the NC500 to enjoy a fresh perspective.”
The Tartan Trek Itinerary
1. Cally Palace
Your journey starts in the beautiful Dumfries and Galloway
This route is one of many driveable holidays available from Bespoke Hotels and will start at the Cally Palace, on the outskirts of the pretty village of Gatehouse of Fleet on the Solway coast.
It is set on over 150 acres of grounds and was originally an 18th-century country mansion just outside Gatehouse of Fleet, but it is now a wonderful hotel with an exclusive golf course in south-west Scotland.
2. Arrochar Hotel
A three-hour journey north will transport guests to the village of Arrochar, where they can stay at the Arrochar Hotel.
During their stay, guests might decide to cruise the famed Loch Lomond leisurely or put on their walking boots and embark on The Cobbler, a popular walking route across the stunning ridges of the Southern Highlands.
3. Great Western Hotel
The next leg of the journey is just an hour and a half drive to the Great Western Hotel on the waterfront of the historic town of Oban. Meaning ‘The Little Bay’ in Gaelic, the village is home to one of the smallest whisky distilleries in the country.
After a wee dram of single malt, guests might also choose to go back in time at the Oban War & Peace museum, which depicts the town’s rich cultural history.
From here, you can explore some of Scotland’s renowned islands or head north.
4. The Caledonian Hotel
The route then continues north towards the ‘Gateway to Ben Nevis’, Fort William.
The Caledonian Hotel is just an hour’s drive from Oban and offers the perfect location for guests to relax after a busy day hiking to Steall Falls or visiting the impressive Neptune’s staircase — a famous lock on the Caledonian canal just four miles north of Fort William, or a trek up Ben Nevis.
5. Tulloch Castle Hotel
Next on the route is the Tulloch Castle Hotel in Dingwall, which is located two hours north of Fort William and the most northerly point on the journey.
Taking in the Great Glen and Loch Ness en route, guests can marvel at the castle’s many period features, including the 250-year-old panelled Great Hall and painstakingly restored original fireplaces and ceilings. The castle is also rumoured to be the birthplace of Macbeth – with lots of history to explore.
6. Pitlochry Hydro Hotel
The route then starts its descent south, with the next stop being a two-hour journey to the Pitlochry Hydro Hotel in Perthshire.
Famously visited by Queen Victoria, Pitlochry is known for its festival theatre and salmon ladder, as well as amazing views. The town of Pitlochry offers guests everything from a relaxing woodland walk to Faskally View to an adrenaline-fuelled whitewater rafting experience—sound in the knowledge that they will return to a warm, welcoming hotel and a hearty evening meal.
You can also explore the best walks in Pitlochry here.
7. Your Final Destination
For the final leg of the Tartan Trek, guests have no set destination and are encouraged to add a final port of call of their own choosing.
The Pitlochry Hydro Hotel is similar to Edinburgh and Glasgow in terms of travel time—one hour and 40 minutes.
Both cities benefit from rich histories and vibrant cultures, so Bespoke Hotels recommends guests make arrangements to finish and explore either of these great cities at their leisure.
The flexibility for guests to choose their final accommodation ensures a personalised conclusion after following an itinerary for the rest of the trip, creating a memorable experience unique to them.
Learn More About the Tartan Trek
Ready to start planning your own Tartan Trek? Check out our Scotland hotels for a range of accommodation options, helpful travel tips, and suggested itineraries.
Contact us today if you’d like to learn more about the Tartan Trek.
