GUIDED WALKING TOURS ROB ROY MUNRO TOUR  Arrival  times:  Edinburgh  Airport:  by  12.30pm.  Inverness  Airport:  by  3.30pm.  Glasgow  Airport:  by  11.00am  plus  £20.00  transfer  on  arrival.  Aberdeen  Airport:  by  12.00  am  £20.00  transfer  on  arrival.    Departure  times:    Edinburgh  Airport:  after  12am.    Aberdeen  Airport:  after  11am.  Glasgow   Airport:   after   2pm   plus   £20.00   transfer   on   day   of  departure.  Inverness  Airport:   after   12.30pm  plus   £20.00   transfer  on  day  of  departure.    Guided   Walking   Tour   of   the  Trossachs   for   Outdoor  Enthusiasts  A   very   varied   walking   tour   in  the   most   beautiful   Highland  scenery   with   the   chance   of  climbing  five  Munros.    A  very  attractively  situated  good  small  hotel  with  excellent  food  in   the  picturesque   little  Highland  town  of  Killin,   in   the  midst  of  the   fascinating   Trossachs   landscape   of   mountains,   waterfalls  and  lochs.    An   interesting   support   programme   and  many   encounters   with  

the  countryside  and  people  as  well  as  with  natural  and  cultural  attractions.   One   of   Scotland's   most   beautiful   areas   for   you   to  discover:  Rob  Roy  country  -­‐  the  land  of  the  MacGregors      

     he   high   mountains,   deep   blue   lochs   and   rushing   waterfalls   of   the  Trossachs  and  Breadalbane  country  are  valued  by  Scotland  connoisseurs  as  a  walkers'  paradise.  The  high  summits  of  the  Munros,  lonely  mountain  passes,   deserted   meeting   places   of   secret   clan   gatherings,   as   well   as  historic  paths  used  by  the  Highlanders  through  idyllic  fairy  tale  glens  and  over   mountain   ridges,   bring   the   walker   into   intimate   contact   with   the  magical  combination  of  enchanting  landscape  and  turbulent  clan  history.  Today   one   cannot   disentangle   the   history   of   The   Trossachs   from   Celtic  myth,   legend   and   song   -­‐   together   their   distant   music   haunts   the   high  mountains  and  echoes  in  the  lonely  glens.    For   over   two   hundred   years   this   has   inspired   romantic   travellers   and  artists   -­‐   finding   no   historic   episode   more   fascinating   than   the   wild,  untamed  life  of  the  hero,  Rob  Roy  MacGregor,  who  is  so  closely  linked  to  the   Trossachs.   Rob   Roy   runs   like   a   colourful   thread   throughout   our  walking  tour  and  pops  up  constantly  in  different  places,  on  our  walks  and  on  our  sightseeing  visits  too.    Your  friendly  guide  will  lead  you  through  the  heart  of  the  unique  world  of    bens,  burns  and  lochs  that  is  Rob  Roy  Country.  He  knows  the  area  like  the    back   of   his   hand   and  will   be   delighted   to   introduce   you   to   the   land,   its  people  and  their  culture.  

The  Walks  Besides   idyllic   walks   along   wonderful  paths   among   beautiful   woods   and  lochs,  you  have  the  chance  to  climb  five  Munros   over   3,000   feet   high.   We   are  not   talking  about  mountain  sport  here.  The  summits  will  surely  be  reached,  but  speed  is  not  important  since,  as  with  all  Rob   Roy   Tours   expeditions,   what  

matters   is   enjoyment   of   the   countryside.   Days   on   the   mountains   will  alternate  with  walks   involving   lesser  ascents  and  an   interesting   support  programme.    Your  tour  guide  can  suggest  pleasant  alternatives  to  the  more  strenuous  sections  of  the  walks.  You  can  also  take  a  day  out  to  experience  some  of  the   many   and   various   leisure   and   cultural   opportunities   in   the  neighbourhood.   Guests   really   hungry   for   extra   action   can   extend   the  walks.  You  should  have  the  ability,  enthusiasm  and  fitness  for  walks  of  up  to  8  hours  including  breaks.  Ascents  on  two  of  the  planned  days'  outings  exceed   1,000   metres.   For   this   reason   it   helps   if   you   are   reasonably  surefooted  and  have  a  head  for  heights  so  as  to  give  the  tour   leader  the  best  possible  chance  of  completing  the  walks  as  planned    -­‐  though  he  does  also   have   the   flexibility   of   a   choice   of   alternative   routes.   These   are,  however,   not   preconditions   for   a   making   a   booking,   nor   are   technical  mountaineering  skills  required.      You   walk   and   travel   in   small   groups.   The   minimum   number   is   just   8  people.   On   the   walks   you   need   carry   only   a   small   day   sack   for   your  packed.  lunch,  photo  equipment  and  so  on.      Our  Hotel,  Accommodation  and  Catering  

Our  hotel   is   attractively   situated  at   the   edge  of   the  appealing   little   Highland   resort   of   Killin.   Beside   the  hotel  runs  the  pretty  River  Lochay.    From   the   hotel   you   have   open   views   of   the  mountains   of   the   Trossachs   and   the   Ben   Lawers  massif.  The  pleasant,   comfortably   furnished,  double  

and  single  rooms  come  with  shower  and  WC,  TV,  hairdryer,  and  tea  and  coffee  making   facilities.   You   enjoy   a   full   breakfast   and   very   good   three  course  dinner.  The  chef   is  happy  to  cater   for  vegetarians,  prepares  good  packed  lunches  and  is  attentive  to  your  wishes.    Killin  The   charming   little   Highland   town   of   Killin   lies   in   the   middle   of   the  beautiful  Trossachs  and  Breadalbane   countryside  on   the  banks  of   scenic  Loch  Tay.  Killin  is  well  known  as  a  favourite  destination,  especially  for  the  idyllic   Falls   of   Dochart   which   fall   in   a   series   of   cascades   crossed   by   a  historic  bridge  in  the  middle  of  the  town.  On  a  small  island  in  the  river  lies  the  traditional  burial  ground  of  Clan  MacNab.  Fine  views  from  Killin  of  the  Breadalbane   hills   and   high   points   of   our  mountain   expeditions   quicken  the  pulse  of  the  keen  hill  walker.  Killin  has  a  post  office,  banks,  and  small  shops  as  well  as  a  tearoom  and  small  galleries.  In  comfortable,  traditional  pubs  you  can  discover  much  about  the  countryside  and  its  people,  to  say  nothing  of  whisky  and  proverbial  Highland  hospitality.    Loch  Tay  In  Killin  the  rivers  Dochart  and  Lochay  empty  into  famous  Loch  Tay.  One  can  enjoy  strolling  on  the  shores  of  this  beautiful  loch  and  along  the  rivers    Dochart   and   Lochay.   Of   course,   on   can   also   swim   in   Loch   Tay   or   hire   a  boat.    Support  and  Evening  Programme  The   sightseeing   programme   presents   a   good   choice   of   interesting  attractions  which  are  closely   linked  to   the   life  and  activities  of  Rob  Roy:  

the  clan  seat  of  Clan  MacNab,  Castle  Menzies;  a  trip  on  a   historic   steamer   on   delightful   Loch   Katrine,  celebrated   by   Sir   Walter   Scott,   as   well   as   a   literary  walk   on   its   banks.   You   also   encounter   possibly   the  oldest   tree   in   the   world,   prehistoric   and   Celtic   sites  such   as   standing   stones,   and   romantic   ruins   like  Finlarig   Castle,   interesting   museums   and   historic  churches   and   pretty   Highland   villages   with   the  possibility   of  meeting   the   locals.   In   the   evenings   you  

can  experience  the  hospitality  of  rural  pubs  or  learn  more  about  Highland  

culture  through  a  slide  show  or   light-­‐hearted  ceilidh  dancing  led  by  your  guide  (optional).    Leisure  Opportunities  Take  advantage  of  the  opportunities  in  the  area  which  are  included  in  the    walking  days,  or  branch  out  on  your  own  for  a  day.  The  various  sporting  and   creative   activities   on   offer,   as   well   as   cultural   attractions,   make   it  hard  to  choose.    Sporting  Activities  (usually  at  additional  cost)  range  from  lengthy  bike  or    mountain-­‐bike  expeditions,  to  swimming,  sailing,  rowing,  canoeing  or    kayaking,  organised  boat  trips  on  Loch  Tay,  golf,  tennis,  riding,  fishing,    climbing  and  much  more.    Cultural   Attractions   include   museums   of   the   culture,   history   and  traditions   of   the   Trossachs   and   Breadalbane,   interesting   churches   and  prehistoric   sites,   as   well   as   Scottish   fortresses   and   country   houses.   The  weekly  market,  the  famous  Killin  folk  festival,  Killin  Highland  Games  and  other   events   at   which   you   can   engage   the   locals   in   conversation   are  rewarding  experiences  which  bring  you  into  closer  contact  with  the  land  and  people.    In  the  Breadalbane  Folklore  Centre  you  discover  the  lives  and  activities  of  Highland  clans.  Or  you  can  relax  over   tea   and   scones   in   cosy  tearooms   or   old   fashioned   hotels.  Attractive   small  galleries  and  craft  shops   sell   interesting   and   tasteful  souvenirs,   jewellery   and   works   by  local  artists.    The  Trossachs,  an  artist's  paradise,  offer   ideal  subjects  for  the   landscape  painter   or   for   photographic   expeditions.   Queen   Victoria   herself  recognised   the   area's   beauty.   Interesting   little   shops   in   the   area   lend  themselves  to  enjoyable  browsing  for  shoppers.    

Tour  leaders    Most  tours  are  led  by  Richard.  He  is  a  former  English  teacher  and  recently  retired  vice  principal  of  a  Scottish  comprehensive  school.  Richard  speaks  a  number  of   foreign   languages,   leads  demanding  walking  and  study   tours  and  specialises  in  natural  history  tours.    Sometimes  Klaus  or  another  of  our  team  of  tour  guides  will  lead  the  tour.    Klaus  has  lived  many  years  in  his  adopted  country,  Great  Britain.      He  is  self-­‐employed  as  a  language  and  economics  lecturer,  leads  upmarket  study   tours,   is   a  qualified  mountain   leader  and  Scotland   specialist.  Both  guides  will  be  delighted  to  introduce  you  to  the  culture,  land  and  people.    Detailed  Itinerary    Day  1:  Edinburgh  and  Balquhidder  Arrival,   please,   at   Edinburgh  Airport   for   16.00h  meeting.  Welcome   from  your   tour   guide.   You   travel   from   Edinburgh   through   the   Trossachs  National  Park  to  Killin.  En  route  you  visit  picturesque  Balquhidder  and  the  grave   of   Rob   Roy   among   the   Celtic   crosses   of   the   beautifully   situated  kirkyard   of   the   historic   church.   From   there,   if   the   mood   takes   us,   a  pleasant  walk   (1   to   2   hours)   through   Kirkton   Glen   to   the   view   point   of  Creag   an   Tuirc,  meeting   place   of   Clan  MacLaren,   set   amid   ancient   pines  and   with   a   superb   outlook   over   Loch   Voil.   Evening   in   the   hotel   with  welcome  drink  and  introductions  and  dinner.    Day  2:  The  Rob  Roy  Way  and  Loch  Tay  -­‐  in  the  footsteps  of  the  clans  

All   day   walking   programme.   Short   ascents  and   descents  make   this   the   ideal   first   day's  walk.  The  route  leads  us  through  a  delightful  wooded  landscape,  beside  lochs  and  rivers  as  well   as   through   picturesque   Killin.   We  explore   a   section   of   the   famous   Rob   Roy  Way,  encountering  the  ruin  of  Finlarig  Castle  

and  the  Falls  of  Dochart  and  in  so  doing  get  to  know  the  locality  of  Killin  and   loch   Tay.   In   the   afternoon   there   is   still   some   time   to   undertake  

further   discovery   on   your   own   of   your   home   for   the   next   week.   After  dinner  a  relaxing  conclusion  to  an  eventful  day  in  our  first  traditional  pub.  (First  walk  16  to  20  km.,  300  to  500  m.  total  ascent,  5  to  7  hours  duration.)    Day  3:  Tarmachan  Horseshoe  All  day  walk  on  our  first  Munro,  Meall  nan  Tarmachan  (1044m.).  We  get  into   Munro   bagging   mood   on   this   fine   circular   walk   which   follows   a  curving  rounded  ridge  with  open  views,  until  we  come  to  the  high  point  of  the  day,  the  sharp  crest  (those  who  wish  can  avoid  the  edge)  along  Cam  Chreag  which  leads  from  Meall  nan  Tarmachan.      Over  Creag  an  Lochan  the  route  leads  back  to  our  starting  point,  which,  in  keeping   with   today's   moderate   walking   ambitions,   is   already   at   450  m  above  sea   level.   If  the  group  feels   inclined,  we  can  make  a  further  sortie  during   the   walk   to   the   high   crags  surrounding  the  top  of  Creag  na  Caillich.  In  the   late   afternoon   there   is   still   time   for  leisure   activities.   Alternatively,   guests   can  extend   the   walk.   Dinner   and   slide   show,  "The   Scottish   Munros".   (Tarmachan  Horseshoe:   12   km,   800  m.   ascent,   5   hours  duration).    Day  4:  Trossachs  Highlights  -­‐  Loch  Katrine  and  little  Ben  A'an  All   day   excursion   with   half-­‐day   walk.   A   real   treat   for   Highland  connoisseurs   is  the  walk  from  Loch  Achray  over  Ben  A'n  to  Loch  Katrine.  Here  Rob  Roy  grew  up.  Actually  the  real  name  of  our  goal   is  Am  Binnein  (the   rocky   peak),   the   beautiful   mountain   re-­‐christened   Ben   A'an   in   the  stories  of  Walter  Scott,  the  name  that  has  stuck  ever  since.      The  moderate   effort   required   to   climb   the  mere   400  metres   to   the   454  metre  summit  bears  no  relation  to  the  stunning  panorama  which  rewards  us   on   the   way   up   and   especially   from   the   peak.   Having   arrived   on   the  banks   of   Loch   Katrine,   we   walk   among   the   scenes   of   many   a   literary  effusion   and   discover   more   about   Sir   Walter   Scott   and   the   Romantic  period.  Finally,  a  one  hour  cruise  in  a  historic  steamship  on  Loch  Katrine,  a  visit  to  the  Scottish  Wool  Centre  at  Aberfoyle  and  back  to  Killin  by  way  of  

the  attractive  little  town  of  Callander.  Evening  meal  and  visit  to  a  pub.  (9  km.,  400  m.  ascent,  4  hours).      Day  5:  Stob  Binnein  and  Ben  More  

A   long   day's   walking.   These   Munros,   Stob  Binnein   (1165  m.)  and  Ben  More   (1174  m.),   are  the   inseparable   heavenly   twins   of   the  Highlands   and   the   highest   Munros   south   of  the  Tay.  Linked  by  a  high  pass,  Bealach-­‐eadar-­‐dha   Beinn,   smoothly   curving   slopes   rise   to  

small   summit   plateaus.   Literally   a   high   point   of   our   tour.   There   are  marvellous   extensive   views.   Depending   on   our   choice   of   route,   we  reach  Stob  Binnein  via  the  neighbouring  peak  of  Stob  Coire  an  Lochain  (1066m.).  The  descent  follows  a  beautiful  route  through  Benmore  Glen.  Dinner.  Light  hearted  instruction  in  Scottish  ceilidh  dancing.    Day  6:  Breadalbane  Highlights  or  Munro  Fever  All   day   excursion  with   a   half-­‐day  walk.  We   drive   along   Loch   Tay   in   the  beautiful   Central   Highlands   to   Aberfeldy   and   tour   imposing   Castle  Menzies  (pronounced  "Mingies"),  seat  of  Clan  MacNab.  Take  care!  Anyone  who   betrayed   a   connection   with   Clan   MacGregor   and   Rob   Roy,   was  immediately  dragged  off  to  the  dungeon  as  a  spy  and  tortured  there  until  he   swore   loyalty   to   the   MacNabs   -­‐   in   short,   the   MacNabs   were   arch-­‐enemies   of   the   MacGregors.   Further   highlights   are   a   leisurely   walk   of  around  3  hours  among  the  beautiful  Birks  of  Aberfeldy,  and  a  visit  to  what  may  be  the  oldest  tree  in  the  world  at  Fortingall.  Depending  on  the  level  of  interest  other  visits  are  possible.      Among  them  are  the  fascinating  Glen  Lyon  Art  Gallery  and  (entry  cost)  the  small  Aberfeldy  whisky  distillery,  as  well  as   the  Scottish  Crannog  Centre  built   on   the  model  of  one  of   the  artificial   crannog   island   settlements  of  the   iron  age.   In  addition  we  round  off  an  eventful  day's  programme  in  a  cosy  tearoom  and  with  a  wander  around  Aberfeldy.  By  way  of  Glen  Lyon,  one  of  Scotland's  finest  glens,  along  narrow  roads  and  over  the  high  pass  and  ingle  track  road  near  Ben  Lawers  we  get  back  to  Loch  Tay  and  Killin.    

Alternative  Day  6  for  the  Munro  Hungry:  If  seized  after  the  first  four  days'  walking  by  real  Munro  fever,  you  can    today   scale   the   huge  Ben   Lawers  massif   and,  with  Beinn  Ghlas   and  Ben  Lawers,  add  two  more  Munros  to  your  personal  list  of  conquests  -­‐  which  will  mean  seven  Munros  altogether  in  one  week.  Experienced  walkers  can  undertake   this   walk   on   their   own,   or   your   tour   guide   will   be   happy   to  arrange  a  mountain  guide  for  you  at  additional  cost.    Day  7:  Ben  Vorlich  and  Stuc  a'  Chroin  A  long  day's  walking  and  high  point  of  the  tour  on  the  Munro,  Ben  Vorlich    (985  m.)  and  then  over  the  col,  Bealach  an  Dubh  Choirein,  connecting  the  two  peaks,    to  a  second  Munro,  Stuc  a'  Chroin  (975  m.).      Finally  back  across   lonely  hillsides   to   the  starting  point  of   the  walk.  You  experience  one  of  Scotland's  most  pleasing  mountain  walks  and  some  real  Munro-­‐bagging,  since  the  ascent  of  Stuc  a'  Chroin  is  steep.  In  the  event  of  bad  weather   or   other   adverse   circumstances  we  may   climb   Ben   Vorlich  only.   Dinner.     (Ben   Vorlich   only:   13   km.,   900   m.   ascent,   5   hours),   (Ben  Vorlich  and  Stuc  a'  Chroin:  depending  on  the  return  route,  16  -­‐  20  km.,  1100  -­‐  1350  m.  ascent,  8  -­‐  10  hours).    Day  8:  Transfer  to  Edinburgh  Airport.  Please  do  not  arrange  a  return  flight  before  11.00  h.  Connection  to  next  tour  or  departure.            4  DEPARTURES  2013:  (Saturday  to  Saturday)  Spring  walks:  01.06.  –  08.06.  Summer  walks:  13.07.  –  20.07.,  03.08.  –  10.08.  Heather  seasons:  07.09.  –  14.09.    Further  departures  by  arrangement.  Minimum  group  number  is  just  8  people.      You  can  travel  with  an  English  and  German  speaking  international  group.  Please  ask  for  details.  

WOULD  YOU  LIKE  TO  EXTEND  YOUR  HOLIDAY?    You  can  combine  this  tour  perfectly  with  the  walking  tours:    "In  the  Heart  of  Scotland"  -­‐  walking  and  culture  based  on  a  single    location    "Northern  Highlights"  -­‐  Orkney  and  Shetland  Islands  and  Sutherland    "Western  Highlands"  -­‐  in  the  footsteps  of  Rob  Roy  -­‐  our  classic!    "Western  Isles"  -­‐  Islands  of  Lewis,  Harris,  Uists,  Barra,  and  north-­‐west    Scotland    "Lake  District"  -­‐  English  Lake  District  and  Yorkshire  Dales    Self-­‐guided  railway  and  walking  tour    Tours  of  Scotland:    "Scotland  -­‐  the  Whisky  Trail  and  More"  (exclusive  bus  tour  for    connoisseurs)    "Scotland  in  Style  -­‐  Railway  Adventure"  (self-­‐guided)  We  can  organise  your  own  holiday  extension.    INCLUDED  IN  THE  PRICE:  Guided  walks,  sightseeing  visits,  entry  fees,  bus  journeys,  transfers  as    described   in   the  programme.  Tour  and  walking  guide,   7  nights   in   rooms  with  shower  or  bath  and  WC,  hairdryer  and  TV,  7  full  breakfasts,  7  good  dinners,   evening/support   programme   as   described,airport   transfers,  welcome  drink.    HOW  AND  WHERE  YOU  CAN  BOOK  You  can  make  a  booking  through  your  travel  agent  or,  of  course,  directly  with  Rob  Roy  Tours  Ltd.  Arrive  by  plane,  train  or  your  own  car.    PRICES  2013:  Per  person  sharing  a  twin/double  room  (single  room  supplement  £175.00):  

£  811.30  Reduction  for  children  sharing  with  parents    (Flight  not  included)        

PLANNED  departures  2014:  (always  Saturday  to  Saturday)    31.05.  –  07.06.,  12.07.  –  19.07.,  02.08.  –  09.08.,  06.09.  –  13.09.    Further  departures  on  request.      Telephone:  0044  (0)1620-­‐890-­‐908  Fax:  0044  (0)1620-­‐892-­‐442  Address:  20  Old  Abbey  Road                EH39  4BP  North  Berwick                Scotland,  UK  Email:  robroytour@aol.com  Website:  www.robroytours.com    Your   specialist   for   guided   and   self-­‐guided   walking   and   cultural   tours,  study,  activity  and  creative  holidays  and  for  specialist  groups  in  the  whole  of  Scotland   -­‐  on  the   islands  and   in   the  Highlands,   in  England,  Wales  and  Ireland.