Our Destinations

Letter Randocheval

Why travelling with Randocheval ?

SCOTLAND : DISCOVER MYSTERIOUS LOCHS FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE LEGENDARY ROB ROY MC GREGOR...

ITINERARY

ARGYLL CASTLE TRAIL

A very popular trail establisehd in 1984. Fully booked last year and filling up fast (book now!). Running from Saturday to Saturday, with 7 nights comfortable hotel accommodation, you ride for 6 days, covering about 150 km, starting in the grounds of Inveraray Castle, home of the Duke of Argyll, through the ancient kingdom of Dalriada, the birthplace of Scotland, to our farm near the entrance to the Crinan Canal. The trail may occasionally run in the inverse direction. The routes takes you over the hills, mountains and moors and through streams, rivers and forests of Argyllshire, stopping along the way to absorbe Mid-Argyll's rich and diverse heritage. Between the ancient monuments and castles, you may swim with your horse, gallop on beaches, jump ditches and walls (if you wish), and of course take in the magnificient scenary and wildlife along the way. You should be able to walk, trot and canter with confidence. There is approximatively 4 to 6 hours in the saddle per day. The seven nights' accommodation is in a good hotels along the trail with one night spent in an 18th century castle hotel.

Day 1 - Saturday
A representative of our organization will meet you at the International Arrivals Lounge, Glasgow Airport at around 12.00 noon. If you arrive earlier, ther is a coffee bar and loundge for you to relax after your flight.
You'll be taken to your first hotel (2 hours drive), the Loch Fyne Hotel, Inveraray where you'll stay for 3 nights. The Loch Fyne Hotel is a 4 stars standard, with swimming pool and spa, and magnificient views overlooking the loch.
Tonight, you'll meet your trail host and discuss the following week over dinner. This trail is ideal for non riders to join with their riding partners, as there is plenty for them to do and they can meet the ride at lunch time on most days.

Day 2 - Sunday
You'll have an opportunity to enjoy a true Scottish breakfast, before being collected, usually around 10.30am and taken to meet your horse in the ground of the Inverary Castle, home of the Duke of Argyll. There you'll be assessed and matched to your horses. The horses, faithful friends for the week, are all specially chosen. Our horses' good nature and stamina ensures they will handle the most challenging of terrain, be it soft, peaty ground, steep hillside tracks, the crossing of fast flowing rivers, or high mountain passes. The rider's safety and enjoyment is always our primary concern.
The ride starts by exploring Glen Shira, then onto high ground with splendid views of Inverary and Loch Fyne below. Your camera is a "must have" item.
Depending on weather conditions hte ride ascends to the Dun Na Quaiche built be the 7th Duke of Argyll, highabove Inverary castle, again with stunning views of Inverary and the beautifuk 18th century castle. After a long day ride, you return to your hotel and take advantage of the swimming pool and spa facilities followed by dinner in the hotel's excellent restaurant.

Day 3 - Monday
We ride today from the horse paddock at Inverary Castle, through the estate grounds, crossing the river and into ancient woodlands, jumping the odd fallen tree. Traces of highland clearance villages are seen through the trees and on the shores of small lochans. Picnic lunch is taken at the old wild life park on the shores of Loch Fyne.
In the afternoon, the ride passes through the river which if it is high tide, you may have to swim across on horseback, and then ride on to an old flax mill. Following an ancient carriage road, you will pass one of the Queen Victoria's favorite fishing pools on Douglas Water, a renown highland river for salmon and trout. A steep ascent through a natural oak forest on to the hills above Auchindrain where there is a chance to jump several ditches during a fast ride across the hill. The exhilarating ride ends at the outdoor museum, which you will have the opportunity to visit, then return to your hotel in Inveraray.

Day 4 - Thuesday
Today's ride follows an ancient drove road between Auchindrain and Ederline. This is the oldest track in Argyll, a former stage coach route and drove road for moving cattle from the Inner Hebrides to the markets of Glasgow. Luch is taken at a bothy in the deserted village of Carron. The ride leader will light a log fire and picnic lunch carried by the horses, is served, with hot soup, tea and coffee heated over the fire. Wine is provided with the picnic lunch.
After lunch the ride climbs on to a peak overlooking the vast expanse of Loch Awe to the north and Loch Fyne to the south. On a clear day over 32 Lochs and Lochans can be seen from this vantage point ! The ride continues down across hills and moorland onto the 1500 year old chapel of St Columba overlooking Loch Awe at Kilneuir. This day is a long ride with lots of canters and fast paced action. We finish at the Ederline estate where the horses spend the night, and the riders in hotels and guesthouses in the ancient village of Kilmartin. Dinner not included.

Day 5 - Wednesday
From Ederline, we ride to the ruin of Carnasserie Castle. the 16th century home of Bishop Carswell (translator of the prayer book into Gaelic), with high fortified towers and steeped in history. Take the chance to enjoy a nip from Tove's hip falsk. there is the opportunity to ujump stone walls at the castle then gallop on to two Neolithic standing stones. A ride through the forest takes you on to Kilmartin Museum for lunch.
Ride through the "Valley of ghosts", and visit burial cairns and Temple Wood, a 5000 year old stone circle. Depending of the tide, the afternoon finishes with an exhilarating gallop on the beach at Duntroon Castle, with a swim on horseback at Crinan Ferry. The beach gallop is the highlight of the trail. A once in a life time experience.
After the beach, the horses are transported back to our Farm and riders taken to their hotel in Ardrishaig. Dinner not included.

Day 6 - Thursday
The schedule today depends on yesterday program. If the tide conditions are right we may start with the beach gallop ! The ride then follows the tow path of the scenic Crinan Canal with its picturesque lock keepers cottages. A steep and challenging ride up through dense woodland brings you to a clearing in the forest for a gourmet picnic lunch with wine.
Stunning views down Loch Sween and some fast riding to the "fairy isles" on soft grass verges with a visit to a medieval settlement are on offer in the afternoon. A Gaelic cross and holy well can clearly be seen, along with a water powered corn mill at the deserted village of Kilmory Oib. The ride finishes at the iron age settlement of Lech Na Baan, once a village of 60 people, but now a highland croft. Here the horses will spend the night and you'll be transported back to your hotel in Ardrishaig. Dinner not included.

Day 7 - Friday
From Lech Na Baan, the ride takes you through a maze of forestry tracks, around small lochans with amazing views of Loch Sween and Loch Coalisport, long canters bring you to the canal and to the Cairnbaan Hotel for lunch. The hotel is situated beside a canal lock and boats can be seen passing through the lock system.
The afternoon takes you homewards towards the Brendfield estate high above the town of Lochgilphead with views down to the Isle of Arran. Ride the horse back to their home, then enjoy a well earned cup of tea on the veranda overlooking the loch. The evening at Stonefield castle provides your final dinner together to recall the events of the past week.

Day 8 - Saturday
Time to say goodbye, and your transport will take you back to Glasgow Airport, to arrive at 12.00 noon, in time for afternoon flights.

N.B. : The above itinerary is subject to variation which may be caused by many factors including forestry work, farming activities, deer stalking, tides, etc... Locations of night stops can, in some circumstances, vary too. This trail is for riders who can controll their horse at all paces. Experience of jumping is an advantage but not mandatory.

ROB ROY TRAIL

Now in its eighth year and still growing in popularity. A Saturday to Saturday trail, following in the footsteps of the legendary Rob Roy MacGregor, it covers about 200 km across the Western Highlands. The route takes you from Fort William, starting at the foothills of Ben Nevis - Britain's highest mountain, finishing at Inveraray Castle on the shores of Loch Fyne. This is a trail for the adventurous rider able to enjoy at least 6 hours in the saddle per day. Riding through wild and remote Glen Coe, The Devil's Staircase and down Glen Etive - you'll see parts of the Highlands inaccessible to most people, remote, beautiful and undiscovered ! And in the evening, watch the horses grazing alongside Red Deer. The seven nights' accommodation is in good hotels, country inns and guesthouses along the trail.

Day 1 - Saturday
A representative of our organization will meet you at the International Arrivals Lounge, Glasgow Airport at around 12.00 noon. If you arrive earlier, ther is a coffee bar and loundge for you to relax after your flight.
You'll be taken to your first hotel (2 hours drive), a comfortable hotel accomodation in Inveraray. The journey from Glasgow takes you deep into the Western Highlands of Argyll, along the picturesque banks of Loch Lomond, and over the remote "Rest and be Thankful", the mountain pass into Argyll. After settling in, guests meet their guides and get a briefing on the week ahead. Dinner not included.

Day 2 - Sunday
After a leisure breakfast, guests take a short walk from their hotel to Inveraray Castle and the horses. Time is allowed for a tour around the castle, and then intoduction to the horses. We carefully select and match you to your horse. Our Horses' good nature stamina ensures they will handle the most challenging of terrain whether it be the fording of rivers or crossing high mountain passes. The riders safety and enjoyment is always our primary concern. Once mounted, the horses are put through their paces in the field beneath the Castle walls, then we 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.
A late picnic lunch fit for a gourmet is provided and the afternoon continues with further exploration of the magnificient Inveraray Castle estates. Dinner not included.

Day 3 - Monday
In the morning, after mounting up, we head north, up the picturesque Glen Shira, home of the famous Inveraray Horse Trials course, through Glen Shira forest, with glimpses of the towering heather covered hills, through the trees. 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, but with the knowledge and blessing of the Duke of Argyll. We follow the north shore of Lochan Shira to a welcome break just before the Sheilings. Here we fortify ourselves with a "wee dram" for the next leg of the day, while the horse get a well earned rest. Now we climb out the Glen over the hillside to cross open moorland at the top, before we start a long decent to Brackley Farm. The horses spend the night here while the riders retire to a local hostelry in the village of Dalmally, where they relax in comfortable surroundingts with good food and drink. Dinner not included.

Day 4 - Tuesday
Leaving Brackley 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 ride untill lunch. After food and a rest, we continue, eventually rejoining 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. Dinner not included.

Day 5 - Wednesday
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 magnificient 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 weel earned rest at Invercharnan while the riders are taken to their hotel at the head of Glen Coe. Dinner not included.

Day 6 - Thursday
Riders are transported back to Invercharnan and the horses.We ride through Lairig Gartain, the deep ravine deparating 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 well earned rest and dinner at a hotel in Kinlochleven.

Day 7 - Friday
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 horses being the most versatile of cross country transport grants you, its rider, the privilege of first hand experience of this country. The day ends between the villages of Spean Bridge and Roy Bridge - a fitting end to the Rob Roy Trail. Dinner included.

Day 8 - Saturday
The riders depart, transport being arranged to take you back to your car at Inveraray or to Glasgow Airport for International flights or rail links. If you are not in a hurry, the spectacular railway journey from Fort William to Glasgow over a single track line, will give you a final glimpse of the magnificient grandeur of the wild Scottish Highlands.

NB : 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.

LOCH AND FOREST TRAIL

Our newest trail is still growing with the discovery of nex and exciting routes almost each trip ! The trail takes you in a circular route from Brenfield through spectacular forest scenary, to the western coast and views of the Inner Hebrides, past desserted highland villages, around hidden Lochs and over ancient and disused drove roads to the shores of Loch Fyne. We may even do some "trail blazing" and discover another new route ! This trail is a 7 days /
nights trail with around hours in the saddle, and riding suitable for both the experienced rider who wants a fun ride, and less experienced rider who wants to have a go at trail riding. Accommodation is based at one hotel for the trail, so you don't have to pack each morning !

Day 1 - Sunday
We pick up guests at Glasgow International Airport around 12.00 noon and take them to their hotel (2 hours drive), Allt Na Craig, an elegant Victorian Mansion with breathtaking views of Loch Fyne, which is to be their home for the next 6 nights. The journey from Glasgow takes you deep into the western highlands of Argyll, along the picturesque banks of Loch Lomond and over the "Rest and be Thankful", the high mountain pass into Argyll, then along the shores of the beautiful sea loch, Loch Fyne.
After settling into your hotel, you'll meet your guides and discuss the week ahead. If you bring our own transport, there is plenty of safe parking at the hotel. You should aim to arrive late afternoon or early evening, and of course are welcome to come up to visit our farm. Dinner not included.

Day 2 - Monday
After a leisure breakfast, riders are collected from the hotel and taken to our farm, where their riding skills are matched with a suitable horse. the horses, faithfull friends for the week, are all specially chosen for their goodnature and stamina, and know how to look after their rider.
We ride from the centre, depp into the hills and forests above Ardrishaig. A picnic lunch is carried on the horses and we stop to eat it by the Kilduskland Loch (it has been know for hardier riders to have a quick lunchtime dip in the loch!).
After lunch, we continue over the ridge and down towards the Crinan Canal. There may be a chance to explore one of the many forestry tracks and perhaps discover new routes. At the end of the day we arrive at the Cairnbaan Hotel where its possible to get an early evening drink, than back to the hotel for dinner. Dinner not included.

Day 3 - Tuesday
From Cairnbaan, we ride for a short way beside the Crinan Canal, than branch up into the hills and into the extensive Achnamara Forest where countless lochs and lochans were linked in the 18th century to provide water for the canal. A network of forestry roads and grassy tracks provide good riding, with stunning views across Loch Sween to Tayvallich and beyond to Jura. We carry a picnic lunch and can choose from a number of lunch sites where to stop.
After lunch more opportunity for exploring the forest and perhaps discover a new viewpoint. We eventually arrive at Gartnagrenoch by the side of Loch Coille Bharr where riders and horses are transported back to stables and hotel respectively. Dinner not included.

Day 4 - Wednesday
Full of varied scenary, today we start by riding South past the deserted village of Kilmory Oib with its Holy Well and Celtic Cross, to the shores of Loch Sween. Riding can be fast or slow depending on the riders experience. Turning North we head for Ardnoe point. Below us Loch Crinan stretches across to Duntrune Castle. To the west you can see Jura, Scarba and the Corryvrekan, the largest whirlpool outside of Norway. After lunch we continue along the west coast path, past an iron age "vitrified" fort until we reach the picturesque fishing village of Carsaig, then onto the little port of Tayvallich with its natural harbour, where we meet the transport and perhaps a drink at the pub. Dinner not included.

Day 5 - Thursday
Today, we startinland North East of kilmartin, in Kilmichael Glen, near Loch Leathan with its "Crannog" or man made fortified island, and ride into the forest of Moine Ghlas and Loch Galashan. After lunch, there is a chance to see a fish ladder, and if you're lucky, watch salmon leaping the steps, making their way higher up the burn. As we near the end of the day, there are stunning views down Loch Fyne and over Loch Gair towards Arran. Dinner not included.

Day 6 - Friday
Riding by the southern end of Loch Galashan, we leave the forestry track and head out across country on disused drove roads, making our way above the town of Lochgilphead high into the Kilmory Forest. At this point there is a panoramic view of Mid Argyll, with the Islands to the north and Loch Fyne down to Arran in the south. Lunch is at Achnabrech and some of the finest examples of "cup and ring" marks - Neolithic rock art - to be found in Europe.
After lunch, we ride south along the Crinan Canal, then up and over the ridge of hills finally arriving for a well earned cup of tea at our farm. Dinner not included.

Day 7 - Saturday
Transport is available for anyone wanting to get to Glasgow Airport, arriving at around 12.00 noon. We all hope that you'll have enjoyed your ride with us and will want to try the other two long distance trail rides we offer.
If you have a group of 5 or more riders, we would be pleased to consider running a private Loch and Forest Trail for your party. Dinner not included.

N.B. : The above itinerary is subject to variation which may be caused by many factors including forestry work, farming activities, deer stalking, tides, etc...

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL

Horses
We have a herd of about 35 horses. Most are natives from the farm, thoroughbred crosses, cobs.
They are selected for temperament and character.

Tack
Saddles are the very comfortable english type.

Required riding level
For the Argyll Castle Trail and the Rob Roy Trail, it's important riders be comfortable at all paces and control their horse at canter.
Novice riders to experienced riders can join our Loch and Forest Trail.
We don't accept any begginers riders on all trails.
Helmet is compulsory on all itineraries.
Weight limit : 90kg (eq. 14 stones)
Minimum age : 18 years old

Non riding activities
Non riders are welcomed to join us. They will have dinners and nights with riders and sometimes lunches, especially on the Argyll CastleTrail. We can suggest you different non riding activities:
- Mountain bike, make use of the area's miles of traffic free forestry tracks or go further afield !
- Clay pigeon shooting, for groups, all equipment and instruction included,
- Fishing (fly or other), can be arranged for groups or individuals, Ghillie and equipment included.
For those of you who do not ride but wish to accompany friends and family who are enjoying one of our holidays, we make appropriate deduction in rates for accomodation only, and you are invited to select something from our non riding activities.

YOUR GUIDES

The riding center is run by an expert horsewoman, Tove Gray-Stephens (TREC international juge) and her son David (TREC World Champion 2000). They know perfectly the area and will ensure your security during all trails.

ACCOMMODATION

Accomodation
Argyll Castle Trail : The 3 first nights are spent in a 4 stars hotel in Inveraray, the fourth night is spent in hotel or guesthouse accommodation (depending availabilities) in the ancient village of Kilmartin. During the nights 5 and 6, you'll be accommodate in a hotel in Ardrishaig, and the last night happens in Stonefield castle, a good way to end your trip.

Rob Roy Trail : During this trail you'll be accommodate each night (7 nights) in comfortable hotel accomodations.

Loch and Forest Trail :the 6 nights of this trail happens in an elegant Victorian Mansion with breathtaking views of Loch Fyne.

Single supplement may be payable.

Meals
Alls meals are fully inclusive in your holiday except 5 dinners on the Rob Roy Trail and 6 dinners on the Loch and Forest trail. Drinks are not included.

DATES AND RATES

Single supplement

The single supplement will be add to the rate if you're travelling alone even if you agree to share. We'll reimburse you if we find another rider agree to share accomodation with you.

Non riders

It's not easy for non riders to accompany the Rob Roy Trail, that's why the price is not indicated.
Have a look on non riding activities !

- the trail as describes on full board, except 3 dinners on the Wild Boar Trail, 5 dinners on the Rob Roy trail, and 6 dinners on the Loch and Forest Trail,
- airport transferts from and to Glasgow Int Airport,
- horses and guiding,
- the financial guarantee of all deposits sent to Randocheval.

- flights and airport taxes,
- drinks,
- 3 dinners on the Wild Boar Trail, 5 dinners on the Rob Roy Trail, and 6 dinners on the Loch and Forest Trail, dinner prices range around 10 to 25 pounds,
- the organization of a possible visit of the country before or after the trail,
- any other services,
- optional insurance: more informations.

Option :

Don't hesitate to contact us for any extra stay in Scotland or England.

BOOKING - INFORMATION

Please contact Charlène for any enquiry !

PRATICAL INFORMATIONS

An international meeting point is arranged at Glasgow International Airport at 12.00 noon on Saturday for the Argyll Castle Trail and Rob Roy Trail and at 12.00 noon on Sunday for the Loch and Forest Trail.

Formalities
Contact your ambassy. For European people, the Identity card is enought.

Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance.

We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus..

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