Includes, Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart, Nairn, Gleneagles, Boat of Garten, Spey Valley, plus Lochs, Glens, Rivers, Castles, Mountains, Monsters and Wizards
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Rather than adopting a traditional ‘point-to-point’ touring itinerary, the Faraway Fairways Family Golf Trip, Scotland, uses a ‘back-to-base’ approach so as to better replicate the comfort and consistency of the family home. This allows you to get settled and enjoy your surroundings without the pressure of continually moving-on. Naturally the choice of base is crucial. We need to combine world-class golf, with a stunning environment, and a menu of activities for all the family. The Cairngorm National Park ticks all the boxes. The central Highlands is soaked in history from Glencoe to Culloden, has a sculptured landscape of mystery which includes Loch Ness, and a menu of exciting outdoor adventure activities for all ages including white-water rafting, climbing, mountain biking, trail walking, and that’s before you realise there’s a genuine Harry Potter connection to experience with both the Hogwarts Express and the ‘Black Lake’
The golfer has access to some of Scotland’s most picturesque courses. Royal Dornoch would be the highlight and is a near permanent fixture in world top-10 lists. Castle Stuart is a becoming the spiritual home of the Scottish Open, and is an established world top-100 ranked course. Gleneagles a recent Ryder Cup venue, and Nairn hosted the Walker Cup in 1997. In addition to this trio we’ve also woven a couple of aesthetic shorter-yardage gems into your tapestry. Boat of Garten is like playing a round in Switzerland, whereas Traigh, with extended views across the sea to the Inner Hebridean islands is arguably the prettiest short course in Scotland. Finally we’ve introduced the new Spey Valley course at Aviemore. Spey Valley looks destined to rival Gleneagles and possibly even Loch Lomond in the fullness of time, for the status of Scotland’s premier inland 18 holes.
Faraway Fairways set-up your family golf trip, Scotland using two vehicles so as to afford you much greater flexibility to explore, and pursue separate activities, whilst also allowing you to meet up later in the day. Golf and non-golf activities shadow each other
8 nights
UK
Transport
Self-drive works best. Two vehicles neededLogistics
Single location, ‘back-to-base’ touring structure.Non-Golf Offer
Strong - Aviemore, Loch Ness, Culloden, Glencoe & GlenfinnanMileage
High - Approx 900 miles Approximately 20 hoursTravel Class
Premier & Affordable. Self-catering, cabin/ Lodge worth considering
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FRIDAY - Gleneagles
The Gleneagles resort is closer in ambience to an aristocratic hunting estate with deep forest green pine trees, and rounded hills that stop just short of being called mountains. In autumn, the purple heathers and russet bracken blend seamlessly into a patchwork of golfing green, and give this place it’s hues. The yellows of the long rough introduce further colouration into the landscape. It would be categorised as a moorland course. A credible body of opinion regards the Gleneagles Kings course as the finest of its type in the world. In 2014 Gleneagles added the Ryder Cup to its portfolio when the Centenary course’ became only the second Scottish venue to host. The aesthetic Queens course is the shortest and completes the trinity of options.
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Non-golf - Stirling & Bannockburn
Stirling is one of Scotland’s great historical cities. It is overlooked by the castle that towers above it, the former stronghold of the Stewart dynasty. Stirling is also the scene of the battle of Stirling Bridge (1296) better known today as ‘Braveheart’. The consequential ‘Wallace Monument’ is another notable landmark in the skyline, with the ancient warrior’s sword (allegedly) on display, and can be visited as a paid entry attraction. The site of Bannockburn (1314), the scene of Scotland’s iconic victory over their English foes is approximately 3 miles to the south. The revamped visitors centre is opening time dependent, although the memorial can be visited free
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SATURDAY - Traigh
Traigh Golf Course is the most Westerly golf course on the UK mainland. A series of sandy beaches run alongside the course, with stunning views to the Hebridean islands of Eigg, Rum, and the Cuillins of Skye. It is set in one of the most beautiful parts of the Western Highlands of Scotland. It is a nine hole course, (par 68), based on a line of grassy hills, with the springy turf. Traigh is a subtle golf course that rewards accurate shot-making. One of the biggest challenges you might face is loss of concentration brought about by scenery and serenity!
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Non-golf - 'The Hogwarts Express'
The steam train leaves Fort William and travels through the western highlands to the town of Mallaig before returning. The highlight for many is crossing the Glenfinnan viaduct, a 21 span arched construction that affords you arresting views of Loch Shiel. This is the section that was used in the Harry Potter films. Loch Shiel itself made an impression on JK Rowling who found it to be a magical place and used it as the inspiration for the Black Lake in the ‘Goblet of Fire’. If using a regular service however, you might find it better to ‘get off’ at Arisaig or Morar and enjoy the pristine white sands and aquamarine seas rather than going onto Mallaig
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SUNDAY - 'the' Boat of Garten
This hidden gem, is less hidden these days. The Boat of Garten is flanked by the river Spey on one side, a steam railway on the other, and the snow-capped Cairngorm mountains in the distance. Designed by James Braid, the course is often regarded as Scotland’s most scenic, cleverly shaped by fairways lined with birch trees, heather and broom, and Highland gorse. The design maximises the natural landscape and vistas to full dramatic effect. It’s a short course, but above all else, it’s fun
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Non-golf - Ben Nevis or Glencoe
Ben Nevis is the UK’s highest mountain at 4,413 ft. It can be climbed on the ‘tourist path’ that zig-zags its way up the western flank. Unless you’re experienced in the mountains, don’t attempt any other route. It’s a full-day, the ascent takes about 4-5 hours and a little bit less to get back down
Glencoe is the scene of the infamous massacre of the MacDonald’s in 1692, and one of the most notorious names in Scottish history. Glencoe is a spooky steep sided glaciated valley with mountains that rise threateningly above you.
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MONDAY - NAIRN
Created from a Highland wilderness of gorse and heather Nairn is a perennial Scottish top-20 hoverer. Nairn is a bit like a great symphony which takes you on a journey with each movement getting progressively challenging before developing into a climatic crescendo. Nairn requires you to use every club in you bag, and play a myriad of different shots. Wise heads frequently nominate Nairn as possessing the best putting surface that Scotland has to offer too. One of the slightly more remarkable features is that you can very easily hit the ball into the sea on every one of the first seven! If you’re a ‘leftie’ with a tendency to hook, you might like to consider packing an extra sleeve of balls!
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Non-golf - Loch Ness
Most casual visitors can get something approaching a Loch Ness experience by simply driving alongside her shores and stopping at various vantage points. One of the best ways of adding value to Loch Ness is to visit Urquhart Castle, which traces its history back to the 6th century and has been the scene of clan wars and Viking raids. Urquhart castle overlooks the waters of Loch Ness. Ultimately though, you’re unlikely to see a monster so perhaps the best way of exploring is to take one of the numerous cruises out onto the water and see if the sonar has any more success!
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TUESDAY - Castle Stuart
Another modern addition to the golfing landscape having opened in July 2009. The course is set on two-tiered balconies overlooking the dark and foreboding waters of the Moray Firth. Players enjoy stunning panoramas from the highest elevations. The course is rich in the textured signature landscape of Scottish ‘whins’, gorse and broom, heather, and marram from beginning to end. These change colour with the seasons as nature commanded, and weave a tapestry of highland hues into this landscape mosaic of rugged beauty. The course has recently been hosting the prestigious Scottish Open, and was used successfully by Phil Mickelson in 2013 as a springboard to Open success a month later at Muirfield.
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Non-golf - Culloden
This is where the Jacobite army of ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ were defeated by the crown (1746). If you ‘get’ Culloden, you’ll go a long way towards ‘getting’ Scotland. The battlefield itself is small and easily walked on a series of trails. The order of battle is well known, well-marked out, and very easy to relate to. You will be able to stand in the same positions that the armies stood in all those centuries ago, and the places where the clan chiefs fell. You don’t require an enhanced strategic appreciation of military tactics to understand Culloden. In many respects the story around the uprising and what it meant is more compelling than the battle itself.
WEDNESDAY - Royal Dornoch
Golf Digest rated Royal Dornoch the highest of Scotland’s many worthy candidates. The Championship course represented a paradigm in design that endures today. The ‘bump-and-run‘ was the traditional shot to mitigate a links wind. Elevated plinth greens were introduced and ringed with fiendish pot-bunkers to guard them from any such commando approach. Without completely taking the traditional ‘stock shot’ out of the equation, a degree of risk was added. Dornoch therefore challenges you to go the aerial route, and ride the wind. Iron play is the key to the course. The rationale is simple: hit a good approach shot and you should be rewarded. Hit a bad one, and you pay the penalty. Tom Watson said of Dornoch “the most fun I’ve ever had on a golf course”.
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Non-golf - Aviemore
Aviemore was Scotland’s ambitious attempt to enter the international ski resort market in the 1970’s. The absence of snow proved to something of a barrier to this! Under threat of becoming a ‘white elephant’ the town diversified into a family outdoors activity hub offering white-water rafting, trail walking, mountain biking, forest playgrounds, water theme parks, kayaking, sail boarding, climbing, Canyoning, gorge walking, zip lining, wildlife watching, quad biking, the list is endless. You could legitimately build an entire week around Aviemore activities without even needing to venture further afield
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THURSDAY - Spey Valley
Spey Valley meanders through ancient Caledonian pine forests and along the banks of the sparkling River Spey itself and framed by the stunning mountains of the Cairngorm National Park. It is a masterpiece of heathland, woodland, and moorland terrain, and since opening in 2005 has quickly joined the conversation for Scotland’s best inland track. Only Loch Lomond and the cream of Gleneagles can convincingly lay down a stronger claim to the title. The fifth is the courses signature assignment which at 641 yards is currently Scotland’s longest hole
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Non-golf - Aviemore, Loch Morlich
Spending a ‘day at the beach‘ might sound somewhat counter-intuitive in the central Highlands of Scotland, but this is exactly what you can do at Loch Morlich. Thousands of tons of imported sand have been laid down on the shores to create an arching bay protected by a pine forest to the rear. The mountains provide a backdrop which can be slightly surreal if they still have snow on them. It’s idyllic, and worth spending a lazy afternoon if you encounter hot weather. There are a number of water sports activities offered from the beach including kayaking, sailboarding, and sailing. Aviemore town is only 5 mins away
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FRIDAY - Royal Burgess
The exclusive west Edinburgh parkland course of Royal Burgess is the oldest golf club in the world with a continuous verifiable history (1735). The 4th and the 11th holes are normally singled out as the most challenging, the latter even having its very own ‘Swilcan’ bridge. The elegant clubhouse is a joy to the eye. ‘The Burgess’ is soaked in tradition and heritage, and enjoys the advantage of being in the heart of Scotland’s capital and so allows you to spend the evening like many traveller before you has.
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Non--Golf - Edinburgh
Few trips to Scotland could really be considered complete without Edinburgh. The Scottish capital is frequently regarded as one of the UK’s most charismatic cities and famed for the castle that overlooks the city, as well as being an arts, entertainment and hospitality centre. Prince’s Street is the main shopping thoroughfare. Most visitors will prioritise the castle that overlooks the city below. Greyfriars Bobby, Holyrood Palace, and the various galleries are all legitimate attractions. Princes Street is the main shopping thoroughfare with its adjacent gardens providing respite. Finally, if you wanted to visit the Royal Yacht and take a look at the how the Queen sailed around the world for decades, it’s currently moored at nearby Leith
Handicap requirements
Nairn operates a handicap threshold of 28 for gentlemen, and 36 for ladies respectively. Nairn will reserve the right as to whether or not to invoke this since it tends not to be as rigidly applied as some clubs. An appreciation of pace of play, and etiquette, is equally important. If the player does fall below the standard however, they are invited to tackle the alternatives we’ve nominated instead.
Some known issues to consider
Despite its remote location, Royal Dornoch does sell-out and is amongst the first courses to come under pressure. We advise that you think in terms of a planning horizon of July for play the following year
Castle Stuart and Royal Aberdeen do periodically host the Scottish Open which will close them down from about mid June until early/ mid-July
The single base location is nearly always sold on 7 day weekly blocks which does restrict you a little bit in terms of being able to tour point-to-point. Instead you have to return to base each day
This tour is likely to involve a little bit more planning than most as we need to assemble a complementary non-golf programme for a family. As a general rule, the more we think about it, the better it will be
For a bespoke itinerary, please click here and complete our Request a Proposal form
al@farawayfairways.com
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