Niel Gow’s Scotland Hike
Hiking Trip Details
- Location: The Highlands and Isle of Skye
- Length: 9 days
- Grade: easy to moderate
- Accommodations: Hotels and guesthouses
- Group size: 6 – 12
- Dates: July 17 – 25, 2012
- Land Cost (US$): TBA
Hiking Trip Summary
Nothing tells a story of a country like its landscapes and its music. This year Distant Journeys, in collaboration with Scottish walking company C-N-DO Scotland and Scottish Life Magazine music columnist Edward Scott Pearlman, will be hosting a new cultural walking tour in Scotland. This will be an 9-day walking tour of Scotland’s wild and romantic countryside punctuated by special musical notes and events.
18th century fiddler and composer Niel Gow was probably one of the most sought after Scottish musicians of his day. Playing at balls, weddings and other events, he traveled widely throughout Scotland, almost always walking. Today much of traditional Scottish music and dance is infused with Niel Gow’s tunes, as well as those of his sons. During this week, we will travel Scotland the way Niel Gow traveled it, on foot. We’ll experience the music scene that reflects his influence and meet some Scotland’s finest musicians.
This year our trip begins near Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park with its deep lochs, rugged hills and dark forests. Home to the legendary 17th century outlaw, Rob Roy, the unspoiled beauty of this area has been inspiring imaginations for centuries. From here our journey takes us to famously beautiful Glen Coe in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, on to Great Glen, Loch Ness and Inverness the capitol of the Highlands. Continuing on to Perthshire we’ll stop for a walk in the mountains of Cairngorms National Park, and a visit to Blair Castle. Finally, we head to the village of Dunkeld. Know as “Big Tree Country”, this area of soft landscapes and stately old tree was once home to Niel Gow.
To this trip of scenic variety, our Scottish guide will bring a deep knowledge of Scotland’s colorful history, while Ed Pearlman will invite top Scottish musicians to join us and celebrate the link of the land with its vibrant musical traditions. Enjoy private performances, listen to or join in a session (you are welcome to bring an instrument), or learn a ceilidh dance. Plus, savor the rare opportunity of hearing the actual fiddle of Niel Gow’s played for you at Blair Castle. In the past our musical guests have included such prominent performers as Gillebride Macmillan and fiddler Bruce MacGregor of Blazin Fiddles, and piper and pipemaker Hamish Moore. This years guests promise to be equally as engaging.
An unforgettable experience of vistas and music, this trip is about what is timeless, enduring, and unfailingly inspiring: our natural world and music. Come experience Niel Gow’s Scotland!
Itinerary
Our updated 2012 itinerary for Niel Gow’s Scotland will be posted shortly. Please check back soon!
Additional Information
Included
Scottish walking guide/driver, Scottish fiddler, teacher and music columnist, Ed Pearlman, Specially arranged private performances by musical guests, Minibus transport, all accommodations, all breakfasts, two evening meals, Any group safety equipment required.
Not Included
Air fare, three dinners, optional/individual or individual excursions, items not on set dinner menus, beverages, insurance, tips to guides, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, excess baggage charge, passport fees, etc.).
Luggage
During this hike, trip members’ luggage will be transported with the group between accommodations. You will need only carry a day for our walks.
Musical Instruments
Our Niel Gow’s Scotland trip is primarily a cultural walking tour, however there will be a number of opportunities for trip members to participate in musical sessions, either by playing or listening. Trip members are welcome to bring small easily transportable musical instruments, including fiddles.
Accommodations and Facilities
Four nights will be spent in hotels and 4 in guesthouses. Rooms will be double occupancy with facilities in the rooms.
Travel
It is easiest to fly to Glasgow, Scotland. However, there are frequent trains from Edinburgh and Manchester, England as well; just be sure to allow for extra travel time.
Who would like this trip?
Niel Gow’s Scotland is conducted in collaboration with C-N-DO Scotland, a leader in walking and hiking tours. Edward Scott Pearlman, well known fiddler and columnist for Scottish Life Magazine, with his knowledge of and insight into the Scottish Fiddle tradition, as well as his personal connections to some of Scotland’s finest musicians, will add a unique dimension to the trip.
As parts of this walking trip are new to the itinerary this year, this is a great trip for those who done this trip in the past as well as those who are excited about the opportunity to be part of an inaugural experience, who are flexible, and have a sense of humor and spirit of adventure.
This is a trip for lovers of Scottish music and culture who like to hike and who would like to experience some of the landscapes that have influenced the Scottish music tradition. And this is a trip for hikers who are interested in learning about Scottish culture throw its music. Walks on any given day will be determined by the weather and the ability and interests of the group. Trip members should anticipate fall-like weather and – as always in Scotland – rain (though our last trip experienced very little rain, and comfortable temperatures!).
What makes this trip different
This is a unique cultural walking trip that combines time spent walking some of Scotland’s wonderful countryside with experiencing it’s wonderful rich music tradition. With the exception of musical sessions at local pubs, all musical events are specially arranged expressly for our group.
Meeting point
The group will be met at Glasgow International Airport at 11:00 am on Day 1 for a transfer to our first night’s accommodation.
Ending Point
Glasgow on Day 9.
For a additional information or to register please call.
