Rosamunde Pilcher Winter Solstice Tour
The Private Group Rosamunde Pilcher Winter Solstice Day Tour is loved by fans and non-fans alike. Inverness Tour Guides share local knowledge on this one day tour to Creagan and Kingsferry. Travel in style and comfort in our air conditioned vehicles. Tours priced for up to 7 passengers.
Visit amazing places; Tain – oldest Royal Burgh, Dunrobin Castle, Loch Fleet, Dornoch Cathedral and Beach and find yourself between the pages.
Departure
Collection from within 16 miles of Inverness included in the price.
Book now! Get instant confirmation of your calendar appointment.
£560.00 9 hours
Rosamunde Pilcher Winter Solstice Tour – visit Kingsferry and Corrydale in the footsteps of Oscar and Elfrida
Our Winter Solstice tour finds us exploring Kingsferry and Corrydale, as Oscar and Elfrida did, in the novel by Rosamunde Pilcher. Rosamunde was also kind enough to agree to check and endorse our tour content. We visit these places in broadly the right order because it helps visitors to remember and rediscover her charming story. This review is specifically about this tour if you would like an independent view.
We travel north from Inverness across the Black Isle to the pretty towns of Tain, Dornoch, Golspie and Brora. We see a number of historic sites and enjoy a walk on Dornoch Beach and in the town. As a result there will be time to appreciate some of the local craft and gift shops, and indulge in a little retail therapy.
Our Rosamunde Pilcher Winter Solstice Tour is also perfect for people who have never read the book, and know nothing about it. This is because it offers much of the very best of the scenery, history and wildlife of the Scottish Highlands, including visits to ancient church, castle, cathedral and the pretty little towns of the east coast. If you just want those places, then we are happy to deliver this tour without mention of the book. We describe these locations more fully below.
Rosamunde Pilcher Winter Solstice Tour – Kingsferry (Tain)
We begin by travelling north from Inverness, as Elfrida and Oscar did. The town where the characters purchased essential supplies, and also bought most of their thoughtful Christmas gifts was Kingsferry (Tain). We will call in at this, the oldest Royal Burgh in Scotland (1066) on our way. You will enjoy some free time here, to either wander around the shops, or if you prefer, you may visit the characterful Collegiate Church dating from the 1400’s.
Corrydale from the Winter Solstice novel (Skibo Castle)
Oscar and Elfrida had to go to Corrydale next. Corrydale in the book is based upon the luxury hotel to the stars – Skibo Castle, where Guy Ritchie and Madonna were married. Sadly it is not now open to the public for a morning coffee.
Corrydale from the Winter Solstice TV series (Dunrobin Castle)
From here we travel on past Creagan (Dornoch). One extra option that is highly recommended while travelling north is Dunrobin Castle. This huge castle is the home of the Earls of Sutherland, and one of the Great Houses of the North. The entry fee for the castle also covers a stunning falconry display in the grounds at 11.30am. Morning Coffee can also be taken within the castle. It also starred as Corrydale in the TV mini-series of Winter Solstice.
Buckly (Brora)
Next on the agenda is Buckly (Brora), home to McTaggart’s (Hunter’s) Mills. It was here that Sam Howard was employed, trying to bring the mills back to life after their disastrous flooding. We will also show you the hotel, “the Duke’s Arms” where Carrie tried the Whisky Mac. There may even be time for you to try one, who knows?
Loch Fhada (Loch Fleet)
On the return journey south we will take the route taken by Sam and Carrie – the narrow back road by Loch Fhada (Loch Fleet). You will have the chance to see the birds and waders, the seals, the small hamlet of Littleferry, and the ancient crumbling castle of Skelbo.
Creagan (Dornoch) – a fitting close to a Winter Solstice Tour
This is the culmination of our tour; the very pretty town of Creagan (Dornoch). Our characters settled into the Estate House and had many adventures. Carrie and Lucy came to the Creagan Estate House later, and like them you will have free time to have a walk, see the town, the shops, and the beach and Golf Course. The last chapter in Winter Solstice saw Oscar becoming reconciled to the past, and playing Beethoven’s “Song of Joy” for Christmas in Creagan’s church [Dornoch Cathedral]. Our last chapter will be similar. We will visit the Cathedral – a magnificent building erected in 1224 by Gilbert de Moravia. We will see the organ which Oscar played. This was also the organ in which police found paparazzi hiding, in 2000, prior to the christening of Guy Ritchie and Madonna’s son Rocco.
As we have come to the end of Rosamunde’s story, we turn and head south for Inverness, with a tale well told and a tour complete.
Rosamunde Pilcher Winter Solstice Tour – Price
£560 for the tour.
Rosamunde Pilcher Winter Solstice Tour – Departure
The tour departs from your Inverness accommodation, or any transport hub, such as bus station, train station or airport. You tell us, and we’ll be there.
FAQ
Can each person in the party pay separately?
Driver/Guide licencing in Scotland will only allow us to take one payment per tour, so if people in a party wish to split the cost then they arrange that amongst themselves and make one tour payment to us.
Are entries to the various visitor attractions included?
We don’t include entry to the attractions – and that way we leave the day as flexible as possible for you.
Will I need cash with me?
Most places will accept Visa or MasterCard and some will accept American Express. It is always prudent, though, to bring a little cash with you for unexpected eventualities. You will need GBP, not Euros or Dollars.
What will we be doing for lunch?
You are responsible for paying for your own food & drink during your tour. Lunch could be in a café, pub, restaurant or even a picnic at a beauty spot. Your guide can discuss and advise on options when you meet them.
Find all of our other FAQ’s here
Why Choose Us
Why Choose Inverness Tour Guides?
Our Inverness Tour Guides are a hand-picked team. As well as being accredited members of the Highlands of Scotland Tour Guide Association, they are all well-recognised as being at the top of their fields. They were chosen because they are great storytellers, are fun to be with, and are uniquely qualified to do what they do well. We are convinced that there is no better team of guides to be found. See their individual profiles here
Performance
Here at Inverness Tours we continually monitor performance. As a result we are confident that we offer long experience and expertise in providing quality, value and enjoyment.
Our Vehicles
Our vehicles are spacious and air conditioned, easily accommodating up to seven passengers. The reclining seats and tinted windows ensure touring in comfort and style.
Our Track Record
Inverness Tours has been taking visitors on world-class tours for more than fifteen years and has been striving to make its exclusive tour business the finest of its kind available in Scotland.
Our Customer Care
The Inverness Tours admin team are frequently complimented on responsiveness, flexibility and care.
Our Environment
Inverness Tours have offset the impact of visitor footfall in the Highlands by contributing financially to environmental and community projects.
Our Precautions
Our COVID19 precautions – Inverness Tours has always carried bacteriological and virucidal disinfectant sprays, disposable gloves and the necessary wipes etc. The vehicles are cleaned on a daily basis. We are investigating and instituting further measures to keep you safe at this current time and into the future.
Our Reviews
All the above contribute to our fabulous back-catalogue of reviews. Check out the TripAdvisor reviews here. You will find that over 98% of our reviews are five-star and as a result we have achieved TripAdvisor’s annual Certificate of Excellence and placement in their Hall of Fame!
What’s included?
The 7-passenger vehicle together with qualified driver/guide is included.
Summary terms and conditions:-
- All tours are exclusive and the same price for between one and seven people. Your booking is considered confirmed once we send out your confirmation.
- While Inverness Tours shall do everything reasonably possible to provide your tour itinerary and/or services as planned, we reserve the right to alter itineraries, guide, transport or accommodation if circumstances require us to do so. If we have to cancel a tour you receive a full refund of the amount paid and that is the extent of our obligation.
- Our normal Cancellation Terms as outlined in the point below have been temporarily relaxed. The relaxation is in relation to any booking which requires to cancel due to COVID-19. Our COVID-19 cancellation terms are outlined here.
- If you wish to change any part of your confirmed booking you should inform us in writing as soon as possible. We will do our best to assist you, but cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet your request. If you cancel a booking up to 30 days in advance you receive a 75% refund of the total paid. Cancellations between 30 and 10 days before the tour receive a 50% refund. There is no refund if you cancel within 10 days of the tour or are not at the organised departure or pick-up point.
- We are happy for you to enjoy bottled water and hard candies while we travel. Other types of food and drink have proved previously to be quite hazardous (on Highland roads) both to yourselves and seat upholstery.
See our full terms and conditions here