Monday 3 February 2020

Walk the Watershed with Highland Safaris



In 2020, Scotland celebrates its Coasts and Waters with a year-long programme of events and activities which will shine a spotlight on these vital elements of our landscape.

From our beautiful natural features including coasts, lochs and rivers to our industrial heritage such as our canals, mills and the creation of our national drink – whisky, Scotland’s Coasts and Waters have shaped our culture, our stories and our way of life.

Highland Safaris like to think a little differently and for the Year of Coasts and Waters offers everyone the unique opportunity to walk the watershed between the Tay and Tummel valleys over the Foss ridge. 

Take one of our land rovers to our bothy at Foss and strike out over the ridge with your knowledgeable ranger as your guide, allow your eyes to take in the magnificent views and ears to become accustomed to only the sound of the wind and your own breathing as you embrace the clean, fresh air high in the mountains. 

Once at altitude, we ask you to imagine a falling raindrop.  When it falls to ground on the ridge, it either has to go north, to the Tummel Valley or south to the mighty River Tay. 

Running north means that it will join the waters flowing from Rannoch Moor into Loch Rannoch past Schiehallion in the river Tummel; where it’s waters will used and used again, to generate green energy by flowing through hydroelectric power stations before taking a short rest Loch Faskally near Pitlochry where one final pass through a turbine hall sees the water enter to lower Tummel, on its way to a rendezvous with the river Tay.  Running to the south, a raindrop would, find its way via one of the hill lochans such as Loch Farleyer before finding its way into Camserney burn.  In days gone by this burn was used by to turn mills set up by the local Menzies clan.  From there the water ends up in the might river Tay where it will be joined by the Tummel, Ericht and Earn Systems on the way to the coast at Dundee.

Mountain Safari treks are available every day throughout the year and last for four hours, so why not spend a morning or afternoon on the hill with Highland Safaris to celebrate the Year of Coastal Waters in a unique location, whilst looking for Scotland’s iconic wildlife such as mountain hares and red deer.

To book your unique experience call 01887820071 and speak to our friendly booking team.

Tuesday 12 November 2019

Winter @ Highland Safaris - We have it all wrapped up.

A crisp, cold day in the great outdoors can be truly invigorating – Why not try an exciting Winter Watch 4x4 Safari or meet our Red Deer and Ossian the Barn Owl before enjoying the Highland Safaris cosy and inviting Cafe. Warm up by the fire and enjoy locally produced food, delicious Weekend Brunch, Home Baking and fabulous coffee.

Explore our shop for fantastic Christmas gift ideas and some real one offs or purchase an online Gift Voucher from one of our many exciting experiences.

Christmas all wrapped up.
Choose from a fantastic selection of experiences. Learn to drive a 4x4 Land Rover Defender on the highest off road course in the UK, meet Ossian our Barn Owl in a private Encounter or can't decide then we have monetary value vouchers so your loved one can choose. Find Out More

New this year-Festive Fun on Loch Tay safaris
Skim over the water of Loch Tay onboard our cosy heated cabin RIB. Make magical moments surrounded by stunning and dramatic landscapes in an area steeped in history and mythical folklore.

Festive Cruises are running Christmas and New Year between the 23rd of December and the 4th of January (closed 25th and 26th December).

Monday 8 April 2019

Loch Tay Safaris Welcomes a New Manager & Skipper & Crew!

With the beautiful views looking up Loch Tay towards Ben Lawers, captured by Stuart Brain, Loch Tay Safaris new manager and Skipper, it is no wonder that Highland Safaris are delighted to welcome Stuart onto the team this Spring. A local man born and bred, his wealth of knowledge about not only the history, heritage, geography and geology of the area but also the lesser known stories of local characters who have helped shaped the very fabric of this beautiful area.

Stuart says, “I am delighted to be joining such a successful venture as the new Skipper of Loch Tay Safaris.  Over the last 14 years I have been Master of the bigger tour boats on Loch Katrine and have developed a wealth of practical experience and industry knowledge.  ‘Iolaire’ is a modern vessel; equipped to a high specification, which is responsive and exciting to drive. I am looking forward to welcoming passengers on board to share my passion for Loch Tay and the surrounding area.  It is great to return to where my interest in boating started all those years ago. I must admit I am also enjoying a much shorter daily commute!”



We are also delighted to also welcome Tommy Pringle onto the Highland Safaris Team. Tommy’s roots in the Appin Valley go back many many generations and he has taken a keen interest in the study of the history of this area. Not only will Tommy be Crew for Loch Tay Safaris but he will also be a Safari Ranger. “I have known Tommy and Stuart and their families for all of my life. Their knowledge of this area, which we call home, amazes me. We are so fortunate to have them on our team!” said Julie

Surrounded by the stunning and dramatic landscape, in this area that is just so steeped in history, myths and folklore Stuart and his crew love sharing it with visitors. “Loch Tay is beautiful from the shore, but the cruise gave a new perspective and that was incredible” said a review last week and there are lots more like it!

Springtime with the trees springing to life and wildfowl nesting on the shores are a treat to see but the arrival of our resident Osprey is unmissable. A Golden Eagle was spotted too, soaring on the high ridges surrounding the loch on one of the training trips.



And of course we could not be more lucky to have The Paper Boat Café in Kenmore. Newly opened but already proving to be a rightful success it’s stunning views up Loch Tay are matched by the warmth of the welcome and utterly delicious food. We wish Alex and Bridgette every success in their new venture and will look forward to enjoying many of their fine coffees!

Tuesday 13 November 2018

Still waters run deep until Iolaire sets off again


At this time of the year, as we are busy running our Autumnwatch Safaris, the waters of Loch Tay are left behind us until April of next year, when our beautiful custom build rib cabin, Iolaire, takes to Perthshire’s largest body of water again, to explore the amazing history and heritage of those who populated the shores of Loch Tay through its long and ancient history.

We’ve enjoyed another fantastic and absorbing season on the water, taking visitors from all over the world out to marvel at the beauty of this Loch and its surroundings - the dark water with its rumoured “Kelpie” spirit, the lush vegetation, the towering 3983 ft Munro, Ben Lawers, above, very often with snow on its peaks.

For our Safari Rangers, Loch Tay Safaris has added another exciting dimension to our business as an award winning activity provider, and enabled us to fully explore the awe inspiring natural environment we inhabit. We are extremely lucky to live and work here every day throughout the year.

Be an early bird…book a Loch Tay Safari here for anytime during April and May 2019 and receive a 25% discount and 2 for 1 tickets to the Red Deer Centre. Also receive our Safari Pass with 18 offers for experiences throughout the area.

Buy a Gift Voucher, which you can use on a Loch Tay Safari, or on any other spend at Highland Safaris - click here

Tuesday 7 August 2018

Cruise in Style on the Summer Sundowner Special


 
In the height of the Perthshire summer, our Sundowner Cruise is a must for a relaxing, 5 star end to a busy day. Families, friends, groups and parties all acclaim this 90 minute adventure on the legendary Loch Tay, with its comprehensive live commentary of the heritage, landscape, wildlife and unique features of Perthshire's largest loch.

The boat sails four times a day throughout the year, and the extra Summer Sundowner catches the spectacular views and landscape at its best, with the surrounding mountains silhouetted by the sunset of the day - from fiery bright rays to whimsical pinks and purples.

A complimentary glass of Prosecco or Elderflower Pressé adds the finishing touch to a perfect evening discovering a different aspect of the Highlands. This is an adventure from a seat of luxury and relaxation, and an opportunity to experience Perthshire from a unique perspective, completely surrounded by its beautiful scenery and the mysteries, legends and romance that engulf historic Loch Tay.

Cruises can be booked online here or by calling 01887 820 071. 

We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

Wednesday 7 February 2018

Looking forward to a new season..

April 2017 saw Iolaire take to the pristine waters of Loch Tay for the first time. With a Gaelic Blessing for good luck and a dram of whisky splashed over her side, she sailed off with the lucky passengers onto Perthshire's largest Loch.

2017 proved to be a maiden season to remember for Loch Tay Safaris, we helped hundreds of people enjoy their holidays in Perthshire and created memories that will last for a lifetime, thank you to all that came along visited us! 

We were also extremely proud to be awarded with Five Stars through Visit Scotland, an achievement that we take as a huge pat on the back for the massive amounts of hard work the team at Highland Safaris puts in to make sure that our customers experience is second to none.

As we look forward to 2018, we cannot wait to launch Iolaire from Kenmore again. We have been busy throughout the winter making sure that our Safari on Loch Tay is perfect, that our crew are fully trained and ready to go and that Iolaire is ship shape and up to the five star, world class standard we demand.

If you have not seen our custom built RIB in action, she is a thing of beauty, follow the link below to see why a Loch Tay Safari is a Must Do when you visit Kenmore in Perthshire, it really is the ultimate way to experience Loch Tay.

http://www.lochtaysafaris.net


Please like and share our blog, if you have been out on the loch with us please let us know how you got on!

See you soon,


Loch Tay Safaris

Wednesday 31 January 2018

History of Loch Tay


The home of Loch Tay Safaris is Perthshire’s largest loch.

The history of this dramatic loch has long been entwined with the people who have used it through the ages. Human inhabitation stretches back 9000 years to a Stone Age encampment on the hillside of Ben Lawers and the Loch itself was home to 18 Iron Age settlements called Crannogs.

The Loch Tay Steamboat company operated in the Loch’s waters up until 1949 and the photos of this era can’t help but capture the imagination of this bygone age!

Loch Tay is framed wonderfully by Ben Lawers, Scotland’s 10th largest peak and the hills of Glen Lyon, Scotland’s longest Glen. Majestic Red Deer roam the hillsides and Golden Eagles soar above the peaks.

Kenmore village sits at the head of Loch Tay and is at the mouth of the magnificent River Tay, Scotland’s longest river. Taymouth Castle dominates the banks of the river where it used to house the Earls of Breadalbane.