Sports

February 11, 2009

GREAT GLEN BIKE TOUR SCOTLAND

GREAT GLEN CYCLE TOUR

A spectacular journey from Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, along the shores of Loch Ness to Fort William. Cycling on special paths and quiet forest trails, you will enjoy magnificent views of lochs and mountains and will have a chance to see some of the abundant wildlife such as red deer and golden eagles. A rest day in Fort William to explore, try some mountain biking in the forest or climb mighty Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain. Leave Fort William by train for a scenic journey up Glen Spean and across desolate Rannoch Moor. From Rannoch Station follow the lochside road via Lochs Rannoch and Tummel to reach Pitlochry. At this pretty Victorian resort town you can visit the Dam and Fish Ladder, a distillery or nearby Blair Castle with its fine collections of armory, paintings and china. There are fine views of the River Tummel as you leave Pitlochry. Cross the River Tay at Logierait and on to the historic cathedral town of Dunkeld. The tour ends at the busy town of Perth where you will find interesting shopping.

Day 1. Arrive INVERNESS:

Inverness now a thriving modern town has historical links going back to Neolithic times. Many battles have been fought for control of this strategic site. A visit to the Garrison Castle Encounter will take you back to 1745 and the Jacobite Rebellion.

JavaScript:newWindow('urquhart_castle_from_loch_ness.htm')Day 2. INVERNESS - DRUMNADROCHIT 24ml(39km)
collect cycles and equipment, route briefing and instruction. Leave Inverness following the river: across moorland and  quiet country  roads  to Drumnadrochit. Visit the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition Centre and ruined Urquhart Castle.      

                                                                                

Day 3. DRUMNADROCHIT - FORT AUGUSTUS

23ml(37km)
Follow  the Cycle Way of the Great Glen. Some steep hills are rewarded with beautiful views of Loch Ness and the mountains beyond. In the forest you may see deer or golden eagles before you reach the south end of the loch at Fort Augustus.

JavaScript:newWindow('loch_oich_and_swing_bridge.htm')Day 4. FORT AUGUSTUS - FORT WILLIAM 34ml(55km)
The Caledonian Canal tow path and forest tracks keep you safe from traffic until you reach the locks of Neptune?s Staircase at Banavie. A short ride to the busy tourist town of Fort William in the shadow of mighty Ben Nevis.                                                                                 

Day 5. Rest Day FORT WILLIAM

Take a trip on the steam train of the scenic West Highland Railway to Mallaig, climb Ben Nevis or explore the many trails in Leanachan Forest.

JavaScript:newWindow('isolated_rannoch_station.htm')Day 6. FORT WILLIAM - PITLOCHRY 39ml(62km)
A scenic train journey across desolate Rannoch Moor to Rannoch Station, an isolated place at the end of the road from Pitlochry. From Rannoch it is a pleasant flat ride beside Loch Rannoch to reach Kinloch Rannoch. On to Tummel Bridge and then climb to join the undulating scenic road by the side of Loch Tummel. Pitlochry, a pleasant Victorian holiday town, nestles in a sheltered position among the hills. It has two distilleries, an excellent theatre, good shopping and a wide choice of restaurants.

Day 7. PITLOCHRY - PERTH

30ml(48km)
You are never far from the river Tay as you make your way south to the historic cathedral town of Dunkeld. Peacefully situated on the banks of the River Tay it has a charmingly restored square of 18th century houses and nearby is the partly restored cathedral, construction of which began in 1318. Cross the bridge to its partner village of Birnam and continue through the fertile Perthshire farmlands to the colourful riverside city of Perth.

Day 8. Depart PERTH

 

 

Ellen McNulty is President of

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You may choose from the best Irish & British B&B's, hotels, guesthouses, inns in Ireland, unusual manors and even the most elegant Irish castles to form your perfect vacation! We have 3 star relaxed castles to 5 star elegant ones.

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January 21, 2009

ROB ROY COUNTRY 2009 BIKE TOUR SCOTLAND

ROB ROY COUNTRY 2009

This tour explores the contrasting character and beautiful scenery that separates the Highlands and Lowlands. You travel from the riverside city of Perth, past the rugged Grampian Mountains to reach a world of hills and glens heralded by Lochs Venacher, Achray and Katrine. From Lochearnhead you will enjoy the superb views of lochs and mountains in the Trossachs "The Highlands in Miniature. There are numerous special cycle trails available in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Visit Rob Roy MacGregor's grave at Balquhidder and sail on the steamer Sir Walter Scott on Loch Katrine. Majestic Stirling Castle welcomes you to Stirling on the last day of your memorable cycle tour.

Day 1.

Arrive PERTH: perhaps time to stroll to the shops, walk by the River Tay or climb Kinnoull Hill for a magnificent view of Perth and the Tay Valley.

Evening: collect cycles and equipment, route briefing

Day 2. PERTH - CRIEFF

20/28ml(32/45km)

Before leaving Perth perhaps visit the Caithness Glass Factory and   Huntingtower Castle. Afterwards take an easy ride through quiet countryside to the small town of Crieff.  Do not miss the chance to visit the award winning visitor centre of Glenturret Distiller.

Day 3. CRIEFF - LOCHEARNHEAD

20ml(32km)

As you leave Crieff stop for a tour of the Stuart Crystal Factory. Then follow the valley of the River Earn, through Comrie and along lovely quiet road on the south shore of Loch Earn to arrive at the small lochside village of Lochearnhead.

Day 4. LOCHEARNHEAD - CALLANDER

18ml(29km)

Cycle south through Strathyre, visit  Rob Roy's Grave at Balquhidder and then follow the river to the small village of Strathyre. From there continue into Strathyre Forest for a scenic journey past Loch Lubnaig to Callander.

Day 5. CALLANDER - ABERFOYLE

23/31/36ml(37/50/58km)

An early start along the south shore of Loch Venachar to Loch Katrine for a sail on the steamer SS Sir Walter Scott. Alight at Stronachlacher Pier and perhaps take a detour to Loch Lomond before the journey through the forest to Aberfoyle.

Day 6

.  Rest day ABERFOYLE

Explore the many forest trails in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.

Day 7. ABERFOYLE - STIRLING

23ml/34ml(39km/62km)

Five miles east of Aberfoyle is Scotland’s only lake, the Lake of Mentieth. On the largest of its three islands is the ruined Inchmahome Priory. Founded in 1238 it was a haven for many famous people including Mary Queen of Scots. Continue on to Doune Castle, stop at Dunblane to visit the Cathedral and then head for Stirling. Mighty Stirling Castle dominates the skyline as you approach this historic town.

Day 8.

Depart STIRLING.

Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com000_0708.jpg

You may choose from the best Irish & British B&B's, hotels, guesthouses, inns in Ireland, unusual manors and even the most elegant Irish castles to form your perfect vacation! We have 3 star relaxed castles to 5 star elegant ones.

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Other websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

Ireland Travel Expert

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October 09, 2008

Scottish Borders Common Ridings & Festivals

The centuries old Scottish Borders Common Ridings & Festivals are joining together to support Scotland’s first national Homecoming celebration by issuing a joint invitation to Border folk around the globe to Return to the Ridings in 2009.

 

Since the beginning of the 16th Century, Common Ridings & Festivals have formed an integral part of Scottish Borders tradition. Common Riding is an annual celebration that involves townsfolk in a grand ‘ride-out’ around the town boundaries.

 In total, 11 towns in the Scottish Borders   use horses for the ride out. The events are friendly, heart-stirring and steeped in local history, including rousing music and song specific to each town.  Visitors are always made welcome and will soon find themselves joining in – whether it’s linking arms as the procession moves through the town or cheering the stunning displays of horsemanship as the riders gallop back into the town.

Whilst every Common Riding Festival features the tradition of a spectacular riding out by hundreds of horses and riders to check the boundaries of the Common Land, each town has its own distinctive history and ceremony providing a unique Return to the Ridings experience.

Dates & Locations
1-6 June: Hawick Common Riding
5-13 June: West Linton Whipman
8-13 June: Selkirk Common Riding
14-20 June: Peebles Beltane
14 - 20 June: Melrose Festival
19-28 June: Galashiels Braw Lads Gathering
27 June - 10 July: Jed Callants Festival
5-11 July: Duns Summer Festival
13-18 July: Kelso Civic Week
26 July - 1 August: Lauder Common Riding
2-8 August: Coldstream Civic Week

 

Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com000_0708.jpg

You may choose from the best Irish & British B&B's, hotels, guesthouses, inns in Ireland, unusual manors and even the most elegant Irish castles to form your perfect vacation! We have 3 star relaxed castles to 5 star elegant ones.

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Other websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

Ireland Travel Expert

Scotland Travel Expert

September 16, 2008

Fishing in Ireland

Ireland is recognised as being the outstanding fishing holiday destination in Europe. The vast variety and quality of fishing in Ireland has given the country a reputation of which they are justly proud.

Cfb.ie

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You may choose from the best Irish B&B's, hotels, guesthouses, inns in Ireland, unusual manors and even the most elegant Irish castles to form your perfect vacation! We have 3 star relaxed castles to 5 star elegant ones.

Other websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

Ireland Travel Expert

Scotland Travel Master

September 09, 2008

Falconry in Ireland

Falconry is the art or sport of hunting wild prey with trained hawks. It's beginnings stretch back to 2200B.C. in the Far East, though it's true origins are unclear. It was brought to Europe by Germanic tribes who introduced it to Roman culture. It thrived during the Middle Ages as both a method of hunting food (small game etc.) and as a sport in its own right among the nobles of the time. Falconry also flourished in the Middle East and Asia where the crusaders learned much from their Arab counterparts. However in Europe in the late 18th century, with the advent of guns and their use in hunting, the sport dwindled and was limited to a few who continued the practice.

Falconryireland.ie

Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com000_0708.jpg

You may choose from the best Irish B&B's, hotels, guesthouses, inns in Ireland, unusual manors and even the most elegant Irish castles to form your perfect vacation! We have 3 star relaxed castles to 5 star elegant ones.

Other websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

Ireland Travel Expert

Scotland Travel Master

September 02, 2008

GAA Gaelic Athletic Association

At 3.00 p.m. on Saturday 1st November 1884, a small group of men, at least seven and possibly as many as fourteen , met in the billiard-room of Miss Hayes's Commercial Hotel in Thurles, and there founded the Gaelic Athletic Association for the Preservation and Cultivation of National Pastimes. The seven Irish sports founder members were Michael Cusack, Maurice Davin (who presided) John Wyse Power, John McKay, J. K. Bracken, Joseph O'Ryan and Thomas St. George McCarthy. Also admitted later by Cusack to have been present was Frank Moloney of Nenagh, while the following six names were published as having attended by the more detailed press reports of the time: William Foley, - Dwyer, - Culhane, William Delehunty, John Butler and William Cantwell. All these were from Thurles except Foley, who was from Carrick-on-Suir, like Davin.The finest Irish sport at its inception.


Gaa.ie

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You may choose from the best Irish B&B's, hotels, guesthouses, inns in Ireland, unusual manors and even the most elegant Irish castles to form your perfect vacation! We have 3 star relaxed castles to 5 star elegant ones.

Other websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

Ireland Travel Expert

Scotland Travel Master

July 07, 2008

Biking Ireland Escorted Tours Bike Tours of Ireland

Explore Ireland by bike, traveling with a mix of English-speaking international travelers. You will travel 30 miles per day at a relaxed pace, with longer routes available. The bike trips are suitable for adults of all ages and fitness levels. A bus is provided for transferring luggage. Although the guide will not be cycling with you, he or she will be driving the support van and will make a sweep to ensure that all is well, and offer lifts to those who want a break. Our idea is to take all of the hassles, but none of the freedom out of a bike trip in Ireland. We ensure the bike is ready to go, luggage is transferred and good quality accommodation is at the end of each day's trip. Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com000_0708.jpg>

Outher websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

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July 03, 2008

Irish Surfing Association

 

The Irish Surfing Association aspires to be a dynamic organisation with which Irish Surfers identify, that is consensus based, inclusive, open and transparent with structures that allow all to enjoy the sport safely reaching their full potential while promoting the protection and sustainability of our surfing environment.

Within this section you will be able to explore information on our history, and the history of surfing in Ireland,

Isasurf.ie


Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com000_0708.jpg

You may choose from the best Irish B&B's, hotels, guesthouses, inns in Ireland, unusual manors and even the most elegant Irish castles to form your perfect vacation! We have 3 star relaxed castles to 5 star elegant ones.

Outher websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

Ireland Travel Expert

Scotland Travel Master

April 07, 2008

London - Wimbledon

Days Out - Playing at Wimbledon

Canary Wharf

Morning

Wimbledon Lawn Tennis MuseumLeafy Wimbledon is generally associated with the two-week tennis tournament in the summer, but these famous courts can be visited all year round.

The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum includes a state of the art exhibition. The 200° cinema will transport you into the heart of a championship match while the behind-the-scenes tour will take you into the player's gym, the main press interview room and Centre Court.

If you want to sport the total Wimbledon look then pop into the shop and purchase some trendy sports wear. Even for non-tennis fans, it's a great place to visit. And of course with all the interactive elements, you can tell your friends (who weren't there) that you have played at Wimbledon!

All this close proximity to exercise will probably have made you pretty hungry, so we suggest a carb fix. San Lorenzo Fuoriporta is a great place to refuel on authentic Italian cuisine and is a favourite of Boris Becker. Apparently his preferred meal is mozzarella, avocado and tomato, Spaghetti Napoli followed by lemon sorbet. Yum…

Afternoon

Aerial view of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. Image courtesy of The All England Lawn Tennis ClubHead to Wimbledon Common, home to 460 acres of gorgeous open space. A real highlight is the Wimbledon Windmill - it was here that Baden-Powell was inspired to write part of Scouting for Boys in 1908. Now it’s time to go shopping. Wimbledon Village is frightfully smart and very pretty, and is an excellent place for a spot of retail therapy.

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Outher websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

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October 02, 2007

St. Andrews Golf

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We aim to provide answers to all your questions here on the website. These are some of the most frequently asked questions about playing at St Andrews.

How do I reserve a tee time on the Old Course?
The Old Course is immensely popular with around 42,000 rounds played every year, so the sooner you write in, the better. For a pre-booked tee-time please apply in writing to the Links Trust in September for the following year. Alternatively, a number of hotels and tour operators can arrange a time on the Old Course for you as part of a package. Please see the Booking section for more details.

Can I book a time on a Saturday?
The only way to reserve a time on a Saturday is to contact the Links Trust the day before you wish to play - this applies to the Jubilee, Eden and Strathtyrum Courses. Advance bookings for Saturdays cannot be made through the Trust on any of the courses.

Can a single golfer book a tee time on the Old Course in advance?
There are a small number of tee-times available for single golfers to book in advance - please apply in September for the following year.

I would like to play one of the courses, but I have no golf shoes or clubs. Can I hire them when I arrive at St Andrews?
Yes, you can hire clubs and shoes from the clubhouse shops - click here for details.

How does the ballot process for starting times on the Old Course work?
The ballot or lottery takes place every day for the following day's play and, as the Old Course is closed on Sunday, the Saturday draw is for Monday play. Golfers (minimum two) can phone or come in person to the reception at either the Links or Eden Clubhouses and enter the ballot by giving their names, golf clubs and handicap details. The draw takes place after 2pm and the results appear first on the website - click here - and are also posted at several locations on the Links and in town. Chances of success vary according to the time of year and the weather. If you are successful, pay at the starter before you play. Handicap certificate is needed on the day (maximum handicap 24 for men, 36 for women). Please see also the Booking section.

What is your busiest month?
Usually August, 29,000 - 32,000 rounds played in total.

How many rounds are played on the Old Course in one year?
Approximately 40,000 rounds and over 210,000 on all courses.

I am a beginner, which course/courses would you recommend?
The 9 hole Balgove, then progress to the Strathtyrum.

How much does a local pay to play golf here?
People who live in St Andrews pay £113 a year for access to all six courses. They have to book in the usual way and have preferential slots in the ballot on certain days. People who live outside the town but in North East Fife and are members of a local golf club pay £226 a year.

What is the dress code for the Old Course?
Golfers are expected to wear clothing appropriate for golf. Scruffy or torn clothing is not considered appropriate. If in doubt please consult the starter.

Ellen McNulty is President at www.lynotttours.com000_0708>

Outher websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

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