Fishing and touring vacation in Scotland

Combining a fishing and touring vacation/ holidays are ideal for couples, and small groups looking to mix a vacation between fishing and touring.

In fact this is the perfection vacation for couples with an angler and a non angler.

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The Fife Arms hotel in Braemar Scotland
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All set for a day fly fishing for salmon at Tulchan Beat on the Spey
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Bright luxurious lounge at the Old Mill House
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Eilean Dolan Castle, one of Scotland’s castles in Loch Duich
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Picking up guests at the Ness walk hotel in Inverness
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Drummond Gardens, on a bespoke tour of Scotland

Common mistakes when planning a fishing and touring vacation to Scotland

Firstly, a lot of visitors pick the same script, and its not always the best plan. To illustrate, they choose, Edinburgh, Stirling, Inverness, Skye and back to Edinburgh again. By all means these are good destinations, but the plan misses so much that is good in Scotland.

Secondly, visitors try and book at short notice. Our mixed fishing and touring vacations are sold out for 2024 (this being early March 2024) In addition, we have two already in the books for 2025.

Moreover, all of the best hotels are unlikely to have availability, unless you book at least 6 months in advance.

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Killiehuntly Farmhouse, superb accommodation but needs booked well in advance.

Thirdly, fishing permits for the best beats on the rivers of Scotland sell quickly. Likewise you should be booking a year to 6 months in advance. To illustrate, you wouldn’t try and buy a ticket for the Super Bowl a few weeks before the event, and expect a decent and fairly priced seat.

In summary, the do’s and don’ts of planning a fishing and touring vacation in Scotland:

  • Avoid cliched travel plans – (Edinburgh, Inverness, Skye) we can customise an imaginative itinerary
  • Book at least a year in advance
  • The best accommodation is limited and sells quickly – plan ahead
  • Fishing permits for the premium Big 4 rivers of Scotland, require to be booked 6 months to a year in advance.

How to book salmon fishing on Scottish rivers

To begin with the number of fisherman on a river beat is controlled and never open to abuse. Furthermore, as there is no fishing licence system in Scotland, you will never fish shoulder to shoulder and experience overcrowding. Equally, because numbers of anglers are limited, the availability is scarce, and needs booked well in advance. To illustrate this, try and do an online search right now for fishing permits for the River Spey in May, June and July. You’ll find nothing decent available.

The secret is to plan well in advance. For instance you can contact us and highlight your target rivers and we can access permits and plan the non touring activities around this.

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Salmon fishing on the River Ness, permits are scarce, so plan ahead.

How many days are enough to vacation in Scotland?

10 days is an ideal length of trip to get a fully immersed Scottish vacation. Naturally shorter trips can work, if you dial down to focus on specific interests, and plan carefully.

What’s the best way to travel around Scotland?

Without doubt car is the best form of transport. Furthermore, if you are on one of our mixed fishing and touring vacations, we use Volvo XC90‘s luxury SUV. This is a safe and reliable luxury vehicle. At the same time, its spacious interior is ideal for couples, luggage and fishing gear.

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Picking up guests at the Ness walk hotel in Inverness
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Stunning scenery near Durness on a bespoke Scotland vacation
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Picking up guests at Cardhu House on the River Spey

How to pack for a fishing and touring vacation to Scotland – A concise pack list

Here is an ideal pack list for traveling to Scotland on a fishing and touring vacation:

  • Good polarised sunglasses – these are vital for fishing and for touring.
  • Warm base layers – even in summer, these are invaluable
  • Lightweight packable thermal jacket, such as the Patagonia Nano puff
  • Merino wool socks both thick and thin. Double up these socks when wading and use the thinner ones for touring
  • A good hat
  • UV sun cream – despite our temperate climate, you can get burned easily
  • Good gore tex or waterproof trainers or walking boots. These are ideal for short hikes and walking in wet grass.
  • A good rain jacket, lightweight and packable
  • Waterproof rainpants
  • A good camera or use your iPhone

What we provide on your mixed fishing and touring vacation

  • USA to UK adapters
  • Nikon binoculars
  • Full frame photography of your trip, shared by Dropbox. Using a Nikon D850 camera and prime lenses.
  • Quality breathable waders and wading boots. Boot shave tungsten studs for better grip.
  • Wading staffs
  • Crewsaver PFD floatation device, to keep you safe while wading
  • Spare waterproof jackets
  • Premium American fishing tackle by Sage Fly rods, Orvis and Redington
  • If you are a fan of bamboo rods, we carry a stock of vintage bamboo rods, married with Hardy reels and Rio fly lines
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We now stock bamboo rods, so you can leave yours at home