https://www.avrilstravels.co.uk https://www.avrilstravels.co.uk/wheelchair-accessible-tour <div data-rss-type="text"> <h1> <span> Seeing the Highlands Differently: Making Scottish Tours Accessible to Everyone </span> </h1> <h3> <br/> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <strong> The Scottish Highlands are for everyone. </strong> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> That is something we genuinely believe at Avril’s Travels. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Every year, we welcome visitors from all over the world to explore the incredible scenery, history and stories of the Highlands. From cruise ship passengers stepping ashore for their first taste of Scotland, to families and private groups wanting to experience the Highlands at their own pace, our job is to make those experiences memorable. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> But for some visitors, simply getting out and exploring isn't quite as straightforward. And that is something I understand personally. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <h3> <span> Why accessibility matters to us </span> </h3> <p> <span> In 2020, I spent more than six months in a wheelchair myself. Suddenly, places that I had always taken for granted looked very different. Things that seemed simple before could become difficult, complicated or sometimes completely inaccessible. It changed the way I looked at accessibility. It also made me realise that when someone books a holiday, a cruise or a tour, they shouldn't have to wonder whether they will actually be able to enjoy the places they have travelled thousands of miles to see. </span> </p> <p> <span> They shouldn't have to feel like an afterthought. And they certainly shouldn't have to miss out on the Highlands. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <h3> <span> Our accessible Highland tours </span> </h3> <p> <span> That experience is one of the reasons I became such a passionate advocate for accessible tourism. </span> </p> <p> <span> We have worked hard to develop tours and transport that can accommodate visitors with mobility difficulties, including  </span> <strong> wheelchair-accessible vehicles </strong> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> Our accessible tours are designed to allow guests to experience the Highlands comfortably, while taking into consideration the practical things that can make a huge difference — vehicle access, walking distances, suitable stopping points and the individual needs of each guest. </span> </p> <p> <span> And because every wheelchair user is different,  </span> <strong> we don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. </strong> </p> <p> <span> Before a tour, we are happy to discuss your requirements so that we can work out what will work best for you. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <h3> <span> From the cruise ship to the Highlands </span> </h3> <p> <span> A large part of what we do is working with cruise passengers visiting the Scottish Highlands. </span> </p> <p> <span> We understand that cruise excursions come with their own challenges. There can be limited time in port, security procedures, distances between the ship and transport and, for wheelchair users, additional considerations that other passengers may never need to think about. Our aim is to make that process as straightforward as possible. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Whether you're visiting  </span> <strong> Invergordon, Ullapool or the surrounding Highlands </strong> <span> , we can work with you to create a private experience that allows you to see some of the incredible places Scotland has to offer. And you don't have to be a cruise passenger. We also provide private Highland tours for families, couples, groups and visitors staying in the area. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <h3> <span> It's about more than the vehicle </span> </h3> <p> <span> Accessible tourism isn't simply about having a wheelchair-accessible minibus. </span> </p> <p> <span> It's about understanding. </span> </p> <p> <span> It's about knowing that a “short walk” might not be a short walk for everyone. </span> </p> <p> <span> It's about considering where we stop, how far guests need to travel from the vehicle, where there are accessible facilities and how much time someone may need to enjoy a particular location. </span> </p> <p> <span> Most importantly, it's about treating every guest as a  </span> <strong> traveller first </strong> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> We don't want accessibility to define your Highland experience. </span> </p> <p> <span> We want you to be able to enjoy the same things everyone else has come to Scotland to see. </span> </p> <p> <span> The dramatic mountains. </span> </p> <p> <span> The lochs and glens. </span> </p> <p> <span> The castles and ancient sites. </span> </p> <p> <span> The wildlife. </span> </p> <p> <span> The history. </span> </p> <p> <span> The stories. </span> </p> <p> <span> And, of course, a good Highland welcome! </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <h3> <span> Scotland should be accessible to everyone </span> </h3> <p> <span> We know there is still a long way to go when it comes to accessibility across tourism, and we certainly don't claim to have all the answers. But we can do our bit. My own experience of using a wheelchair changed my perspective enormously, and it is something I carry with me every time I welcome an accessible guest onto one of our vehicles. </span> </p> <p> <span> If you are planning a visit to the Scottish Highlands and accessibility is something you need to consider,  </span> <strong> please get in touch with us before booking. </strong> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Tell us what you need. </span> </p> <p> <span> Tell us about your wheelchair or mobility requirements. </span> </p> <p> <span> Tell us what you'd love to see. </span> </p> <p> <span> We'll do our very best to find a way to make it happen. </span> </p> <p> <span> Because the Highlands aren't just for those who can walk the furthest. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <strong> The Highlands are for everyone. </strong> </p> <h3> <span> Come and see them with us </span> <span> . </span> </h3> <p> <span> Whether you're stepping ashore from a cruise ship or visiting Scotland for a private Highland adventure, we'd love to show you around. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <strong> Avril's Travels — accessible Highland tours with a personal understanding of what accessibility really means. </strong> </p> </div> Fri, 04 Sep 2026 12:33:26 GMT https://www.avrilstravels.co.uk/wheelchair-accessible-tour thumbnail main image https://www.avrilstravels.co.uk/clava-cairns-update <div data-rss-type="text"> <h1> <span> Protecting Our Past: Our Recent Clean-Up at Clava Cairns </span> <span> <span>  </span> </span> </h1> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> It has been quite a month for the Avril’s Travels team! </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Over the past few weeks, we have received a huge number of messages and have even found ourselves featured in the local press following our efforts to help protect and care for one of Scotland’s most remarkable prehistoric sites —  </span> <strong> Clava Cairns </strong> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Tucked away in the beautiful Highlands, Clava Cairns is a truly special place. The cairns and standing stones date back more than  </span> <strong> 4,000 years </strong> <span> , meaning that when we bring our guests here, we aren't simply visiting a tourist attraction — we are stepping into a piece of Scotland's ancient history. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Because of that, we take great care to explain to our guests how to visit respectfully. We talk about what they can do, what they shouldn't do, and most importantly, why those rules are there. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Unfortunately, during a visit last month, Lorraine and I were disappointed to see that a number of shrines, offerings and other items had been left around the site, along with rubbish. </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> We completely understand that Clava Cairns holds deep spiritual and personal meaning for many people. However, it is important to remember that this is also a  </span> <strong> protected historic monument </strong> <span> , and leaving objects around the cairns and standing stones can cause damage and interfere with the preservation of the site. </span> </p> <p> <span> So, rather than simply walking away, we decided to do something about it. </span> </p> <p> <span> Lorraine and I spent time carefully clearing the area, removing the shrines, offerings and rubbish that had been left behind. It wasn't something we did for recognition or publicity — we simply felt that if we are lucky enough to work in such an incredible part of Scotland, we have a responsibility to help look after it. </span> </p> <p> <span> What happened afterwards was something we certainly didn't expect. </span> </p> <p> <span> Our efforts attracted considerable attention, with people getting in touch to thank us and the story being picked up by the local press. Most importantly for us,  </span> <strong> Historic Environment Scotland </strong> <span> , who manage Clava Cairns, also became aware of what we had been doing and contacted us to thank us for helping raise awareness. </span> </p> <p> <span> That meant a great deal. </span> </p> <h3> <span> Respect the place, leave no trace </span> </h3> <p> <span> There is an important message behind all of this. </span> </p> <p> <span> We want everyone to be able to experience the magic of Clava Cairns — whether you are visiting as a tourist, a local, a history enthusiast or someone who feels a personal or spiritual connection to the site. </span> </p> <p> <span> But loving a place also means  </span> <strong> protecting it </strong> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> You can visit. You can take photographs. You can learn about its history. You can quietly appreciate the atmosphere and the incredible work of the people who built these monuments thousands of years ago. </span> </p> <p> <span> But please don't leave offerings, attach things to the stones, climb on the monuments or remove anything from the site. </span> </p> <p> <span> These stones have stood here for thousands of years. Our job is simply to make sure they are still standing for thousands more. </span> </p> <p> <span> As tour guides, we feel incredibly privileged to introduce people from all over the world to the Highlands. With that privilege comes a responsibility — not just to show people these wonderful places, but to help protect them too. </span> </p> <p> <span> So, from the whole Avril’s Travels team, thank you to everyone who supported our efforts, shared our message and helped spread awareness. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <strong> Let's enjoy Scotland's incredible heritage — and leave it exactly as we found it. </strong> </p> <p> <span> After all, we are only visitors here. The cairns were here long before us, and hopefully they will be here long after we are gone. </span> </p> </div> Fri, 04 Sep 2026 09:48:39 GMT https://www.avrilstravels.co.uk/clava-cairns-update thumbnail main image https://www.avrilstravels.co.uk/bespoke-and-private-tour-joy <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Enjoy the Highland is style and bespoke. </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span>   </span> A private bespoke tour in the Scottish Highlands offers several unique benefits. Firstly, it allows for a personalized experience tailored to the specific interests and preferences of the participants, ensuring a more intimate and fulfilling exploration of the region. Additionally, such tours often provide access to lesser-known and off-the-beaten-path attractions, offering a more authentic and exclusive experience. Moreover, the flexibility of a private tour allows for customized itineraries and the ability to spend more time at specific locations, thereby maximizing the overall enjoyment of the trip. Lastly, the opportunity for one-on-one interaction with knowledgeable local guides can enhance the understanding and appreciation of the Scottish Highlands' rich history and culture.  <span> <span> We look forward to welcoming you on our bespoke Tours this season. </span> </span> </p> </div> Sun, 18 Feb 2024 17:13:38 GMT https://www.avrilstravels.co.uk/bespoke-and-private-tour-joy thumbnail main image https://www.avrilstravels.co.uk/2024-is-here <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Get booking for 2024 tours while you can!! </span> </h3> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/bbe4c05c/dms3rep/multi/PHOTO-2023-01-09-19-31-03.jpg"/> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> Happy New Year everyone past and future travellers!! Last year was a busy one and this year is shaping up to be even busier for me! </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> I am currently the only female led minibus operator in the Highlands specialising in 16 seater minibuses for all your tour needs. During the very busy cruise ship season we only take 14 passengers maximum on our group tours unless privately booked. </span> </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Tours are starting to fill up so if you are looking for something from my South or North Cruise ship tours or a private group tour for your family and friends it is best to get in touch early to avoid disappointment. </span> </p> </div> Mon, 01 Jan 2024 15:51:50 GMT info@avrilstravels.co.uk (Avril Service) https://www.avrilstravels.co.uk/2024-is-here thumbnail main image https://www.avrilstravels.co.uk/cruise-ship-madness <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Book quick, when they are gone they are gone! </span> </h3> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/bbe4c05c/dms3rep/multi/vans+-+Copy.jpg"/> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> So the madness has begun!! April 1st was no joke for us here at Avril's Travels as we welcomed the first cruise ship of the season. Our seasons are now longer and this year we are seeing around 128 ships with potentially nearly 250 thousand passengers. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Our minibuses are filling up fast so please do not leave it to the last moment to book. </span> </span> </p> </div> Mon, 15 May 2023 13:48:33 GMT info@avrilstravels.co.uk (Avril Service) https://www.avrilstravels.co.uk/cruise-ship-madness thumbnail main image https://www.avrilstravels.co.uk/travel-in-style-with-avril-s-travels <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Style and comfort come as standard </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> When you are travelling in the Highlands, where you going is aways going to be important.  How you get there is even more important.  You want to feel save and secure in your tour vehicle. You want to be able to hear what you guide is saying. You don't want to be to hot or to cold and be able to see out of clean clear windows.  You also want to have room to move, to be comfortable in your seat and have leg room to stretch out.  As you can see from the image our 2 buses are 16 person with allot  of height to get in and out.  Clean both inside and out and regularly services for your safety and ours.  We have 2 Ford Transit Trends and the newest edition our Top Range Rover for smaller tours.  Travel to your destination in style and comfort, to see the beautiful scenery and attractions the Highlands has to offer. </span> </span> </p> </div> Thu, 26 Jan 2023 15:12:53 GMT https://www.avrilstravels.co.uk/travel-in-style-with-avril-s-travels thumbnail main image https://www.avrilstravels.co.uk/welcome-to-2023-and-your-trip-to-the-scottish-highlands <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Come to Scotland make your dreams come true </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> We are in 2023 and we with you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year.  Let this be the year your dreams come true.  </span> </p> <p> If you are looking for a tour from your cruise liner, either North, or South, we have a delightful ranch of attractions to show off.  We have the most stunning <span> C </span> astles, <span> b </span> eautiful <span> B </span> eaches, quaint <span> V </span> illages and <span> T </span> owns to explore and amazing scenery to enjoy from place to place. With our Local Scottish Tour Guides you are sure  <span> <span> to have a great day out in the Highlands. </span> </span> </p> </div> Mon, 23 Jan 2023 14:49:57 GMT https://www.avrilstravels.co.uk/welcome-to-2023-and-your-trip-to-the-scottish-highlands thumbnail main image https://www.avrilstravels.co.uk/make-the-most-of-the-season-by-following-these-simple-guidelines We all love a day at the beach and if this is a favorite, look no further than the Highlands of Scotland. <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> We all enjoy a day at the beach... </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> We all enjoy a day out at the beach, a nice warm sunny day out at the beach. With the wind in our hair and the sand between our toes, it's what holidays are made off. It's an enjoyable part of our tour when you are heading North from Invergordon.  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> We have some of the best, cleanest and safest beaches right here in the Highlands of Scotland for our guests to enjoy. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> You can do so much on our long sandy stretches of golden sand or you can do nothing at all, just sit and enjoy the waves coming and going, coming and going as the tide take away with it your stresses and you relax with your family and friend around you on one of our golden beaches right here in the Highlands.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> For your day at the beach - get in touch with us. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <a href="http://www.avrilstravels.co.uk" target="_blank"> www.avrilstravels.co.uk </a> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <a href="mailto:info@avrilstravels.co.uk"> info@avrilstravels.co.uk </a> </p> </div> Tue, 01 Nov 2022 08:55:51 GMT gandmch@btinternet.com (Graham Havercroft) https://www.avrilstravels.co.uk/make-the-most-of-the-season-by-following-these-simple-guidelines Destinations thumbnail main image https://www.avrilstravels.co.uk/the-outlander-tour Our Outlander tour is one of our favorite tours, we love it just as much as our guests do, come along and enjoy this tour with us. <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> <span> we love outlander just as much as our guests do?  </span> </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> Did you know that we love outlander just as much as our guests do? We have read the books, watch the TV series and tried to stake Jamie as much as possible we can when we are not working. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> We were lucky enough to get to meet and question Diane Gabaldon about the books and her plans for the future. We, of course, will never tell just anyone what the plans are from what she told up but showing you around our Outlander countryside is as much fun for you as it is for us sharing it with you. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> There is so much history from the books written here on our doorstep that we can share and our own historical stories of our own family connections with the area and the clans </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <h4> <span> Like to take the tour? </span> </h4> <h5> <a href="http://www.avrilstravels.co.uk" target="_blank"> www.avrilstravels.co.uk </a> </h5> <h5> <a href="mailto:info@avrilstravels.co.uk"> info@avrilstravels.co.uk </a> </h5> </div> Tue, 01 Nov 2022 08:55:51 GMT gandmch@btinternet.com (Graham Havercroft) https://www.avrilstravels.co.uk/the-outlander-tour Destinations thumbnail main image https://www.avrilstravels.co.uk/tips-for-writing-great-posts-that-increase-your-site-traffic Loch Fleet on the stunning North East coast is the only Sea Loch in the area. It is surrounded by firths, but it's a wonderful place to view. With Avrils Travels <div data-rss-type="text"> <h4> <span> Loch Fleet on the stunning North East coast is the only Sea Loch in the area </span> </h4> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> It is surrounded by firths, but it's a wonderful place to view. It's a Nature reserve and has a wonderful sand bank just off the southern shore that is the perfect place for the local seals to rest after feeding and enjoying getting the sun on them.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> There are commonly some stunning Highland cows on the south bank that are friendly and always enjoy looking at the tourists as much as the tourists like looking at them.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> On the hill behind the Northern shore is the Monument to The Duke of Sutherland overlooking the land he had so much control over. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> The loch itself is a sea loch and will look totally different from when you are heading north to Dunrobin Castle and when you are heading south again as the tide will have done its work on keeping the nature reserve as clean and healthy as possible.  </span> </p> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/bbe4c05c/dms3rep/multi/Upper_Loch_Fleet.jpg" alt="Loch Fleet"/> </div> Tue, 01 Nov 2022 08:55:51 GMT gandmch@btinternet.com (Graham Havercroft) https://www.avrilstravels.co.uk/tips-for-writing-great-posts-that-increase-your-site-traffic Destinations thumbnail main image