Walk with geology professor Clint Cowan ’83 throughout Argyll and the Isle of Arran on the west coast of Scotland. In Argyll, explore an old drover’s route through the hills of Loch Awe, visit the “Lost Valley” of Coire Gabhail, and delve into Argyll’s earliest history in Kilmartin Glen. Next travel to the Isle of Arran to see “Scotland in miniature” through its mountains, beaches, cliffs, farmlands, and thousands of acres of untamed forests, hills, and waterfalls.

WALKING

This trip combines walking with visits to sites of natural beauty and historic interest. Daily distances will not exceed nine miles (with varying amounts of ascent). The general terrain will be paths, tracks, or quiet roads. There will be some steep sections for short distances.

HISTORICAL GEOLOGICAL INTEREST

James Hutton (1726–1797), regarded as the father of modern geology, was one of the first to recognize the age of the Earth, a conclusion he came to by studying the rocks of Scotland. Many outcrops studied by Hutton are now national heritage sites in southwest Scotland. Places along the trip route also were visited by Louis Agassiz (1807–1873), one of the most prominent geologists of the 19th century, who came here from Switzerland to confirm his then controversial hypothesis that Europe had once been covered by vast glaciers.

ACCOMMODATIONS

For the first three nights of the the trip you will be based at The Pierhouse Hotel in the quiet village of Port Appin. This intimate 12-bedroom hotel is on the shores of Loch Linhhe and surrounded by the spectacular beauty of the magnificent West Coast of Scotland. Then you'll move to the Auchrannie House Hotel in Brodick for four nights. Nestling in acres of mature and crisply landscaped gardens, and with only 28 bedrooms, Auchrannie House Hotel displays warmth of hospitality in authentic but relaxed country house tradition.

ARRIVE EARLY

Treat yourself to a few days of the famous Edinburgh International Festival—three weeks of classical music, theatre, opera, and dance, from August 8 through August 31, 2008. You will need to make your own arrangements.

FACULTY

Clint Cowan '83 has taught geology at Carleton for 10 years and has led trips to a variety of sites, from Tasmania to the Bahamas. Before coming to Carleton in 1997, he worked for Shell Research in The Hague and visited Scotland often for work and pleasure. Cowan did his graduate work in the terrains of Newfoundland and Labrador, which are geologically related to Scotland. Cowan, who has walked extensively throughout the United Kingdom, enjoys a brisk outing followed by a pint in a friendly pub. The Cowan Clan originally hailed from the Firth of Clyde, southwest of Glasgow.

PRICING

The $2350 price per person is based on double occupancy, is an approximate trip cost in today's dollars and may fluctuate based on the exchange rate. The final price will be set by April 1. There is no single rate available.

INCLUSIONS

Services of a well-qualified, well-informed and welcoming guide
7 -nights' accommodations
All meals from the evening meal on the first day through breakfast on the last day
Transport by minibus, ferries, charter boats and train, as needed, including evenings and from/to Glasgow/Glasgow airport
Entrance fee to museums

EXCLUSIONS

Airfare to Scotland
Tips (guides, restaurant wait staff, hotel housekeepers, etc)
Souvenirs, personal items

Trip facilitated by About Argyll Walking Holidays