Fort Augustus Abbey - The Highland Club скачать в хорошем качестве

Fort Augustus Abbey - The Highland Club

We visit the Highland Club in Fort Augustus; a spectacular exclusive set of residences where we are treated to a falconry and birds of prey demonstration on the banks of Loch Ness. Fort Augustus (its original Gaelic name of Cille Chumein was for Saint Cummein, who built a church here) acquired its current name when a fort was built here after the 1715 Jacobite uprising. Fort Augustus was captured by the Jacobite clans during the 1745 rebellion. The fort, and so in turn the village, were named after one of King George II's sons, William Augustus. That same son later became the Duke of Cumberland, the infamous "Butcher Cumberland" who was responsible for repressing the Highlands after the final defeat of the Jacobites in 1746. Today, almost nothing remains of the original fort, parts of which were incorporated into the Benedictine Abbey that was built in 1876. Fort Augustus is bisected by the Caledonian Canal. Within the village itself is a flight of locks. Immediately next to the locks is the Caledonian Canal Heritage Center, an excellent place in which to gain an insight into the history and operation of the Canal. This is part of an attractive village center built along either side of the locks. Visitors to Fort Augustus can also enjoy the Clansman Center, where they can experience something of clan life five hundred years ago. Fort Augustus also sports a charming, heather-laced, 9 hole golf course where the official green keepers are sheep! What is hotel barging? Despite the growing popularity of cruising, especially on large river vessels, hotel barging is still a little known niche concept. Most hotel barges started life as cargo vessels but have since been painstakingly converted to offer luxury boutique accommodation for small groups of up to 20 passengers. This is cruising, but in a very different style to ships plying the big rivers or oceans. The pace is slow, with a 6 day cruise covering maybe just 50 miles along a rural canal. Passengers can walk or bike the towpaths as their floating hotel glides gently along. Guests enjoy an intimate atmosphere, high levels of personal service and immersion into the culture, history and gastronomy of regions of Europe such as Burgundy, the Midi, or the Italian Veneto. Every day there is an excursion, perhaps to a chateau, a vineyard for a wine tasting, or some other ‘off the beaten track’ location. About half of European Waterways’ bookings are for whole boat charters, ideal for families. Otherwise, clients book a cabin to join other like-minded people. A ‘slow boat’ European Waterways barge cruise offers the ultimate in experiential travel. A truly unique experience! European Waterways offer luxury hotel barge cruises on the beautiful canals and rivers of Europe, such as through Burgundy, the Midi, Alsace, the Po Valley, Holland and the Scottish Highlands. The exclusive collection of hotel barges accommodate up to 20 passengers who may charter a whole barge with family or friends, or join a small group of like-minded travellers on an individual cabin basis. Each barge is fully crewed with a Captain, chef, hostesses, deck-hand and tour guide. The 6-night cruises include gourmet meals, fine wines, open bar, excursions and the use of facilities such as bicycles and spa pools. http://www.europeanwaterways.com/