27/07/2024
Read more 🚶♂️🌄 Ready for an adventure? Follow me on a journey through Glen More and discover the secrets hidden within its ancient landscapes! 🌿 Let's unravel the legend of the Dragon together. 👉 https://lttr.ai/ANuwd
Discover the best of Scotland! Join professional tourist guide, Andrew Baxter, as he provides news a Connect with me to learn more.
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I’m Andrew Baxter a professional guide based in the stunning Scottish Highlands. I offer a variety of guiding, storytelling, and travel services for visitors to Scotland. These include bespoke day or multi-day private driver-guided tours to explore Scotland like a local and sit back and enjoy Scotland’s culture, history, landscapes, and legends. All tours are tailor-made to meet your specific requ
irements. If you are looking for advice for your independent adventure to Scotland, you can book my services to assist with planning your itinerary. Or download one of my audio tours to explore Scotland at your own pace. Scotland has a rich culture of myths, legends and traditional tales and I specialise in sharing this folklore at private storytelling sessions in the comfort of guest's own holiday accommodation.
Read more 🚶♂️🌄 Ready for an adventure? Follow me on a journey through Glen More and discover the secrets hidden within its ancient landscapes! 🌿 Let's unravel the legend of the Dragon together. 👉 https://lttr.ai/ANuwd
Let's be honest: Scotland has a reputation for being a very wet country. And this summer, Scotland has lived up to that reputation. So, as a tour guide, what keeps me shining bright, even on cloudy days? It's knowing that even in the rain, Scotland is a stunning country with amazing people who love to welcome visitors from around the world. It's knowing that in an instant, everything can change: the rain will stop, the clouds will part, and suddenly, you will see a different Scotland. ✨
Let's be honest: Scotland has a reputation for being a very wet country. And this summer, Scotland has lived up to that reputation. So, as a tour guide, what keeps me shining bright, even on cloudy days? It's knowing that even in the rain, Scotland is a stunning country with amazing people who love to welcome visitors from around the world. It's knowing that in an instant, everything can change, the rain will stop, the clouds will part, and suddenly, you will see a different Scotland.
✨
Happy Independence Day to all my American friends! Wishing you a day filled with fun, fireworks, and freedom! 🇺🇸🎆
What activities make you feel free and alive? I was island hopping on a tour around Iona, Lunga and Staffa this week. And found time to sit and watch the sea as it lapped against a sandy beach or crashed against ancient rocks. In those moments, I felt free of every day worries. It is amazing how a short time alone in the Scottish countryside can change your perspective. Share those liberating experiences with me! 🌟
Where are you tuning in from today? For once, I am not in Portree on the Isle of Skye, where I've spent a lot of time guiding this summer. Instead, I am almost at the southern tip of Scotland in the Isle of Whithorn. You must wait for some photos and videos as I start my summer holiday.
Share your location, and let's see the diverse reach of our community! 🌍
Guiding non-stop for two months straight can be exhausting, but then something magical happens. Like the other day, my tour coach stumbled upon a herd of Highland Cows by the roadside. In that moment, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be. These little surprises make me realize how much I love my job. What moments make you feel alive? Share your incredible experiences with me!
Having just finished a four day group tour around the gardens of Argyll, I'm off on another guiding adventure. Find out where I am going in the video 👇👇👇
A rare weekend off in the midst of a busy guiding season sees me heading to the 2024 RoyalHighlandShow. Why have I never been before? It is fantastic and a great celebration of everything rural.
This evening I headed to Alltshellach at the other end of Loch Leven from my village. It is the local base for HF Holidays with guests staying here to enjoy one of their walking holidays.
I'm frequently an after dinner speaker for their groups. This evening I regaled guests with 'Stories and Legends from the Road to Isles'. It is a light-hearted look at this famous route from Fort William to Mallaig. And includes some of my favourite stories.
If you would like to book me as a guest speaker for events in the Lochaber area (possibly further afield) or even online do get in touch
My home village of Kinlochleven is experiencing a flurry of activity this week. Not only do we have the usual steady flow of foot-weary West Highland Way walkers but we have a TV production company based in the centre of the village.
Netflix has arrived with their cast, including renowned actor Jamie Dornan, to film scenes for their new Undertow series. 🎥⭐
The production company has recruited local people as extras, including as uniformed police officers. We've seen a van lowered by crane into the edge of the loch, presumably for post-crash scenes. You can even spot the tyre marks added to the road by the crash scene!
And today, there are lots of mock police cars and an ambulance set up by the lochside. Assuming the series will air in 2025, you'll soon be able to spot my village on the TV screen, along with several other locations around the Scottish Highlands. 📺
A brilliant end to a tour with a lovely couple from Colchester on their honeymoon following their wedding at Glenfinnan yesterday. Having spent the day exploring Lochalsh with a brief hop through southern Skye we couldn't resist a wee stop to indulge our shared Harry Potter fandom. We are on Loch Eilt looking at a famous island. If you know, you know. No spoilers please. 🧙♂️🪄Looking forward to sharing another day with them exploring tomorrow.
Another unexpected stop for my guests today. Thanks to the Friends of Fyvie Church for opening up to allow us to see the Tiffany stained glass window. A rare example here in Scotland.
An ad-hoc stop en route between Castle Fraser and Drum Castle today. I stopped with my guests to have a look at the Cullerlie Stone Circle just a few steps away from a back country lane.
This enigmatic site dates back 4,000 years ago nd consists of eight standing stones surrounding a site with eight ring cairns. Archaelogical excavation in 1934 revealed that this was also a site of human cremation.
It was an interesting, unexpected stop, for my guests and prompted lots of questions and discussion. Although I was somewhat alarmed at our driver's suggestion that we should sacrifice a guest whilst we were there 😀
✨ Get a sneak peek into the enchanting world of Mount Stuart! Join me on a tour as we explore the nooks and crannies of this neo-Gothic fantasy. Ready for the adventure? Full vdetails in the blog 👇👇👇
https://ayr.app/l/Eauw
This week's adventures starts with a brief stop in Dundee before heading to the heart of the Aberdeenshire countryside. I have 18 lovely guests who are joining me to discover some of historic houses and castles in the North East. Next stop Haddo House NTS
Working today but a more relaxed affair. Acting as the port coordinator for the shore excursions from SH Vega moored in Oban Bay. Spent my time in between seeing off and welcoming coaches back catching up with email and some folklore research.
Back to earth with a bump. After 12 wonderful days touring in Portugal, I am greeted by rainier and colder weather in the Scottish Highlands. We won't let it dampen our spirits as we head to the Isle of Skye.
Many of you guessed that I was heading to Portugal. I am here to a manage a private tour for a US family group I've guided in Scotland and England. To say I am out of my comfort zone is an understatement. So I'm relieved that I had two days in country to check arrangements. Now heading to the station to meet our coach driver and greet my guests off the Lisbon train. Bom dia!
For all of those who guessed that I was heading to Ireland on my previous post, I was leading you down a dead end. 😄 It wasn't my final destination. The clues that I've scattered around were:
1. A country where Celts settled in the North.
2. A country which, like Scotland, is famous for a particular alcoholic drink.
3. And is renowned for these rather tasty pastries.
Have you guessed yet? Let me know in the comments.
An early check-in with this airline as I head to my final destination. I am going to a country that like Scotland is famous for a particular kind of alcoholic drink. Can you guess where 🤔
Leaving Scotland behind for a few days to explore another part of the world with previous US guests. But where am I going?
A big thank you to Rothiemurchus Estate for hosting my group from Senior Discovery Tours during their estate visit this morning. They enjoyed everything ranger Shona shared with them. But the big hit was visiting the red deer farm and then up close with your Highland cattle.
A Jacobite Cruise boat getting ready to leave Urquhart Castle to head back along Loch Ness to Dochgarroch.
With a delightful group travelling with Senior Discovery Tours. Today was the perfect start to a days exploring with a visit to Glenfinnan Station Museum. A community run local museum missed by so many.
During a guided tour, one of the guests mentioned that their grandmother was a Fraser, which led us to make a short deviation from our planned itinerary. We decided to visit the Wardlaw Mausoleum which was built in 1634 as the burial place for the Lovat Frasers. To our surprise, we had the entire place to ourselves, which delighted my guests.
A private guided tour provides you with the chance to alter the plan and explore new places. Often, this leads to unique and unforgettable experiences for visitors.
A Room With A View. A lovely place to rest you head during a busy week out on the road. One of my favourite places on the West Coast - Shieldaig
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Let's be honest: Scotland has a reputation for being a very wet country. And this summer, Scotland has lived up to that reputation. So, as a tour guide, what keeps me shining bright, even on cloudy days? It's knowing that even in the rain, Scotland is a stunning country with amazing people who love to welcome visitors from around the world. It's knowing that in an instant, everything can change: the rain will stop, the clouds will part, and suddenly, you will see a different Scotland. ✨ #ShineBright #StayPositive #KeepGoing
What activities make you feel free and alive? I was island hopping on a tour around Iona, Lunga and Staffa this week. And found time to sit and watch the sea as it lapped against a sandy beach or crashed against ancient rocks. In those moments, I felt free of every day worries. It is amazing how a short time alone in the Scottish countryside can change your perspective. Share those liberating experiences with me! 🌟 #FeelFree #EmbraceLife #LiveBoldly
Happy Independence Day to all my American friends! Wishing you a day filled with fun, fireworks, and freedom! 🇺🇸🎆 #4thOfJuly #IndependenceDay #CelebrateFreedom
Where are you tuning in from today? For once, I am not in Portree on the Isle of Skye, where I've spent a lot of time guiding this summer. Instead, I am almost at the southern tip of Scotland in the Isle of Whithorn. You must wait for some photos and videos as I start my summer holiday. Share your location, and let's see the diverse reach of our community! 🌍 #GlobalReach #SocialConnection #CommunityLove
Guiding non-stop for two months straight can be exhausting, but then something magical happens. Like the other day, my tour coach stumbled upon a herd of Highland Cows by the roadside. In that moment, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be. These little surprises make me realize how much I love my job. What moments make you feel alive? Share your incredible experiences with me! #LiveWithPurpose #YouBelong #EmbraceLife
On another guiding adventure around Scotland. This time heading to the Isle of Mull via Glasgow for a group pick up.
Having just finished a four day group tour around the gardens of Argyll, I'm off on another guiding adventure. Find out where I am going in the video 👇👇👇
My home village of Kinlochleven is experiencing a flurry of activity this week. Not only do we have the usual steady flow of foot-weary West Highland Way walkers but we have a TV production company based in the centre of the village. Netflix has arrived with their cast, including renowned actor Jamie Dornan, to film scenes for their new Undertow series. 🎥⭐ The production company has recruited local people as extras, including as uniformed police officers. We've seen a van lowered by crane into the edge of the loch, presumably for post-crash scenes. You can even spot the tyre marks added to the road by the crash scene! And today, there are lots of mock police cars and an ambulance set up by the lochside. Assuming the series will air in 2025, you'll soon be able to spot my village on the TV screen, along with several other locations around the Scottish Highlands. 📺
Join me for my next Virtual Scotland tour as I explore Scotland's Castle Trail. We will visit three castles🏰Dunnottar🏰Drum🏰Crathes, and discover their history, stories, and legends. 📅 Tonight - Friday 3rd May starting at 8:00 pm (BST) Tickets are just £5 per screen, and if you can't make the live tour, you will receive a recording link. Grab your place now from Ticket Tailor 👇👇👇 https://www.tickettailor.com/events/glen2glentours/1234346
🌟🌟Competition Time 🌟🌟 Guess where I am going on tour today for a chance to win a free ticket to my next Virtual Scotland Castles Tour: Explore Dunnottar, Drum and Crathes on Friday 3rd May. Everyone who guesses correctly wins a ticket for the live event and video recording🏆 And there's a bonus draw for all all those that don't guess correctly.😀 I will draw one person from the incorrect guesses. 🤔Pop your guess in the comments by 11.59 pm (BST) on 23rd April 2024 for your chance to win.
🌿✨ Ever wondered what secrets lie beyond the well-trodden paths of Scotland? Join me on the Glen2Glen Patreon for exclusive videos & insider insights into Scotland's hidden gems. 🏴💼 Become a patron today & explore like never before! ➡️ https://ayr.app/l/d9th #ScotlandBeyondTheGuidebook #Glen2GlenAdventures
📢 Exciting Announcement! 🏰🌟 Calling all virtual travellers seeking an unforgettable Scottish adventure! Get ready to embark on a journey through time and legend with Virtual Scotland - Discovering the Castle Trail Part One! 🏴✨ 📅 Friday 3rd May 2024 - Starting at 8:00 pm (BST) Get your ticket here 👉https://bit.ly/4dl0mvd Join me for a one-hour live virtual tour of Dunnottar, Drum, and Crathes castles, where you'll be transported to the heart of Scotland's rich history and captivating tales. 🏰📚 This virtual experience will take you on a virtual exploration of these majestic castles. Through a captivating blend of videos, photos, maps, and spellbinding storytelling, you'll uncover the hidden secrets and legends that have shaped these iconic landmarks. 🎥📸🗺️ But wait, there's more! After the tour, you'll have the chance to engage in a lively question-and-answer session. So ask those burning questions about Scottish history or share your stories and experiences with fellow virtual travellers! 🗣️💭 We understand that life sometimes gets in the way of joining live events, but fret not! If you miss the live tour, you can catch up with the recording whenever you get a chance. That way, you won't miss a single moment of this incredible adventure! 🎥🔴 Virtual Scotland - Discovering the Castle Trail Part One offers the perfect opportunity to satisfy your wanderlust from the comfort of your home. Immerse yourself in Scottish culture, connect with like-minded explorers, and create lasting memories as you delve into the fascinating world of these extraordinary castles. 🌍💫 Secure your spot now and let Virtual Scotland - Discovering the Castle Trail Part One transport you to the enchanting land of legends and history. Book your virtual ticket today and unlock a world of discovery! 🎟️✨ Book your place 👉https://bit.ly/4dl0mvd #VirtualScotland #CastleTrail #ScottishAdventure #VirtualTour #HistoryAndLegends #Imme
There are only a few hours to go before I host my first 'Virtual Scotland' Tour in 2024. This evening, we are heading to Old Aberdeen to explore this fascinating area of the city. It will dispel any misconceptions you might have of the city as just an oil and gas industry town. Grab your ticket by following the link 👇👇👇 https://buytickets.at/glen2glentours/1211114
🐾🏰 Hey there, paw-some pals! Kylo here, your friendly neighbourhood Sprocker Spaniel, with some urgent woofs! 🐾🐶 I've been wagging my tail non-stop because I've sniffed out something fascinating for you humans! 🐾✨ Mark your calendars because on Saturday, April 13th, we're embarking on a virtual tour of historic Old Aberdeen! 🏰 From the majestic King's College to the enchanting St Machar's Cathedral, I've explored every nook and cranny, and trust me, it's a tail-wagging adventure you won't want to miss! 🗺️🐾 But wait... *cue worried puppy expression* 🐶 What if you miss out on this fur-tastic experience? Don't worry, I've got your back! Just click the link below to grab your tickets now and join me on this bark-tacular journey through time and history! 🎟️📜 Don't keep this curious canine waiting! Click, click, click! ⏳👇 https://buytickets.at/glen2glentours/1211114 Let's make memories together and uncover the secrets of Old Aberdeen! 🐾🏰 See you there, fur-iends! 🐶✨
Where am I going? And what will I find? Away on another Scottish adventure. Can you guess which island I am about to depart for? Put your guess in the comments 👇👇👇
What seems like forty days and nights of relentless rain in the Scottish Highlands felt like a prelude to discovering Noah's Ark around the next bend. Yet, as the clouds parted ☁️🌤 and the sun cast its golden glow on fresh snow atop our moutnains, I was reminded of Scotland's unmatched beauty. Yesterday, with the air crisp and my spirit lifted, I wandered by the loch, half-expecting a Biblical sighting in this suddenly vivid world 🌄. It's true, bad weather can test us, but it's that singular, glorious day after that renews my love for the Highlands ❤️. And in a twist only Scotland can deliver, today greeted me with rain once more 🌧. But isn't it just like life? The promise of sunshine after the storm keeps us moving forward. How do you embrace those fleeting moments of perfection in your travels? 🏴✨
This weekend I'm embarking on a new adventure. I'm diving deep into Scotland's untold stories and hidden paths. 🌿🏴 This journey isn't just about discovering new places; it's about unearthing old familiar destinations. I've left clues throughout this video hinting at my next destination - a place rich with tradition, history, and natural beauty. 🗺️✨ Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to decipher these clues and guess where I'm headed. No prizes,it's just for fun! 🕵️♂️💬 Can you crack the code of my upcoming Scottish adventure? Leave your guess in the comments.
Imagine a long driech Scottish winter, where the days seem endless and the light is scarce. But then, a glimmer of hope appears as spring approaches. It's that magical time when the first bumble bees emerge, gracefully flitting from flower to flower. And in the North East of Scotland, these creatures are affectionately known as 'Foggy Bummers' in Doric, the local dialect. There's even a delightful children's storybook called 'Flora the Foggy Bummer'. 🐝🐝🐝 If you've seen the Disney movie 'Brave', you might remember a character who spoke in Doric. The running joke was that no one could understand him! As someone who lived in a Doric-speaking area, I can tell you that it does take time to attune your ear. But once you do, it's like unlocking a secret language filled with delightful words like 'Foggy Bummer'. Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing more of these linguistic gems with you. But for now, let's appreciate our friend, the Foggy Bummer, and the promise of brighter days that its appearance brings. So next time you spot a bumble bee buzzing around your garden, remember its Doric name and share a smile! 😊🏴" #WordOfTheWeek #FoggyBummer #DoricLanguage #ScottishCulture
🏴✨ As we journey through National Storytelling Week, let's head to the rugged beauty of the Isle of Skye, home to the enigmatic Old Man of Storr. 🗿 This towering pinnacle of rock stands as a silent storyteller, whispering tales that have been passed down through generations. I've had the privilege to share at least three of these captivating legends with my guests, each one as intriguing as the next. But who knows? Perhaps there are even more stories untold, waiting to be discovered. 📜 So press play ▶️ and let yourself be transported to a land where myths come alive and every stone has a story to tell. 🌄✨ As we explore these tales together, I wonder - what new legends might you uncover during your own Scottish adventures? 🤔🏞️
🧐🏴 Here's a sight to behold – the mysterious tattiebogle, our Scottish Word of the Week! An amalgamation of 'potato' and 'frightening ghost', this lone sentinel has quite an origin story, stretching from protecting potatoes from pesky crows to standing guard over diverse crop fields. Rumour has it that these scarecrows have a life of their own. 🌾Curious? Follow me on a journey of Scottish folklore where I unravel the tale in my latest blog post. 👉 https://ayr.app/l/YNyK While you roam the beautiful fields of Scotland, and a tattiebogle stands tall, think twice before you brush it off as a mere strawman. Maybe you've just uncovered a part of living lore! Imagine sharing that story over a dram of whisky! 🥃Pretty fantastic, right? So before that, take a minute to traverse through Scotland's rich culture with the story of a tattiebogle who came alive, right from my blog. You're just a click away from discovering our vibrant heritage. Slàinte mhath! 🙌🏴 #ScottishWordoftheWeek #Tattiebogle #ScottishFolklore
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Andrew Baxter is an experienced professional tourist guide and founder of Glen 2 Glen Tours. He welcomes guests from across the world as they discover the very best Scotland has to offer. Andrew combines elements of history, culture, humour, folklore and storytelling to conjure up an unforgettable experience.
His mission is to make every tour educational, enjoyable and above all entertaining. Specialising in researching the unusual and unexpected details about any destination, Andrew delights in weaving the traditional myths and legends of Scotland into his tours. Alongside this, he throws in a careful blend of contemporary culture and everyday Scottish life to demonstrate the real Scotland.
Andrew Baxter is based in the stunning West Highlands, surrounded by lochs, mountains and midges! He spends his spare time tramping footpaths, clambering over castle ruins and bog hopping with his young family as they explore the Scottish Highlands together.
Whether you are looking for a city tour of Inverness, a more in-depth tour of Culloden Battlefield and the Jacobites, a day excursion around beautiful Loch Ness, or an extended trip island hopping along the West Coast, Andrew can help with a tailor-made tour.