Edinburgh, Skye and Jacobite Steam Train Experience - 5 day tour

Day 2 - Edinburgh - Glen Coe - Inverness

Travel from Edinburgh northwards towards Stirling, with its grand castle standing guard over the city. Soon you’ll cross into the Highlands and make an ascent of the Black Mount, with its spectacular views over Loch Tulla below.

Next drive over the brooding expanse of Rannoch Moor before stopping in the heart of Glen Coe for a souvenir photograph. You’ll be spellbound by this magnificent scenery and the sinister tale of the infamous 1692 massacre.

It’s a short drive to Fort William which sits by the banks of Loch Linnhe. There’s a stop at the Commando Memorial where, hopefully, you’ll get a great view of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain.

Next, tour through the Great Glen making a stop at Loch Ness where you can take the opportunity to visit ruined Urquhart Castle and mount your very own monster hunt as you cruise the deep and mysterious waters of the loch. Alternatively, spend time in the pleasant village of Drumnadrochit, the location of the famous Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition.

On arrival in Inverness, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the centre of the Highland Capital.

Overnight: Premier Inn Inverness City Centre, Inverness (or similar) (3 nights)

Day 3 - Isle of Skye Excursion

Today head for the picturesque Isle of Skye. Leaving Inverness behind you’ll drive through beautiful Glen Carron, stopping to view the panorama of Loch Carron and the mountains of Applecross.

After crossing “over the sea to Skye” the magnificent mountain scenery of the Cuillin Hills is our first treat. These soaring peaks dominate the island, first the gentle Red Cuillins then the jagged and daunting Black Cuillins. There is a photo-stop where the alp-like views are at their most impressive.

The delightful town of Portree is the islands largest settlement. During our time here, why not take a stroll down to the harbour. The scene of the pastel-painted houses that overlook the bay makes for a brilliant selfie.

After lunch, we make for Talisker Distillery where you can learn all about the skill of the whisky distiller and enjoy a tutored tasting of a dram of fine malt. If the weather is behaving, we will make a stop so you can take a stroll to visit the Fairy Pools. These natural pools of turquoise water have become an Instagram sensation.  

Back on the mainland, we stop at picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. There is the chance to take photographs of this fairytale castle that featured in many films including Highlander, and The World Is Not Enough.

Enjoy a scenic drive through Glen Shiel, enjoying stunning views of the Five Sisters mountain range. Our return to Inverness will take us along the banks of Loch Ness. We’ll arrive in Inverness city centre around 19:30 hrs. 

Day 4 - Jacobite Steam Train Excursion

It’s an exciting day ahead as you look forward to a memorable journey aboard the Jacobite Steam Train, the real Hogwarts Express.

From Inverness tour through the Great Glen and make our way towards Fort William. Head towards Mallaig along the famous “Road to the Isles”, one of Scotland’s most famous routes. Enjoy beautiful views over Loch Eil before stopping to view the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous in the Harry Potter movies. You’ll cross the 21 arches of this magnificent viaduct later – by train. Glenfinnan is also renowned for its connections to Bonnie Prince Charlie who landed here in August 1745 to raise his standard at the start of the ill-fated Jacobite Uprising. The haunting monument you can see was built to commemorate the Highlanders who lost their lives fighting for the cause.

Look out for the stunning beaches at Arisaig and hear the sad tale of the Highland Clearances that took place here before reaching the end of the road at Mallaig. This popular fishing port is just the perfect location for a freshly-landed seafood lunch.

At the station, join the train and take your seats. Departure time comes, and as the train puffs its way out of the station, an unforgettable journey along the famous West Highland Railway begins. The steam-hauled train will pass Scotland’s shortest river, deepest loch and highest mountain along the 42-mile trip. Have your camera at the ready for a souvenir photo as the train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, just like the Hogwarts Express!

On arrival in Fort William reboard your coach for a scenic drive back to Inverness.

Day 5 - Inverness - Edinburgh - London

This morning enjoy an early breakfast before heading to Inverness Railway Station where the Highland Chieftain express train is waiting. From Inverness catch a glimpse or two of the Moray Firth before the tracks turn southwards, and you head for the stunning beauty of the Cairngorms National Park. The range of peaks that we will see includes Ben Macdui, Britain’s second-highest mountain.

After passing through Dalwhinnie with its famous distillery reach Drumochter summit, the highest point on the British rail network. There are beautiful vistas to enjoy as the train descends through the Grampian Mountains. Keep a careful watch as deer can often be seen on this stretch of the line.  

As we arrive in Blair Atholl lookout for whitewashed Blair Castle, the seat of the Duke of Atholl. He is the only person in the UK allowed his own private army, The Atholl Highlanders. The next stop is Pitlochry, a picturesque Victorian tourist town. From Perth travel through Gleneagles, which serves the famous hotel and golf resort before reaching Stirling with its magnificent castle starting guard over the city.

From Edinburgh, the train will follow the same route as your northbound journey and is scheduled to arrive at London’s Kings Cross Station by late afternoon (subject to change).