A Classic Steam Break

Departing from Edinburgh, we make the short drive to New Port Downie near Falkirk, where a canal boat awaits our arrival. Once onboard, we sail into the gondola of the Falkirk Wheel, the World’s only rotating boat lift. Soon this feat of engineering will lift us effortlessly 35 m (115 ft) to reach the Union Canal.

There are amazing views over the surrounding countryside during the ascent. Once the Union Canal is reached, our boat takes us on a cruise, passing underneath the Antonine Wall, which marked the frontier of the Roman Empire. The destination is the Canal Visitor Centre, where there is free time to explore.

Later we make our way to our hotel, where a glass of bubbly awaits followed by dinner.   

With an exciting day in prospect, we have an early breakfast followed by a drive through the beautiful Scottish Highlands to reach Fort William, which sits overlooking Loch Linnhe and in the shadow of Britain’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis. 

The gleaming Jacobite Steam Train awaits at the railway station to take us on a memorable journey along the spectacular West Highland Line. Travel aficionados consider this to be one of the World’s great railway journeys as it passes through craggy mountains, alongside glimmering lochs and past stunning beaches. 

The highlight is undoubtedly the crossing of the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct, which stands at the head of Loch Shiel, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at the start of the 1745 Jacobite Uprising. 

There is free time in Mallaig, to enjoy lunch. The town is a bustling fishing port, so the seafood comes highly recommended! 

The train will return to Fort William, where our coach awaits to take us back to our hotel in time for dinner.      

After breakfast, we make our way to one of the piers on the Firth of Clyde, where we will board the PS Waverley for a pleasure cruise through the Clyde Estuary. In past times the workers in Glasgow had limited holidays and would relax by taking a steamer trip “Doon ra Watter”. 

Now preserved, the paddle-steamer Waverley is the last traditional pleasure steamer operating in the Clyde. She dates from 1947 and has recently gone through a £2.3 million refurbishment that has restored this popular ship to its former glory. 

The during the sail, the ship will call at various ports on the “Clyde Riviera”, then cruise through the dramatic narrows of the Kyles of Bute. We will disembark in the delightful village of Tignabruich. 

The journey back to our hotel will take us through the spectacular scenery of the Western Highlands then through the “Rest and be Thankful” mountain pass. 

The cruise route is subject to confirmation of the sailing schedule of the PS Waverley. Should the Waverley not be sailing, an alternative excursion will be provided.

After breakfast, we depart our hotel and make for the beauty of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The Trossachs is a picturesque region famed for its lochs and mountains. 

The destination today is Loch Katrine, which, thanks to the ingenuity of Victorian engineers, provides the pure water that Glasgow residents enjoy. At Trossachs Pier, we join the MV Lady of the Lake to cruise on this attractive loch, the birthplace of the famous folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor. 

Later we tour along the banks of Loch Venachar to reach Callander, where we’ll enjoy some free time. Afterwards, we head back to Edinburgh and the end of this extra special short break.