Railways of the Scottish Highlands

Our arrival in Scotland starts our scenic Scottish railway adventure.

To reach our hotel from Edinburgh Airport, we cross the Firth of Forth and travel through the Kingdom of Fife to reach Highland Perthshire. After climbing through the Grampian Mountains we journey through the numerous delights of the UK's largest National Park, the Cairngorms. Home to a quarter of Scotland's native forest, and teeming with rare and endangered species. 

On arrival, a traditional warm Highland welcome awaits at our hotel in either Newtonmore or Aviemore.

This morning’s breakfast is sure to be filled with anticipation for the day ahead. Once refreshed, we board our coach for a 60-minute journey to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. From here, we switch to rail for an 80-mile journey west to Kyle of Lochalsh.

Relax and enjoy the next two and a half hours on one of the "Great Railway Journeys," as recommended by Michael Palin. Marvel at the views across the Black Isle as we follow the southern banks of the Beauly Firth, passing through the town of Dingwall.

As we head west, the train ascends through the rugged Highlands, offering views of the towering Liathach and Torridon peaks. Descending from the mountains, have your camera ready to capture stunning views of Loch Carron, the Attadale Estate, and the picturesque village of Plockton before arriving at Kyle of Lochalsh.

Opposite the Isle of Skye, we’ll have time to explore and enjoy refreshments before returning to the hotel to reflect on a thrilling day.

Today begins with a scenic drive to the quaint post town of Boat of Garten. Awaiting us at the station is a beautifully restored train from the Strathspey Steam Railway, evoking the golden age of rail travel.

As the whistle sounds, we take our seats, ready for a picturesque nine-and-a-half-mile journey through the serene Highland landscape. The rhythmic click of the rails accompanies us as we follow the glittering River Spey, passing moors and forests before arriving in the popular town of Aviemore.

Here, we’ll have time to explore this renowned outdoor hub and savor delicious Highland cuisine.

In the afternoon, we visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre to learn about these remarkable animals from their handlers. A scenic drive through dramatic mountain landscapes brings us to the Cairngorm Mountain visitor centre, where breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside await.

After soaking in the stunning scenery, we return to our hotel for dinner. 

Today, we travel to the charming fishing village of Mallaig via the breathtaking West Highland Line, which was voted the world’s best train route by Wanderlust magazine readers.

Our day begins with a drive southwest to Fort William, beautifully situated on the shores of Loch Linnhe. Boarding our train, we are soon greeted by the impressive sight of Ben Nevis, standing 4,413 feet tall, as we leave the town.

Next, we pass the majestic Caledonian Canal, with its 19th-century engineering marvel, Neptune's Staircase. As the train picks up speed, we glide through valleys filled with red deer and along the tranquil shores of Loch Eil.

A highlight of the journey is crossing the iconic 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films. We continue through rugged landscapes, passing Loch Eilt and stopping briefly at the remote Arisaig station.

Finally, we skirt the stunning white sands of Morar before arriving in Mallaig. Here, you’ll have free time to explore the village’s rich culture and enjoy fresh kippers at the local smokery before we return to the hotel by coach.

After breakfast, we take in a final view of the beautiful Highland landscape before boarding our coach for the journey southward.

Our route offers breathtaking scenery as we pass through Cairngorms National Park, which is ruggedly beautiful and descend through the Grampian Mountains into Highland Perthshire. Along the way, we’ll see grand Blair Castle and Pitlochry, a charming Victorian-era resort town, before continuing onwards to Perth.

The final leg of our journey takes us through the historic Kingdom of Fife and across the Firth of Forth, to arrive at Edinburgh Airport and the end of our Highland adventure.