5 day tour
Scottish Highland Railways
From
£646.00
Tour Summary
Scottish Highland Railways
5 day/4 night
Climb through jagged peaks on the stunning journey from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. Watch for stags on the skyline as you travel the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig - complete with an unforgettable crossing of the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. A steam-powered jaunt into yesteryear on the Strathspey Railway completes this iconic train adventure around beautiful Scotland.
Cairngorms National Park - enjoy a relaxing stay amongst the finest scenery Scotland has to offer
Loch Carron - marvel at the spectacular views of the loch and the Torridon Mountains
Strathspey Steam Railway - delight in a nostalgic train journey through the Cairngorms National Park
Cairngorm Reindeer Centre - come face to face with Britain's only free-roaming reindeer herd
West Highland Line - experience the scenic trip experts call "The Greatest Railway Journey in the World"
Movie locations - Harry Potter, Monarch of the Glen and The Wicker Man
Hotel accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Inverness - Cairngorms National Park - Carrbridge/Newtonmore
Our arrival in Scotland marks the start of our scenic Scottish railway adventure.
To reach our hotel from Inverness Airport, 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.
Overnight: Highlander Hotel, Newtonmore/Coylumbridge Hotel, Aviemore (or similar) (4 nights)
Day 2 - Kyle Line Excursion
This morning's breakfast will no doubt be filled with excited conversation about what lies ahead.
Suitably refreshed, we board our coach for the 60-minute journey to the Highland capital, Inverness, where our mode of transport changes from road to rail as we board our train and set off westwards on the 80-mile jaunt to Kyle of Lochalsh.
Sit back and spend two-and-a half hours savouring spectacular scenery on one of the 'Great Railway Journeys' as recommended by Michael Palin.
Enjoy stunning views across the Black Isle as we hug the southern banks of the Beauly Firth, before passing through the charming town of Dingwall as our trip heads north.
Once the compass points west again, we'll climb through the rugged Highlands in the shadow of the mighty 4,200ft-high Liathach and neighbouring Torridon peaks.
As we descend from the hills, grab your camera and prepare to capture the magnificent views of Loch Carron, Attadale Estate and Plockton as we finally arrive in Kyle of Lochalsh itself.
Nestled snugly opposite the Isle of Skye, we'll have time to explore its many charms and enjoy local refreshments before returning to our hotel to reflect on a truly exhilarating first day by rail.
Day 3 - Strathspey Steam Railway journey
We start today with a drive to the tiny post town of Boat of Garten. Awaiting us at the station is a loving restored train belonging to the Strathspey Steam Railway. The sight of the gleaming locomotive instantly transports us back to the glory days of rail travel.
As the whistle blows to send us on our way, we take our seats excitedly and prepare to enjoy a nine-and-a half mile trip through idyllic Highland scenery.
The gentle click-clack and rhythm of the rails is a familiar companion as we follow the twists and turns of the glittering River Spey, steaming proudly across moors and through forests before arriving in the celebrated town of Aviemore.
Here, we will have a chance to discover the many delights of this famous outdoor activity centre and spend time enjoying tasty Highland fare.
Later this afternoon, visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre to discover more about these fascinating animals from their handlers.
A scenic drive through dramatic mountain scenery will bring us to the Cairngorm Mountain visitor centre, which offers jaw-dropping views of the surrounding countryside.
After taking time to savour the panorama, we return to our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 4 - West Highland Line excursion
Today our destination is the tiny fishing village of Mallaig, which we reach by the stunning West Highland Line – a route judged the World's best by subscribers to Wanderlust magazine.
The day begins with a drive southwest to bustling Fort William, which is attractively situated on the banks of Loch Linnhe.
Hopping aboard our carriage, the first of today's many landmarks can be seen as all 4,413 feet of the mighty Ben Nevis bids us farewell.
The majestic Caledonian Canal is the next spectacular sight, cutting through the Great Glen complete with its feat of 19th-century engineering, Neptune's Staircase.
Gathering pace, we glide through steep valleys of red deer and alongside the smooth waters of Loch Eil before completing the ambition of every railfan – crossing the 21 giant arches of the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.
As we press on through this daunting landscape where roads fear to cross, we pass Loch Eilt with its sprinkling of islands and pay a visit to the remote station at Arisaig. Skirting the gleaming white sands of Morar, we finally arrive in Mallaig, where you are free to spend the remaining time exploring its culture and sampling delicious kippers at the smokery before our coach returns us to our hotel.
Day 5 - Carrbridge/Newtonmore - Inverness/Edinburgh Airports
Our last breakfast is slightly tinged with sadness as we bid a fond farewell to the Highlands and board a different mode of transport for the journey to the airport.
After a short drive through the Spey Valley, we arrive at Inverness Airport, where all that remains is to disembark and depart with our memories of an unforgettable few days on the pride of Scotland's railways.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Air-Inclusive Escorted Tour?
These holidays are the perfect blend of value and convenience. Fly directly from many regional airports to your highland gateway, where your tour director is waiting to greet you.
Everything is taken care of so you can sit back and relax in the knowledge that your tour has been expertly planned and that nothing has been left to chance. Each package includes return flights to Scotland, quality accommodation, many meals, luxury coach transport and the services of an experienced tour director.
You'll find these tours to be well-paced with the perfect balance of organised sightseeing and free time so you can do your own thing. Not sure where to go? Your friendly tour director will be on hand to give you guidance.
A comprehensive tour itinerary will be issued as part of your tour documents which you'll receive around three weeks prior to travel.
If you prefer, you can purchase this tour on a land only basis making your own transport arrangements. Land only customers should make their own way to the first night's hotel.
What airports can I fly from?
The departure airports vary by tour departure and itinerary. Here is a list of the airports used in the tour programme: Belfast City George Best (BHD), Birmingham (BHX), Bristol (BRS), Exeter (EXT), London Gatwick (LGW), London Heathrow (LHR), London Luton (LTN), London Stansted (STN), Manchester (MAN) and Southampton (SOU).
Please contact us for air-inclusive prices
Tell me about the train journeys featured in this tour?
Scotland’s railway lines travel through some of the finest scenery in Britain. On this tour, you’ll travel on scheduled ScotRail trains giving you an authentic travel experience.
Kyle Line
Ravel from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh through dramatic and magnificent scenery. See picturesque villages including Garve, Lochcarron and Plockton, famous for its palm trees. Enjoy spectacular views of the Torridon Peaks and the Cuillin Hills on Skye.
West Highland Line
Considered by aficionados as one of the most scenic railway lines in Europe, the 42-mile ride from Fort William to Mallaig will take you past Britain’s tallest mountain (Ben Nevis), deepest freshwater lake (Loch Morar) and shortest river (River Morar). The train will cross the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct during the journey, just like the Hogwarts Express did in the Harry Potter movies.
Strathspey Railway
This popular preserved railway line is operated by enthusiastic volunteers who have created a nostalgic travelling experience from the 1950s.
From the delightful village of Boat of Garten, the steam-hauled train puffs its way 5 miles through the heather-clad moors and woodlands of the Cairngorms National Park to Aviemore, situated in the heart of the Monadhliath and Cairngorm Mountains.
How much luggage can I bring?
You can bring one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person.
The maximum weight allowance and luggage dimensions varies by tour so you should check the tour documentation for the luggage policy that applies to your tour.
What meals are included?
One of the great things about travelling on an Escorted/ Premium Escorted Tour is the generous number of meals included as standard.
Start the day with a freshly cooked breakfast or, if you prefer, there’s always a lighter continental option available too. You’ll find a number of evening dinners included which will give you the opportunity of sampling some local delicacies.
Check the “What’s Included' list on the relevant tour page for the exact number of meals that are featured on your tour.
Blogs and Guides
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Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating: (5 /5) 12 Jun 2026
We were met at the airport by Annie and welcomed enthusiastically, then Taken to the coach were we met Tania the driver. What an excellent tour guide she was, very informative and went out of her way to make the trip the best for everyone. Tania also helped to make the trip special by adding her own little excursions, bowls of sweets in the coach and music for every occasion. Her coach was spotless and she was such an excellent driver. They worked extremely well together. Thank you to them both for an excellent holiday. I did feel that we spent a lot of time on the coach, would have been nice to do all the train journeys both ways and perhaps stayed a little longer at some of the locations.
Michael from ,
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Rating: (4 /5) 02 Jun 2023
The agenda was excellent, rail trips, coach travel, accommodation & meals were first class. Throughly recommend this tour, & thanks to Ewan for his professional assistance.
Vaughan from ELI WATERS, AU
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