Scottish Steam, Malt & Ale Trail

Your holiday begins with a comfortable rail journey from your home station to the historic city of Perth.

On arrival, we transfer to the welcoming Royal George Hotel, beautifully located on the banks of the River Tay, where we will stay for the next five nights.

Depending on your arrival time, there may be a chance for a gentle stroll through Perth’s charming streets or to take a riverside walk.

Tonight, join your fellow passengers for a group dinner in your hotel.

After breakfast, we set off by coach for a day exploring the beautiful landscapes of the Trossachs, often described as the “Highlands in Miniature”. This is a picturesque region of wooded hills, sparkling lochs and charming villages, as we will discover.

Our destination is Loch Katrine, where we board the modern cruiser Lady of the Lake for a scenic cruise across the tranquil waters. Named after the famous poem by Sir Walter Scott, the cruise offers wonderful views of the surrounding mountains, including Ben A’an and Ben Venue.

After our cruise, we travel along the banks of Loch Venachar to reach the attractive town of Callander, where there is time to enjoy lunch and explore at your leisure.

In the afternoon, we visit the historic Deanston Distillery, situated on the banks of the River Teith. During a guided tour, we discover the distillery’s fascinating past as a former cotton mill and learn about the traditional methods used to produce its distinctive single malt whisky. The visit ends, naturally, with the opportunity to sample a dram or two in the tasting room.

Today brings one of Scotland’s most memorable rail experiences as we travel north into the spectacular countryside of the Cairngorms National Park. Our journey takes us through a dramatic landscape of dense pine forests, sweeping moorland and the peaks of the Grampian Mountains rising on either side of the route as we make our way into the Spey Valley and head to the popular mountain resort of Aviemore.

Here, we step back in time for a nostalgic steam journey on the Strathspey Railway, a beautifully preserved section of the old Highland Line. Pulled by a traditional steam locomotive, the train carries us from Aviemore to Boat of Garten, then onwards to Broomhill, which played the part of Glenbogle in the popular “Monarch of the Glen” TV series.  

The return journey will pass through ancient woodland and open countryside while following the gentle curves of the River Spey. The rhythmic sound of the steam engine and the classic carriages evoke the golden age of railway travel.

Back in Aviemore, there is time to relax and explore at your own pace. You may wish to browse the local shops, enjoy lunch in one of the cafés, or simply soak up the atmosphere of this lively Highland town surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.

Later, we board our train for the return journey to Perth, arriving in time to relax before dinner.

This morning, we travel by private coach to the historic Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway, one of Scotland’s best-preserved heritage railways. On arrival, we enjoy a return journey along this charming line, travelling through woodland landscapes, passing small waterfalls and crossing the impressive Avon Viaduct.

The journey offers a wonderful glimpse into Scotland’s railway past, with vintage carriages and locomotives recreating the atmosphere of travel in days gone by.

During our visit, we can also explore the excellent Museum of Scottish Railways, the largest railway museum in Scotland. Its extensive collection tells the fascinating story of the nation’s rail network through historic locomotives, beautifully restored carriages, and displays that explain the railways’ importance to Scotland’s industry, travel, and communities.

Later in the day, we continue to the nearby Bridge of Allan Brewery. Here we are welcomed by one of the brewery’s knowledgeable guides for an introduction to the brewing process. You’ll learn about the ingredients, traditional techniques and craftsmanship that go into producing their distinctive beers.

Happily, the visit concludes with the opportunity to sample a selection of their award-winning ales before we return to Perth in time for dinner.

After breakfast, we travel to the historic city of Stirling, where there is time to relax and explore before visiting one of the country’s most remarkable landmarks, Stirling Castle.

Dramatically perched on a volcanic rock, the castle has played a central role in Scotland’s story and was once the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots. Inside, explore the beautifully restored royal apartments, interactive exhibitions and the impressive Great Hall while costumed guides bring centuries of royal history to life.

From Stirling, we continue to the awe-inspiring The Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures. Standing 30 metres high, these striking steel horse heads celebrate Scotland’s industrial heritage and the powerful working horses that once hauled barges along the canals. During our visit, we learn about the inspiration, design and remarkable engineering that brought these iconic sculptures to life.

Our final stop is the nearby Falkirk Wheel, one of Scotland’s most impressive modern engineering achievements. Here we enjoy a memorable boat trip aboard the world’s only rotating boat lift, rising 35 metres, and linking the Forth and Clyde canal to the Union canal above in a graceful, sky-lifting journey.

Afterwards, we return to Perth for our final evening meal together.