This tour includes three of Scotland’s most spectacular train journeys through miles of dramatic highland scenery, over viaducts and hugging the shores of fathomless lochs. We enjoy many of the ‘must see’ sights of the country including Ben Nevis, Loch Ness, Loch Lomond, the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Caledonian Canal, Glencoe and the Cairngorm National Park!

ITINERARY

Day 1 Leaving the south coast early in the morning we make our way north to our overnight hotel in the north east.

Day 2 We travel up into Scotland and cross the Forth Road Bridge, then via Perth and Aviemore to Inverness and the Palace Hotel for a 2-night stay.

Day 3 Today we board the ‘Kyle Line’ at Inverness for a 2½ hour journey through some of Scotland’s most rugged and spectacular scenery. We travel along the banks of the Moray Firth, cross the Caledonian Canal, climb up and over the Highland mountains, down through Plockton and on to the Kyle of Lochalsh, with the Isle of Skye just across the water. After a little free time in Kyle, we are met by coach for the equally picturesque journey back to Inverness through Glen Sheil and Glen Moriston and along the shores of Loch Ness.

Day 4 Leaving Inverness we travel south east to the Cairngorms National Park and Aviemore where we board the Strathspey Steam Railway for a nostalgic journey through Boat of Garten and Broomhill. We continue by coach via Kingussie, Loch Laggan and Glen Spean, along the shores of Loch Linnhe and onto the Ballachullish Hotel for a 5-night stay.

Day 5 A free day in Ballachullish to relax at the hotel, take lakeside walks and explore. Alternatively, local buses from outside the hotel take you to Fort William or Oban.

Day 6 We travel up Loch Linnhe and along the route of the Caledonian Canal, skirting Loch Lochy and Loch Oich. At Fort Augustus we take a one hour cruise on Loch Ness driving some way up the western shore for wonderful views and possible sightings of Nessie.

Day 7 Today we board the Jacobite Steam Train in Fort William to enjoy one of the most remarkable rail journeys in the world. Beginning in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the train travels along the West Highland Line Extension along the shores of Loch Linnhe and over the 21 arches of the dramatic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Enjoy unforgettable views across Highland terrain as we approach the coast and the busy fishing town of Mallaig. Here we have some free time before returning to our hotel by coach via Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Monument.

Day 8 Heading along the southern coast today, we have beautiful views of offshore islands before heading inland to Loch Awe. Here, lying deep within the mountain is a remarkable feat of engineering – Cruachan Power Station. We have a guided bus tour one kilometre into the heart of the mountain and there will also be time to enjoy the visitor centre and views from the café.

Day 9 We depart our hotel and travel through beautiful Glencoe and down the length of Loch Lomond, through Luss and Moffat on our way to our overnight hotel in Cumbria.

Day 10 We continue our journey home making suitable refreshment stops along the way and reaching the local area early evening.