Great Scottish Highland Railways – 7 Days by Air
What's Included
Return flights to Glasgow Airport taxes & luggage allowance (one piece of checked-in hold luggage per person)
First & last night at the Holiday Inn, Glasgow Airport (JG3 rating) with breakfast 4 nights at the Caledonian Hotel, Fort William (JG2 rating) with dinner & breakfast
Heritage train journeys on the Kyle Railway Line, Strathspey Steam Railway & the West Highland Line aboard The Jacobite Steam Train Photo stop at Loch Ness viewpoint Free time in Kyle of Lochalsh, Aviemore & Mallaig
Itinerary
Day 1 to day 7
Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness Railway (full day)
En route to our first railway, we enjoy a stunning photo opportunity at a Loch Ness viewpoint (cameras at the ready to try and capture the elusive Nessie)! We continue out to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness, to join the Kyle Railway Line, a beautiful journey which has been likened to a symphony in three parts: pastoral, mountain and marine. From the perfect vantage point, we enjoy the magnificent remote landscapes, taking in many of the area’s shimmering lochs and dramatic moors along the way. Part of our journey also meanders along the southern bank of the mysterious Beauly Firth, through Dingwall and past the huge isolated mountain of Ben Wyvis. We disembark in the pretty village of Kyle of Lochalsh, where we enjoy some free time before heading back to Fort William.
Strathspey Steam Railway & Aviemore (full day)
We make our way to Aviemore station to board a train on the Strathspey Steam Railway, which takes us through the picturesque mountain vistas, heather-clad moors and woodland of the Cairngorms National Park, the largest national park in the British Isles. Following the banks of the River Spey, we journey to Broomhill, which famously featured as Glenbogle station in the popular BBC series Monarch of the Glen. We then return to the peaceful town of Aviemore by coach and spend some time at leisure. Popular for its stunning views of the Cairngorms, the town is also home to a fascinating stone circle that is more than 4,000 years old.
West Highland Line & Mallaig (full day)
We head by coach to Fort William, a picturesque town which sits in the shadow of Ben Nevis. Here we board ‘The Jacobite’ steam train and travel across the mountainous west coast of Scotland, considered by many to be the most scenic rail journey in the world. This section of the West Highland Line crosses the 100ft-high Glenfinnan Viaduct used in the Harry Potter film sequences featuring the Hogwarts Express. You don’t need to be a Harry Potter fan to appreciate this journey though, as the scenery in reality beats any cinematography hands down! We disembark in the picturesque port of Mallaig for some free time.
Please note: West Coast Railways reserves the right to substitute The Jacobite with an alternative engine or diesel-powered locomotive in the event of breakdown, or if urgent repairs are needed, without notice or refund.
Update @ 21/3/24: we are aware that the Jacobite service is currently suspended whilst West Coast Railways are in discussion with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) Regulator. Should this dispute affect your departure date, we will move you to the Scotrail service on the same line and refund you the difference in cost.
Caledonian Hotel, Fort William (JG2 rating)
In the Scottish Highlands, we stay at the Caledonian Hotel near the lovely town of Fort William, which boasts a stunning mountainous backdrop. The hotel offers lovely views of Loch Linhe, a comfortable lounge, restaurant and bar plus en-suite rooms with tea and coffee-making facilities and a TV.