Scottish Highland Railways

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Scotland's Scenic Rail Routes

Experience some of the world’s most spectacular scenery as you enjoy journeys on three of Scotland’s most celebrated railways. Sit back in wonder as you enjoy the breathtaking train journey from Inverness – one of Michael Palin’s "Great Railway Journeys" – to Kyle of Lochalsh. The dramatic 42 miles of the famous West Highland line from Fort William to Mallaig, and a nostalgic trip on the steam-hauled Strathspey Railway complete an unforgettably scenic few days exploring one of Scotland’s most beautiful regions by train.

Holiday Highlights

Rail travel from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh
Journey on the steam-hauled Strathspey Railway
Cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct on a train ride from Fort William to Mallaig
Visit the famous Highland resort of Aviemore

Why we love this holiday ...

"With every corner of the world within reach nowadays, it is easy to forget about the wealth of incredible destinations on our doorstep. Even on a rainy day, we can think of very few places that we would rather be than the Scottish Highlands – especially when we can watch the beautiful scenery glide past from the comfort and warmth of a rail carriage! We can’t pick a favourite of the three highland rail journeys included. Inverness to Kyle is considered one of the world’s great railway journeys, the Sprathspey Railway combines the evocative smells and sounds of a steam train with the stunning scenery of the Cairngorms National Park, and on the journey from Fort William to Mallaig, you’ll cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct – now world-famous as the Hogwarts Express route in the Harry Potter films."

What's Included

Four nights' dinner, bed and Scottish breakfast accommodation at either the Carrbridge Hotel, Carrbridge or the Highlander Hotel, Newtonmore
Return flights to Scotland
Coach travel and transfers throughout

Itinerary

Day 1

Fly into Scotland, meet your tour manager at the airport, and board the coach for the scenic journey to your hotel. The Carrbridge Hotel is situated on the edge of Carrbridge village, and is close to some lovely local walks (the hotel staff will be happy to point you in the right direction). The famous packhorse bridge, dating back to 1717 and reputed to be one of the oldest in Scotland, is opposite the hotel. The Highlander Hotel, in Newtonmore, is just a short walk from the highly acclaimed Highland Folk Museum, and there is a handful of shops and bars at the far end of the village. If you decide to arrange your own travel, and book our Tour Only package, you'll need to meet your Tour Manager at the airport in time for the coach transfer to your hotel. (Exact times will be confirmed closer to departure.)

Day 2

Board the coach and travel to Inverness, this morning. Here, you'll board the train for the spectacular 80-mile, two-and-a half-hour journey west to Kyle of Lochalsh, in its idyllic setting opposite the Isle of Skye. From Inverness, the line travels along the south side of Beauly Firth with views back across to the Black Isle, before turning north to the market town of Dingwall. Here it heads west once again, climbing slowly through the remote northern Highlands and offering glimpses (on clear days) of towering Liathach and its Torridon mountain neighbours. Probably the most spectacular part of the journey is when the line descends to the magnificent scenery of Loch Carron, and runs alongside the Loch, past Attadale Estate and Plockton, and on to Kyle. Once in Kyle you'll have time to explore, and perhaps have a spot of lunch, before heading back to the hotel by coach at the end of a wonderful day.

Day 3

Today you'll head to Boat of Garten for a somewhat shorter, but no less special, rail journey on the StrathspeySteam Railway, a reminder of the golden days of steam. The nine-and-a half-mile run passes through unspoilt Highland scenery, taking you past great sweeps of the River Spey, through moorland and forest, and ending in the famous Highland resort of Aviemore. After an opportunity to explore the famous resort town, one of Britain’s most famous outward-bound centres, you'll have a chance to enjoy an afternoon visit to Newtonmore’s fascinating Highland Folk Museum. Here, Highland life from the 18th Century to the 1950s is vividly depicted, with a number of historic dwellings – some built from scratch on-site and others brought from other locations - and a vast collection of artefacts gathered together in a beautiful setting. Those not wishing to visit the museum will have an afternoon free to spend as they wish.

Day 4

Fort William beckons today, as you enjoy your holiday’s final highlight – the journey on the last stretch of the famous West Highland Line, to the tiny fishing village of Mallaig. Voted by readers of Wanderlust Magazine as the world’s best train journey, this is another truly spectacular route. As the train pulls out of Fort William, look back and left to see Ben Nevis towering above the town. Minutes later, the train crosses the Caledonian Canal – look out for Neptune's Staircase, a succession of eight locks, to your right. The train then runs alongside Loch Eil before reaching the spectacular, 21-arch, Glenfinnan Viaduct - famously featured in the Harry Potter movies. Other highlights of the journey include island-studded Loch Eilt (considered by many to be the prettiest along the route), Arisaig (Britain’s most westerly railway station) and the white Atlantic sands of Morar. Mallaig is a delightful, thriving place, with a working port, and is well worth exploring. You may like to head into the hills above, where you’ll be rewarded with some wonderful views, explore the Heritage Centre or visit the Smokery where you can arrange for kippers to be sent anywhere in the world. We return to the hotel by coach.

Day 5

Bid farewell to the Highlands today, and travel to the airport to board your flight home.

Carrbridge Hotel, Carrbridge

Set on the banks of the River Dulnain, and boasting spectacular views of the Cairngorm Mountains, this hotel was originally established in 1803 as an inn for travellers. It has been extended and...

Highlander Hotel, Newtonmore

We're sure that you will be delighted with the friendly service and warm hospitality that are the hallmarks of a stay at the Highlander, which is always popular with Newmarket guests....

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Train journeys

Please note, the West Highland and Kyle lines are both scheduled ScotRail services, and use diesel-powered engines. In the unlikely event of a steam locomotive breaking down on the Strathspey Railway, we reserve the right to substitute the engine with a diesel locomotive. All train journeys are single journeys.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Airport development fees

An Airport Development Fee has been introduced at a few UK Airports. You will be required to pay this charge at the following airports prior to checking in for your flight: Blackpool, Durham Tees Valley, Newquay and Norwich. The amount varies from airport to airport, but it is generally between £5 and £10 per person. Please visit the airport's website for further information.

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately three hours from Edinburgh airport and one hour from Inverness airport.

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Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Carrbridge Hotel, Carrbridge

Highlander Hotel, Newtonmore

Combining hotel transfers

Train journeys

Special requirements

Disabled access

Itinerary changes

Airport development fees

Hotel transfer times

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At a glance

Request Brochure - Scottish Highland Railways