Scottish Highland Railways

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To book or for more information please call: 0330 341 1117 and quote RTA

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 - a truly spectacular ride through the remote northern Highlands and alongside Loch Carron
Journey on the steam-hauled Strathspey Railway through unspoilt Highland scenery and alongside the River Spey
Cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct on a diesel train, as seen in the Harry Potter films, on a train ride from Fort William to Mallaig
Visit the famous Highland resort of Aviemore
Travel past island-studded Loch Eilt
Explore Mallaig, a charming fishing village at the very end of the West Highland Line
View the magnificent Eilean Donan Castle
Enjoy a photo stop at the legendary Loch Ness
Visit to Isle of Skye town of Kyleakin
Marvel at the views from the Cairngorm Mountain
Learn about the lives of reindeers

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 on a diesel train – 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
Rail trip from Inverness to Kyle
Strathspey steam rail journey to Aviemore
West Highland Line rail journey
Return flights to Edinburgh or Inverness, with coach travel and transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

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

Join your tour manager this morning as you board the coach for the transfer to Inverness, where you’ll embark on 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. There it heads west once again, climbing slowly through the remote northern Highlands, with 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, both featured in many a TV series, and onto Kyle. Your return coach journey back to the hotel starts with a brief visit to Kyleakin on the renowned Isle of Skye before stopping en route at one of Scotland’s most iconic castles, Eilean Donan. Have your cameras and phones ready here for that picture postcard image. Your final highlight of the day will be a picture stop on the banks of Loch Ness.

Day 3

Today sees you head to Aviemore for a somewhat shorter, but no-less-special rail journey. Join your tour manager and fellow guests as you board the Strathspey Steam Railway, a wonderful reminder of the golden days of steam. This run takes you through some delightful unspoilt Highland scenery, and past great sweeps of the River Spey, through moorland and forest. Return to Aviemore, where this is an opportunity to explore the famous resort town, which is one of Britain’s most famous outward-bound centres. Continue to visit the Cairngorm Reindeer centre, to experience close up, the lives of reindeers with their handlers. After your visit, drive through twisting mountain roads to the Cairngorm Mountain visitor centre, which offers glorious unspoilt views of the surrounding region. Take time to soak in the views from this vantage point.

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 views of the 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 little working port, and is well worth exploring. You may like to 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 Dulnain River and boasting spectacular views of the Cairngorm Mountains, this charming, family-run hotel was originally established in 1803 as an inn for travellers. It has...

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....

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.

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.

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, 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.

Train journeys

It may be necessary to amend the order of excursions as detailed or the direction in which the railway journeys are taken. All train journeys, with the exception of the Strathspey Railway Steam Railway, are on scheduled First ScotRail services using diesel-powered engines. In the unlikely event of a steam locomotive breaking down on the Strathspey Railway or the Steam engine being replaced due to a Gala festival, we reserve the right to substitute the engine with diesel locomotive.

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