Scottish Highland Railways

Experience some of the world’s most spectacular scenery as you enjoy unforgettable journeys on three of Scotland’s most celebrated railways.

Scotrail 156 Sprinter Mallaig Line © www.scotphoto.com

Glenfinnan Monument

Day One – Travel to Scotland Fly to Edinburgh or Inverness, where you‘ll meet your tour manager and board the coach for the scenic transfer to your hotel. Whichever hotel you’re staying in, the rest of the day is at leisure after checking in.

Day Two – Included Inverness to Kyle by rail

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 Three – Included Strathspey Steam Railway ride and visit to Aviemore and the

Cairngorm Mountain Today sees you head to Aviemore for a somewhat shorter, but noless-special rail journey.

Available Apr to Oct 2023

Fly direct from these airports. Prices from

• Birmingham £829 • Bristol £679 • Gatwick £719 • Heathrow £719 • Luton £679 • Manchester £829 Tour Only without flights from £530

Make your own travel arrangements to the airport or your hotel. If meeting at the airport, please check with us whether transfers are from Edinburgh or Inverness airport on your chosen departure date. Room for Sole Use from £124

Please note: 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 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, we reserve the right to substitute the engine with a diesel locomotive. The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour from Inverness Airport and three hours from Edinburgh Airport.

Inverness

Kyle of Lochalsh Loch Ness Mallaig

Glenfinnan

Viaduct Loch Carron Kingussie Fort William Carrbridge Aviemore Newtonmore

Scotland

Edinburgh Glasgow

Best Selling ESCORTED TOURESCORTED TOUR These hugely popular tours, enjoyed by countless happy customers over the years, have truly stood the test of time.

• Travel by train from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh • Journey on the steam-hauled Strathspey

Railway through unspoilt Highland scenery • Cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct on the 42-mile journey • Visit the Highland resort of Aviemore • Explore Mallaig, a charming fishing village • View the magnificent Eilean Donan Castle • Photo stop at legendary Loch Ness • Visit to Isle of Skye town of Kyleakin • Marvel at the views from the Cairngorm

Mountain and learn about the lives of reindeer • Four nights’ carefully chosen threestar dinner, bed and Scottish breakfast accommodation • Return flights to Edinburgh or Inverness, with coach travel and transfers throughout • Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

what our customers say...

I can’t praise this holiday enough. The itinerary was really good, and our guides and coach driver went above and beyond looking after everyone. Larraine

© Strathspey Steam Railway Red Stag Kyle of Lochalsh

fun fact...

Did you know that the Strathspey Steam Railway was brought back to life in 1978 by a dedicated group of volunteers?

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 reindeer 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 up the views from this vantage point.

Day Four – Included West Highland Line rail

journey Fort William beckons today, as you transfer by coach to enjoy the final highlight of your unforgettable holiday – a rail 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 truly spectacular route has to be experience to be believed. As the train pulls out of Fort William, look back to your left where you’ll see Ben Nevis towering above the town, before 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 crossing the spectacular 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct, famously featured in the Harry Potter movies. Other highlights of today’s wonderful 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 sands of Morar, washed by the Atlantic. Mallaig, a delightful little working port, is well worth exploring in its own right. You might choose to explore the Heritage Centre or visit the Smokery where you can arrange for kippers to be sent anywhere in the world. After a wonderful day touring, you’ll return to the hotel on another scenic coach journey through the Scottish countryside.

Day Five – Return to the airport and head home

Bid farewell to the Highlands today and your newfound friends as you check out and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

your hotel choices

The Carrbridge Hotel, Carrbridge HHH Half-Board

Situated in Cairngorm National Park on the edge of Carrbridge village, the family owned and managed Carrbridge Hotel dates back to 1803. It has been sympathetically extended and refurbished over the years. The Highlander Hotel, Newtonmore HHH Half-Board

Set on the edge of the delightful village of Newtonmore amidst the splendour of the Spey Valley, this hotel has been offering a warm welcome to guests for over 20 years. Located just a short walk from the highly acclaimed Highland Folk Museum, there are two or three shops and bars at the far end of this delightful quiet village.

The Carrbridge Hotel

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Combine the beauty of the renowned Scottish Highlands with the Strathspey Steam Train, and you have the ingredients for a perfect day.

The Highlander Hotel Scottish Highlands