Train Itineraries

SCOTLAND BY TRAIN - 8 DAY TOUR

This itinerary based on two people sharing, is perfect for those who enjoy traveling by train and who are perhaps not so keen on hiring a car or just looking for a more eco-friendly mode of travel. The itinerary includes a number of the most spectacular train journeys in the UK (if not the world), starting off with the world famous West Coast line from Glasgow to Mallaig.

You will also have the chance to include a spectacular private boat charter to get from the Scottish mainland to the beautiful Isle of Skye, as well as the opportunty to extend your trip and add on a private 2 day driver guided tour with one of our expert guides to the remote and secluded North East Highlands. You will find more information on these at the bottom of the page.

Prices from: £2,950 GBP (£1,475 per person based on 2 sharing)

Price includes:

  • 7 nights in our carefully selected accommodation
  • breakfast every day
  • All train tickets including tickets on the world famous Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig (subject to availability)
  • Taxi costs from Armadale ferry terminal to your hotel on Skye and then onto the Kyle of Lochalsh
  • Personalised information package for your tour, including your detailed itinerary and what there is to see and do in each area, depending on your specific interests
  • A detailed map, with your route marked and places of interest highlighted, and directions to each accommodation with their contact details
  • Consultancy and itinerary planning

Highlights:

  • The spectacular West Highland Railway Line from Glasgow to Mallaig
  • Fort William
  • Ben Nevis (UKs highest mountain at 4,409 ft)
  • World famous Jacobite Steam Train 
  • Ferry "over the sea to Skye"
  • Isle of Skye (2 nights)
  • Cuillin mountains
  • 'The Kyle Line' to Inverness
  • A full day to explore Inverness and surrounding area
  • Loch Ness
  • Clava Cairns
  • Culloden Battlefield
  • Pitlochry
  • Edradour or Blair Atholl whisky distillery
  • Perthshire
  • Forth bridges

NB Visitor attractions are not included in the price but can be added on request

DAY 1

Glasgow/Edinburgh – Fort William

Distance: 115 miles         Travel time: 3 hrs 45 mins

You will take the beautiful West Highland Line to Fort William from Glasgow, without doubt one of the most dramatic and stunning rail journeys in the world. On your journey you will pass through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park via Loch Lomond itself before heading north over the remote and desolate Rannoch Moor to your small luxurious hotel in Fort William.

Accommodation - Small luxury hotel or B&B x 1 night, Fort William

 

DAY 2

Fort William – Skye (via Mallaig)

Distance: 50 miles           Travel time: 1 hr 45 mins

Travel on the world famous Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig, well known for its appearance in the Harry Potter films. A truly stunning journey which will include the legendary Glenfinnan viaduct before arriving at Mallaig where you will catch the ferry ‘over the sea to Skye’.

Accommodation, Small luxury hotel or B&B x 2 nights, Isle of Skye

 

DAY 3

Spend the day either relaxing at your hotel or exploring the local area either on foot or by public transport. We can also arrange for a local guide to take you out on request. 

 

DAY 4

Skye – Inverness

Distance 90 miles            Travel time: 3 hrs 10 mins

You will be taken by taxi across the dramatic Skye Bridge to the Kyle of Lochalsh where you will take ‘the Kyle Line’ to Inverness. Another beautiful train journey through a mixture of mountains, Lochs and Glens and then through rolling agricultural farmland to Inverness, known as the capital of the Highlands.

Accommodation - Small luxury hotel or B&B x 2 nights, Inverness

 

DAY 5

Spend the day exploring and shopping in Inverness, or perhaps take a boat trip onto Loch Ness or a visit the nearby Cawdor Castle or Culloden Battlefield.  

 

DAY 6

Inverness – Pitlochry

Distance: 85 miles           Travel time: 1hr 40 mins

You will catch the train to the bustling town of Pitlochry which will take you through part of the Cairngorm National Park and over the Drummochter Summit, one of the highest mountain passes in the UK.

Accommodation - Small luxury hotel or B&B x 2 nights, Pitlochry

 

DAY 7

You will have the day to explore the popular Highland town of Pitlochry including attractions such as the Pitlochry dam with its salmon ladder and viewing window, Edradour or Bells whisky distilleries, Loch Faskally amongst many other attractions. Pitlochry is also famous for the festival theatre with an international reputation for high quality productions.

 

DAY 8

Pitlochry – Edinburgh/Glasgow

Distance: 70 miles           Travel time:1 hr 50 mins

Your final leg of the train itinerary will take you out of the Highlands past the ancient town of Dunkeld and on through the rolling farmland of Perthshire before crossing the spectacular Forth Rail Bridge.

Please note that we would be happy to assist you with hotel reservations in both Glasgow and Edinburgh if you wish to extend your stay in Scotland to allow you to explore these great cities. We use a selection of centrally located luxury hotels and bed and breakfast depending on your interests and requirements.

 

OPTIONAL EXTRAS:

PRIVATE BOAT CHARTER 

Prices from: £500 (£250 pp based on 2 sharing)
 
As part of your train tour of Scotland why not include a half day private boat charter from Mallaig to the specatular Isle of Skye! This trip will take you to some of Scotlands most remote and spectacular locations including Loch Nevis, Inverie and the chance to have a drink at mainland Britains most remote pub, only accesible by boat or on foot! 
 
We use a family run local boat charter whose knowledge and diverse itineraries provide the absolute best insight into the local history & culture of the area. They have awesome wildlife spots, great fishing opportunities, including some stunning walks & beaches, some of which are only accesible by boat.
 
Enjoy a delicious locally sourced seafood lunch including West Coast Langoustines, Scallops, Lobster, Dressed Brown Crab, Mussels, Silver Sands Dry Smoked Salmon, Cold Smoked Salmon, Smoked Mackerel Pate and Smoked Scottish Cheeses. All accompanied with a freshly prepared salad, oat cakes and crackers all washed down with a glass of wine or light refreshment of your choice (extra £50 pp).
 

2 DAY PRIVATE DRIVER GUIDED TOUR EXTENSION                    

Prices from: £1,216 GBP (£608 per person based on 2 sharing)

Should you wish to extend your train trip, we would recommend our “North East Royal Route” driver guided tour which will take you to a variety of places in the North East Highlands and The Kingdom of Fife with a classic Royal theme.  The tour will take in a selection of Scotland’s most historical and beautiful castles and the stunning scenery of the North East Highlands, the Kingdom of Fife, St Andrews and East Neuk fishing villages. We can pick you up from Pitlochry at the end of your 8 day train tour for this 2 day tour and finish in either Edinburgh or Glasgow to suit you.

 

For further information or to book a holiday with Uniquely Scotland, please contact us.

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