Great Scottish Highland Railways

Itinerary

Great Scottish Highland Railways

The beautiful Scottish Highlands offer some of the most picturesque and celebrated railways in the world, where sparkling lochs, dramatic moorlands and striking mountain scenery combine to create spectacular backdrops. We experience the very best on this fabulous break as we travel on the Kyle Railway Line and enjoy a steam-hauled voyage aboard the iconic Jacobite Steam Train on the West Highland Line. This is an unforgettable way to discover Scotland, with these breathtaking journeys promising to enchant and captivate.

Great Scottish Highland Railways

Day 1

From a morning pickup in your local area, we travel by coach to our overnight hotel.

Great Scottish Highland Railways

Day 2

After breakfast, the stunning scenery of Loch Lomond, Scotland’s first national park, awaits. We pause in the picturesque village of Luss, with its neat rows of chocolate-box cottages, dramatic hills and spectacular views stretching across the loch. A morning coffee here is the perfect way to take it all in.

Next, we continue to Fort William, where there is free time to explore at your own pace. Visit the West Highland Museum, admire the towering presence of Ben Nevis, or wander the local boutiques before enjoying a treat in one of the cosy cafés. A stroll along the banks of Loch Linnhe completes your visit. Later, we travel to the Craiglynne Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey, where we will stay for the next three nights.

Great Scottish Highland Railways

Day 3

A memorable day awaits, beginning with a scenic drive through the specactular Cairngorms National Park to Fort William, a picturesque town which sits in the shadow of Ben Nevis on the shores of Loch Linnhe. 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. The journey may operate in reverse.

Great Scottish Highland Railways

Day 4

We head to the historic market town of Dingwall 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 wild moors along the way. Part of our journey also meanders along the southern bank of the mysterious Beauly Firth and past the huge isolated mountain of Ben Wyvis before reaching the pretty village of Kyle of Lochalsh.

On the way back to the hotel, we spend some time at leisure in the peaceful town of Aviemore. 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 – be sure to have a look!

Please note: the Kyle Railway Line journey may operate in reverse.

Great Scottish Highland Railways

Day 5

After checking out of our hotel we travel to the atmospheric capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. With its impressive skyline, dominated by Edinburgh Castle, the city is full of historical and cultural places of interest amidst its cobbled streets. Whether you spend time in the charming tea rooms, searching the rails of vintage clothes shops or discovering one of the many fascinating attractions, there is plenty in Edinburgh to suit all tastes.

Great Scottish Highland Railways

Day 6

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and board the coach for the journey home.

Great Scottish Highland Railways

Day 1

We fly to Glasgow airport and head to our nearby overnight hotel.

Great Scottish Highland Railways

Day 2

After breakfast, the stunning scenery of Loch Lomond, Scotland’s first national park, awaits. We pause in the picturesque village of Luss, with its neat rows of chocolate-box cottages, dramatic hills and spectacular views stretching across the loch. A morning coffee here is the perfect way to take it all in.

Next, we continue to Fort William, where there is free time to explore at your own pace. Visit the West Highland Museum, admire the towering presence of Ben Nevis, or wander the local boutiques before enjoying a treat in one of the cosy cafés. A stroll along the banks of Loch Linnhe completes your visit. Later, we travel to the Craiglynne Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey, where we will stay for the next three nights.

Great Scottish Highland Railways

Day 3

A memorable day awaits, beginning with a scenic drive through the specactular Cairngorms National Park to Fort William, a picturesque town which sits in the shadow of Ben Nevis on the shores of Loch Linnhe. 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. The journey may operate in reverse.

Great Scottish Highland Railways

Day 4

We head to the historic market town of Dingwall 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 wild moors along the way. Part of our journey also meanders along the southern bank of the mysterious Beauly Firth and past the huge isolated mountain of Ben Wyvis before reaching the pretty village of Kyle of Lochalsh.

On the way back to the hotel, we spend some time at leisure in the peaceful town of Aviemore. 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 – be sure to have a look!

Please note: the Kyle Railway Line journey may operate in reverse.

Great Scottish Highland Railways

Day 5

After checking out of our hotel we travel to the atmospheric capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. With its impressive skyline, dominated by Edinburgh Castle, the city is full of historical and cultural places of interest amidst its cobbled streets. Whether you spend time in the charming tea rooms, searching the rails of vintage clothes shops or discovering one of the many fascinating attractions, there is plenty in Edinburgh to suit all tastes.

Great Scottish Highland Railways

Day 6

After checking out of the hotel, we take a short walk to Glasgow airport for our return flight home.

Great Scottish Highland Railways

• Return coach travel
• First & last night at the Holiday Inn, Glasgow Airport (JG3 rating) with breakfast
• 3 nights at the Craiglynne Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast
• Heritage train journeys on the West Highland Line aboard The Jacobite Steam Train & Kyle Railway Line
• Excursion to Loch Lomond & Fort William
• Free time in Aviemore & Mallaig
• En-route visit to Edinburgh

Great Scottish Highland Railways

• 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
• 3 nights at the Craiglynne Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast
• Heritage train journeys on the West Highland Line aboard The Jacobite Steam Train & Kyle Railway Line
• Excursion to Loch Lomond & Fort William
• Free time in Aviemore & Mallaig
• En-route visit to Edinburgh

Great Scottish Highland Railways

• Heritage train journeys on the West Highland Line aboard The Jacobite Steam Train & Kyle Railway Line
• Excursion to Loch Lomond & Fort William
• Free time in Aviemore & Mallaig

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Accommodation

Craiglynne Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey, Scotland JG3

Housed in a Victorian granite building, the Craiglynne Hotel is nestled in the heart of the beautiful Scottish Highlands in Grantown-on-Spey. You can expect a restaurant, bar, conservatory, pretty gardens, views over the Cromdale Hills and comfortable bedrooms with tea and coffee-making facilities and a TV.

Hotel Rating

Hotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.

Holiday Inn, Glasgow Airport, Scotland JG3

Conveniently located just a stone's throw away from Glasgow Airport, the Holiday Inn offers a comfortable stay for travellers.

Hotel Rating

Hotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.

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