This is one of our most popular Scottish tours and allows you to experience two remarkable rail journeys – the Kyle Line from Dingwall to the Kyle of Lochalsh and a return journey on the world-famous Jacobite Steam Railway. We also visit the world famous Inverewe Gardens – set in 54 acres where rare species thrive as the effects of the Gulf Stream meet the Highlands.
Day 1 TUESDAY Leaving the south coast early in the morning we make our way north to Cumbria for our overnight stay.
Day 2 WEDNESDAY We cross the border and continue via the motorways around Glasgow travelling north via Stirling and Pitlochry through the wonderful scenery of the Grampian Mountains, past Inverness before reaching Beauly and The Priory Hotel, for our 5-night stay.
Day 3 THURSDAY After an early start we travel by coach to Fort William to board the Jacobite Steam Train* to enjoy one of the most remarkable rail journeys in the world and made even more famous as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. Beginning in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the train travels along the West Highland Line extension, along the shores of Loch Eil and over the 21 arches of the dramatic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Enjoy unforgettable views across Highland terrain as we approach the coast and the busy fishing town of Mallaig. We have some free time in the town before hopping back aboard the train to see the journey from an entirely different perspective on the return journey. We return to our hotel by coach.
Day 4 FRIDAY Relax and enjoy a restful day in Beauly, or take a train into Inverness.
Day 5 SATURDAY Today we enjoy one of the world’s finest coast to coast rail journeys as we travel from Dingwall to the Kyle of Lochalsh on a two-hour journey through some of Scotland’s most rugged and spectacular scenery. Keep an eye out for Ben Wyvis just after Dingwall and before the wild mountainscape between Lochs Luichart and Carron. Then through Plockton and on to the Kyle of Lochalsh with the Isle of Skye just over the water. After some free time, we are met by our coach for an equally picturesque journey back to Beauly through Glen Sheil and Glenmoriston, and along Loch Ness.
Day 6 SUNDAY Enjoy a full-day tour visiting Loch Maree and the rugged scenery of the west coast of Scotland. Loch Maree lies in the shadow of the towering Ben Slioch and has around 30 isles, which lie like a cluster of jewels strung together to form a treasure of unrivalled beauty. We continue to the world-famous Inverewe Gardens, which boast a stunning location, overlooking Loch Ewe.
Day 7 MONDAY Leaving Beauly after breakfast, we travel south to Perth for our scheduled lunch stop. The city sits on the banks of the River Tay, with elegant Georgian townhouses, cobbled streets and medieval spires. In the afternoon we continue around Edinburgh to the Border town of Berwick-on-Tweed before reaching our overnight stop in the Newcastle area.
Day 8 TUESDAY After breakfast we continue southwards making suitable refreshment stops along the way. We reach the local area early evening.
Our three-star hotel is ideally located to the northwest of Inverness along the shores of the Beauly Firth, in the attractive village square of Beauly. It is a traditional building but has been tastefully modernised and has a pleasant open plan dining area and a lift. Bedrooms are equipped with TV, Wi-Fi, hairdryer and hospitality tray.
