Scottish Highlands and Skye by Rail

Your rail tour of Scotland begins from Queen Street Station in the heart of Glasgow. Journey north to Fort William (4 hours) on the iconic, and incredibly scenic, West Highland Line railway. Glide along the shores of sea lochs towards the 'bonnie banks' of Loch Lomond, and continue north across the dramatically desolate Rannoch Moor. Finally, pass below the impressive flanks of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain, to arrive in Fort William.

Fort William is the self-styled outdoor capital of the Highlands, and it's not hard to see why, with its position on the shores of Loch Linnhe below the Mamore Mountains. Spend the evening sampling hearty Highland fare in a cosy pub, or for the ultimate in indulgence dine at the award-winning restaurant of 5* Inverlochy Castle Hotel. 

Journey time: 4 hrs

A real treat is in store today as you continue on the West Highland Line to reach the west coast port of Mallaig. A highlight of the journey is crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct's 21 arches overlooking the Jacobite Monument. The monument marks the landing point of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745 during the Jacobite uprising. To keep things flexible we include the standard train but it is possible to arrange a magical trip on the Jacobite steam train, otherwise known as the 'Hogwart's Express' made famous in the Harry Potter films. This can be booked directly at West Coast Railways.

The dramatic scenery continues with summits towering over 700m above the tracks as you glide through remote glens. Arrive in the port of Mallaig on the rugged west coast, with views of the isles of Rum and Eigg, and the Silver Sands of Morar. From Mallaig, it's a scenic 40-minute ferry ride to the Isle of Skye where a private taxi transfer (1 hr) will take you the final leg of today's journey to your welcoming accommodation in the colourful harbour town of Portree. 

En route, enjoy excellent views of the Isles of Scalpay and Raasay and pass the iconic bridge at Sligachan Hotel, which marks the end of a one or two day traverse of the Cuillin Ridge for the hardy mountaineer. Soon you'll drop down into the sheltered harbour of Portree overlooking the Isle of Raasay.

Journey time: 2 hrs 40 mins

Optional walks to choose from:

• Scorrybreac and Portree Loop Walk: 5 km (3miles); Ascent: 95m (312ft) / Descent: 95m (312ft)

As Skye's 'capital' Portree is a bustling town with plenty to see and do. Enjoy a relaxed day of sightseeing; tour local craft shops, take a short walk along the coast or opt for a wildlife-watching boat trip. The adventurous may wish to hike up to the Old Man of Storr, a short bus/taxi ride away, to experience this incredible rock formation. This renowned needle of rock is visible on the horizon from Portree and is well worth a visit, but make sure to bring along your hiking shoes for the 4.5 km walk. Alternatively, we can arrange a small group tour with a local guide exploring the island's sights; from Neist Point to Dunvegan Castle and the Fairy Glen.

There are plenty of dining options in Portree, try fish & chips by the harbour or sample delicious local cuisine in one of the town's great restaurants, then while away the evening listening to traditional music in a lively pub.

Optional walks to choose from:

• The Old Man of Storr Linear Walk: 4.5 km (3miles); Ascent: 338m (1109ft) / Descent: 336m (1102ft)
• Loop walk from Portree: 7 km (4.5 miles); Ascent: 149m (488ft) / Descent: 157m (514ft)
• Storr Dam to Portree: 13 km (8 miles); Ascent: 397m (1303ft) / Descent: 519m (1703ft)

*We recommend adding an extra night in Portree, this will give you more time to explore the area and the walks.*

An early morning transfer whisks you south along the coast, across the Skye Bridge and back to Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland. From here another epic railway journey awaits. Ride the remote Kyle Line to Inverness, Scotland's most northerly city. Spend your afternoon discovering the charm of the Highland Capital. Nestled along the River Ness at the northern tip of the Great Glen, this city is perfectly situated. Enjoy a relaxing walk by the river to the serene Ness Islands, then loop back along the other bank to explore the castle. When evening falls, indulge in some classic Scottish cuisine at one of the fantastic restaurants in the city centre.

Journey time: 3 hrs 30 mins

Today presents you with plenty of options, history buffs prepare to be spoiled for choice! Head to Culloden Battlefield - the sombre site of the final 1745 Jacobite Uprising battle. Explore your clan history at the visitor centre's ancestry hub or detour to nearby Cawdor Castle for a stroll in the peaceful gardens, reachable by local bus or a short taxi ride. Lovers of legend should make for the shores of Loch Ness, Scotland's most storied loch, where we can recommend local tours and cruises on the loch. Home to the legend of the Loch Ness Monster ("Nessie"), the loch also has positioned on its shores the 13th-century ruins of Urquhart Castle. On a clear day, there's nothing like a boat trip for taking in the scenery! 

Optional walks to choose from:

• Culloden Battlefield - Clava Cairns: 5 km (3miles); Ascent: 55m (180ft) / Descent: 55m (180ft)
• Loch Ness Loop Walk Dores: 7 km (4 miles); Ascent: 51m (167ft) / Descent: 51m (167ft)
• River Ness and Caledonian Canal Loop Walk: 11 km (7miles); Ascent: 27m (89ft) / Descent: 25m (82ft)

Enjoy views of the rugged landscape as you ride through Scotland's largest National Park – The Cairngorms. Glimpse Ruthven Barracks as you glide past en route to Perthshire. The barracks were built in the early 1700s to quell the Jacobite rising and occupy an imposing hilltop lookout. 

Arrive in the charming Victorian spa town of Pitlochry, your base for the evening. This afternoon we heartily recommend a distillery visit and a couple of drams in either Blair Athol or Edradour distilleries – the latter is said to be the smallest traditional distillery in Scotland. There are also plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs on nearby forest trails or stroll along the banks of the River Garry.

The castle enthusiast may wish to take a 10-minute train journey to Blair Atholl village. Here you will find the gardens and grounds of Blair Castle, ensconced in the forested valleys of Perthshire. Ancestral home to the Clan Murray, this 13th-century castle is home to Europe's only remaining private army, now used solely for ceremonial purposes. If you have had your fill of castles then we recommend exploring the many little shops in Pitlochry before indulging in afternoon tea in Fonab Castle Hotel's sophisticated lounge. 

Journey time: 1 hr 30 mins

Optional walks to choose from:

• Blair Castle & Gardens: 7 km (4.5 miles); Ascent: 115m (377ft) / Descent: 115m (377ft)
• Ben Vrackie Lochan Walk: 9 km (5.5 miles); Ascent: 443m (1453ft) / Descent: 443m (1453ft)
• Blair Atholl to Pitlochry: 14 km (9 miles); Ascent: 60m (197ft) / Descent: 85m (279ft)

*We recommend adding an extra night in Pitlochry, this will give you more time to explore the area and the walks.*

Continue your journey south through the heart of Perthshire as you travel from Pitlochry to Stirling. This small city, known as the 'gateway to the Highlands', was once the country's capital. Today it is presided over by Stirling Castle. The castle dates largely from the 15th and 16th centuries and occupies an imposing position atop an ancient volcanic rock formation. Not just a defensive structure, the castle was also used a royal palace before the union of Scotland and England. Multiple royals were crowned there, including Mary Queen of Scots!

The National Wallace Monument is another iconic landmark that dominates the city's skyline. The monument was built in the mid-1800s to honour the memory of William Wallace, an icon of Scottish independence. The monument overlooks the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge where Wallace's forces defeated the English in the year 1297 as part of a joint effort to oppose the invasion of King Edward I of England. 

Journey time: 1 hr 25 mins

After a hearty breakfast begin your final railway journey of the trip to Scotland's capital city of Edinburgh. This cosmopolitan and historic city is the perfect place to spend an extra night or two discovering a different side of Scotland. Speak to our team about adding nights to your trip.  

Journey time: 45 mins