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The Ultimate Railway Experience

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Dramatic scenery and steam

Travel to and from Scotland by overnight sleeper, stay in the heart of the Highlands and enjoy three spectacular train journeys. Ride the famous West Highland Line from Fort William to Mallaig, take a trip on the Strathspey Steam Railway and enjoy a breathtaking run from Inverness to the Kyle of Lochalsh.

Day One

Make your way to your chosen station to board your sleeper train to the Highlands. During the night, the train will whisk you north to Edinburgh.

Day Two

At Edinburgh you'll be met by our Tour Manager. A short orientation tour will introduce the most famous sights, then you're free to explore. Visit the Castle and Holyrood Palace, the city's excellent museums and art galleries, or the lanes and wynds of the famous Royal Mile, before we board the coach and head to our hotel (journey approxinmately three hours).

Day Three

Today we head to Fort William for a 42-mile journey along the dramatic West Highland Line to Mallaig. We'll cross the spectacular 21-arch Glenfinnan viaduct, and rumble past the white sands of Morar. In Mallaig you'll have time to wander the hills, explore the Heritage Centre or visit the kipper smokery.

Day Four

This morning we'll enjoy a nostalgic ride on the Strathspey Steam Railway, which runs 10 miles through unspoilt Highland scenery, and visit the Speyside HEather Centre. In the afternoon, you're free to explore Aviemore or join our optional excursion on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, the UK's longest funicular, which is renowned for its magnificent views.

Day Five

Today we follow the breathtaking run from Inverness to the Kyle of Lochalsh, as featured by Michael Palin in his series 'Great Railway Journeys of World', through the breathtaking scenery featured in the BBC TV series 'Hamish Macbeth'.

Back in Edinburgh, you'll have time for some last-minute shopping, and perhaps an early supper, before you begin your overnight journey home. You may even like to make the most of your final evening in Scotland by booking for Jamie's Scottish Evening at the Thistle Hotel (just around the corner from the station). The evening includes a four-course meal, half a bottle of wine and a full entertainment programme including a Highland piper and dancers. (Your luggage can be left at
the hotel free of charge).

Day Six

After a light snack on board, disembark at your chosen station and make your own way home.

Your sleeper train

Accommodation has been reserved for you in a two-bunk compartment with one upper and one lower bunk. You will have a wash basin with hot and cold running water, soap, towels and shaver socket. There are WCs at the end of each carriage. (N.B. There are no showers on the train).

The Lounge Car (which is open all night long) offers a selection of hot and cold drinks and meals which can be enjoyed in your compartment.

You may find it more convenient to pack a small separate overnight bag for the sleeper journeys.

Changes to your excursions

Due to timetable changes and other factors outside our control, it may be necessary to alter the order of the excursions on your holiday. On June 17th, the holiday will include a journey on the stunning North Line between Inverness and Helmsdale, instead of the Inverness to Kyle line.

Locomotives used

Please note, the West Highland and Kyle lines are both scheduled ScotRail services, and use diesel-powered engines.

Substitute locomotives

In the unlikely event of a steam locomotive breaking down, we reserve the right to substitute the engine with a diesel locomotive.

 
 

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