Scotland by railway holiday

Scotland by railway holiday
Scotland by railway holiday
Scotland by railway holiday
Scotland by railway holiday
Scotland by railway holiday
Scotland by railway holiday
Scotland by railway holiday
Our bestselling tour of Scotland uses expert local knowledge to let you ditch the car in favour of ferries and world-famous trains. Rail tracks take you where the roads cannot, gifting views of absolute wilderness from your cabin window.
West Highland Line Isle of Skye Train from Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness Pitlochry The Pass of Killiecrankie gorge Edinburgh
Price
£1550To£1625 excluding flights
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Duration
8 Days
Type
Tailor made
Reviews
99
More info
Price (per person) based on 2 adults sharing a room for 7 nights in our hand-picked selection of small 3 & 4 star hotels.
Dinner included for your final night.
Other nights include breakfast.
Holiday includes rail, ferry and taxi travel as described.
Make enquiry

Find related holidays

Scotland rail holidays Classic railway holidays Tailor made rail holidays Scottish Highlands holidays Scotland holidays

Description of Scotland by railway holiday

Scotland by Railway is an eight day tailor-made trip for those who want to experience Scotland independently, while following a route that has been designed by local experts who have spent years exploring the Scottish Highlands. All travel, food and accommodation has been personally tried and tested to ensure you have an authentic and truly memorable trip.

On this car-free holiday, as well as travelling between some of the country’s most stunning destinations by train, we will also organise taxi transfers when necessary. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.

The itinerary starts in Edinburgh, then follows a wonderful Caledonian circuit through the likes of Pitlochry in the heart of the Southern Highlands, Inverness – the capital of the Highlands and home to Loch Ness of course – and the Isle of Skye, the largest island in the Inner Hebrides.

The grand finale of this trip around Scotland by rail is an excursion on the West Highland Line, considered by many to be one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Travelling on board the Jacobite steam train, you will cross impressive feats of construction including Glenfinnan Viaduct and natural wonders such as Rannoch Moor.

We work hard to make sure the unexpected doesn’t affect your trip. On rare occasions, changes or cancellations may occur, affecting accommodation, transport or excursions, including the Jacobite Express Steam Train. We are committed to informing you of any such circumstances and will use our knowledge and resources to offer suitable alternatives wherever possible.

Map

Price information

£1550To£1625 excluding flights
Convert currency:
 Convert prices to approx. UK Sterling Convert prices to approx. US Dollars Convert prices to approx. Euros Convert prices to approx. Canandian Dollars Convert prices to approx. Australian Dollars Convert prices to approx. South African Rand Convert prices to approx. New Zealand Dollars Convert prices to approx. Indian Rupees
Price (per person) based on 2 adults sharing a room for 7 nights in our hand-picked selection of small 3 & 4 star hotels.
Dinner included for your final night.
Other nights include breakfast.
Holiday includes rail, ferry and taxi travel as described.
Make enquiry

Departure information

This trip can be tailor made from April to the end of October.

Leader interview

“You leave the rest of the world behind when you take the famous West Highland line, heading off onto Rannoch Moor and Glencoe.”
Learn more about this itinerary in Responsible Travel's interview with Robert Kidd, the creator of this itinerary.Read full interview

Travel guides

Scotland railway
2 minute summaryBest time to go
Train is, without a doubt, the best way to explore Scotland. Relaxed, and wonderfully scenic as it takes you through landscapes unscarred by roads, ra...
Scottish Highlands
2 minute summaryBest time to go
There’s an incredible sense of space in the Scottish Highlands, whether you’re cruising across a misty loch, pausing for breath on a snowy Cairngorms ...

Holiday information

Our top tip:
Summer is lovely for this trip, but don’t overlook the magnificent seasonal changes of autumn. With roaring fires and hot toddies to boot.
Trip type:
Tailor made.
Solos:
Solo travellers welcome. Surcharge for single room.
Accomm:
Small 3 and 4 star hotels.
Included:
1 night, dinner, b&b, rail and ferry fares, taxis as necessary, first class ticket on Jacobite Express.
Dietary requirements:
We can cater for vegetarian and vegan diets.

Reviews

99 Reviews of Scotland by railway holiday

4.5 out of 5 stars
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Reviewed on 19 Aug 2024 by

Just do it! Fantastic!!! Read full review

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2024 by

Fantastic!!! Read full review

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2024 by

Fantastic!!! Read full review

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2024 by

Fantastic!!! Read full review

Reviewed on 03 Aug 2024 by

The whole trip was memorable but Donald 's tour of Isle of Skye was outstanding for us. We really enjoyed all aspects of this tour especially the people who provided the accommodation as they were all welcoming and very helpful. Read full review

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2024 by

OUTSTANDING. Read full review

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2024 by

There were too many memorable moments, but it was our tour guide, Ciaran and his knowledge that made this vacation a joy... This vacation was fabulous and I recommend it to anyone wanting to visit Scotland for the first time. Read full review

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2023 by

I loved it and now that I'm home, I'm wishing I were still there. Read full review

Reviewed on 02 Jul 2023 by

Excellent - surpassed expectations. Read full review

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2023 by

I was very pleased. Read full review

Reviewed on 30 May 2023 by

Excellent! Would do this trip again! Read full review

Reviewed on 25 May 2023 by

The most memorable part of the holiday was the Jacobine train. Read full review

Reviewed on 18 May 2023 by

The accommodation was excellent, all the trains and transfers were on time and well organised. Hosts and drivers were thoughtful and friendly. The meal at Spean Bridge was excellent! We also enjoyed the tour of the Isle of Skye. Read full review

Reviewed on 26 Oct 2022 by

Wonderful. Had great support all along the way. Great suggestions of things to do and see. Read full review

Reviewed on 19 May 2022 by

Excellent, but the cold, windy and grey weather took the shine off it Read full review

Reviewed on 04 May 2022 by

Fabulous...The journey from Glasgow to Spean Bridge was so scenic and although long, the time just passed. The Old Pines was lovely and the evening meal exceptional. Fort William to Mallaig on the Jacobite steam train was another beautiful journey... Read full review

Reviewed on 25 Apr 2022 by

Our time on Isle of Mull was wonderful. Read full review

Reviewed on 02 Oct 2022 by

It was a very interesting experience. The trains worked very well and we would definitely use this mode of transport again for a holiday Read full review

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2021 by

For us this has been a unique experience. We travelled up on the Caledonian sleeper and had some relaxing train journeys through beautiful countryside. Our first holiday in the UK for many years and very rewarding. Read full review

Reviewed on 28 Sep 2021 by

Isle of Skye. Part of that was luck as we did a tour with an amazing guide with a good group. And we had a fascinating cab driver for a long ride. Other good parts but that was the most fun. Read full review

Reviewed on 21 Sep 2021 by

All of it was really lovely and the scenery was breathtaking Read full review

Reviewed on 16 Sep 2021 by

The spectacular rail journeys. The two wonderful hotels on Skye and at Spean Bridge. The Skye tour. Read full review

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2021 by

Very good - a good introduction to the Highlands of Scotland. Read full review

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2019 by

The most memorable part of the holiday was the Isle of skye. Read full review

Reviewed on 07 Oct 2019 by

Worth every penny. Read full review

Reviewed on 03 Oct 2019 by

All the train journeys were memorable but the favorite was the trip from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh - weather was beautiful and scenery stunning. Read full review

Reviewed on 29 Sep 2019 by

It was all great but the Isle of Skye was memorable. Read full review

Reviewed on 27 Sep 2019 by

We enjoyed scenic Isle of Skye and our ride on the Jacobite train. Read full review

Reviewed on 27 Sep 2019 by

The most exciting part of the trip was the sunset at Ben Nevis. Read full review

Reviewed on 25 Sep 2019 by

We took a long walk through the farmland and were gifted with a picture perfect rainbow hovering over the coastal lighthouse. Every detail went smoothly. Read full review

Reviewed on 24 Sep 2019 by

Travel by train was excellent Best way to see the environment and better for the environment Read full review

Reviewed on 11 Sep 2019 by

Every day was filled with incredible scenery. Read full review

Reviewed on 08 Sep 2019 by

Excellent! Read full review

Reviewed on 06 Sep 2019 by

The most memorable part of the holiday was the Isle of Skye day tour Read full review

Reviewed on 06 Sep 2019 by

The most memorable part of the holiday was the sunrise over the hills above Loch Carron from our bedroom window Read full review

Reviewed on 06 Sep 2019 by

The most memorable part of the holiday was the people of Scotland. They are wonderful! Read full review

Reviewed on 03 Sep 2019 by

Great way to see the Highlands. Very efficiently planned tour. Read full review

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2019 by

The scenery & meeting the people in the B & B's were the highlight of the holiday. Read full review

Reviewed on 07 Aug 2019 by

We enjoyed the whole train experience, Skye was the most interesting and not to miss. Read full review

Reviewed on 02 Aug 2019 by

The steam train journey travel was the most memorable part of the trip. Read full review

Reviewed on 07 Jul 2019 by

The most memorable part of the holiday was experiencing the beauty of Scotland. Every destination was different and offered different sites, points of interest. Read full review

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2019 by

We had a driver for a day in Perthshire who showed us so much and told us so much about the area. We just loved it. Read full review

Reviewed on 09 Jun 2019 by

The Jacobite steam train was memorable Read full review

Reviewed on 05 Jun 2019 by

The Isle of Skye was the most memorable part of our holiday. Read full review

Reviewed on 02 Jun 2019 by

Seeing a lot of different areas in Scotland was exciting. We enjoyed the history of the country from Edinburgh to Culloden battlefield. The places were clean and the people friendly. Read full review

Reviewed on 30 May 2019 by

The whole tour was great, very well organized. We really enjoyed going around the Isle of Skye. Read full review

Reviewed on 13 May 2019 by

The beautiful scenery and the friendly and interesting people we met were the most memorable parts of our holiday. Read full review

Reviewed on 11 May 2019 by

Touring the Isle of Skye with Roddy MacDonald was memorable. Read full review

Reviewed on 05 Oct 2019 by

4**** Read full review

Reviewed on 05 Oct 2019 by

Overall we enjoyed the highlands as they are spectacular in their beauty. Read full review

Reviewed on 06 Aug 2019 by

Rannoch Moor, Staffa was the most memorable part of the holiday. Read full review

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2019 by

The most exciting part of the holiday was visiting Isle of Skye Read full review

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2019 by

The Isle of Skye with its variety of scenery was the most memorable. Read full review

Reviewed on 05 Nov 2018 by

All the small, locally owned hotels were great, the people were friendly and helpful. Also, we met so many interesting and nice people on the trains... It was exceptional. Read full review

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2018 by

Excellent in terms of enjoyability and overall organisation of the package Read full review

Reviewed on 26 Sep 2018 by

(We loved)… Being able to enjoy the views from the train without having to drive! Read full review

Reviewed on 01 Sep 2018 by

I had a splendid time, and though I might do a few things differently next time around, overall, it was a huge success. Read full review

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2018 by

It was wonderful. Read full review

Reviewed on 05 Jul 2018 by

Very special Read full review

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2018 by

Half day tour of Skye with Gordon McIntyre from Kyles Taxis was most memorable Read full review

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2018 by

One of my the best holiday experiences we have had. As independent travelers we enjoyed having organised transport and accommodation but still moving independently. Read full review

Reviewed on 03 Jun 2018 by

The great way to travel, by train!! So relaxing and we met great people. Then we got to spend time on our own at the different stops. Unlike a bus tour where you must go to specific places and be back at a specific time, we were able to explore the towns on our terms. Read full review

Reviewed on 29 May 2018 by

Great scenery, train trips and wonderful weather. Read full review

Reviewed on 19 May 2018 by

Each stop was unique. Excellent trip. Read full review

Reviewed on 29 Sep 2018 by

8/10..Pack light. There is so much moving around with your suit case yes Read full review

Reviewed on 14 Sep 2018 by

The overall beauty of Scotland was awesome. The Isle of Skye hotel had a great restaurant and pub. The Blair Athol Castle in Pitlochry was really special. Read full review

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2018 by

The people of Scotland were warm and welcoming... The land is beautiful in its own way and well worth a tour Read full review

Reviewed on 14 May 2018 by

The most memorable moment was the train ride from Inverness to Glasgow. We liked it a lot. The breakfasts were delicious, the service was great and taxis and trains were always on time. Read full review

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2018 by

The highlight was time on the Isle of Skye - it is a very special place Read full review

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2017 by

The most memorable was staying in 200+ year-old homes, which have been meticulously maintained. Read full review

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2017 by

Great trip. Loved Scotland and its people. Read full review

Reviewed on 09 Oct 2017 by

Skye is stunning and the trip on the Jacobite Express was a lovely afternoon. Read full review

Reviewed on 25 Sep 2017 by

Of course as always it is really the people you meet that make the journey, Scotland did not disappoint. Everyone was exceedingly friendly, helpful and a delight. Read full review

Reviewed on 18 Sep 2017 by

Wonderful scenery. Read full review

Reviewed on 02 Aug 2017 by

The most memorable part was the visit to the Isle of Skye where my ancestors came from, and our stay at Kinloch Lodge there, with outstanding food prepared by their chef. Read full review

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2017 by

The scenery and the stunning views were the highlight. An excellent trip - thanks!! Read full review

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2017 by

It was an excellent stay. Beautiful landscapes, Scots charming, good quality of restaurants and guest houses. Not or few traffic jams in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Read full review

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2017 by

Our holiday was exceptional, we enjoyed every aspect of the trip and the effortless planning was most enjoyable. Read full review

Reviewed on 10 Jun 2017 by

The Jacobite Express was terrific and we had really good seats. The pub at our accommodation in Skye was great fun and good food. Best meals at Killiecrankie Hotel. Read full review

Reviewed on 23 Oct 2017 by

The most memorable was our private tour of the Isle of Skye. Good way to see a lot of Scotland without driving. Read full review

Reviewed on 01 Oct 2017 by

Our holiday was well planned and ran very smoothly. The accommodation was of really good quality and we most enjoyed our visit to Pitlochry and Glasgow. Read full review

Reviewed on 20 Sep 2017 by

Train travel is so relaxing although it does perhaps preclude some of those unplanned and impetuous detours! Read full review

Reviewed on 03 Aug 2017 by

We enjoyed all of the holiday... Isle of Sky was probable the most memorable Read full review

Reviewed on 04 Jul 2017 by

Most enjoyable part was our two days on Isle of Skye. Very beautiful and dramatic scenery! Very enjoyable! Read full review

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2017 by

The most memorable moments was breakfasts, some of the greetings we got and the dinner on the last night. Add to that some fantastic scenery and the stream train. Read full review

Reviewed on 02 Jun 2017 by

The highlights was probably the steam journey to Fort William and the and the final days journey over Rannock Moor the whole holiday lived up to our expectations. Read full review

Reviewed on 13 May 2017 by

The most memorable was Isle of Skye and Viewfield House. Well organised, interesting places choosen, lovely hotels. Read full review

Reviewed on 07 May 2017 by

The highlight was traveling by train thorough the moors and mountains of Scotland in the comfort of the train. We travel extensively and this rated as one of our top 3 vacations. Read full review

Reviewed on 31 Mar 2017 by

The most memorable was walking up to the Old Man of Storr. Amazing views. Top class. Read full review

Reviewed on 21 Sep 2016 by

The entire trip was absolutely breath-taking and well planned. The highlight was Killiecrankie, beautiful scenery and magnificent food. Read full review

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2016 by

Excellent enjoyed every minute so keep up the great service to visitors to your country. Read full review

Reviewed on 21 May 2016 by

This was a first-class tour which is very well thought out and planned. The trains were comfortable and a great way to travel about. Read full review

Reviewed on 23 Sep 2015 by

Excellent. We loved everything about it except that it was over too soon! Read full review

Reviewed on 27 Sep 2015 by

Excellent. Accommodations, hosts, meals, and travel arrangements all exceeded our expectations. Read full review

Reviewed on 07 Sep 2015 by

Excellent ... so easy, comfortable and enjoyable. Read full review

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2015 by

Very good indeed. In general and excellent holiday and a good way to see Scotland. Read full review

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2015 by

It was very enjoyable and I recommend it for train enthusiasts. Read full review

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2015 by

Simply ONE OF THE BEST holidays that I have every been on Read full review

Reviewed on 28 Sep 2014 by

A wonderful experience.... Read full review

Responsible Travel

As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your holiday to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.

Planet

We are continually increasing our range of public transport holidays for those who actively choose low-carbon transport. This holiday has been carefully-designed to allow you to explore much of Scotland, from the cities of Glasgow, Inverness and Edinburgh to rural Perthshire and even the magical Isle of Skye without a car. It takes you beyond the end of the train lines, through the careful addition of short taxi transfers. We recommend that you explore further on foot or by public transport in each local area. The accommodation chosen takes you a little off the beaten tourist track, so that you will have a more authentic experience. In each place, there are plentiful local walks, and some short trips available by local bus - we will provide suggestions and recommendations in your holiday pack, but do check the most up-to-date information with the staff at your hotel.

We take the utmost care to choose local business partners who share our values and commitment to sustainable travel, preferring to work with locally-owned and managed businesses wherever possible. Your hotel in Spean Bridge is committed to home-cooked organic food, while the country house hotel in Perthshire has its own kitchen garden and prides itself on making the most of locally-sourced produce. We build long-term relationships based on mutual trust with our business partners, with a joint commitment to excellent customer satisfaction and care for the environment.

People

For us, true sustainability means promoting and helping to maintain a way of life, where the economic benefit from tourism can make a genuine difference. That’s why we work almost exclusively with local, family-run businesses, not with large corporate organisations. We build close and lasting relationships with our business partners, based on mutual trust and an unerring commitment to customer satisfaction. We carefully select these partners to ensure that they share our values of sustainable and responsible travel. For example, the accommodation on the Isle of Skye is a small B&B which is ran by a member of the local community.

All of our holiday packs include "Robert's Recommendations", our specific tips on places to visit, places to eat and places to shop locally, all of which have been researched by us, and many of which are off-the-beaten track.

We are corporate members of the John Muir Trust, an organisation committed to protecting the wild land of the Scottish highlands and islands.

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