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, take a trip on the Strathspey Steam Railway through the glorious Cairngorms National Park and enjoy a steam-hauled voyage aboard the iconic Jacobite Steam Train on the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig. This is an unforgettable way to discover Scotland, with these breathtaking journeys promise to enchant and captivate.What's Included?
Includes- Return coach travel- First & last night at s selected Holiday Inn, Glasgow Airport (JG3 rating) with breakfast- 4 nights at the Carrbridge Hotel, Cairngorms National Park (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast- Heritage train journeys on the Kyle Railway Line, Strathspey Steam Railway & the West Highland Line aboard The Jacobite Steam Train- Photo stop at Loch Ness viewpoint- Free time in Kyle of Lochalsh, Aviemore & Mallaig- En-route visit to Edinburgh

Itinerary
Included ExcursionsKyle of Lochalsh Railway (full day)We head to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness, 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, through Dingwall and past the huge isolated mountain of Ben Wyvis. We disembark in the pretty village of Kyle of Lochalsh, where we enjoy some free time before heading back to Fort William. En route back to our hotel, we enjoy a stunning photo opportunity at a Loch Ness viewpoint (cameras at the ready to try and capture the elusive Nessie)!West Highland Line & Mallaig (full day)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.Strathspey Steam Railway & Aviemore (full day)We make our way to Aviemore station to board our train on the Strathspey Steam Railway, which takes us through the picturesque mountain vistas, heather-clad moors and woodland of the Cairngorms National Park, the largest national park in the British Isles. Following the banks of the River Spey, we journey to Broomhill, which famously featured as Glenbogle station in the popular BBC series Monarch of the Glen. We then return to the peaceful town of Aviemore by coach and spend some time at leisure. 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 before we embark on another scenic drive to our hotel.Edinburgh (half day)After checking out of our Cairngorms 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.

Scottish Highlands
The glorious Scottish Highlands, an area of diverse scenery and flourishing wildlife with a varied climate, welcomes visitors all year round to discover its many treasures. Whatever part of this wonderful region you explore, you won't be disappointed.Hotel
Carrbridge Hotel, CarrbridgeJG3 ratingDating back to 1803, the Carrbridge Hotel was once an inn for tired travellers and is now a lovely spot to relax in amidst the stunning Cairngorms. The hotel offers a comfy lounge, bar and restaurant while the en-suite rooms feature a hairdryer, TV, free Wi-Fi and tea and coffee-making facilities.Selected hotel, Glasgow AirportJG3 ratingOn the first and last night of our tour, we'll also stay at a selected hotel at Glasgow Airport (JG3 rating) such as the Holiday Inn or the Holiday Inn Express. All rooms are en suite and other facilities include a bar and restaurant.Hotel RatingJG3 ratingHotels 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.