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 to captivating journeys. 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, and whether you are a railway enthusiast or first timer, these breathtaking journeys promise to enchant and captivate.What's Included?
IncludesReturn coach travel5 nights at a selected hotel in the Cairngorms National Park (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfastHeritage train journeys on the Kyle Railway Line, Strathspey Steam Railway & the West Highland Line aboard The Jacobite Steam TrainPhoto stop at Loch Ness viewpointFree time in Kyle of Lochalsh, Aviemore & Mallaig

Itinerary
Included ExcursionsKyle of Lochalsh to Inverness Railway (full day)En-route to our first railway, we enjoy a stunning photo opportunity at a Loch Ness viewpoint (cameras at the ready to try and capture the elusive Nessie)! We continue out 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 dramatic 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.Strathspey Steam Railway & Aviemore (full day)We make our way to Aviemore station to board a 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.West Highland Line & Mallaig (full day)We head by coach to Fort William, a picturesque town which sits in the shadow of Ben Nevis. 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.Update @ 21/3/24: we are aware that the Jacobite service is currently suspended whilst West Coast Railways are in discussion with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) Regulator. Should this dispute affect your departure date, we will move you to the Scotrail service on the same line and refund you the difference in cost.

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
HotelIn the Scottish Highlands, we stay one of two hotels:Highlander Hotel, NewtonmoreJG3 ratingNestled in the stunning Cairngorms National Park, the Highlander Hotel is located in the village of Newtonmore. Featuring a restaurant, bar, lounge, a garden and en-suite rooms with TV, free Wi-Fi and tea and coffee-making facilities, this hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay.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.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.