Scotland Explorer: Hike & Rail

Programme

Day 1: Forth Rail Bridges and Pitlochry

Individual arrival in Edinburgh (or Glasgow). Your first train journey takes you across the Firth of Forth via the famous Forth Rail Bridge, a symbol of Scotland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After taking in some great views of the Firth of Forth your journey will continue through Perthshire to the quaint Victorian Spa town of Pitlochry, just outside the Cairngorms National Park. This popular tourist resort offers a variety of hillwalking opportunities with mountains like Ben Vrackie and Schiehallion close by. Or take an easy stroll through the extensive parks along the river Tummel and visit Pitlochry’s best-known tourist attraction, the salmon ladder. Accommodation: Pitlochry

Day 2: Whisky Distillery and Killiecrankie Gorge

A varied trek leads you from the town centre through heather moors to Killiecrankie, a magnificent wooded river gorge, where one of the goriest battles in Jacobite history took place. At the visitor centre you can learn all about the area’s history before heading back through picturesque larch and pine forests. Another short walk leads you to Edradour Whisky Distillery, one of the smallest and most picturesque distilleries in Scotland. Immerse yourself in the secrets of „aqua vitae“, from the making to maturation techniques, followed by a dram full of character and flavours. In the neighbouring town resides the radiant Blair Castle, its history dating back to the 13th century. Accommodation: Pitlochry

Optional add-on: Inverness and the seaside resort of Nairn

The train takes you through the Cairngorms National Park to the Highland capital of Inverness. Take a stroll through the city and along the river Ness, or visit the Caledonian Canal. Nessie fans might want to take a boat trip on Loch Ness and visit Urquhart Castle, a magnificent ruined castle with stunning views over the lake. Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns are two historic sites close to Inverness and worth a visit if time allows. In the afternoon you will reach Nairn, a quaint seaside resort on the Moray Firth, known for its beautiful sandy beaches. Accommodation: Nairn

Optional add-on: Cawdor Castle

In the morning you can enjoy Nairn’s white sandy beaches. If you’re lucky you might spot some of the resident dolphins, the Moray Firth being home to the most northerly dolphin population in the world. A short journey takes you to Cawdor Castle, best known for its literary connection to William Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth. Or follow the River Nairn on an enjoyable ramble from the harbour to the countryside above the town. Accommodation: Nairn

Day 3: The Atlantic coast via Inverness

A highlight is the train journey from the Highland capital of Inverness through the mountain ranges of the Northern Highlands to Kyle of Lochalsh. Enjoy the fantastic views over to the Isle of Skye before taking the bus to Portree, the largest town and capital of Skye. Take a walk around the town and relax in one of its many cafés. Accommodation: Isle of Skye

Day 4: The Isle of Skye

The Cuillin mountain range, picturesque fishing villages, waterfalls and thatched cottages – every view is a great view! The basalt columns of the famous Kilt Rock sea cliff resemble a kilt, here the Mealt Waterfall plunges 200 feet into the sea. Visit the truly spectacular Quiraing Massive, with its distinctive landscape an icon of Scotland. The landslip on the north eastern side of the Trotternish Ridge is still moving today. Rock formations like The Needle, The Table and The Prison in ever-changing lightin conditions provide superb motives to be captured with your camera. In the afternoon step back in time at the “Museum of Island Life” in the north of the island. There are a variety of breath-taking walks all over the island. Accommodation: Isle of Skye

Day 5: ‘Iron Road to the Isles’

In the morning you will take the ferry back over to the mainland to the quaint fishing port of Mallaig. Considered by many as the most scenic rail journey in the world, the West Highland Line delves deep into the wild west coast. One of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe, the Great Moor of Rannoch is a vast expanse of boggy moorland, lochans, rivers and rocky outcrops. From Fort William you carry on to Mallaig, passing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, which played a starring role in the Harry Potter films with the Hogwarts Express chuffing across it. The `Iron Road to the Isles`, will captivate you with its rugged landscape, wild lochs, jagged fjords and breath-taking views over the islands off the west coast. Accommodation:  Accommodation: Fort William

Day 6: Ben Nevis

Fort William, the hiking capital of Scotland, is situated at the foot of Great Britain’s tallest mountain – Ben Nevis. The area has a fantastic range of walks and hiking routes for all levels of ability. By far the easiest way to enjoy the mountain panorama is to take the mountain gondola. Another easy option is a walk to the nearby Glen Nevis, one of the most beautiful and spectacular valleys in Scotland. Scaling the summit of Ben Nevis is straightforward but should not be underestimated. But the views from the top, on a clear day, are tremendous and cover much of the surrounding Highlands. In the evening enjoy a well-deserved pint in one of the many local pubs. Accommodation: Fort William

Optional add-on: Rannoch Moor and Corrour station

Today you take the train through the Great Moor of Rannoch, a vast expanse of boggy moorland, lochans, rivers and rocky outcrops. Here you will arrive at Corrour station, the highest mainline railway station and one of the most remote in the United Kingdom. Situated at the edge of the moor, the station is not accessible by any public roads. You will stay at the lovingly converted old Signal Box. With beautiful landscapes, abundant wildlife, peaceful nights, and remarkable starscapes, Corrour is the ultimate wilderness escape. Accommodation: Corrour Station

Day 7: Trossachs National Park and Glasgow

Your trip continues with another panoramic journey alongside Loch Lomond and through the Trossachs National Park. In the afternoon you will reach Glasgow, where you have a few hours to spend. Highlights are Glasgow Cathedral, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Glasgow University and the re-vitalised docks on the river Clyde. In the late afternoon you continue to Scotland’s capital Edinburgh. After the short one-hour journey you can finish the day with an ale or a whisky in one of the many cosy Old Town pubs. Accommodation: Edinburgh

Day 8: The capital Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland’s beautiful capital, is said to be built on seven hills, an allusion to the seven hills of Rome. On a sightseeing bus tour you will discover the Old and New Town (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), the Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy the views from Carlton Hill, visit one of the many museums like the National Gallery or head to Leith where the Royal Yacht Britannia is moored. In the evening fantastic restaurants and cosy pubs invite you to linger and soak in the lively atmosphere. If you’re brave enough you can join one of the many ghost tours through to discover Edinburgh’s dark past. Accommodation: Edinburgh

Services

Tour includes

• 8 overnight stays in 3*-4* en-suite accommodation (or more, depending on add-ons)
• Scottish breakfast
• all train journeys as per programme
• ferry to Skye
• local bus on Skye (Kyle-Armadale)
• city tour Edinburgh
• comprehensive info-pack and walking maps
• 24/7 emergency hotline

Not Included

• flights
• airport transfer
• luggage transfer
• lunch and dinner
• admissions

Optional add-ons

• £69 pp additional night in Edinburgh/Glasgow, double/twin room in B&B accommodation (+ £41 pp single supplement)
• £89 pp additional night in Edinburgh/Glasgow, double/twin room in hotel accommodation (+ £61 pp single supplement=

Additional Information

Duration: 9, 11 or 12 days
Participants: 1-8 pax
Starts: Glasgow (transfer from Edinburgh possible)
Finishes: Edinburgh (transfer to Glasgow possible)

We endeavour to book all accommodation within walking distance (no more than 10 minutes) of the train station. If this is not possible, for whatever reason, we will inform you and discuss further options and suitable alternatives. We will also make sure that train departures fit the overall itinerary and that all interchanges are coordinated to make for a smooth and relaxed experience. 

When deciding on your travel dates, please bear in mind that we require at least 6 weeks to prepare. Every trip is meticulously planned and organised, and the information pack is compiled with great care and attention. We also have to allow time for the information pack to be delivered (postal delivery can take on average 4 weeks in Europe). If you do want to travel at short notice, please contact us by email. Thank you for your cooperation!

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