Day 1 – 3
Departing from Glasgow, head north on the Highland Main line to Inverness. Stop off en route at the historic city of Stirling to visit the Castleor venture a few miles out of town to the Battle of Bannockburnand the site of Bruce’s famous victory that secured the country’s independence.
When you arrive in Inverness you’ll be spoilt for choice for eating and accommodation options. Whatever your budget, there is a lot to enjoy in the Highland Capital and we recommend you spend a couple of days exploring the city and surrounding area. Hire a bike and cycle part of the Great Glen Way, take a boat trip on Loch Ness, enjoy a bus tour of the city or head out to Culloden battlefield– the last hand-to-hand battle fought on British soil.
Day 4
Travel coast to coast through dramatic landscapes enjoying views of mountains and lochs. Leaving Inverness, the Kyle line curves around the western edge of the Beauly Firth to Dingwall before heading West through the valleys of Strath Bran and Glen Carron. The final few miles take you along the coastline of Loch Carron into the small port of Kyle of Lochalsh on the West Coast.
Stay over in Kyle of Lochalsh and enjoy the local hospitality or head out for a walk in this stunning landscape. Alternatively, we suggest you head on by bus over the Skye Bridge and down to Armadale where you can catch the CalMac ferry (not included in the pass) on the short crossing back to the mainland at Mallaig and catch the last train to Fort William.
The section from Mallaig to Fort William is recognised as possibly the greatest rail journey in the world, and for good reason. Frequently used as a film location, you’ll pass near the silver sands of Morar (from Local Hero) and over the Glenfinnan Viaduct (from Harry Potter). As you pass over the viaduct, and depending on the time of year, look to the setting sun in the west and the poignant monument to the Jacobite Rising at the head of Loch Shiel.
Day 5
Enjoy a day in Fort William, the outdoor capital of Scotland, where there is lots to see and do. Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, and the Caledonian Canal’s Neptune’s Staircase are just two local attractions, but you can also try mountain biking, quad bike tours, wildlife safaris, gorge walking, white water rafting, canyoning or bushcraft skills, to name but a few.
Day 6 - 7
Catch the mid-morning bus to Oban and you’ll arrive in this bustling port about lunchtime. However, we suggest you grab’n’go for lunch or get something to eat on the 45-minute CalMac ferry crossing (not included in your pass) to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. Catch one of the local buses (not included in your pass) on to the island’s main town of Tobermory. Enjoy an afternoon here exploring this pretty little town and enjoy a meal or drink before heading back to the ferry terminal for an evening cruise back to Oban where you’ll stay.
Next day make the most of your time here with a visit to the local distillery, a day trip to the nearby islands of Kerrera or Lismore, or a walk up the hill to the town’s most famous landmark – McCaig’s Tower. However, whatever you do, make sure to enjoy some of the world’s best seafood served fresh from the sea and cooked to perfection.
Day 8
Enjoy the final morning in Oban before catching the train back to Glasgow. This section of the West Highland line takes you north to Connel Ferry before cutting inland, over the Pass of Brander and Ben Cruachan(site of the power station inside the mountain), skirting the beautiful Loch Awe which recently featured in the Disney+ series, ‘Star Wars: Andor’. Passing the ruin of Kilchurn Castle you’ll start to head south towards the popular walking area of the “Arrochar Alps”. You’ll soon pass the iconic Loch Lomond (and you may have time for a quick cruise on the Loch) before your final few miles into Glasgow along the Firth of Clyde.
Day 1
Head out of Edinburgh and travel north, crossing the Firth of Forth via the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Forth Bridge. Stop off at Leuchars and take the regular shuttle bus or grab a taxi for the five miles or so to St Andrews, the Home of Golf. However, if golf is not your thing, there is the ruined Abbey, medieval streets and plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants to keep you occupied. Rejoining the train at Leuchars, head on to Dundee and Perth.
Day 2
After spending the night in Perth, take the Highland Main Line north towards Inverness. Stop off in the pretty Highland Perthshire village of Pitlochry for lunch on your way to Aviemore.
Day 3 - 4
You can easily spend a week or more enjoying the many outdoor experiences on offer in and around Aviemore. We recommend you enjoy a ride from the golden age of steam on the Strathspey Railwayto Boat of Garten and then take in some Osprey spotting at the nearby RSPB reserve. Alternatively take the Mountain Railway for panoramic views from the top of CairnGorm Mountainor visit Rothiemurchus Estateto take part in a huge range of activities, from walking and pony hacking to quad biking and tree top adventures on the TreeZone high ropes. Families will be entertained at the Landmark Forest Adventure Parkin Carrbridge or step back in time to the 1700s at the Highland Folk Museum, Newtonmore.
Day 5
From Aviemore take the train to Inverness and then on to Kyle of Lochalsh on one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world. Disembark on the way at the picturesque village of Plockton and take a boat trip to see wild seals. Alternatively, visit Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most iconic sights, and easily recognised from films such as Highlander and James Bond’s, The World is Not Enough.
Day 6 - 7
Using Kyle of Lochalsh as a base, spend a couple of days exploring the local area and, in particular, the romantic Isle of Skye. Skye is a truly magical place, home to some of Scotland's most iconic landscapes - you will surely fall under its spell.
Day 8
For your final day, retrace your route from Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness and then south to Edinburgh – maybe stopping off to do some of the things you were unable to do on your way north?
