Classic Round Scotland by Train
Your first Highland hotel is cosy & family run
Take a break from the train - and sail over the sea to Skye
The Jacobite Express steam train - the holiday highlight for many!
Skye's magnificent Cuillin mountains
The Jacobite Express steaming across the Glenfinnan Viaduct
Stunning setting for your hotel on Skye
Your route includes the wonderful North Highland Line too
Your final stop is a country hotel near Pitlochry
In these eco-aware times, many holidaymakers long to abandon the car; however grappling with Scottish train timetables and ferry charts is not for the faint-hearted. We have designed this holiday especially for ‘car-less’ travellers who want to experience authentic Scotland independently.
Day One - The West Highland Line
Your journey starts by train from Glasgow, travelling the scenic West Highland line - voted "Best railway journey in the world" by readers of Wanderlust magazine. You pass by glorious Loch Lomond and over beautiful but desolate Rannoch Moor to reach Spean Bridge in the Highlands and a cosy family-run small hotel.
Day Two - Over the sea to Skye
Today, travel first class on the Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig, over the famous Glenfinnan viaduct and through some more stunning highland scenery, before reaching the ferry port. Next, travel by ferry over the sea to southern Skye where a local taxi will whisk you the short journey to reach your white-washed hotel deep in the heart of the Gaelic community of this part of the island.
Day Three - the Isle of Skye
A day to relax and explore the village and local area - on foot or local bus. Should you wish to explore much of this large island, we strongly recommend hiring a car for a day or using the services of our local guide.
Day Four - to Inverness
Another taxi ride across the Skye bridge, then catch your next train at Kyle of Lochalsh, for a majestic and dramatically picturesque trip to Inverness. You will stay in an award-winning family-run guesthouse close to the centre.
Day Five
Time to explore the highland capital, perhaps taking a boat trip on nearby Loch Ness or tour to Culloden.
Day Six - To Perthshire
Continue south through the highlands to the popular tourist town of Pitlochry, then by taxi to the nearby village of Killiecrankie, where you will stay in a comfortable country hotel.
Day Seven
Time to explore the National Trust gorge, site of another famous battle, or visit nearby Blair Castle, with the adjacent House of Bruar - a mecca for Scottish souvenir shopping, or simply relax in comfortable country house surroundings.
Day Eight - to Edinburgh
Return to Pitlochry for your final train journey to Edinburgh - with options to extend your stay in the city.
This route starts in Glasgow, travels by the world-famous West Highland Line up the West coast, crosses to the Isle of Skye, then travels by the North Highland Line to Inverness, before heading south through Perthshire, and finishes in Edinburgh.
The price is £975 per person for April & October, £995 for May & June, £1025 per person for July, August & September. Price is based on two adults sharing a double or twin room and includes 4 nights bed & breakfast, and 3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in our hand-picked selection of small 3 and 4 star hotels. It includes rail, ferry and taxi travel as detailed above.
We would also be delighted to assist with hotel reservations in Glasgow and Edinburgh, from our selection of centrally located, high quality hotel and aparthotel options.
All touring holidays include a map of Scotland, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.
All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.
The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee
All our holiday prices include a service charge of £8 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.
We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.
This holiday can be arranged from April to October. Holidays from mid May onwards usually include the Jacobite steam train. Outside these dates the same route can be booked, but a standard train service operates to Mallaig.
To check the latest availability for this holiday complete the form below or call us on 0844 873 6110 from the UK, or toll-free from USA & Canada 1 866 922 8538 and +44 844 873 6110 for all other countries.
Check availability
Please note all form fields are required unless otherwise stated optional.
Very well organised; excellent travel arrangements & hotel selection.
Very detailed itinerary, great attention to detail, excellent accommodation and very reasonably priced. Really appreciated the personal attention, value for money and professionalism.
