The West Highland Railway Line is renowned world over for its engineering and glorious scenery, with a route which brings new and stunning views at every turn. This unique holiday combines a fabulous day trip on the Jacobite Express steam train, from Fort William to Mallaig, with a small family run hotel in the pretty village of Spean Bridge.

Your Hotel

With views toward Ben Nevis, your hotel is a popular restaurant serving organic, home-cooked food, which also has comfortable but informal accommodation. On arrival, you will be greeted with fresh tea and home-made scones. Settle into your room to unwind, or take a stroll down the quiet country lanes for amazing views of Ben Nevis, Loch Lochy and the Great Glen and work up an appetite for dinner. There are comfy sofas and cosy corners in the sitting rooms with 'a library of books begging to be looked at' and when the need arises, real fires to warm your toes. This is a perfect haven for a relaxing break whatever time of year, where the pace of life slows the minute you arrive.

The hotel is around a mile from the rail station - and will pick up/drop off guests if required. There are many walking trails close to the hotel, including the Great Glen Way, as well as the famous and impressive Commando memorial. Fort William is only 17 minutes away by train.

Steam Train Trip

You will need to catch the morning train from the small local station to catch the special steam train departure, and can return to your hotel by train at the end of the day.

Described as one of the great railway journeys of the world this 84 mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive sites. It starts near the highest mountain in Britain (Ben Nevis), visits Britain's most westerly mainland railway station (Arisaig), then passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain (Loch Morar), and the shortest river in Britain (River Morar) and finally arrives next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe - Loch Nevis. The train leaves Fort William at 10:20am and returns to Fort William at 4:00pm with an hour and a half in Mallaig. It is a great way to spend the day!

The train does stop en route to Mallaig at the village of Glenfinnan where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745. After crossing the world famous 21 arch Glenfinnan viaduct, which has been used in the Harry Potter movies, and offers wonderful views down Loch Shiel, the train stops at the station giving you time to stretch your legs and visit the Museum in the station buildings.

Beyond are the villages of Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig. On a clear summer's day from Arisaig you can see the "Small Isles" of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna and the southern tip of Skye. From there the train passes Morar and the silvery beaches used in the films "Highlander" and "Local Hero".

The final destination is of course Mallaig. Not only an access point to the Isle of Skye by ferry but also a thriving fishing community. There is plenty to see and do while in the village and you have plenty of time before the return journey to Fort William.

Price from £259 per person, based on 2 people sharing a room for 2 nights on a dinner bed & breakfast basis. Children sharing a family room start from £119 per child, including children's tea.

Price includes a first class day return on the Jacobite Steam train. We can also arrange for return rail travel on the West Highland Line from Glasgow to Spean Bridge for an additional £45 per person.

This holiday operates between the 19th May until 10th October 2008 only.

You can also choose to say an extra night at the hotel, and explore more of the local area, for £59 per person per night (BB).

This holiday is available based on road travel to/from the hotel, or you can travel by train from Glasgow, or even by sleeper from London, using the modern services operating on the West Highland Line.

All our touring holidays include a map of Scotland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, 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 £7 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.