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Round Scotland by train, from £925pp for 7 nights

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.

Very well organised; excellent travel arrangements & hotel selection. Alan & Gwen, East Sussex

Day One - The West Highland Line

Your journey starts by train from Glasgow by travelling the scenic West Highland line from Glasgow passing by Loch Lomond and over 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.We would also strongly recommend hiring a car for a day or using the services of our local guide, if you would like to explore very much of this large island.

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 adjacent 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.

Prices & Dates

This holiday can be arranged from April to October.  Holidays from 14th May onwards include the Jacobite steam train. Outside these dates the same route can also be booked, but a standard train service operates to Mallaig.

The price is £925 per person for April & October, £955 for May & June, £975 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.

Part of the journey on the Jacobite steam train