Castles, Gardens, Skye & Glencoe Guided Rail Tour

Arrive in Scotland’s capital and settle into your centrally located accommodation. Twisting alleys and cobbled streets speak of the past, pipers play beneath sandstone monuments and Edinburgh Castle sits high in this city of historical wonder. Maybe arrive a day or two early and make the most of your time here – let us know if we can assist with arrangements for you.

The evocative Old Town of Edinburgh is the ancient heart of the city – take the afternoon to walk in the footsteps of famous kings and queens, visit collections of art from through the ages or take a tour of homes and dungeons not changed in half a millennium.

This evening, meet your fellow travellers and tour leader for a welcome meal. Let the tour leader set the scene for the week to follow before getting a good night’s rest just a short distance from your morning train.

Your Accommodation in Edinburgh

Your comfortable and welcoming hotel is inspired by Edinburgh’s rich history, a place where modern design blends with the traditional to create a relaxed atmosphere. A short walk from both the castle and parliament building, it’s right in the heart of Scotland’s capital.

Set off from Waverley Station on the train to Blair Atholl. Pass over the iconic Forth Bridge, a 19^th century feat of engineering made by seven million rivets and four thousand men. To the west, the two road bridges stitch North and South Queensferry together; to the east, North Sea oilrigs hang on the horizon like clothes pegs. Look out for the rabble of seals on Inchgarvie Island below. The train passes by ancient towns and villages as civilisation thins around the track and we enter the Highlands.

Disembark at Blair Atholl station and take the short walk to Blair Castle. Set in nine acres of walled garden with haunting follies and life sized statues of demi gods, this grand place is sure to be a highlight of the trip. Hear stories spanning generations and learn of Europe’s only private army. Next hop on a private minibus to Pitlochry and spend the afternoon exploring this attractive town. Take a walk over the Tummel Suspension Bridge then look out for salmon climbing through Pitlochry dam – or maybe stop at the Explorers Garden, a collection of exotic plants contextualised by the adventurers who discovered them.

End the day with a visit to the scene of a vicious battle and hear how a night in the local pub raised an army to take on the government.

Your Accommodation in Pitlochry

This Victorian ex-doctor’s residence has been skilfully upgraded to create a most agreeable guest house. The glass sided dining room juts in to the garden, where you might be lucky enough to see red squirrels play around the mature monkey puzzle tree. Inside, comfortable and cosy en-suite bedrooms ensure another great night’s rest before the adventures continue.

Dinner is at leisure this evening – your guide will happily provide recommendations.

Embark on a train journey through the Cairngorms and onto Inverness. Layers of alpine forest appear among the blue and purple mountains. The tracks cross over River Findhorn before reaching the Highland city. Change trains in Inverness and head out on the Kyle Line from east to west coast.

Coniferous trees tumble into the Black Water river until forests thin and disappear. Heather and bog fill the expanse beneath big skies, pleated streams drain water from peat and heath. The windswept browns of the North Highlands turn green as the train saunters towards the west. Pass under cliffs and through tunnels before stopping at Loch Carron.

Step off the train and into Attadale Gardens. Known as a painter’s garden, each section is set out to give a plethora of scents and colours. Spend the afternoon in the company of the owner and learn of the garden’s rich history; walk through the natural wonders and enjoy an exclusive lunch in the country house.

From here it’s a short transfer to Plockton and your accommodation for the next two days.

Your Accommodation in Plockton

With views over the sea loch Carron, this family run hotel is a lovely place to stay. Locally sourced ingredients make the food special – much of the seafood is landed on the pier only a short walk away. Dinner is included on your first evening here. The harbour side hotel is traditionally built and gives a great Scottish seaside experience. Spend the evening exploring the village and discover its connections to the silver screen or choose from the fine range of malt whiskies available in the bar.

Hop on board a private mini-bus and head over the bridge to Skye. In the company of an expert local guide visit the changing scenes of this famous island. Pinnacles and mountain peaks rise through passing clouds, brighten in the sunlight then retreat. Natural phenomena and volcanic absurdities have scarred the land with scenic wonders. Local traditions remain strong; crofts and farms raise crops and livestock, crafts and artisanal products are available in most shops. Learn of the changing life on the island, the histories, the families, the feuds.

Reach the top of windswept plateaus, walk past waterfalls that cascade down rocky staircases. Moments pass and shimmer as the island’s weather delights, clouds drag over the mountains then out to sea as if horse drawn. With each corner turned the changing beauties tell the story of the island’s violent creation. Dinosaurs then animals have survived on this rock from the moment it cooled. Discover the oral tradition of Scotland, stories passed down from generation to generation – taste flavours taken from the wild then capture images to keep forever.

Travel south through Skye and hear of mountain races started in rural bars and learn of the beer that fuels them. If the tide is right and the ferry timetable allows, visit Armadale Castle & Gardens to glimpse an Elysian staircase surrounded by crumbling glories. Next it’s all aboard the ferry to Mallaig. Sit top deck and look in any direction for views of awe and drama, listen for the Grey Dog of Meoble and learn of a local monster to rival Nessie. On arrival, take a couple of hours to explore the seaside town before boarding the train.

Built to open up Scotland’s remote West Coast, The West Highland Line has had trains travelling on it since 1901. As you leave Mallaig, watch the Atlantic Ocean wash between the Inner Hebrides; Eigg Island rises to the west like a dolphin breaching the waves, rocky promontories outstretch from the mainland and slip beneath the salty water. Rising by coast and through hills, skies reflect in mountain lochs and tunnels cut through impassable cliffs. The whitewashed loneliness of Polnish Chapel shines amongst the rocks and bracken – a desultory monument to the abandoned townships it used to serve.

Your guide will be on hand to point out features of the journey including the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and tell stories of the area’s importance in wars spanning from the 1700s through to World War II.

From Fort William take a short road transfer to Spean Bridge and your accommodation for the next two nights.

Your Accommodation in Spean Bridge

This small family run hotel is a pleasure to visit. After a warm welcome, take a moment to relax in your charming room. Settle in the cosy alcoves of the lounge and read of local history or sit out in the garden and look to Scotland’s highest mountain range.

Each table has a view in the open plan restaurant and organic ingredients are used to conjure a feast suitable for all diets and palates. The hotel’s location is perfect for late afternoon relaxing or there are several great walks and paths right on the doorstep.

A private mini-coach will pick you up from your accommodation and transport you to the depths of the Highlands. This will be a day filled with stories set to the surrounding landscape. First stop at Castle Stalker for a photograph and tales of invading Vikings and the technical advancement that banished them from Scottish waters.

Next it’s on to one of Scotland’s most bizarre sites. Almost lost between the trees, this church is a magic combination of artistry, idiosyncrasy and passion. A shin bone from a ruler, architectural features stolen from the past, undiscovered stained glass masterpieces – your guide will be on hand to unravel the mysteries of the strange kirk of Loch Awe.

Return via Glencoe. Falling water from alpine valleys fill deep veined cliffs; entering the glen is like passing through the doors of a great cathedral. Learn of Scotland’s darkest moments while standing in one of its most beautiful locations – walk by flowing water and through forest to Signal Rock, a symbol of massacre and sacrifice.

End the day with a final meal together beneath the peaks of Ben Nevis then toast a week of newfound friends and adventure.

The trip concludes with the final section of the West Highland Line. Take the train over Spean River before it begins the punishing climb to Corrour. The track levels before dropping down to Rannoch Moor. Heather-clad bog and patchwork lochans spread through the window, wilderness and natural beauty surround – this unique habitat is home to species of life not found anywhere else in Scotland.

Pass by the banks of Loch Lomond and experience the vastness of the Trossachs before Highland fades into Lowland and Glasgow grows around you. Share a moment with your fellow travellers and tour leader as your trip through the Highlands and Islands draws to a close.

Say fond farewells before continuing on with your travel plans. Why not spend a couple of days in Glasgow and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Scotland’s biggest city, or add on a self-guided four day whisky tour of Islay? Do let us know if we can help with your onward arrangements.