Royal Castles, Skye & Glencoe Small Group Rail Tour

Arrive in the Granite City of Aberdeen and settle into your comfortable hotel, located in the leafy West End of the city. Take a stroll through the pleasant streets around the hotel or if you have time head into the city centre to check out the excellent Art Gallery or Maritime Museum.

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.

Your Accommodation in Aberdeen

Set within the wide, green streets of the city’s fashionable West End, this stylish, family owned property is a great option when visiting Aberdeen. Extensive guest lounging provides quiet nooks for morning planning or evening contemplation, perhaps while enjoying coffee or a refreshment, while dining on the elegant menu at the XI restaurant is a fine way to spend an evening.

Set off from your hotel this morning in a comfortable private vehicle for a full day exploring stunning Aberdeenshire, Scotland’s Castle Country. Your route will take you inland along the River Dee towards the area known as Royal Deeside due to its connections to the Royal Family dating back to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

Your first stop is one of the country’s most celebrated castles and gardens, which was home to the same family for over 350 years and has roots dating back to Robert The Bruce. The historic walled garden is particularly well regarded and be sure to admire the iconic view of hedges, some of which were planted as early as 1702.

It is then time to continue west along the Dee to the historic village of Ballater for some free time to enjoy the local shops and some lunch. The old railway station is well worth a visit and its Royal waiting room has been fully restored so you can see where Queen Victoria used to wait for her train back to London following her sojourns at her beloved Balmoral.

It’s then on to Balmoral Castle itself and a chance to glimpse inside as well as enjoy the gardens. Balmoral is a working estate and King Charles III still enjoys an extended summer break here every year. You will return to Aberdeen afterwards and have an evening at leisure to enjoy the delights of the Granite City.

Embark on a train journey through the Northeast of Scotland 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. 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. 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 some time 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 poignant 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 to tell stories of the area’s importance in wars spanning from the 1700s through to World War II.

Stopping at Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis, here, you’ll be met by coach and transferred down the coast to your country house hotel just outside the bustling port of Oban, known as the Gateway to the Isles.

Your Accommodation near Oban

In a beautiful and peaceful location on the Argyll coast south of Oban, your hotel is an old local favourite that changed hands recently and has been lovingly refurbished and brought up to date while keeping the period charm and historic quirks.

With cosy rooms, classic dining and amazing views of Loch Feochan, it is a place to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Highlands. Dinner is included on both nights here so you will have the chance to sample the delights of Argyll’s natural larder with locally caught seafood and regional game often on the menu.

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 venture north through the glen itself, stopping to hear stories of the sometimes bloody history. Round the southern shores of Loch Linnhe, stop at Castle Stalker for a photograph, 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 fragment from a Scottish King, 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 the northern end of 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 and toast a week of newfound friends and adventure.

The trip concludes with another section of the West Highland Line. Return by coach to Oban and board the southbound service.

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.