Classic Round Scotland by Train

Approaching from either Glasgow or Edinburgh, the compact and ancient city of Stirling couldn’t be easier to access by short train journey. Once here, it’s an easy taxi ride to your accommodation.

Your Accommodation in Stirling

On a green and leafy square of elegant sandstone residences, your accommodation in Stirling is a fine quality guest house whose owners have lavished attention on its every detail. Classically huge Victorian windows look out over the peaceful square and each of the cosy rooms is decorated with an expert touch. Guests are invited to enjoy a drink in the impressive lounge, while lunch and dinner are served in the bright and stylish orangery.

Easily explored on foot, the centre of Stirling is a pleasant short stroll from your accommodation, the main attraction here being its wonderfully imposing castle, in our opinion one of Scotland’s best. Spend the morning here on the ramparts – the view from which is genuinely breathtaking and discovering the Royal Palace, the Great Hall and Chapel Royal. Later, perhaps take a walk or catch a bus across the River Forth to the National Wallace Monument where the spritely will surely skip up its 200 stairs for more superb views of the surrounding countryside.

North today on a classic Scottish train journey as you spear through Highland Perthshire and across the Cairngorms to the Highland Capital of Inverness. Once here, your accommodation is a few minutes from the station by taxi. You’ll arrive early enough to drop your bags and make your way out to begin your discovery of this easily traversed city.

Enjoy a hearty Highland breakfast before setting off on a short bus ride from the centre of town to the shores of mighty Loch Ness. Here, board a loch dwelling vessel for a gentle cruise on the serene surface of the largest body of fresh water in the British Isles, taking in the story of its history and wildlife and the vision of romantic Castle Urquhart; sightings of the monster not guaranteed, but open minds welcome!

Another fine Scottish rail journey this morning as you set off westwards along the Kyle Line, crossing some of mainland Scotland’s wildest terrain via some of the UK’s remotest stations on the way to the beautiful loch-side village of Plockton.

Your Accommodation in Plockton

Right on the main street overlooking the sheltered water of Loch Carron, your accommodation in Plockton is very near the centre of community life here. Local pub, restaurant and hotel rolled in to one, the family owners and staff know just how to welcome guests, with bedrooms offering a peaceful haven after a day’s travel and exploration.

After an afternoon strolling the edge of the loch and taking in the galleries and independent shops along the winding streets of Plockton, repair to the bar for a dram before dinner from the ever-changing menu of locally sourced delights.

Time for a change of pace today; after breakfast, you’ll be met by a local driver/ guide, who’ll take you for a terrific day out, over the bridge to the Isle of Skye. Despite its reputation as one of Scotland’s most popular destinations, in our experience it couldn’t be easier to find yourself virtually alone as you get under the skin of this most captivating island. Your guide will help bring the place to life, with stories of its history and culture, while giving you the opportunity to take in its most overwhelming scenery before dropping you at the door of your accommodation.

Your Accommodation on Skye

A ten minute walk from the centre of island ‘capital’ Portree, your accommodation here is a fascinating Victorian property, owned and run as a comfortable guest house by members of the family responsible for its construction almost 200 years ago. Set in its own private grounds, the house is filled with family pieces, antique furniture, striking art and taxidermy, and the owners have an innate skill in making guests feel immediately at home.

A distinct holiday highlight awaits today; take your time over breakfast before a short walk to the colourful harbourside at Portree. Here, board the sailing boat skippered by your accommodation’s host for the gentlest of trips on Loch Portree, giving you the chance to see the most stunning views of the island of Raasay and back towards Skye. 

A day at leisure to explore Portree’s ancient streets and surroundings; we’ll provide all the information you need to make the most of your time here.

Time to head back to the mainland this morning. You’ll be met after breakfast by a taxi and transferred south on to the Sleat peninsula to the ferry port at Armadale. Boarding the ferry here, it’s a short crossing to the busy fishing port of Mallaig. Take an hour or two to discover how life unfolds here, before another holiday highlight, steaming to Fort William, across the legendary Glenfinnan Viaduct, aboard the Jacobite Express Steam Train. Operating now for several decades, the train has seen much-renewed interest since its starring role in the Harry Potter films and continues to provide an unforgettable experience.

At Fort William, you’ll be met by a taxi and transferred to your accommodation in the village of Spean Bridge.

Your Accommodation in Spean Bridge

Nestled in peaceful countryside amidst superb Highland vistas, your accommodation in Spean Bridge is a small, family owned hotel, whose welcome and atmosphere is among the very best. Tea and home-baking on arrival sets guests immediately at ease, glowing embers of log fires creating an overwhelming feeling of calm. Relax in the lounge with a favourite tipple and book from the well-stocked shelves before enjoying a tempting dinner prepared by your friendly hosts.

A day at leisure to take in this most ravishing corner of Highland Scotland. Perhaps you’ll choose to stay close to base; take a packed lunch and enjoy the superb walking all around your hotel. Or catch the train for the 10 minute journey to Fort William in the shadow of the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis. Again, we’ll provide all the tips you need to make the most of your time.

Some may say we’ve saved the best till last; after breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Spean Bridge station to catch the train taking the West Highland Line to Glasgow. We can think of few finer ways to end your rail holiday than on this staggeringly beautiful journey past the mountain peaks of Glencoe and across the expansive wilderness of Rannoch Moor before skirting the shores of Loch Lomond. Your journey finishes in Glasgow, or just let us know if you wish to continue on to Edinburgh – but a short 45 minutes’ further by train.