Explore Scotland by Train
Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye
Explore Scotland by Train
Best Time To Go
Apr - OctWhy not...
add a boat trip on Loch Ness or private tour on Skye?Prices From
£1885No of Nights
7Seven night self-guided rail tour from Edinburgh, travelling through the Scottish Highlands and enjoying a stay on the Isle of Skye.
- Seven nights including breakfast in our hand-picked independent accommodation. One includes a superb Highland dinner.
- Train travel in standard class:
- From Edinburgh to Pitlochry in Highland Perthshire.
- From Pitlochry to Inverness.
- From Inverness via the spectacular Kyle Line to Kyle of Lochalsh.
- From Spean Bridge via the world-famous West Highland Line to Glasgow.
- Station transfers in Kyle of Lochalsh, Skye, Fort William and Spean Bridge.
- A short coach trip as part of a small group from Inverness to Loch Ness, with a cruise on the loch and a visit to imposing Urquhart Castle.
- A full day tour of the majestic Isle of Skye as part of a small group in the company of an engaging local guide. (subject to availability – if not available, we will provide a quote for private tour at additional cost).
- Ferry from Armadale on Skye to Mallaig.
- A first-class journey on the Jacobite Express steam train (‘the Harry Potter train’) from Mallaig to Fort William.
Designed for independent travellers, this hassle-free adventure gives you the freedom to explore Scotland’s stunning Highlands and islands your way. With expert planning taken care of and the McKinlay Kidd team available whenever you need us, you can relax and focus on the experience.
ADDITIONS TO MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY EVEN MORE SPECIAL
- How about a night or two in Glasgow – home to superb museums, galleries and a thriving food scene?
Or in Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh, where a wander through the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Old Town and New Town are like stepping back in time?
We’re happy to tailor any additions you wish to make.
Holiday Details
Day One – Journey to Pitlochry
Day Two – Exploring Highland Perthshire on a Fascinating Private Tour
Day Three – To Inverness
Day Four – Exploring Inverness
Day Five – The Isle of Skye
Day Six – Exploring the Isle of Skye
Day Seven – All Aboard The Jacobite Express
Day Eight – Journey to Glasgow
Sustainable Travel
This holiday is part of our ever-growing collection of public transport based holidays, enabling you to reach destinations around Scotland without the need to drive. We feel strongly that true sustainability also means promoting and helping to maintain a way of life in areas where the economic benefit of tourism can make a genuine difference to the local community, which is why we have used locally-owned small accommodation and a local guide on this holiday.
Location
This holiday departs from Edinburgh and includes nights in Pitlochry, Inverness, Skye and Spean Bridge, before returning to Glasgow.
Pricing
£1885 per person for April & October, £1945 per person for May to September.
Price is based on two adults sharing a double or twin room for seven nights on a bed and breakfast basis in our hand-picked selection of small 3 and 4 star hotels. Dinner is also included for your final night in Spean Bridge.
The price for a single traveller is £2800 for April & October and £2860 for May through September, based on single occupancy of double/twin rooms.
The holiday also includes:
- Seven nights including breakfast in our hand-picked independent accommodation. One includes a superb Highland dinner.
- Train travel in standard class:
- From Edinburgh to Pitlochry in Highland Perthshire.
- From Pitlochry to Inverness.
- From Inverness via the spectacular Kyle Line to Kyle of Lochalsh.
- From Spean Bridge via the world-famous West Highland Line to Glasgow.
- Station transfers in Kyle of Lochalsh, Skye, Fort William and Spean Bridge.
- A short coach trip as part of a small group from Inverness to Loch Ness, with a cruise on the loch and a visit to imposing Urquhart Castle.
- A full day tour of the majestic Isle of Skye as part of a small group in the company of an engaging local guide. (subject to availability – if not available, we will provide a quote for private tour at additional cost).
- Ferry from Armadale on Skye to Mallaig.
- A first-class journey on the Jacobite Express steam train (‘the Harry Potter train’) from Mallaig to Fort William.
Designed for independent travellers, this hassle-free adventure gives you the freedom to explore Scotland’s stunning Highlands and islands your way. With expert planning taken care of and the McKinlay Kidd team available whenever you need us, you can relax and focus on the experience.
ADDITIONS TO MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY EVEN MORE SPECIAL
- How about a night or two in Glasgow – home to superb museums, galleries and a thriving food scene?
Or in Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh, where a wander through the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Old Town and New Town are like stepping back in time?
We’re happy to tailor any additions you wish to make.
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.
Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes, and suggestions on places to visit depending on your interests and our local knowledge to help you get the most from your holiday.
Please note that we will reserve trains at the best time for the itinerary. Let us know in advance of booking any preferences for start and finish times, and if you hold a valid UK railcard.
As porterage is not included in this largely self-guided holiday, and assistance at train stations is somewhat sporadic, we recommend packing just one manageable suitcase per person.
All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.
We work hard to make sure the unexpected doesn’t affect your trip. On rare occasions, changes or cancellations may occur, affecting accommodation, transport or excursions, including the Jacobite Express Steam Train. We are committed to informing you of any such circumstances and will use our knowledge and resources to offer suitable alternatives wherever possible.
You are requesting availability for
Explore Scotland by Train
This holiday can be arranged from April to October.
Availability is individually checked for a hand-picked selection of smaller hotels, guest houses and other independent businesses, so please bear with us and we will respond in 1-2 working days.
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- UK 0141 260 9260
- USA & Canada (toll-free) 1 866 922 8538
- Australia (toll-free) 1 800 760 824
- Other Countries +44 141 260 9260
- Email hello at mckinlaykidd dot com
Rail Touring in Scotland Guide
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The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee
All our holiday prices include a service charge of £9 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.
Falling in Love with the Isle of Skye
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id="182123"] “Somewhere along the Scottish coast An emerald island lies So I will steer my sa...
Reviews
We could not have asked for a more perfect experience. The accommodation, food, and Robert's recommendations were all top notch.Susan & Family, New York, USA
The best part was having the arrangements done for us and knowing that they were going to work everytime!Katherine & Family, Ontario, Canada
Not only was it a personal tour, but it was personalised.Barb, Canada
