Premier West Highland Line to Skye

Your journey starts by train from Glasgow, travelling the scenic West Highland Line, passing by Loch Lomond and over Rannoch Moor, where the line runs many miles away from any roads, to reach Fort William. From here it’s a short taxi ride to the unique Inverlochy Castle Hotel, a fine five star country house and your first stop on this journey.

Your Hotel

Nestling in the foothills of the mighty Ben Nevis, Inverlochy Castle sits amidst some of Scotland’s finest scenery. Inverlochy was built in 1863 by the first Lord Abinger, near the site of the original 13th century fortress. In September 1873 during a trip to Balmoral, Queen Victoria spent a week at Inverlochy sketching and painting where she wrote in her diaries ‘I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot’. Inverlochy had been a private residence for over a hundred years until 1969 when it was converted from a family home to Scotland’s finest country house hotel.

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 take you the short journey to reach your white-washed hotel with an acclaimed restaurant in a superb lochside setting.

Your Hotel

Kinloch is a special place in a magical setting, situated at the foot of Kinloch Hill on the tranquil shoreline of the sea-loch Na Dal in Sleat on the wildly romantic Isle of Skye. It really is a world apart – somewhere to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday modern life, and to unwind, relax and recharge. Steeped in heritage and history, and exemplifying all the traditions of Highland hospitality, the hotel is noted for its engaging, informal atmosphere and a welcome every bit as warm as the log fires ablaze in every hearth. The small windows and eccentric rooflines of the two adjacent white-painted buildings echo the engaging style of the local vernacular. Interiors, however, are distinguished by fine antiques, prints, paintings, and sporting trophies – plus Macdonald family portraits, photographs and treasured mementos. It is also home to Lady Clare Macdonald’s famous cookery school.

Your guide will collect you this morning and take you on a full tour of the island. From Kinloch Lodge you will head north to Sligachan then Dunvegan via Carbost, where you may visit Dunvegan Castle. Other options include a drive into Waternish (Skyeskyns Tannery, Trumpan Church ruins) if the castle tour is omitted. Next you’ll have a short stop in Portree before heading round the Trotternish peninsula, followed by your return to Kinloch Lodge. If time allows, a scenic drive round Ord and Tarskavaig can be done before returning. If there is anything in particular that you would like to see the guide will try and incorporate this into your tour.

Today you retrace your steps, back to the ferry then across to Mallaig for an early afternoon crossing and journey by the regular train via Fort William to Glasgow, arriving in the evening.

Alternatively we can arrange for a private road transfer, bringing you over the Skye Bridge then south through the Highlands, by the pass of Glencoe and Loch Lomond and back to Glasgow. Edinburgh and Inverness are also possible end points.