Details
Day One – West from Inverness on the Kyle Line
Your journey begins with one of our favourite railway journeys, from Inverness to Plockton on the magnificent Kyle of Lochalsh Line. The 63-mile route cuts through breath-taking scenery, visiting romantically named – and mostly unmanned – stations such as Strathcarron, Achnashellach and Lochluichart on the way to the jewel-like village of Plockton, once famous as the location for the BBC’s Hamish MacBeth.
Your hotel in Plockton
Long-run by the same family, your hotel in Plockton is a popular social hub for the village, as well as a welcoming place for tourists from all over the world. Set right on the main street, with palm trees across the way swaying on the gentle Gulf Stream breeze, you’ll feel an immediate sense of calm the moment you arrive. The delightful bar buzzes with chat and laughter, a cosy spot in which to take a pre-dinner aperitif, before settling in at your table in the restaurant, where a fine menu of the best local seafood and produce awaits. The comfortable rooms, many with views of Loch Carron and the Applecross peninsula, are simply adorned, with earthy tones and local fabrics helping emphasise the serenity of the surroundings.
Day Two – A Private Tour of the Isle of Skye
Enjoy a hearty breakfast of local produce this morning, after which you’ll be collected by our specially chosen local guide and whisked away for a wonderful private day out. First, you might like to see nearby Eilean Donan Castle, surely one of the world’s most photographed, before traversing the Skye Bridge and making your way on to this most famous island. Contrary to recent coverage, it’s still very easy to find spots on Skye where you’ll barely meet another soul, and today you have the opportunity to see the island in the company of a guide only too happy to venture away from any crowds and make this a magical part of your holiday.
Day Three – North-east to Royal Dornoch
This morning you’ll be dropped at Plockton Station to enjoy the return journey on the Kyle Line, seeing the landscape from the opposite and quite different perspective. Changing at Dingwall, you’ll take your first trip on the atmospheric Far North Line to the unmanned station at Tain, Here, you’ll be met by private driver and transferred to your accommodation for two nights by the town of Royal Dornoch.
Your Guest House by Dornoch
Recently created from a collection of farm buildings, in a peaceful rural location just a mile from the centre of town, your accommodation by Dornoch is a family owned property of high quality and endless appeal. Just eight comfortably presented bedrooms feature all the expected trappings, with luxurious bedding and robes, and the latest in-room entertainment options. Public areas feature wood-burning stoves and squashy sofas in which to lose yourself, perhaps with a dram of one of the carefully selected collection of available whiskies. Dining in the bistro is of a menu created by the award-winning young Scottish chef, majoring on the very best local game and seafood. Your host is happy to provide lifts for the five-minute drive into enchanting Dornoch, with its tiny cathedral and ancient streets giving way to the famous links golf course and lovely beach, perfect for strolling.
Day Five – Head North and Visit Wonderful Dunrobin Castle
After breakfast, your host will transfer you the short distance to Dunrobin Castle, the spectacular stately home overlooking the Dornoch Firth, one of Scotland’s oldest continuously inhabited houses, dating back to the 14th century. Take your time to discover the rich, fascinating and at times turbulent history, during which the castle enjoyed spells as private fortress, military hospital and boys’ boarding school.
Once your visit is over, continue by train from the dedicated station and make your way north via some of the UK’s remotest stations, on your way to Thurso in Caithness. Upon arrival at Thurso, you’ll be met by a local taxi and transferred the short distance to your accommodation.
Your Guest House in Thurso
Long one of our favourite family owned properties, your accommodation in Thurso is a comfortable and welcoming base, presided over by a lady passionate about the area. Just a few minutes’ stroll will find you at the (often wonderfully windswept) beach and the ancient town centre, with one or two appealing bars and restaurants also easily reached on foot.
Day Six – A Private Guided Tour of Caithness and the North Coast
Another of our specially chosen local guides will collect you this morning and take you on a great day out to experience this very special corner of Scotland. Some of the country’s most spectacular sights are within very short driving of Thurso, such as the UK mainland’s northernmost point at Dunnet Head, the intimidating Duncansby Stacks and the scarcely believable Whaligoe Steps, leading all the way down to an ancient herring wharf. Alongside these, you might like to experience the expansive beaches at Melvich and Bettyhill, or some of the hidden coves and hamlets dotted along this wild coast.
Day Seven – Return South to the Highland Capital
Board the train this morning for the return journey on the Far North Line to Inverness, again having the opportunity to take in some of Scotland’s wildest vistas from the opposite perspective. Upon arrival at Inverness, it’s a short taxi-ride to your accommodation close to the centre of the city.
Your Accommodation in Inverness
Once home to celebrated local poet and novelist Neil M. Gunn, your guest house in Inverness is a Victorian property set within a stone’s throw of the centre of town. Secluded behind mature hedges, with a colourful garden behind, the house features a relaxing guest lounge, where visitors are encouraged to take the weight off their feet, perhaps enjoying a drink before heading out to dinner. Unfussy, comfortable rooms are furnished in simple style, while your ebullient host serves home-cooked breakfast in the bright dining room, sunlight flooding through the large bay windows (on a good day!).
Day Eight – A Relaxing Cruise on Haunting Loch Ness
This morning you will be transferred by bus from Inverness to Loch Ness, the UK mainland’s largest body of fresh water, for a small-group cruise aboard a beautifully equipped vessel. Informative audio guiding tells the story of this most mysterious loch, while the on-board sonar constantly sweeps the water, hoping to catch a glimpse of its most famous ‘resident’. The cruise allows for some time to explore the crumbling ruins of Castle Urquhart. Also included is entry to slightly tawdry Loch Ness Monster Exhibition, for which we recommend you have your sense of humour at the ready!
At cruises end, you will be transferred back to Inverness centre for a final night in the Highlands.
Day Nine – Onwards Journey Home
Today your relaxing exploration of the Northern Highlands by train comes to a close as you depart from Inverness. We would be happy to organise onward travel if you wish.
