Steam Train, Skye & Loch Ness Family Holiday

One of Scotland’s finest driving routes is the perfect way to start your holiday. From Glasgow, within 20 minutes you’re skirting the banks of massive Loch Lomond, then rising across Rannoch Moor to meet the glowering valley of Glen Coe. Soon, you’ll reach the coast of Argyllshire, spearing alongside Loch Linnhe on the way to your first base just north of Fort William.

Your Accommodation in Spean Bridge

This very friendly, family owned hotel is the perfect base for your first two nights. Just 10 minutes from the outdoor lovers’ mecca of Fort William, in the shadow of Ben Nevis, this seven room hotel couldn’t be more welcoming. With tea and scones on arrival (or something cold and refreshing for the youngsters) and views across superb scenery to wallow in, you’ll love the atmosphere here. Arriving in the afternoon gives you time to pull on your walking boots and explore the surroundings before a hearty home-cooked meal in the evening and a soothing night in your en-suite family room.

An early holiday highlight awaits today. Enjoy a fine Scottish breakfast before setting off for Fort William station; here, it’s time to board the Jacobite Express Steam Train, a legendary fixture on the West Highland Line, more recently made even more famous via its starring role in the Harry Potter movies. There’s no more enthralling way to travel through this staggering landscape and across Glenfinnan Viaduct, to the classic harbour settlement of Mallaig. Take some time to discover this vibrant place, perhaps with fish and chips at the harbourside before taking the return trip, again by steam.

Enjoy an evocative road trip along the Road to the Isles this morning, perhaps taking time to discover the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie at the Glenfinnan Monument, and the peaceful beaches at Camusdarach, before boarding the ferry for the short crossing from Mallaig to Armadale on the Isle of Skye. Once on the island, it’s a short hop to your accommodation for three nights on this most captivating island.

Your Accommodation on Skye

Long established in a superb island location, your accommodation on Skye is a family owned gem, perfectly placed for exploration and relaxation. Nothing is too much trouble here, grown-ups and youngsters catered for in style and comfort, with a choice of evening dining either in the brasserie or the bustling bar.

Quite simply one of the UK’s most incredible places to visit, we never tire of returning to the Isle of Skye. Rugged coastline, wide open, often deserted beaches, soaring mountains and intimidating ridges, ancient castles, hidden harbours and endless history, we’ll pass on our years of experience, giving you all the info you need to make the most of your time here.

The vibrant island capital of Portree, with its colourful harbour, galleries, shopping and great fish and chips is just an hour away; on the way stop off at rushing waterfalls, say hello to inquisitive Hielan’ Coos and discover Red Cuillin.

Spend time on the coast, feeling for all the world like you have the place to yourself, heart-stopping views and native wildlife all around, then make your way across the vast interior amidst its rising peaks and thick, mysterious forests.

Another thrilling activity and distinct holiday highlight today: tide-permitting you’ll be met your hotel’s private jetty (otherwise meet a short drive away at Armadale) by our specially chosen boat-trip partner, who will take you on an exhilarating RiB (Rigid inflatable Boat) trip in the waters around Skye. You’ll go seal spotting around some of the many skerries and experience unbeatable views of the Skye Bridge and the ‘Small Isles’ of Muck, Eigg and Rum.

Take your time today on an easy road trip to your final base at the southern tip of mighty Loch Ness. Leaving Skye by way of the bridge, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to stop – perhaps at legendary Eilean Donan Castle for starters – as you meander along the edge of Lochs Duiach and Cluanie, taking the long way round to experience the astonishing landscape of Glen Garry. Non-stop it’s just a couple of hours to your hotel in the lively loch-side village of Fort Augustus.

Your Hotel in Fort Augustus

Perched on an elevated spot just a few steps from the southern shores of Loch Ness, your accommodation in Fort Augustus is a welcoming, family owned hotel, set amidst the 18th century ruins of the eponymous fort constructed to mollify the Highlanders following the Jacobite uprisings. The owners are keen environmentalists, operating the hotel as much as possible according to carbon-neutral principles, sourcing products and produce from as close to home as they can.

Inside, the Victorian country house has been transformed in to a comfortable, convivial haven, with cosy rooms, extensive lounging and one of the best in-house restaurants in the Highlands.

It’s easy to see why outdoor-lovers from all over the world descend on Fort Augustus throughout the year; world class walking routes suitable for everyone from novices to the more intrepid fan out from your hotel’s doorstep, while the scenery surrounding the loch is some of Scotland’s finest. 

This morning you’ll enjoy a cruise on Loch Ness as part of a small group – making sure to keep an eye out for its most famous resident – towards the superb ruins of Castle Urquhart. Later, perhaps pack a picnic and rent bikes or e-bikes at the canal-side, taking one of the easy-to-follow defined trails. Again, we’ll make sure you have all the info you need to make the most of your time.

Time to make your way home today, heading south either through the Cairngorms National Park or back along the A82 to Glen Coe for Loch Lomond and the motorway near Glasgow. Or let us know if you would like to extend your trip – perhaps adding a couple of day’s wildlife watching? All our holidays can be tailor-made to suit your family.