Scotland: Scenic Scottish Railways
27th May 2026
Key Highlights
- Iconic views over Loch Shiel from the Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Breathtaking views of the Cuillin mountain range on Skye
- The palm trees of Plockton
- Scenic banks of the Beauly Firth
Summary
The north of Scotland is blessed with some wonderfully scenic railway lines. The challenge of building railways through difficult terrain was taken up by the great engineers of the Victorian age. Their legacy is in the sweeping curves and majestic viaducts of the single-track lines which cross wild moors and lonely glens. Highlights on this short break include a visit to the much-photographed Eilean Donan Castle, a ride aboard the Jacobite steam train that takes us over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct and a visit to Boat of Garten on the Strathspey Line, which perfectly recreates the days of steam in the Highlands.
NC500: Please note that this itinerary features part of the North Coast 500, the highly scenic coastal route which begins and ends in Inverness.
What's included
- Accommodation
- Services of an expert tour manager
- Comfortable coach travel throughout
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Train travel
- All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Meet your tour manager
Alan Appleton
Alan, a native to the North East is our expert guide in Northumberland and has a wealth of knowledge of this corner of England. His familiarity with the regions highlights makes touring Northumberland with Alan an informative and enjoyable experience. Alan also has a wealth of experience in leading tours to Scotland including both scenic tours and rail journeys. He has also visited many of the islands and spent considerable time in the West Highlands.
Day by Day Itinerary
Depart from your chosen pick up point and travel by coach to Aviemore and the Strathspey Railway. We will board the maroon-liveried coaches which will evoke memories of train journeys in the 1950s and 60s and the train will be hauled by a lovingly restored steam locomotive from the collection which is housed in the engine shed adjacent to the station here. The line crosses heather covered moorland with the Cairngorm Mountains beyond, scenes which have changed little in the last hundred years. The train stops at Boat of Garten, a village created by the former railway companies that served the area and Broomhill, which doubled as ‘Glenbogle’ in the popular BBC TV series, Monarch of the Glen.
Meals includedDinner
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| To be advised | 00:00 | 00:00 |
| Glasgow - Bus stop on North Hanover Street, opposite Queen Street Station | 08:30 | 21:30 |
| Edinburgh - outside reception of the Delta by Marriott Hotel, Glasgow Road | 09:45 | 20:15 |
| Dunfermline - Halbeath Park & Ride, Jct 3, M90 | 10:15 | 20:00 |
| Kinross - Moto Services on M90 | 10:30 | 19:45 |
| Perth - Broxden Park & Ride, A93 | 10:45 | 19:30 |
** Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. **
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