A Classic Scottish Steam Break

4 days From $895

Your departure date: October 19 2019

October 19 2019

August 29 2019
with David MacLennan June 26 2020 July 9 2020 August 13 2020

Latest News: The PS Waverley has been withdrawn from service for the whole of 2019 as the ship’s boilers now require complete replacement. An appeal is being launched in the hope that the ship may sail again in 2020.

Steam locomotion has an enduring fascination for many of us and combined with the wonderful scenery of Scotland it becomes utterly irresistible. The Jacobite Steam Train, from Fort William to Mallaig, is one of the longest steam-hauled rail journeys available in Britain today, an 84-mile round trip through some spectacular scenery, which features an impressive list of superlatives. It starts near Britain’s highest mountain, (Ben Nevis), passes its most westerly mainland railway station, (Arisaig), deepest freshwater loch, (Loch Morar), shortest river, (River Morar) and finally arrives next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, (Loch Nevis). ‘Concrete Bob’ McAlpine’s 21-arch Glenfinnan viaduct is just one of the engineering marvels we encounter on our journey, which is made all the more enjoyable by the sound and fury of the steam locomotive at the head of our train, forging its way along the Iron Road to the Isles.

The SS Sir Walter Scott, one of the last surviving screw steamers, has graced the calm waters of Loch Katrine since 1900. One of the delights of a cruise on this little vessel is peering down into the engine room and watching the triple-expansion steam engine at work. We also take a boat trip in the majestic surroundings of Loch Lomond, during which we learn of the life and times of the outlaw Rob Roy, and visit impressive Inveraray Castle, the Duke of Argyll’s family seat on the shores of Loch Fyne.

Our tour includes a unique boat journey on the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift. The Falkirk Wheel is part of the biggest canal restoration project ever undertaken in Britain, as a result of which the Union and the Forth & Clyde canals, both over 180 years old, are once again linked together and fully operational.

What's included?

Accommodation
Services of a professional tour manager
Comfortable coach travel throughout
Meals - as per the itinerary
Train travel

Book Now $895

Deposit: $150 Single supplement: $135

Tour highlights:

Taking a spin on the Falkirk Wheel boat lift
Stunning views and Champagne on the Jacobite steam train
Scenic cruise on Loch Lomond and visit to Inveraray Castle
A captivating sailing on Loch Katrine aboard the SS Walter Scott

Tour details

Dates	October 19 2019 - October 22 2019
Duration	4 days
Cost	$895 Deposit: $150 Single supplement: $135 Balance due by July 27 2019
Activity Level	Easy-Going
Tour code	BWCSS19D

Departure Points

Location	Depart	Return
Aberdeen	0800	2045
Stonehaven	0830	2015
Dundee	0930	1915
Perth	1000	1845
Kinross	1100	1745
Dunfermline	1115	1730
Edinburgh	1145	1700

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.

Book Now or call 1-800-782-0295 if you have any questions

October 19 2019: Itinerary

Depart from your chosen pick-up point and travel to the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift. We shall start the journey on the water at New Port Downie from where you will sail into the Falkirk Wheel. Enjoy the truly spectacular scenery as the wheel commences its graceful ascent to join the Union Canal 35m above. We sail along the Union Canal and under the historic Antonine Wall – the Roman’s most northern frontier – before you enjoy a wander through the Visitor Centre.

Meals include: Dinner

Hotel: Winnock Hotel, Drymen

Today, following an early start, we will journey back in time on the Jacobite steam train and experience one of the most memorable and spectacular railway journeys in the world - the famous Fort William to Mallaig line following The Road to the Isles. "The Jacobite" combines the romance of the steam era with the opportunity to drink in the stunning views of this wild and historic part of Scotland. From the slopes of Ben Nevis the line runs through rugged mountains, past sea and inland lochs and onto the shores of the Atlantic at Mallaig. The route also takes us over the massive Glenfinnan viaduct overlooking Loch Sheil, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745. There is time to enjoy lunch (not included) in Mallaig, whether you choose fish and chips, crab sandwiches or freshly landed lobster, but do leave room for a special treat as we enjoy Champagne and Chocolates on the return journey. On arrival in Fort William we return by coach to our hotel for dinner.

Meals include: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Winnock Hotel, Drymen

Today following breakfast we will head for Tarbet on the banks of Loch Lomond, Britain’s largest inland body of water, and depart on a 90-minute cruise with full commentary. As we cross to the far side of the loch we hear the story of ‘Rob Roy’ MacGregor was born by Loch Katrine in the 17th century and lived at Inversnaid here on the banks of Loch Lomond. After fighting in the Jacobite Rising he became a respected cattleman but defaulted on a loan and was branded an outlaw - legends abound of his secret prison and hiding place in local caves.

We then cross the mountain pass known as the ‘Rest and Be Thankful’ and descend to the shores of Loch Fyne, a long fjord-like sea loch. After lunch in Inveraray (included) we visit Inveraray Castle, which has been the seat of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Clan Campbell, since the 17th century. The house is a mostly mid-18th century neo-Gothic design. Designers who worked on the house include Sir Matthew Digby Wyatt and Robert Adam; the interior includes a number of neoclassical rooms created for the 5th Duke by Robert Mylne.

All meals included

Hotel: Winnock Hotel, Drymen

Following breakfast we check out of the hotel and depart for a cruise on the steam ship SS Sir Walter Scott on Loch Katrine. The Sir Walter Scott is the only surviving screw steamer in regular passenger service in Scotland. The grand old lady has been sailing majestically on Loch Katrine since 1900. She was launched in 1899 and today retains her original engines, which are powered by steam using smokeless solid fuel.

Following our cruise we continue by Aberfoyle, the Duke’s Pass and Loch Venachar to Callander where we will have some free time before continuing on to our original departure points.

Meals include: Breakfast

October 19 2019: Additional Info

October 19 2019: Accommodation

The Winnock Hotel dates back to the late 1700's and throughout history has always offered lodging to weary travellers passing through by Loch Lomond and the Trossachs areas.

Formerly a coaching inn, The Winnock hotel has been lovingly restored and tastefully extended to its present day form. Offering 73 bedrooms, cosy lounges; many with open log fires, a characterful restaurant, function room and public lounge bar, the hotel has many things in common with its historic counterpart with one striking similarity - friendly, welcoming service.

Guests take time to savour the fine food, wines, ales & whiskies on offer from our Merlin Restaurant and Ptarmigan bar, idling the time away planning their days adventure in the light and airy Conservatory or snuggled up by one of our log fires. Many past guests have joined in the revelry of one of our Ceilidh or Scottish nights in the Capercaillie Room, dancing away into the wee small hours.