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McKinlay Kidd · Tailor-made rail holiday

Classic Round Scotland by Train

Scottish rail loop from Glasgow through Highlands, Skye, and the West Highland Line

Illustration of Classic Round Scotland by Train

McKinlay Kidd's Classic Round Scotland by Train is an 11-day tailor-made journey that loops through the Scottish Highlands, the Isle of Skye, and the mountain passes of the west. Starting from Glasgow or Edinburgh, you travel by standard-class rail through Stirling, Inverness, and the remote Kyle Line to Plockton before ferrying to Skye. The itinerary includes a small-group boat cruise on Loch Ness, a sailing trip on Loch Portree, a tour of Skye's landmarks, and the signature Jacobite Steam Train across the Glenfinnan Viaduct. You finish with the West Highland Line journey to Glasgow, passing Glencoe and Rannoch Moor. With stays of two to three nights in each base, the pace is relaxed. Most days are self-guided, though small-group experiences break up the itinerary. Accommodation is in modest hotels, and dinner is added on your final two nights. This trip suits couples and repeat rail travellers seeking a structured but unhurried Scottish experience.

What to know before you look closer

  • Departures and pricing are shown for April/October and May/September; confirm current availability directly with McKinlay Kidd.
  • Short taxi trips from Stirling and Inverness stations to accommodation are not pre-booked and are not included in the price.
  • The sailing trip on Loch Portree (Day 7) runs only May to September; earlier and later departures will have an alternative activity.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Stirling

    Setting Off for Stirling

    Approaching from either Glasgow or Edinburgh, the compact and ancient city of Stirling couldn't be easier to access by short train journey. Once here, it's an easy taxi ride to your accommodation.

  2. Day 2overnight: Stirling

    Exploring Stirling

    Easily explored on foot, the centre of Stirling is a pleasant short stroll from your accommodation, the main attraction here being its wonderfully imposing castle. Later, perhaps take a walk or catch a bus across the River Forth to the National Wallace Monument.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Inverness

    North by Rail to Inverness

    A classic Scottish train journey north as you spear through Highland Perthshire and across the Cairngorms to the Highland Capital of Inverness.

  4. Day 4overnight: Inverness

    Loch Ness Awaits

    Set off on a short bus ride from the centre of town to the shores of mighty Loch Ness for a gentle cruise, taking in the story of its history, wildlife and Castle Urquhart.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Plockton

    West to the Coast

    A fine Scottish rail journey westwards along the Kyle Line, crossing some of mainland Scotland's wildest terrain via some of the UK's remotest stations to the loch-side village of Plockton.

  6. Day 6overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye

    Over the Bridge to Skye

    Head over the bridge to the Isle of Skye and get under the skin of this captivating island.

  7. Day 7overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye

    Sailing By Skye

    Board the sailing boat skippered by your accommodation's host for a gentle trip on Loch Portree, with views of the island of Raasay and back towards Skye.

  8. Day 8overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye

    Exploring Portree

    A tour of the key sights of the Misty Isle as part of a small group, including the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the Quiraing.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Spean Bridge

    Back to the Mainland and Steam to Fort William

    Transferred to the ferry port at Armadale, crossing to Mallaig, then steaming to Fort William across the Glenfinnan Viaduct aboard the Jacobite Express Steam Train. Transferred on to Spean Bridge.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Spean Bridge

    A Last Day of Relaxation

    A day at leisure in Highland Scotland - stay close to base and enjoy the walking, or catch the train for the 10 minute journey to Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis.

  11. Day 11rail

    South on One of the World's Most Scenic Rail Journeys

    Transferred to Spean Bridge station to catch the train on the West Highland Line to Glasgow, past the mountain peaks of Glencoe, across Rannoch Moor and skirting Loch Lomond.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Day 3: The train journey from Stirling to Inverness spears through Highland Perthshire and across the Cairngorms.
  • Day 5Day 5: The Kyle Line rail journey westward crosses some of mainland Scotland's wildest terrain via remote stations to Plockton.
  • Day 9Day 9: The Jacobite Steam Train carries you across the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the way from Mallaig to Fort William.
  • Day 11Day 11: The West Highland Line journey from Spean Bridge to Glasgow passes mountain peaks of Glencoe, Rannoch Moor, and Loch Lomond.

Included

  • Standard-class train travel from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Stirling, from Stirling to Inverness, from Inverness to Plockton, from Mallaig to Fort William on the Jacobite Steam Train and from Spean Bridge to Glasgow
  • Return coach travel from Inverness to Loch Ness and a boat trip on Loch Ness as part of a small group
  • A private transfer from Plockton to Portree on the Isle of Skye
  • A sailing trip from Portree as part of a small group (May-September holidays only)
  • Transfer from Portree to Armadale on Skye and ferry travel to Mallaig
  • Transfer from Fort William to your accommodation in Spean Bridge
  • 10 nights bed-and-breakfast accommodation, two adults sharing a double or twin ensuite room
  • Dinner on the final two nights in Spean Bridge

Not included

  • Short taxi trips from Stirling and Inverness stations to your accommodation and back (not pre-bookable)
  • Porterage
  • Hotel stays in Edinburgh or Glasgow (available on request)

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included in the price?
Yes. McKinlay Kidd includes standard-class rail travel on five segments: Glasgow or Edinburgh to Stirling, Stirling to Inverness, Inverness to Plockton (Kyle Line), Mallaig to Fort William (Jacobite Steam Train), and Spean Bridge to Glasgow (West Highland Line).
Is this an escorted tour or self-guided?
Largely self-guided. You have a small-group boat trip on Loch Ness, a small-group sailing trip on Loch Portree (May to September only), and a small-group tour of Skye sights including the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing. Other days, including exploration of Stirling and a day at leisure in Spean Bridge, are self-guided.
What accommodation is provided?
Ten nights of bed-and-breakfast in double or twin ensuite rooms across five locations: Stirling (two nights), Inverness (two nights), Plockton (one night), Portree on the Isle of Skye (three nights), and Spean Bridge (two nights). Dinner is included on the final two nights in Spean Bridge.
How much walking should I expect?
Days vary. Stirling is easily explored on foot from your accommodation. Days in Inverness and Portree are at leisure or part of a small-group tour. You have one day at leisure in Spean Bridge, where you can walk locally or take a 10-minute train to Fort William.
When does it run?
McKinlay Kidd shows pricing tiers for April & October at GBP 2,565 per person and May to September at GBP 2,675 per person. Contact the operator to confirm current departure dates and any seasonal differences.
What is not included?
Short taxi trips from Stirling and Inverness stations to accommodation, porterage, and optional hotel stays in Edinburgh or Glasgow if you wish to extend your trip.

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