Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Highland Adventure

Highland Adventure, a rail journey with Great Rail Journeys

Enjoy the best of Scotland on our Highland Adventure tour. Ride the Strathspey Steam Railway and Kyle Line, and visit Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Carrbridge

    Highland beginnings: Inverness to Carrbridge

    Meet the Tour Manager and group at Inverness train station. Board a coach to the four-star hotel in the Highland village of Carrbridge, set in the magnificent Spey Valley opposite the famous packhorse bridge built in 1717. Check in and meet for the first dinner together at the hotel.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Carrbridge

    A round trip on the Jacobite steam train

    Coach journey through stunning Highland scenery to Fort William for a journey on the Jacobite steam train. Travel in vintage carriages to Mallaig, passing Ben Nevis, crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, with time at leisure in the coastal village of Mallaig before returning on the Jacobite. Evening dinner followed by a storytelling session with Willie Cameron ('Mr Loch Ness') over Scottish whisky. Note: on early/late season departures the Jacobite Steam Train excursion may be replaced by the scheduled Scotrail service. On the 13th April departure, the Jacobite is replaced by Scotrail and the West Highland Museum is visited. On the 6th September departure, travel is one way on the Jacobite with return by coach.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Carrbridge

    Cruising Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle

    Transfer to Clansman Harbour for a cruise across Loch Ness to the atmospheric ruins of Urquhart Castle, a 13th-century castle perched on the banks of the loch. Free time at the castle to explore or grab lunch, then a short coach journey to the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre for a guided tour with interactive displays. Return by coach to the hotel for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Carrbridge

    The Strathspey Steam Railway and Culloden Battlefield

    Travel to Aviemore to join the Strathspey Steam Railway for a return journey through the Cairngorms National Park, alongside the River Spey with views of rolling hills, Cairngorm Mountain, and pine forests. Then coach to Culloden Battlefield for a private guided tour of the site of the final Jacobite Rising battle in 1746, plus access to the visitor centre with 360-degree battle immersion theatre, artefacts, and roof garden panoramic views. Return to hotel for the final evening. Note: trains are steam-hauled where possible, but alternatives may apply.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5rail

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, check out and travel by coach back to Inverness train station to say farewell and make your way home or continue exploring Scotland independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 4 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast and dinner each day
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

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