Is train travel included?

Yes. Train travel throughout the trip is included: from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Stirling, Stirling to Inverness via the Highland line, Inverness to Aberdeen, and Aberdeen back to Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Is this escorted or independent?

It is an independent train holiday with two private guided day tours included. The Speyside whisky trail and Aberdeenshire Castle Trail are guided; other days you explore at your own pace.

Which trains are used?

The pack names the route but not specific train names. The itinerary includes the Stirling to Inverness Highland line via Gleneagles, Pitlochry, Kingussie and Aviemore; confirm exact train names and services with McKinlay Kidd.

What accommodation is included?

Six nights bed and breakfast in hand-picked small guest houses and hotels: two nights in Stirling, two in Inverness, two in Aberdeen.

How much walking is involved?

Days include castle visits, strolls through town centres, and walks during the guided tours. No high-altitude hikes or strenuous activity is mentioned.

What is not included?

Single traveller supplement, accommodation over Christmas/New Year, and optional stays in St Andrews, Edinburgh or Glasgow.

McKinlay Kidd · Tailor-made rail holiday

Highlands, Castles and Whisky by Train

Scottish Highlands by train: castles, whisky, and guided tours from Stirling

Highlands, Castles and Whisky by Train is a seven-day independent rail holiday operated by McKinlay Kidd through Scotland's East and Central Highlands. The journey begins in either Edinburgh or Glasgow, travels to Stirling to visit its castle and historic town, then heads north on the scenic Highland line through Perthshire and the Cairngorms to Inverness. From there, a private guided day explores the Speyside whisky region with two distillery visits and tasting drams. The trip continues to Aberdeen, Scotland's granite city, where another private guided day covers the Aberdeenshire Castle Trail, including Dunnottar and Crathes Castles. You then return south by train to Edinburgh or Glasgow. The package includes six nights in hand-picked small hotels and guest houses with breakfast, all train travel, and the two private guided tours. This suits couples and independent travellers who want structured rail connections combined with flexibility to explore towns on their own and prefer guided experiences for the whisky and castle highlights.

What to know before you look closer

Single traveller supplement is substantial (£2,665 to £2,955 depending on season, compared to the base price of £1,670 to £1,960 per person). This trip is priced for two sharing.
The itinerary is tailor-made and independent rather than escorted; only the Speyside and Castle Trail days include a guide.
Stays at Christmas and New Year (December 23 to January 8) require a bespoke quote; confirm pricing for those dates.
Extensions to St Andrews, Edinburgh or Glasgow are available on request but not included in the base package.

Day by day

Day 1railovernight: Stirling
Splendid Stirling
Short train journey from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Stirling. Visit Stirling Castle and stroll the surrounding cobbled streets.
Day 2overnight: Stirling
Monuments and more in Stirling
Option to visit the National Wallace Monument or the Battle of Bannockburn Experience just outside town.
Day 3railovernight: Inverness
On the Highland rail line
A journey north through Perthshire via Gleneagles, Pitlochry, Kingussie and Aviemore, skirting the Cairngorms to Inverness.
Day 4overnight: Inverness
On the Whisky Trail in Speyside
An exclusive day-long private guided tour of Speyside with a specially chosen driver-guide, including visits to two distilleries with drams and a stop for lunch.
Day 5railovernight: Aberdeen
Towards the Granite City
Train journey of around two hours to Aberdeen, a city known for shopping, theatre, food, museums, galleries and granite architecture.
Day 6overnight: Aberdeen
Castles, Castles, CASTLES!
A private guided day tour of Aberdeenshire's Castle Trail with a local driver-guide, potentially including Dunnottar Castle, Crathes Castle and the Cairn O' Mount pass.
Day 7rail
Heading back south
Train south over the Tay rail bridge to Edinburgh or Glasgow.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 1Arrive in Stirling and visit Stirling Castle, then stroll the cobbled streets of the town centre.
Day 3Travel north on the Highland rail line through Perthshire, past Gleneagles, Pitlochry, Kingussie and Aviemore, skirting the Cairngorms to Inverness.
Day 4Day-long private guided tour of Speyside with visits to two distilleries, drams and lunch included.
Day 6Private guided tour of Aberdeenshire's Castle Trail, potentially visiting Dunnottar Castle, Crathes Castle and the Cairn O' Mount pass.

Included

Train travel throughout (Stirling, Inverness, Aberdeen and return south)
A full day with a local guide in Speyside to visit two distilleries
A private tour of Aberdeenshire's Castle Trail
Six nights bed & breakfast, two adults sharing a double or twin room, in hand-picked small guest houses and hotels

Not included

Single traveller supplement (£2665 Nov-Mar / £2955 May-Sept)
Stays over Christmas/New Year (23 December to 8 January) - bespoke quote required
Accommodation in St Andrews, Edinburgh or Glasgow (available on request)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?: Yes. Train travel throughout the trip is included: from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Stirling, Stirling to Inverness via the Highland line, Inverness to Aberdeen, and Aberdeen back to Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Is this escorted or independent?: It is an independent train holiday with two private guided day tours included. The Speyside whisky trail and Aberdeenshire Castle Trail are guided; other days you explore at your own pace.
Which trains are used?: The pack names the route but not specific train names. The itinerary includes the Stirling to Inverness Highland line via Gleneagles, Pitlochry, Kingussie and Aviemore; confirm exact train names and services with McKinlay Kidd.
What accommodation is included?: Six nights bed and breakfast in hand-picked small guest houses and hotels: two nights in Stirling, two in Inverness, two in Aberdeen.
How much walking is involved?: Days include castle visits, strolls through town centres, and walks during the guided tours. No high-altitude hikes or strenuous activity is mentioned.
What is not included?: Single traveller supplement, accommodation over Christmas/New Year, and optional stays in St Andrews, Edinburgh or Glasgow.