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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted Group Tour

Loch Lomond & the Scottish Highlands

Scottish Highlands rail tour from Glasgow through Loch Lomond, Oban, and the Jacobite Steam

Illustration of Loch Lomond & the Scottish Highlands

Great Rail Journeys operates this 6-day escorted group tour through the Scottish Highlands, starting in Glasgow and finishing in Mallaig. The tour is based in the village of Crianlarich, from which guests explore the region by West Highland Line trains, coach, and ferry. Day 2 features a scenic West Highland Line journey from Glasgow through mountains and lochs to Crianlarich. Day 3 includes a Loch Lomond cruise with lunch served on board and time in Inveraray. Day 4 combines rail travel to Oban, a ferry crossing to the Isle of Mull, and a guided tour of 13th-century Duart Castle. The highlight is Day 5, when travellers board the Jacobite Steam Train for the famous run across the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct to Mallaig, a fishing port overlooking the Isle of Skye. This tour suits repeat rail travellers, history lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a guided, all-arranged Highland experience. All accommodation, rail, coach and ferry travel, breakfast and dinner, and guided excursions are included in the package price.

What to know before you look closer

  • The group size reaches up to 40 travellers; this is a large escorted tour
  • Single supplement pricing and availability are not stated in the operator's published information

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Glasgow

    Arriving in the culture-packed city of Glasgow

    Your holiday begins today in Scotland's largest city, Glasgow. Make your way to our hotel in Glasgow, where you meet the Tour Manager and your fellow travellers this afternoon. With check-in available from 3pm, you can head out and start exploring before our first dinner as a group this evening. Glasgow is situated on the River Clyde and has a welcoming atmosphere with art, culture, music and attractions to interest every visitor. Stroll through the West End, admiring the architecture of the University of Glasgow and exploring Kelvingrove Park. Alternatively, you could admire the 22 galleries on display at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which has free entry.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Crianlarich

    The scenic West Highland Line to Crianlarich

    After breakfast, enjoy time at leisure to discover more of Glasgow. Early this afternoon, we gather at the train station for a scenic rail journey on the West Highland Line to Crianlarich in Glen Strathfillan. As we leave Glasgow, we are quickly surrounded by the wild and windswept Scottish Highlands as we travel through landscapes of mountains, steep-sided lochs and heather moors. After checking in to our hotel on arrival, there's time to relax or take a leisurely stroll before dinner. The quaint village of Crianlarich is the perfect base to explore the Highlands.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Crianlarich

    Sailing Loch Lomond and discovering Inveraray's history

    This morning, we travel by coach to Tarbet for a cruise on Loch Lomond. Enjoy your lunch on board while surrounded by the impressive scenery with live guided commentary. After soaking up the beauty of Loch Lomond, we head to Inveraray, a town on the western shore of Loch Fyne. With time at leisure here, you could visit Inveraray Castle or explore Inveraray Jail, a 19th-century prison and courthouse now a 'living museum'. Note: For departure 21st June, Days 3 & 4 have been swapped around.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Crianlarich

    A day of exploration at Oban, Duart Castle and Tobermory

    We experience more of the Scottish Highlands by rail after breakfast, heading for Oban with striking views of the Glen Ogle viaduct and Loch Awe. We board the ferry in Oban and set sail for the Isle of Mull. Arriving at Craignure, our coach drives us to Duart Castle for a guided tour of the imposing 13th-century estate. Our next destination is Tobermory, the capital of the Isle of Mull, famous for its brightly coloured houses. Later, we catch the ferry back to Oban from Craignure, where our coach takes us back to our hotel in time for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: Crianlarich

    Journey on the Jacobite Steam Train

    We experience the final leg of the West Highland Line today on the Jacobite Steam Train. Boarding the restored carriages at Fort William, a highlight of the route is crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct with 21 arches, recognisable from the 'Harry Potter' films. The train continues towards the coast, passing through Arisaig and descending towards Mallaig, a quaint fishing port looking over the Isle of Skye. We retrace our journey on the Jacobite Steam Train this afternoon, arriving in Fort William and then transferring back to our hotel in Crianlarich for our final dinner in the Highlands. Note: Journeys are steam-hauled where possible, some departures may use the ScotRail scheduled service. For departure 20th September, the return journey will be via coach.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6rail

    Homeward bound

    As your holiday comes to a close after breakfast this morning, it's time to bid farewell to Crianlarich. We head back to Glasgow by train, where you can continue exploring on your own or make your way home.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2West Highland Line departs Glasgow through mountains, steep-sided lochs and heather moors toward Crianlarich
  • Day 3Lunch on board a cruise of Loch Lomond with live guided commentary and views of surrounding mountains
  • Day 4Guided tour of 13th-century Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull after a ferry crossing from Oban
  • Day 5Jacobite Steam Train journey from Fort William to Mallaig, crossing the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct and passing Arisaig toward the fishing port and Isle of Skye views

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 5 nights' 3-star hotel accommodation
  • Standard class rail travel
  • All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast and dinner each day
  • 1 lunch (on board Loch Lomond cruise)
  • Group luggage transfers between all hotels
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Standard class rail travel on the West Highland Line (Glasgow to Crianlarich, Crianlarich to Oban, return to Glasgow) and the Jacobite Steam Train (Fort William to Mallaig return) are all included, along with coach, ferry, and luggage transfers
Is this tour escorted or independent?
It is an escorted group tour. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group from start to finish, and all guided tours and excursions are included
What are the hotels?
Hotel Indigo in Glasgow for 1 night and Best Western Crianlarich Hotel for 4 nights, both 3-star rated
What meals are included?
Breakfast and dinner each day, plus one lunch on board the Loch Lomond cruise. Cancellation and travel insurance are not included
How much walking is involved?
City walking in Glasgow and Inveraray, a guided tour of Duart Castle, and normal station movements; no extended hikes

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