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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Scottish Highlands and the Outer Hebrides from London

London to the Scottish Highlands and Outer Hebrides by rail and ferry

Illustration of Scottish Highlands and the Outer Hebrides from London

Railbookers runs this 9-day independent rail and ferry vacation from London to the far northwest of Scotland, opening with the Caledonian Sleeper's overnight run to Inverness on day 1. A guided tour to Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye follows on day 3, with a photo stop at the Red Cuillin Mountains. On day 4 the trip heads to Ullapool for a ferry sailing along Loch Broom past the Summer Isles to Stornoway on Lewis, where a guided visit takes in the traditional blackhouse at Arnol and the Butt of Lewis. Day 5 crosses into the mountains of Harris, stopping at the port of Leverburgh and Luskentyre beach, and day 6 visits the 5,000-year-old Callanish standing stones before the ferry back to the mainland and the return drive to Inverness. The trip then continues by direct train to Edinburgh for a guided city tour before returning to London. With a guide provided for both the Skye and Hebrides excursions, the trip suits history lovers, first-time rail travelers, and photographers drawn to island and coastal scenery.

What to know before you look closer

  • The operator's materials for this package list no scheduled departure dates; confirm current availability with Railbookers before booking.
  • Travel to and from the Outer Hebrides (days 4 and 6) is by road to Ullapool and then ferry, not by train.
  • Day 4 is a long travel day; the itinerary notes 'an early start' before the drive to Ullapool and the ferry crossing to Stornoway.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Caledonian Sleeper (onboard)

    Overnight Onboard Caledonian Sleeper

    Depart London on the Caledonian Sleeper for your overnight journey to Inverness, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands.

  2. Day 2overnight: Inverness

    Inverness

    Boasting an abundance of culture, history, a beautiful Old Town, and the 19th-century Inverness Cathedral, this city and the surrounding region was made for exploring.

  3. Day 3overnight: Inverness

    Isle Of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Tour

    Today's included tour features many memorable moments. You'll travel through dramatic Highland landscapes before visiting Eilean Donan Castle, known as the most photographed castle in Scotland. Then, you'll cross over into Isle of Skye, where you'll stop for a photo of the Red Cuillin Mountains.

  4. Day 4overnight: Stornoway

    Inverness to Outer Hebrides

    After an early start you travel straight from Inverness to Ullapool and catch your ferry to the islands. This stunning sea trip takes you along Loch Broom, past the Summer Isles, and out to Stornoway; capital of the Outer Hebrides. Once you've arrived on Lewis, your first stop is the ancient past, visiting the 'blackhouse' at Arnol, then finishing the day with a trip to the Butt of Lewis to admire the famous lighthouse.

  5. Day 5overnight: Stornoway

    The Outer Hebrides

    Today, you're heading south to Harris. As you weave through the towering mountains, your guide will tell you about the traditions and tales of this part of Scotland. You stop in the small port of Leverburgh for lunch, then visit Luskentyre beach, before heading back to Stornoway.

  6. Day 6overnight: Inverness

    Outer Hebrides to Inverness

    Today, you're delving back to the ancient past, venturing to the far west of Lewis to the parish of Uig, where 800 years ago the Vikings left behind the Lewis Chessmen. Visit the Callanish standing stones, 5,000-year-old megaliths. We have lunch in Stornoway before crossing back to the mainland returning to Inverness in the evening.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Edinburgh

    Inverness to Edinburgh

    Travel by direct train to Edinburgh. Settle in before setting out to explore the capital of Scotland! From the cobbled streets of the medieval Old Town to the sweeping views from the top of the many hills, there is so much beauty to explore here.

  8. Day 8overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    During your included city tour, you'll get to see the best attractions and learn all about local traditions and stories. Visit Princes Street, Grassmarket, Dean Village, and Holyrood Palace.

  9. Day 9rail

    Your Journey Ends in London

    Spend one final morning in Edinburgh before catching the train back to London where your journey ends.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The Caledonian Sleeper departs London overnight, arriving in Inverness, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands.
  • Day 3The Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle tour crosses dramatic Highland landscapes to Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed castle in Scotland, with a photo stop at the Red Cuillin Mountains.
  • Day 4The ferry to Stornoway sails along Loch Broom past the Summer Isles, followed by a visit to the traditional 'blackhouse' at Arnol and the Butt of Lewis.
  • Day 5The route to Harris weaves through towering mountains to the port of Leverburgh and on to Luskentyre beach.
  • Day 6The Callanish standing stones, 5,000-year-old megaliths near Uig, mark the area where the Lewis Chessmen were found 800 years after Vikings left them behind.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 1 night accommodation onboard Caledonian Sleeper
  • 3 nights accommodation with breakfast in Inverness
  • 2 nights accommodation with breakfast in Stornaway
  • 2 nights accommodation with breakfast in Edinburgh
  • Skye and Eilean Donan Castle tour from Inverness
  • 3 day round trip with guide to the Outer Hebrides
  • Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour in Inverness
  • City tour of Edinburgh

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes for most of the trip, including the overnight Caledonian Sleeper and the direct trains linking Inverness, Edinburgh, and London. The journey out to the Outer Hebrides is by road to Ullapool and then ferry, not train.
Is this tour independent or escorted?
It is an independent rail vacation with guided components: the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle tour and the 3-day round trip to the Outer Hebrides are both run with a guide.
What do you see in the Outer Hebrides?
The traditional blackhouse at Arnol, the Butt of Lewis, Luskentyre beach and the port of Leverburgh on Harris, and the 5,000-year-old Callanish standing stones.
Where do you stay?
One night onboard the Caledonian Sleeper, two nights in Inverness (River Ness Hotel), two nights in Stornoway, a further night back in Inverness, and two nights in Edinburgh (InterContinental Edinburgh The George).
When does this tour run?
The operator's materials list no scheduled departure dates for this package; confirm current availability with Railbookers.

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