McKinlay Kidd · Tailor-made rail holiday

Slowly Through the North Highlands by Train

Slowly Through the North Highlands by Train, a rail journey with McKinlay Kidd

Leave the car behind and unwind into a different pace of life on this self-guided tour of Scotland's remote North Highlands by train.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Inverness

    Inverness

    Arrive in the Highland capital, a compact city easily navigable on foot, with recommendations for places to eat and strolls by the river and Caledonian Canal.

  2. Day 2overnight: Inverness

    Cruise on Haunting Loch Ness

    Short taxi ride to Loch Ness for a small-group cruise with audio guiding on the loch's history, taking in Castle Urquhart.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Royal Dornoch

    North-East to Royal Dornoch

    Train from Inverness on the Far North Line around the Cromarty and Dornoch Firths, alighting at Tain and transferred to Royal Dornoch.

  4. Day 4overnight: Royal Dornoch

    Make the Most of Dornoch

    Explore the community-run local history museum, browse local shops, or walk the town's beach.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Thurso

    Head North and Visit Wonderful Dunrobin Castle

    Transferred to Dunrobin Castle, a stately home overlooking the Dornoch Firth, then continue by train from Dunrobin's dedicated halt north to Thurso via some of the UK's remotest stations.

  6. Day 6overnight: Thurso

    At Leisure on the North Coast

    Option to tour the Wolfsburn Distillery, take a local bus to John O'Groats, walk the beach, or arrange a day trip to Orkney's Neolithic sites (advance booking required).

  7. Day 7overnight: Flow Country

    A Private Guided Tour of the North Coast & Flow Country

    A local guide leads a day out to Dunnet Head, the Duncansby Stacks and the Whaligoe Steps, before heading inland into the Flow Country to mainland Britain's remotest hotel.

  8. Day 8overnight: Flow Country

    At Leisure in the Flow Country

    Car-free leisure time - a walk into the surrounding countryside or relaxing in the hotel's lounge.

  9. Day 9rail

    Return by Rail to Inverness

    Driven to Kinbrace Station for the three hour train journey back to Inverness.

Included

  • A full day's private guided tour/transfer from Thurso to the Flow Country
  • A cruise on Loch Ness (small group)
  • All train travel as detailed
  • Eight nights bed and breakfast, two people sharing a double/twin ensuite room, plus dinner on two nights

Not included

  • Taxis in Inverness
  • Entrance fee at Dunrobin Castle
  • Single traveller supplement (£1085)
  • Optional day trip to Orkney (requires advance planning and booking)

Similar journeys, different answers