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The Railway Touring Company · Escorted tour

The Cock O'the North - September 2026

Scottish rail adventure from London through Highlands to Isle of Skye

Illustration of The Cock O'the North - September 2026

The Railway Touring Company's Cock O'the North is a seven-day escorted tour that explores Scotland's Highlands and Isle of Skye through a combination of heritage and express rail, coach, and ferry. Beginning with a First-Class journey on the Highland Chieftain from London King's Cross, the tour visits Inverness twice, spending four nights at a high-quality hotel there and two nights on the Isle of Skye at a three-star property in Portree. A tour manager accompanies the group throughout, coordinating rail travel and overland transfers with a dedicated coach. Day two brings two heritage railway experiences: a steam-hauled ride on the Strathspey Railway and a vintage diesel railcar on the Keith and Dufftown line. The standout moment comes on day three, when the Jacobite steam train carries you across the celebrated 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct en route to Mallaig, followed by a ferry crossing to Skye. Between rail journeys, you explore Dunvegan Castle, take a guided coach tour of Skye's Cuillin mountains, and cruise the Caledonian Canal to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. The itinerary suits repeat rail travellers and couples seeking a structured escorted experience that combines famous heritage railways, castle visits, and Scottish scenery without independent navigation.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure date published: September 2026.
  • The Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness train is Standard Class; First Class is not available on this service.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Inverness

    'Highland Chieftain' to Inverness

    From the comfort of the First-Class Lounge at London's King's Cross Station you join the 'Highland Chieftain' for the scenic journey to Scotland via York, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Perth, and the Highland Main Line to Inverness. At Inverness you check in to your hotel for a two night stay. Dinner will be served this evening in the hotel restaurant.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Inverness

    Strathspey Railway; Keith & Dufftown Railway

    This morning you travel by road coach to Aviemore to join a steam train on the Strathspey Railway, running to Boat of Garten and Broomhill. You re-join your coach to Dufftown for lunch in the 'Buffer Stop' railway restaurant car, then take a vintage diesel rail car on the 11-mile Keith and Dufftown Railway, the most northerly heritage railway in the UK. You return to the hotel in Inverness for dinner.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Portree, Isle of Skye

    The Jacobite Steam Train, Ferry to Armadale

    A major tour highlight awaits with a trip on 'The Jacobite' steam train from Fort William to Mallaig, crossing the world famous 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct. You have an hour in Mallaig before boarding the ferry for Armadale on Skye, then a road coach over the Skye Bridge to Portree, where you check in to your 3-star hotel, your base for the next two nights.

  4. Day 4overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye

    Tour of Skye, Dunvegan Castle

    A guided coach tour of the Isle of Skye, taking in the Cuillin mountains, the Flora MacDonald Memorial Cross and the historic Dunvegan Castle, ancient home of the MacLeods.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Inverness

    Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness by train

    After a traditional Scottish breakfast you say farewell to Portree as you head by road coach to Kyle of Lochalsh, then board the service train back to Inverness, one of the most scenic lines in Britain. At Inverness you once again check in to The Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa for dinner and overnight accommodation.

  6. Day 6overnight: Inverness

    Loch Cruise and a leisurely afternoon in Inverness

    A Canal & Loch cruise with an inclusive visit to Urquhart Castle, sailing from Dochgarroch Lock through the Caledonian Canal onto Loch Ness. Afterwards you have time to explore Inverness before a farewell dinner in the hotel restaurant.

  7. Day 7rail

    The 'Highland Chieftain' back to London

    An early breakfast before transferring to Inverness Railway Station to join the 'Highland Chieftain' express for the return journey, climbing to Drumochter summit before Perth, Edinburgh, Newcastle, York and London King's Cross.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart from London King's Cross in First-Class on the Highland Chieftain, passing through York, Newcastle, and Edinburgh en route to Inverness.
  • Day 2Two heritage railways in one day: steam on the Strathspey Railway from Aviemore to Boat of Garten, then the vintage diesel railcar on the Keith and Dufftown 'Whisky Line'.
  • Day 3The Jacobite steam train crosses the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct between Fort William and Mallaig, followed by a ferry crossing to the Isle of Skye.
  • Day 6Canal and Loch cruise through the Caledonian Canal to Loch Ness, with an inclusive visit to Urquhart Castle.

Included

  • First Class rail travel to Inverness and return, from London, Peterborough or York, with at-seat dining
  • 4 Nights dinner bed and breakfast at a high quality hotel in Inverness
  • 2 nights dinner bed and breakfast at a good quality 3-star hotel in Portree
  • 4 lunches
  • Our own road coach to transport luggage for the duration in Scotland leaving you free to enjoy the train rides and other journeys
  • First Class rail travel on 'The Jacobite' from Mallaig to Fort William
  • Standard Class rail travel between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh (First Class not provided on this train)
  • All visits, train travel, transfers and tours as detailed in the itinerary
  • Reserved seats
  • The services of a tour manager

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The tour includes First-Class rail travel on the Highland Chieftain from London to Inverness and return, First-Class on the Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig, and Standard Class on the Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness service. Heritage railway rides are also included.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is an escorted tour run by The Railway Touring Company. You are accompanied by a dedicated tour manager throughout.
What is included in the price?
The from-price of GBP 2,045 includes First-Class rail travel, six nights' accommodation (four at Inverness, two at Portree) with dinner, bed, and breakfast, four lunches, heritage railway rides, the ferry to Skye, the Caledonian Canal and Loch cruise, Dunvegan Castle entry, all coach transfers in Scotland, reserved seats, and the tour manager's services.
How many nights are spent in each location?
Four nights in Inverness, two nights in Portree on the Isle of Skye.
What is the physical activity level?
Moderate. The tour includes guided coach touring, a day excursion on foot around Inverness, and walking to explore Portree. Most travel is by rail, coach, or ferry with minimal climbing.
When does this tour depart?
The September 2026 departure is the only one currently listed.

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