Is train travel included?

First Class rail travel from London King's Cross to Stirling and return from Inverness is included. All heritage steam trains, the paddle steamer, the funicular, and coach transfers are included. The London King's Cross rail fares are booked separately.

Is the tour escorted?

Yes, a Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout the 9 days.

What trains and boats are included?

The LNER Azuma Highland Chieftain from London, the 'Sir Walter Scott' steamship on Loch Katrine, the 'Waverley' paddle steamer on the Clyde, 'The Jacobite' steam train from Fort William to Mallaig, the Strathspey Railway steam train, and the Cairngorm Mountain Railway funicular.

What meals are included?

Breakfast is included every morning. The package provides 3 lunches and 8 dinners; light lunch is served on both First Class train journeys from and to London.

What accommodation is included?

8 nights' hotel accommodation: 3 nights in Stirling, 2 nights in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, 2 nights in Fort William, and 1 night in Inverness, all with breakfast.

How much walking is involved?

The tour includes guided walking tours at Stirling Castle and free time to explore town centers. The Cairngorm Mountain Railway funicular involves minimal walking at the summit.

The Railway Touring Company · Escorted rail holiday

The Heart of Scotland - August 2026

Nine-day Scottish rail tour from Stirling to Inverness on historic trains

The Railway Touring Company's nine-day Heart of Scotland tour takes travelers from London King's Cross to Stirling, through the Scottish Highlands, and on to Inverness. Escorted by a Tour Manager, the group stays in Stirling for three nights, then moves to the Isle of Bute for two nights and Fort William for two nights, returning to London by train. Days blend historic rail travel with heritage steam trains and paddle steamers: a cruise on Loch Katrine aboard the 'Sir Walter Scott', an all-day voyage on the 'Waverley' paddle steamer to Bute, the celebrated Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig through mountains and lochs, and the Strathspey Railway with a funicular ascent of Cairngorm. The itinerary also includes Stirling Castle, the Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre, and Mount Stuart, a Victorian Gothic Revival estate. Hotel stays, breakfast, three lunches, and eight dinners are included, along with all rail, boat, and coach transfers. This tour suits repeat rail travelers, history enthusiasts, and couples who prefer guided comfort with organized logistics and multi-night stays in established hotels.

What to know before you look closer

Only one departure is currently listed (August 2026) at a fixed price of GBP 2,185; confirm availability well in advance.
Day 6 includes free time in Rothesay before a lunchtime ferry; the schedule is less structured than other days.
The price covers the package and hotel-based meals, but First Class rail fares from London King's Cross are booked separately; confirm the exact fare arrangement with The Railway Touring Company before booking.

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Stirling
London to Stirling on the 'Highland Chieftain'
Travel First Class from London King's Cross on the East Coast Main Line, with a light lunch served at your seat, via York, Newcastle and Edinburgh to Stirling, where you check in for a three-night stay. Welcome dinner served at the hotel.
Day 2overnight: Stirling
Steam cruise on Loch Katrine and free time in Stirling
Coach transfer to Loch Katrine in the Trossachs National Park for a 2-hour lake cruise on the steamship 'Sir Walter Scott' to Stronachlachar, with lunch at the Pier restaurant, then free time to explore Stirling's Old Town.
Day 3overnight: Stirling
Stirling Castle and Battle of Bannockburn experience
A guided tour of the grounds of Stirling Castle, followed by a visit to the Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre and immersive experience depicting the 1314 battle.
Day 4overnight: Rothesay, Isle of Bute
Clyde cruise and Isle of Bute aboard paddle steamer 'Waverley'
Coach transfer from Stirling to Glasgow, then an all-day cruise aboard the double-funnel paddle steamer 'Waverley', the last ocean-going paddle steamer in the world, with a stop ashore at Tighnabruaich before arriving at Rothesay, the principal town of Bute.
Day 5overnight: Rothesay, Isle of Bute
Mount Stuart and the scenery of South Bute
Discover the natural and cultural highlights south of Rothesay, including the Victorian Gothic Revival estate at Mount Stuart, the first home in the world with a heated swimming pool and purpose-built electric lights, and the beaches and coves at Kilchattan Bay.
Day 6overnight: Fort William
Ferry crossing to Wemyss Bay
Free time in Rothesay before the lunchtime CalMac ferry to Wemyss Bay, then a coach transfer to Fort William.
Day 7railovernight: Fort William
Jacobite Steam Train
A trip on 'The Jacobite' steam train from Fort William to Mallaig through mountains, glens, lochs and sea views, with time in Mallaig before the return journey.
Day 8railovernight: Inverness
Strathspey Steam Railway and Cairngorm Mountain Railway
Coach to Aviemore for a steam train on the Strathspey Railway to Boat of Garten and Broomhill, then on to Loch Morlich and the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, a 2km funicular and Britain's highest mountain railway, before continuing to Inverness.
Day 9rail
Train travel from Inverness
Return First Class from Inverness via Drumochter summit (the highest in the UK) and the Tay valley through Perth, Edinburgh, Newcastle and York to London King's Cross, with a light lunch served on board.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2Two-hour steam cruise on Loch Katrine aboard the 'Sir Walter Scott' to Stronachlachar with lunch at the Pier restaurant.
Day 4All-day cruise aboard the 'Waverley', the last ocean-going paddle steamer in the world, departing Glasgow and stopping at Tighnabruaich before reaching Rothesay on the Isle of Bute.
Day 7Journey on 'The Jacobite' steam train from Fort William to Mallaig through mountains, glens, lochs and sea views.
Day 8Steam train on the Strathspey Railway from Aviemore to Boat of Garten and Broomhill, followed by ascent of Cairngorm on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, Britain's highest mountain railway funicular.

Included

First Class rail travel from London King's Cross to Stirling by LNER Azuma train and from Inverness to London King's Cross
8 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast
3 lunches and 8 dinners
All rail and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary
All road coach transfers as detailed in the itinerary
All seat reservations and transfers
The services of a Tour Manager

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?: First Class rail travel from London King's Cross to Stirling and return from Inverness is included. All heritage steam trains, the paddle steamer, the funicular, and coach transfers are included. The London King's Cross rail fares are booked separately.
Is the tour escorted?: Yes, a Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout the 9 days.
What trains and boats are included?: The LNER Azuma Highland Chieftain from London, the 'Sir Walter Scott' steamship on Loch Katrine, the 'Waverley' paddle steamer on the Clyde, 'The Jacobite' steam train from Fort William to Mallaig, the Strathspey Railway steam train, and the Cairngorm Mountain Railway funicular.
What meals are included?: Breakfast is included every morning. The package provides 3 lunches and 8 dinners; light lunch is served on both First Class train journeys from and to London.
What accommodation is included?: 8 nights' hotel accommodation: 3 nights in Stirling, 2 nights in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, 2 nights in Fort William, and 1 night in Inverness, all with breakfast.
How much walking is involved?: The tour includes guided walking tours at Stirling Castle and free time to explore town centers. The Cairngorm Mountain Railway funicular involves minimal walking at the summit.

Similar journeys

The Railway Touring Company