Peter Harrison

Scottish Highlands

Stunning Scenic Rail Journeys

Tour Overview

Take a relaxed and scenic Scottish Highland tour by train - a stress-free way to discover Scotland’s dramatic landscapes, rich history, and lively cities, rewarding you with unforgettable scenery and experiences.

Begin in Edinburgh, where you can immerse yourself in iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the elegant Holyrood Palace.
Scotland's excellent public transport makes car hire unnecessary as you journey north by train to Aviemore. Here, board the charming Strathspey Railway for a picturesque ride through the beautiful Cairngorms, a landscape of rolling hills, dense forests, and tranquil rivers.
A short mainline train journey takes you to Inverness, the Highland capital, where you can explore the legendary Loch Ness. We can organise excursions, including boat cruises that offer a chance to spot the elusive Nessie and a visit to the historic Urquhart Castle.
Continue your adventure on the stunning Kyle Line, travelling through dramatic mountain ranges, sparkling lochs, and remote Highland scenery to Kyle of Lochalsh.
From here, connect to the West Highland Line and journey to Mallaig, passing through some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes. En route, don’t miss the chance to ride the iconic Jacobite steam train from Fort William, famous for its journey across the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Conclude your trip in Glasgow, a city bursting with cultural attractions, including the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and vibrant shopping districts.

Travel Tips

Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, offers direct rail links to London and good connections to the rest of the UK, making it an ideal start/end point for a Scottish rail holiday.
A city full of history, culture, and stunning scenery, Edinburgh is very walkable with its compact Old Town and New Town areas. Allow at least 1 or 2 full days to visit iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, to wander through the picturesque Grassmarket area and perhaps visit one of the many art galleries or museums.
With great public transport connections and an array of guided bus tours available, there are plenty of options for day trips too. Consider visiting the rather lavish Rosslyn Chapel, historic Stirling with its castle and the Wallace Monument or the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway.
The Strathspey Railway runs from Aviemore – a 3-hour rail journey from Edinburgh – taking you on a twenty-mile round trip along part of the original Highland railway mainline. As the train passes moorland, through woods and alongside the meandering River Spey, the magnificent Cairngorm Mountain scenery is ever present.
Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, is a charming riverside city, less than an hour by train from Aviemore. The Old Town is compact and charming, full of narrow alleys, historic buildings, and local shops.
Inverness is also the gateway to Loch Ness, famous for its mysterious monster, "Nessie." While visiting, you can take a boat tour on the loch or visit Urquhart Castle, located on the shore of the lake.
Include scenic mainline railway routes such as the Kyle of Lochalsh Line which connects Inverness with the Kyle of Lochalsh, and the West Highland Line which stretches between Glasgow and Mallaig. These spectacular journeys take you through dramatic Highland landscapes, coastal views, and rugged mountains, making them a must-do for train enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Fort William, situated at the foot of Ben Nevis, is the departure point of the Jacobite Steam train – this famous line is incredibly scenic, and runs to the small port town of Mallaig, travelling over the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct. Allow a full day to enjoy the return journey, with time in Mallaig for lunch.
Consider extending your holiday out to the Isle of Skye, or even the Outer Hebrides. Hiring a car or joining a tour is the best for this, as travel by public bus is possible, but services are not that frequent.
Scotland is a very popular destination, visit in Spring (April-May) or Autumn (September-October) if you would prefer to avoid the crowds.