Scottish Highlands and Skye by Rail

Ideal for those seeking an all-encompassing, car-free Scottish adventure taking in the country's highlights, best-loved locations and a smattering of hidden gems. Ride the famous West Highland Line railway, the remote Kyle Line and travel south to Edinburgh via a rail journey through Scotland's largest National Park and the romantic Perthshire countryside. Allow our local expertise to guide you on a hassle-free trip where we have included rail and ferry journeys, along with transfers on the Isle of Skye. Experience Scottish hospitality at it's finest, not just at your accommodations, but as you tour the sights and meet the local historian en route.

Discovery | Think of it as a ‘local’s guide’ to the best of the region. It includes a combination of activity and transportation to give you the freedom to explore and cover more ground at your own pace. We do all the research and organisation for you. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy!

Rail and Hike | Perfectly planned itineraries discovering the best of a destination both by train and on foot.

Solo Travellers

Overnight in hand-picked small hotels, B&B's and guesthouses, all of which have been chosen to ensure you experience warm Scottish hospitality at its best! We regularly use the properties listed in the itinerary but may use alternative options if these are unavailable.

Single Rooms

This holiday is available to solo travellers but as all our tours are priced per person based on two sharing there is a single supplement payable to cover the additional costs. If you require single rooms within your party we will, of course, try to accommodate your request subject to availability.

Meals

Breakfast is included each morning and normally consists of a continental buffet with tea and coffee, fresh fruits, yoghurt, cereals, eggs and bread with jams. Often also on the menu are cooked options like freshly made porridge, a traditional cooked Scottish breakfast and smoked fish with scrambled eggs. 

We don't include lunch and dinner so you are free to choose from the available options. Your information pack includes details and recommendations of convenient lunch stops, cosy cafes and restaurants along the way. The food scene in Scotland has improved significantly over the past few decades, so now you'll find a range of high quality, varied options with everything from award-winning fish and chips to intimate Michelin-listed dining experiences, and casual restaurant menus showcasing delicious locally-sourced produce. 

Additional Nights

You can add additional nights wherever you please along the route. Of course we highly recommend additional nights in the capital city of Edinburgh at the end of your trip. If arriving from further afield you may like to add a night in Glasgow at the start of the trip also.

Recommended Reading

If you would like more information on the route please see our recommendation below:

• Lonely Planet Scotland

You can start this tour on any day of the week from March to November, subject to availability. The busiest times of the year are around Easter and May when accommodations fill up quickly, so book as early as possible if you are planning to travel then. If you travel before Easter, and after mid-October it is worth noting that some attractions may either be closed, have limited access (i.e. castle interiors may be closed but the gardens open), or may open later and close a little earlier in the day. We always recommend checking the links in our information pack for up-to-date opening times to avoid disappointment. 

During the shoulder season - March to early April and after mid-October - the Scottish weather tends to be more unpredictable and is often colder and rainier. However, attractions and popular viewpoints will generally be quieter. 

Scotland enjoys a temperate climate, meaning it's relatively mild all year, except in winter when temperatures dip below 0 degrees Celsius and it snows regularly in the Highlands. The Highlands are renowned for variable weather so you should be prepared for everything; from 'dreich' days (a Scottish word for rainy days that are a bit bleak) to days with beautiful blue skies and warmer weather. Whatever the weather it tends to be breezy so spare layers are always recommended.

From the end of April to October average daily temperatures vary from 9-15 degrees Celsius. Monthly rainfall varies from 10-16 mm per month on average. Generally, May to July are the driest and mildest months, but exploring later in the year from September to October is pleasant in cooler temperatures and the autumnal scenery as the leaves begin to change colour is spectacular. Alternatively, to see the purple heather blooming on the hillsides the best time to travel is from late July to early September. 

Your trip begins in the well-connected city of Glasgow with good links across the UK, Europe and beyond by flying into either Glasgow or Edinburgh international airports. Glasgow and Edinburgh are just over an hour apart by road and it doesn't take much longer to travel between the two by an express bus or train service. If you are driving or traveling from further afield, we recommend an extra night in Glasgow at the start of your trip so you can make the most of your first day of sightseeing.

If arriving in Glasgow by public transport, please see the excellent Traveline Scotland website for timetables and fares and more information regarding public transport in Scotland. 

By Air: Located 8 miles west of Glasgow, the international airport is served by routes from around the UK, Europe and beyond. A regular shuttle bus service runs from the city centre to the airport. 

By Rail: Glasgow is connected to central Scotland and England by good rail links. See the Scot Rail website for Scottish locations and National Rail for UK-wide locations.

By Bus: Services from UK destinations are operated by National Express. Services from Scottish destinations are operated by Scottish Citylink. 

By Road: Glasgow is served by an excellent motorway network. It's a 1h 15m drive from Edinburgh to Glasgow on the M8 motorway. Newcastle is approximately a 2 hr 50 mins drive from Glasgow, and Manchester, Birmingham and London are 3hr 40 mins, 5 hours and 7 hours respectively. If arriving in Folkestone from France and the Channel Tunnel it's an 8 hour drive via the M20, M40, M6 and M74 motorways. However, please note that if you plan to drive to Glasgow with your own vehicle, please note that parking and leaving your car in the city could be expensive as monitored carparks aren't common outside airports.

Your trip ends in Edinburgh, which is easily accessible from across the UK via great public transport and road links, or from Europe and beyond by flying into either Glasgow or Edinburgh international airports. If continuing your onward journey by public transport we recommend breaking the journey by adding an extra night in Edinburgh. For specific information regarding public transport in Scotland, please see the excellent Traveline Scotland website for timetables and fares. 

By Air: Located 8 miles east of the city of Edinburgh, the international airport is served by routes from around the UK and the world. There are regular shuttle bus and tram services running from the airport into the city centre, with a journey time of around 30 minutes. There is also a taxi rank outside the airport to take people into the city centre. 

By Rail: Edinburgh is also connected to central Scotland and England by good rail links. See the Scot Rail website for Scottish locations and National Rail for UK-wide locations.

By Bus: Services from UK destinations are operated by National Express. Services from Scottish destinations are operated by Scottish Citylink. 

By Road: It is a 1h 15m drive from Glasgow on the west coast to Edinburgh on the M8 motorway. Newcastle is approximately a 2.5 hour drive from Edinburgh, and Manchester and Birmingham, 4 and 6 hours respectively. 

This trip does not include luggage transport, as you carry your luggage with you on the train or coach.