Scotland Slowly Through the North Highlands by Train

Day One – West from Inverness on the Kyle Line Your journey begins with one of our favourite railway journeys, from Inverness to on the magnificent Line. The 63-mile route cuts through breath-taking scenery, visiting romantically named – and mostly unmanned – stations such as Strathcarron, and Lochluichart on the way to the jewel-like village of Plockton, once famous as the location for the BBC’s Hamish MacBeth.

Day Two – A Private Tour of the Enjoy a hearty breakfast of local produce this morning, after which you’ll be collected by our specially chosen local guide and whisked away for a wonderful private day out. First, you might like to see nearby Eilean Donan Castle, surely one of the world’s most photographed, before traversing the Skye Bridge and making your way on to this most famous island. Contrary to recent coverage, it’s still very easy to find spots on Skye where you’ll barely meet another soul, and today you have the opportunity to see the island in the company of a guide only too happy to venture away from any crowds and make this a magical part of your holiday.

Day Three – North-east to Royal Dornoch This morning you’ll be dropped at Plockton Station to enjoy the return journey on the Kyle Line, seeing the landscape from the opposite and quite different perspective. Changing at , you’ll take your first trip on the atmospheric to the unmanned station at , Here, you’ll be met by private driver and transferred to your accommodation for two nights by the town of Royal Dornoch. Day Five – Head North and Visit Wonderful Dunrobin Castle After breakfast, your host will transfer you the short distance to Dunrobin Castle, the spectacular stately home overlooking the , one of ’s oldest continuously inhabited houses, dating back to the 14th century. Take your time to discover the rich, fascinating and at times turbulent history, during which the castle enjoyed spells as private fortress, military hospital and boys’ boarding school. Once your visit is over, continue by train from the dedicated station and make your way north via some of the UK’s remotest stations, on your way to Thurso in Caithness. Upon arrival at Thurso, you’ll be met by a local taxi and transferred the short distance to your accommodation.

Day Six – A Private Guided Tour of Caithness and the North Coast Another of our specially chosen local guides will collect you this morning and take you on a great day out to experience this very special corner of Scotland. Some of the country’s most spectacular sights are within very short driving of Thurso, such as the UK mainland’s northernmost point at Dunnet Head, the intimidating Duncansby Stacks and the scarcely believable Whaligoe Steps, leading all the way down to an ancient herring wharf. Alongside these, you might like to experience the expansive beaches at Melvich and Bettyhill, or some of the hidden coves and hamlets dotted along this wild coast.

Day Seven – Return South to the Capital Board the train this morning for the return journey on the Far North Line to Inverness, again having the opportunity to take in some of Scotland’s wildest vistas from the opposite perspective. Upon arrival at Inverness, it’s a short taxi-ride to your accommodation close to the centre of the city.

Day Eight – A Relaxing Cruise on Haunting Loch Ness This morning you will be transferred by bus from Inverness to Loch Ness, the UK mainland’s largest body of fresh water, for a small-group cruise aboard a beautifully equipped vessel. Informative audio guiding tells the story of this most mysterious loch, while the on-board sonar constantly sweeps the water, hoping to catch a glimpse of its most famous ‘resident’. The cruise allows for some time to explore the crumbling ruins of Castle Urquhart. Also included is entry to slightly tawdry Loch Ness Monster Exhibition, for which we recommend you have your sense of humour at the ready! At cruises end, you will be transferred back to Inverness centre for a final night in the Highlands.

Day Nine – Onwards Journey Home Today your relaxing exploration of the Northern Highlands by train comes to a close as you depart from Inverness. We would be happy to organise onward travel if you wish.