38 independent reviews for Grand rail tour of Scotland
Reviews for Grand rail tour of Scotland
Greg Yates review 6 Nov 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The train rides.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Research if a car is needed in some places, and then book it. We could have used a car in a couple of places.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefited people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Really good.Janette Stojanovski review 26 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Its very hard to pick just one memorable part of my holiday, I loved the whole trip. It was so organised, the places I visited were all very special and the scenery magnificent.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Relax and enjoy yourself. Go for long walks and take lots of photos.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Train travel is very environmentally friendly compared to car travel. I also feel that because you spend a few days in each location you benefit the local communities by purchasing from local shops.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A wonderful experience and so glad I went to Scotland on this tour.Michele Stewart review 22 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Orkney and Skye2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Travel light3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Probably a bit of all the above4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I love trains, that’s the highlight…take in the amazing scenery that is ScotlandMark Muller review 17 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
A spectacularly beautiful sunny day and a boat tour of Loch ness and urquhart castle.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We brought too many clothes, bring alot less. We only had a small suitcase and backpack but it would have been nice to have even less.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we did not drive and stayed and ate local, and traveled by Train. It was very fun.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We saw a tremendous amount that I don't think I could have organized as much on my own, especially in skye. The operator was wonderful to deal with. Very pleased.Gabor Halasz review 16 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Storm in Oban.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You will visit at all important sites of Scotland.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We travelled with train. The local guesthouse owner benefited (I hope)4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
ExcellentLarry Crecelius review 1 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We were able to experience the local culture, the beauty of the country and the friendliness of the people.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Use the tour operator, pack accordingly.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The detail and places we visited created memories we will have forever.Steve Gore review 23 Sep 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all wonderful but we loved the day trip round Orkney and the trip to Staffa.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Walking boots, definitely book restaurants in Skye and Inverness and Thurso particularly.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes all three.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, we have already recommended it to several friends.Iain Summers review 23 Sep 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
More than one highlight:Isle of Skye, Orkneys, Landscapes from the trains2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Travel light to make entry and exit easier from trains; use the drying racks in the accommodation bathrooms to wash clothing.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The holiday certainly contributed to the businesses and local economy of the areas visited.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent - well informed by the information provided by the operator. The support provided during the travel was very prompt and appreciated.Gordon Dibb review 16 Aug 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Island excursions2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Enjoy train travel and in small towns during high season prebook taxis3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Enjoying supporting local businesses.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
FabulousGary Fraser review 16 Aug 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Probably Staffa.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack lightly. Also know that ScotRail often has no food or water available.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Certainly tourism is a bid deal in several locations. Rail probably less environmentally damaging than other forms of travel.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. All contacts and arrangements worked well. Accommodations varied a little, but all good and some outstanding. When storm shut the rail for two days, you quickly arranged buses to keep us on schedule.Sharon Tonkin review 16 Jul 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Too many memorable moments. Loved seeing the Puffins up close on Staffa, and the ancient history on Orkney. We certainly appreciated the small groups on our day tours.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Keep luggage light as possible. Smart casual was ‘de rigueur’ for the entire trip.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It definitely benefitted the local people through the purchase of meals, coffees, evening entertainment etc, and by using the train as our mode of transportation definitely helped reduced environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. The arrangements of all the small details was comforting. It was noteworthy that all of our accommodations had a high regard for this organisation and their customers.Martha Herm review 28 Jun 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The train travel in general and the mini-bus tour of Isle of Skye.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Portree is small, so reservations for meals should be made ahead of time.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Except for the hotel in Inverness,4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Christopher Croot review 15 Jun 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We just enjoyed using the train as our means of getting around and basically everything that was organised.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go for it !!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes certainly supported the locals - with accommodation and finding places to eat4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic.Graham Clark review 10 Jun 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The overall punctuality and positive service we received from every contact we had, both at accomodation and with transport.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just relax and appreciate the environment. Our only negative coment for the whole trip was that our itinary sent us to Harlech on a Monday when all shops are closed, only the castle and couple of small tourist cafees where open.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We do hope and believe it benefited the locals.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Have travelled very extensively during my career but never had an external company arrange travel before. I can admit to being sceptical, but my reaction to the trip has been absolutely positive and can anticipate booking a new holidays with you in the future.Lynne Barkhouse review 9 Jun 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
So hard to pick as it was all so beautifully crafted. The tour with Doug on Isle of Skye was outstanding. We could have done a second day of that, to a different part of the island.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you aren't up to doing a lot of walking, be aware that visits to locations outside your main point of accommodations will require taxi hire or, for stays of several days, car hire. Booking a tour of an area is another good solution. Hop on hop off buses are invaluable where available. Travel light. Luggage storage can be an issue on trains. Make sure you ask for reserved seats on trains as some runs can be standing room only. Get all tickets printed at the outset of the trip; saves some bother. Many hotels do not supply face cloths. Take your own if you need one. Waterproof jackets and shoes are important. Book restaurants as many days ahead as possible.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Train travel saves car congestion on the roads and reduces environmental pollution. Smaller towns were over run with tourists. Double edged sword. Many locals told us there is not enough infrastructure...hotels, restaurants, staff...to handle the numbers. And yet, certain locals are entirely dependent on tourism for livelihood.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was overall a well organized, stellar, quality experience with excellent service and lots of variety. Accommodations were excellent, breakfasts substantial.Sandra Senins review 6 Jun 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The quality of all of it from B&Bs/meals to tours, trains, taxis, ferries.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I thought I was well aware of what I wanted to see as it was my 3rd time in Scotland. I overlooked how much time I needed on Lewis and Harris. I needed another day. I never got to the beautiful beaches on Harris (primary want). My only, but major disappointment. The all day tour of Lewis was great but I missed out on beaches on Harris.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes!4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I definitely would book with this operator again. Again, quality top notch, the Old Pines BB in Spean Bridge was outstanding in many ways: spaciousness, FOOD, service. All contact with them was first class customer service.Linda Peters review 2 Jun 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Really difficult to pinpoint one thing. The isles of Iona, Skye and Orkney were beautiful and on Mull we ran into Prince William and Princess Kate which was fun and exciting.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack lightly however there is plenty of storage on trains and trains were on time so don’t be late.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderful! We were very lucky with the weather. Accommodations to help you in the future: Old Pines was wonderful (lovely location and excellent food), Dalrachney Lodge again beautiful location and Steve and Tracey excellent hosts. Rosedale had a very good restaurant as Robert indicated but the room (#11) was below par - a cracked window, carpet was old, worn and not clean, paint peeling from room and bathroom walls and a low bed which needed a boxspring. Disappointing. Tigh Na Cloich had nice friendly hosts and we knew it was to have two singles but it was very small and the shower hardly large enough to turn around in and we are not big people. Fraser at Ballifeary Guest house was very attentive and our room lovely.Angela Bettridge review 25 May 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Spean Bridge was beyond expectations- location, food and proximity to Nevis Range. Boat trip to Staffa and Iona; Private tours of Skye & Orkney with great guides. All accommodation was excellent but special mention to Dalrachney Lodge and Old Pines.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack layers and good footwear.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Having to eat dinner at our expense benefits the local hostelries. Train travel ??4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We were so lucky with the weather which made our overall holiday most enjoyable and made us keen to take advantage of any extra activities and excursions eg wildlife boat from Portree, Blair Castle, gondola to Nevis range and more.Angela Bettridge review 24 May 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Spean Bridge was beyond expectations- location, food and proximity to Nevis Range. Boat trip to Staffa and Iona; Private tours of Skye & Orkney with great guides. All accommodation was excellent but special mention to Dalrachney Lodge and Old Pines.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack layers and good footwear.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Having to eat dinner at our expense benefits the local hostelries. Train travel ??4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We were so lucky with the weather which made our overall holiday most enjoyable and made us keen to take advantage of any extra activities and excursions eg wildlife boat from Portree, Blair Castle, gondola to Nevis range and more.Mary Pazandak review 8 May 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The premier round is wonderful, more than we could have imagined.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
More than 5 starsMalcolm Housden review 7 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We enjoyed Skye immensely2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Ensure taxi transfer is available on all occasions ( discussed with tour operator)no3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
No not really other than tourist spend.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The tour operator did very well- other than disappointing accommodation in Thurso. All in all a very good holiday.Sarah Bledsoe review 22 Jul 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Prehistoric archeology ruins on Orkney.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would have cut off the last few days as we had finished a 1 wk trip with Rick steves Inverness- Edinburgh. We were tired of travel by the third week.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Probably. On Skye we were surprised that we were the only hiking group to take the local bus out to the Old Man Of Storr and back. Everybody rents cars when they travel? No parking fees, no looking for parking spaces. no getting lost. It was great.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Trains, ferries and taxis are always fun. Not having to drive a car was great. Hotels were all different and neat. The kids were a little freaked by the cool weird house in Portree. I loved it. We had some terrible rainy days on Mull and Skye.David Christensen review 5 Nov 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I enjoyed the train rides and the ability to relax and see the beauty of Scotland while someone else was taking care of the driving. All of us agreed that Portree and tour of the Isle of Skye was a hightlight. We met a number of "characters" in the pubs and really enjoyed the interaction.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be aware of the trade offs that come with the timing of the trip. By going later like we did we were able to avoid most of the crowds that were around in the summer. The trade off is that the later you go the riskier the weather is. On the whole I am very pleased we went in October. Other advice...... travel light. We did and are glad we did.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It was clear to me that tourism is a huge economic driver in Scotland and we were happy to contribute. I suppose the environmental impact was lessened by going by train.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great! There were a few bumps along the way caused by weather but the tour operator was right on top of everything.....really impressed. Everyone was there where they were supposed to be and on time....well done!Christine Gamble review 14 Oct 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Interesting train travel following landscapes ,quaint accomodation, meeting new travel companions2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Travel light3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Overall very well organised with coonections ,train tickets &and comfortable accomodationPhilip Smith review 7 Oct 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Excluding the moment when the train we were on hit a tree and that was certainly memorable, it is very difficult to choose a most memorable or exciting part but in a very difficult choice it would have to be out visit to the Orkney isles.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Travel with as little luggage as you practically can but be prepared for changeable weather.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes on all three aspects.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was excellent.Stuart Nicholls review 5 Oct 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Really hitting it off with our fellow travellers in our group, right from the start we really jelled with the others, and we became really good friends, so much so that saying goodbye at the end of our trip was really hard. The beautiful scenery coupled with the history, culture, and of course the very comfortable accommodation and hospitality.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Travel light, we sent 2 parcels of unnecessary clothes home, and we still had too much. The recommended extra excursions are really very good.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We certainly helped the local economy, travelling by train is supposed to be environmentally better than by car. But hardly carbon natural.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent very well-organized very good accommodation food and service.Christine Josephson review 4 Oct 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The included exertions from Oban to the 3 islands, tour of the isle is Skye and the Orkney Islands were absolutely the best days and can’t be missed.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Didn’t know that you can sweak the itinerary to suit you so do your research and put it to the fantastic team to alter your journey to suit what you want to do. Don’t travel ScotRail on a Sunday as they are unreliable with their time tables. Stay where you are another night or take a bus out instead. Least favourite place was Kingussie and not sure why we went there when the breathtaking town of Pitlochry is only another 40 minutes train ride. Nothing in town in Kingussie and what was there was closed. We walked to the Ruthveen Barracks but that was all there was to offer there. We travelled late September into early October and had perfect weather and less congestion with tourists.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Some towns really did need the tourists. All our hosts were lovely and very friendly. Some very special moments too, like the chef at the Old Pines Hotel in Spean Bridge, gets our vote for best foodie exp for both dinner and breakfast4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Will be using this company again to plan Ireland tour given that they did such a wonderful job for us on our tour through Scotland.jan seward review 4 Oct 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Oh my , there are so many. Each destination provided unique and awesome activity, sights learning. Being home only 3 days, I am unable to state just one part.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Study ahead of time to know what you will see/ what you want to see and determine how long you'd like to be in any particular location.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely benefitted local business people/guest house hosts4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic. We saw so many different and varied locations, such beauty and historic sites. The tour operator is THE best and I wish they booked tours in other locations outside the UK. There are many circumstances beyond the tour operator's control - train schedule issues and impending strikes (oh my), weather changes (requiring cancellation of planned activities). In each case, they were ahead of us. By letting us know early of the changes, and even provided the transportation needed between sights when trains failed. We had no time to stress, or even think about these problems. Felt totally safe, secure.Patricia Lumsden review 12 Jul 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The scenery is beautiful and the excursions were well done. Accommodation was great. Some of the meals provided were gourmet; unexpected and wonderful. The weather didn’t cooperate though.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We thought that the seats on scotrail were reserved but it’s essentially find a seat and sit. Apparently seat reservations aren’t honoured. And we didn’t know where to find the coach number/letter. Not a tour operator problem but it would have been nice to know.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Tourism is a big business and we found people friendly and helpful. So yes, it benefits local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I have travelled with the tour operator before and I’m impressed with their quality. The Vamoos application with all the trip details is very helpful especially the detailed summary. Concise and accurate. I would definitely recommend them to others.Donna Lindsay chidlow review 11 Jul 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The hospitality and food at Spean Bridge and at Carcrossrelax…2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don’t worry about reserved seats on most of the trains….no one seems to pay attention to them…even the conductors!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes! Most places were proud of the environmental things they were doing and the taxis and owners of B&Bs were very glad to have the tourist dollars.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
VERY GOOD. …comfortable, relaxed and casualMary McKay review 26 Jun 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The fact we travelled from town to town by train, seeing the country side and getting into a town where we had time to ourselves to look around. Another highlight was the variety of B &B’s we stayed in and the hospitality of these places.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Beware of weather conditions (be prepared for rain, wind and cooler temperatures). Travel lightly as always getting on and off trains. Also most accommodations do not have elevators and one has to carry luggage up stairs.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Reduced our use of highways and buses.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was wonderful. For us, we enjoyed the more layback pace of the trip and the fact we had time to ourselves. The local people were friendly and always willing to help.Elsie Perez review 18 Jun 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Isle of Skye.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
you need to be at the correct door when trying to exit the train. You only have two minutes and the door will stay shut and the train will continue to the next stop.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes everyone was very friendly and helpful.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
5 stars and would use this service again on future travels.Paul Krissel review 15 Jun 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The smaller towns and countryside. Fishing villages. Ancient ruins and archeology.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Minimum 2 night stays, 1 is too brief.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not sure. In some of the smaller towns and locally run BnBs yes, in the bigger cities not so much.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Terrific, the tour operator was there when we had glitches and eased our minds.Gae Ferris review 2 Nov 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all great. I really enjoyed the visit to the Orkney Islands on the ferry to see the standing stones and the neolithic village.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't take too much luggage3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
No impact on the environment or conservation. I guess the addition of extra people in the towns buying food and accommodation helped with the local economy4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic.Sue Henczel review 21 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Travelling with longtime friends that live a world away from us.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Customise it so that there are fewer gaps between checkput and travel. Consider taking a car for some of the legs as you don’t see enough from the train.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It definitely benefited the guest house hosts. No to environmental impacts or conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was good but too many communication irregularities by the tour operaror- this tour needs a rethink to be e optional.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your feedback Sue.
The Grand Tour of Scotland by Train has been one of our most popular trips for many years, especially for travellers who wish to explore by rail, rather than by car, often because they recognise that train travel is one of the most sustainable means of transport available. Our carefully curated itinerary covers a broad selection including some of Scotland’s most scenic and popular locations, as well as providing time away from the beaten track to engage with local people and culture. We are more than happy to tailor make this and all of our trips, to ensure that personal preferences are catered for. As well as locally-owned guest houses and small hotels, we work with hand-picked local guides. This adds a great deal of enjoyment for our travellers. It also means that local communities enjoy direct economic benefit, which is at the heart of responsible tourism. As a family-owned Scottish business, this has remained a core principle since we were founded in 2003.
Many thanks
Robert
Jean Elwell review 23 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The people we met were amazing!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Learn how Scottish showers work!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, all 3, we lived the places we stayed and the local people we met and talked with.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent! Thanks to the people at the tour operator. They arranged everything and answered all of our questions.Lynda Matchullis review 24 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We really enjoyed the self-guided aspect of our tour. Our accommodations and transportation were worked out in advance, with some local tours. That approach gave us the flexibility to explore the local areas where we were staying at our leisure and book other activities as we saw fit. Factors like weather could be taken into consideration. The backbone of our self-guided tour was travelling by rail and that was a great way to travel. Making our connections was straightforward and we rarely travelled more than a few hours at a time. Travelling in June 2023, the trains were on time, clean, and we had our choice of seats.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Our tour was set up with two or more nights in one stop, in most cases. We liked this approach. On the first day we would travel to a new site and generally arrive just after lunch. Often we could get into our accommodations early or store our luggage. That fact left us free to go out and explore. The next day we did not have to travel so we continued our local hiking and touring. The third day we were usually heading back to the rail station in the morning. We found this plan to be the right pace for us. If you are choosing rail travel, consider using travel backpacks. As a senior and an adult travelling together, we were able to manage the various walks, stairs, and escalators with greater ease carrying our belongings on our backs. If you cannot carry a backpack, keep your suitcase small and make sure you can lift it. Spaces to store luggage on the trains are limited and there will be stairs to manage at many stations.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We ate out in all the communities that we visited. Usually we used local taxis to get to and from our accommodation when we were not walking. Local tours and shopping rounded out our local expenses. Travelling by public transport (rail, boat, and bus ) was the primary mode of transportation - a sustainable approach.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Our trip was excellent. Travel nowadays can be hectic and often disrupted. What we look for in a travel company is how well they prepare us and then, when we are on the tour, how well they respond to disruptions. Responsible Travel connected us with the tour providers. The tour provider kept us updated in a very timely manner by phone, email, and through their online app. As an example, when rainstorms took out part of the rail line, they immediately rebooked us on a bus for the last day of our tour and were in contact right away. This company doesn't just sell you a package, their staff keep track of how you are doing on tour. We would definitely book with them again.Liz Hobbins review 29 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Odd as it may seem, the best parts were when we were further away from people. We loved our hikes in Glen Nevis, Kingussie, and our tramp through the hills and woodlands above Pitlochry.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Book your restaurants at least one week ahead; we saw many walk-in parties turned away in many of the places where we ate. Trains and buses were too warm; dress in layers. Northernmost climes were REALLY cold; dress in layers.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Of course. We stayed in local establishments, ate at local restaurants, and didn’t drive (so no additional fuel).4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great trip. Good introduction to Scotland. My husband says it was a good “tasting menu” LOL.Holiday Reviews
You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
