Scotland highlights by train

There’s no finer way to explore Scotland, its cities and landscapes, than by train. Convenient, relaxed and taking you through spectacular scenery, our tailor made rail tour has been crafted to showcase Scotland’s history and cultural heritage. A host of optional excursions is available.
Tailor made tour of Scotland by train Travel Edinburgh to Fort William to Thurso, and back to Inverness Carefully chosen stopovers and optional excursions throughout Enjoy guided city tours, hikes, whisky distillery visits and scenic loch cruises Welcoming, locally owned hotels convenient for train stations
Price
£1295To£1995 excluding flights
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Duration
10 Days
Type
Tailor made
Reviews
CO2
42kg
More info
Departs weekly on a Monday.
Please enquire for availability on your preferred dates. Price is based on 2 people sharing.
Supplement for solo travellers.
Make enquiry

Description of Scotland highlights by train

“Ye'll tak' the high road, and I'll tak' the low road” goes the song, but those in the know take the railroad. Seeing Scotland by train is a delight, and all the more so on this holiday as we can arrange a wealth of excursions along the route for you to enjoy. Whether you’d like a guided hike up Ben Nevis, a surfing lesson or an e-bike tour, or something more sedate like a boat cruise or a ride across the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct aboard a classic steam train, we can put together just the experience you want.

This rail holiday is convenient, relaxed and oh so scenic. We take care of all the ticketing arrangements, and also ensure that your accommodation is within easy reach of each train station, either a short walk or taxi ride away. Stay in a succession of locally owned hotels and guesthouses where no matter the weather the welcome is always warm.

While you can add in an extra stop, or a few extra nights here or there, wherever you please, our recommended itinerary takes you from the capital, Edinburgh, west to Fort William, then on to Thurso in the far north of Scotland. On day 10 your tour ends in Inverness from where you can easily visit Loch Ness, or hop aboard the Caledonian Sleeper taking you on to London.

Map

Price information

£1295To£1995 excluding flights
Convert currency:
Convert prices to approx. UK Sterling Convert prices to approx. US Dollars Convert prices to approx. Euros Convert prices to approx. Canandian Dollars Convert prices to approx. Australian Dollars Convert prices to approx. South African Rand Convert prices to approx. New Zealand Dollars Convert prices to approx. Indian Rupees
Departs weekly on a Monday.
Please enquire for availability on your preferred dates. Price is based on 2 people sharing.
Supplement for solo travellers.
Make enquiry

Departure information

This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements

Travel guides

Scotland railway
Rail travel is one of the most magnificent and restful ways you can explore Scotland.
Scotland
Our Scotland travel guide reveals a land full of wildlife, and mountainous and marine magnificence.

Reviews

7 Reviews of Scotland highlights by train

5 out of 5 stars
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6
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Reviewed on 02 Oct 2025 by

Everything was exceptional Read full review

Reviewed on 08 Sep 2025 by

5 star rating. Seamless arrangements, professional and well-organized. Impressed that Claire responded promptly to a query even though she was on a conference. Highly recommend this tour company. Read full review

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025 by

Getting a chance to talk with people randomly and finding unexpected connections, and seeing jellyfish and seals up close while kayaking! Read full review

Reviewed on 26 May 2025 by

I would rate this holiday a 9/10 Read full review

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2023 by

The train ride to and from Mallaig from Ft. William was beautiful. Loved going over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Read full review

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2023 by

The Scots are a happy friendly people. Speak with locals whenever possible for great insights Read full review

Reviewed on 28 Dec 2023 by

5 stars Read full review

Responsible Travel

As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your holiday to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.

Planet

As a B Corp certified business you can rest assured we are committed to making business better, working for people and planet.

CARBON REDUCTION
This rail tour was designed to create a low carbon way for you to experience the highlights of mainland Scotland. Utilising rail and public bus throughout your journey, the carbon footprint of this tour is estimated to be just 42kg CO2e per person based on 2 people travelling together and staying in shared hotel accommodation.

The accommodations we have selected are smaller, independent properties, which typically have lower energy consumption than larger chain properties due to the avoidance of unnecessary lighting and air conditioning, rarely required in the UK's climate.

Scotland is renowned for it's artisan foods, especially locally-caught seafood and wild venison. Wherever possible we choose hotels that celebrate this local food, keeping your food miles low. And of course we love to provide our own personal recommendations for local restaurants where we know the food is fresh, local and seasonal.

ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE

If you choose the optional wildlife boat cruise in Fort William or the guided hike to summit Ben Nevis, you will hear from local guides about the flora and fauna in these environments, along with endeavours on both a local and national scale to protect native species. Our local Ben Nevis guide is particularly active in conservation projects taking place in and around the Nevis Range, including preservation of the main footpath up Ben Nevis itself.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

We believe that when you travel the world, the majority of your holiday expense should remain in the regions you visit. Here it can support the local community and economy. This is why we work with locally-owned accommodations, ensuring local people have secure, fairly-paid employment they can rely upon. It's also while we actively encourage travel in the low seasons. Not only do we believe your experience will be enhanced during the quieter times of the year, avoiding the crowds, but this helps to provide year-round employment and a sustainable local economy, an important aspect in all tourism businesses but especially so in rural locations.

Through our handy mobile app, we like to provide recommendations for interesting places to visit, especially those that are off the beaten track and run by local people with a passion for their particular craft. For example we love the Black Isle Brewery, an organic brewery based on the Black Isle just outside of Inverness. Not only do they make a range of delicious-tasting organic beers, they grow much of the food served in their small collection of bars on their farm. So when you order their hot-smoked salmon pizza (our personal favourite!), you'll know the garlicky tomato base comes from their farm and the smoked salmon is locally caught and smoked, supporting other local businesses.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY

As a female-led business, our own policy is to ensure we provide an inclusive and equitable workplace where we actively encourage people from all backgrounds to join our team. The fluctuation within the hospitality industry throughout the seasons unfortunately means many businesses have no choice but to employ seasonal staff, however we choose to work with partners who prioritise employment for local people and strive to offer permanent workplace opportunities wherever possible.

As an inclusive business we love to welcome people of all abilities and from all backgrounds to discover the UK's wild spaces. This rail tour is suitable for people with varying accessibility requirements - please contact us with details of any specific needs you have and we will be delighted to assess the tour, modifying where needed, to ensure you and your family can enjoy this beautiful rail tour of Scotland.

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