Grand tours of Scotland by railway

Iconic rail routes

A grand tour can involve sections on three of the great Scottish rail routes. The West Highland Line extends up the north coast from Glasgow to Mallaig via some of the Highlands’ most atmospheric scenery, and connects with the charming and highly sought-after Jacobite Express steam train which crosses over the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

The Kyle Line runs coast-to-coast between Inverness and the Kyle of Lochalsh, past ancient forest and heathland. And the Far North Line runs from Inverness up to Scotland’s northernmost tip at Thurso through wild peat moors that produce some of the country’s finest whisky. A short ferry ride takes you on to Orkney.

Inner Hebrides

Scotland’s gorgeous Inner Hebrides, or the Western Isles, are a natural extension to a rail vacation, as you can get to them easily by ferry at the end of the line. Tranquil Iona is known for its ancient abbey and attracts those in search of a spiritual retreat, while Staffa boasts Fingal’s Cave, whose magnificent entrance can be viewed both from onboard your tour boat and whilst exploring the island on foot. A colony of cute puffins nests on the island between April and July. Then there is the ruggedly romantic Isle of Skye, with its pretty fishing villages and still-flourishing Gaelic culture. On each island, you’ll be escorted by local guides who’ll show you around and ensure you get the most out of your time.

Orkney

The Far North Line, which has a knack of silencing travelers with its bleakly beautiful scenery, culminates in Thurso, where dolphins can often be seen swimming. From here it’s a short hop by ferry from Orkney where you can join a small group tour led by a local guide to discover the archipelago’s UNESCO-protected wonders, from the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae to the Ring of Brodgar and the Italian Chapel.

City stopovers

Grand rail tours of Scotland are designed to immerse you in the landscapes and remote communities of the Highlands and islands, but given that they begin and end in the cities, it’s worth adding on two or three nights at the start or end of your trip to explore their many attractions.

Inverness, the Highland capital on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, is close to the famous Loch Ness, while Edinburgh has its handsome castle but also many prestigious museums, art galleries and quieter neighbourhoods away from the tourist crowds. Glasgow, where a grand tour typically starts, is a friendly city with lots to admire, including the Burrell Collection art gallery, the Necropolis cemetery, and evidence of its proud shipbuilding heritage seen on all sides.

The best time to go on a grand tour of Scotland by rail is between April and October. The weather in Scotland is predictably unpredictable, but from spring through to autumn you can expect at least a fair few warm sunny days – ideal whether you’re strolling around Skara Brae in Orkney, taking a boat cruise along Loch Ness, or gazing out across the scenery from your train window.

Some points along the route, such as Edinburgh and certain attractions on the Isle of Skye, tend to get very busy during the summer months. Anticipating that, our partners will arrange day trips or provide suggestions for visiting lesser-known areas that see a fraction of the visitors.

For instance, while Edinburgh Castle is a world-renowned landmark, attracting the crowds to prove it, a little way out of the city stand the well-preserved ruins of Craigmillar Castle, whose walls and labyrinthine interiors can be explored alongside far fewer other people. You probably won’t want to miss Edinburgh Castle, but Craigmillar might make an interesting comparison the following day.