Jacobite Steam Train, Skye and The Highlands - 4 day tour

Day 2 - Discovering the Isle of Skye

After a restful sleep and breakfast, we’re off to explore the beautiful Isle of Skye. Today’s itinerary starts with the impressive mountain ranges of the Black and Red Cuillin Hills, which dominate the landscape and make the island such a draw with mountaineers.

Spend free time in Portree, the island’s main town, where brightly coloured houses overlook the picturesque natural harbour. It makes an excellent backdrop for a selfie! Take time to browse the many traders surrounding the town’s main square. It’s the ideal place to pick up a handcrafted souvenir of your travels

The Trotternish Peninsula is famous for its unusual rock formations and spectacular seascapes. We start our journey with a visit to the magical Fairy Glen with its strange cone-shaped hills. Next, we have breathtaking views of the impressive Trotternish Ridge and the Old Man of Storr, a black monolith that towers 50 metres high. Further on is Kilt Rock, where the formation is said to imitate the pleats in a kilt, and the Quiraing, which resembles a mountain range in miniature.

Day 3 - Isle of Skye - Jacobite Steam Train - Fort William

It’s farewell to island life, but first, we tour through the lush Sleat Peninsula, known as the garden of Skye. Look out for colourful wildflowers, native woodlands and scenic coastal vistas.

At the little port of Armadale, board a ferry for the short crossing of the Sound of Sleat to reach the historic fishing port of Mallaig. Enjoy time for lunch and, if time permits, the chance to enjoy a short wildlife-spotting cruise.

Soon, we’re heading to the station where the Jacobite Steam Train awaits to take us on a memorable journey along the scenic West Highland Line.

Once the train puffs out of the station, look out for the rapids of the River Morar, one of Scotland’s shortest, which flows from Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater lake in Europe. See the sparkling white sands at Arisaig and Morar before passing Loch nan Uamh where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed at the start of his ill-fated 1745 Jacobite Uprising.

Soon we steam past the banks of Loch Eilt, where the excitement mounts on our approach to the legendary Glenfinnan Viaduct. As we cross what has become known as the “Harry Potter Bridge”, see the Glenfinnan Monument, built in memory of the clansmen that fought for the Jacobite cause.

Next, we pass by the shores of Loch Eil, where the bulk of Ben Nevis - Britain’s tallest mountain comes into view. After crossing the Caledonian Canal, the train pulls into Fort William station, signalling the end of this legendary railway journey.

Overnight: Fort William

Day 4 - Fort William - Glen Coe - Edinburgh

Our last day together is full of exciting experiences. After a hearty breakfast, we tour along the banks of Loch Linnhe and head to Glen Coe, where the grandeur of the mountain scenery belies the tragic events that took place here. In 1692 troops of the Campbell Clan murdered 40 MacDonalds in a shameful act. The sorry tale will be retold when we stop to savour this spectacular landscape. 

The barren and desolate landscape of the great Moor of Rannoch extends as far as the eye can see. It won’t surprise you to learn that this is one of the remotest areas in Europe.

Our descent of the Black Mount affords impressive views of Loch Tulla below. After travelling through Strathyre, we slip back into the Lowlands and stop for lunch in the attractive town of Callander.   

Look out for Doune Castle, standing proudly overlooking the River Teith. It has played a starring role in Outlander and Game of Thrones.

Our last stop of the day is to visit the towering Kelpies. These magnificent equine statues were designed to pay tribute to the role horses played in the industrial development of Scotland.

A short drive brings us back to Edinburgh and the end of this magnificent tour.