Day 1: Travel to Scotland and the village of Newtonmore for a 4-night stay at the Belavil Hotel. We will stop enroute at Gretna Green in the Scottish Borders. Enjoy some free time to visit the famous Blacksmiths Shop - 'Old Smithy' in the heart of the village.
Day 2: Inverness to the Kyle of Lochalsh
An early start today for a wonderful two-and-a-half-hour scenic journey across the ‘Top of Scotland’. The line meanders by mountains, lakes and lochs into the west coast port of Kyle of Lochalsh. There’s time for lunch and to enjoy the views across to the Isle of Skye before meeting your coach for another scenic journey by road back to the hotel.
Day 3: Aviemore and the Strathspey Railway
Today we travel to Aviemore, spend some free time in this beautiful mountain town, with sights reminiscent of a Swiss ski village. Today’s highlight is a ride on the Strathspey Railway, a heritage steam railway that runs for 10 miles along heather covered moorland with the Cairngorm Mountains behind.
Day 4: ‘The Jacobite’ Steam Train
We travel to Fort William to join ‘The Jacobite’ steam train for what is undoubtedly one of the greatest railway journeys in the world. The 42-mile journey to the fishing port of Mallaig passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar, and the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis. We travel over the famous 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct (as featured in the Harry Potter films). The viaduct overlooks Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument. The train may pause on the viaduct, time permitting, to allow you to take in the magnificent view. Once stopped in Glenfinnan station there will be time to stretch your legs and, if you wish, visit the West Highland Railway Museum located in the restored station building. Beyond Glenfinnan are the beautiful villages of Lochailort, Arisaig and Morar. Passing Morar you can see the silvery beaches used in the films Highlander and Local Hero. In Mallaig time to explore and have lunch before joining the train for your return journey back to Fort William.
Day 5: We depart Scotland and return home to North Wales stopping for lunch in Gretna Green.