An irresistible way to explore the glorious Scottish Highlands incorporating 4 spectacular railway journeys
An irresistible way to explore the glorious Scottish Highlands incorporating 4 spectacular railway journeys
Michaels Portillos Great Railway Journeys television series has rekindled a romance with the railways and revealed them as a fantastic form of sightseeing rather than simply commuting. This holiday is an irresistible and novel way to explore the glorious Scottish Highlands incorporating both coach and train travel. We have included a main-line rail journey, and two heritage railways all of which provide a whole new perspective and memorable views otherwise unattainable to road passengers. In addition there is sightseeing in some of the less accessible and remote highland resorts, stunning vistas and majestic mountain scenery this is a land of folklore, heroes and legends, imposing castles, breathtaking scenery and warm hospitality.
ITINERARY
Saturday - Morning departure from Dorset via lunch stop in Worcester to overnight stay at Best Western Lancashire Manor Hotel near Wigan. Dinner and breakfast. Lift to all floors. Porterage included.
Sunday - Continuing northwards over the border at Gretna Green passing Stirling and Perth into the Highlands. Arrive at Kingussie late afternoon and after being welcomed with porterage and settling in enjoy dinner in the restaurant.
Monday - We have chartered a private heritage train on the Keith & Dufftown Railway - a 90 minute rail journey through "Whisky Country". Passing through woodlands and maybe glimpsing the wildlife, alongside tumbling rivers and placid lochs, the landscape is challenging in places with a 9 mile uphill slog on the way back. This afternoon visit the Highland Folk Museum at Newtonmore - step back in time and experience life as it was in the Highlands from 1700s to 1950s. 35 historical buildings and a wealth of artifacts and records have been rescued to preserve them for future generations.
Tuesday - All aboard the Jacobite Steam Train - probably the greatest railway journey in the world - 84 miles under steam from Fort William to Mallaig and return. Passing beautiful villages, taking in stunning mountain landscapes and silvery beaches - the highlight is crossing the 21 arched Glenfinnian Viaduct on which we might be able to pause for the view. At Mallaig there is an hour and half to take in the sights and try the local fish and chips. The return journey gives an entirely different perspective of the magnificent scenery heading back towards Fort William. There will be lively conversations in the bar tonight!
Wednesday - Situated at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park is a very special private estate called Rothiemurchus - now owned by the 18th generation of the Grant family. We are joined by one of the experienced rangers who will escort the coach on an unforgettable guided tour of this magnificent Highland estate. With great photo opportunities, scenic views, wildlife, history and stories - there is no better way to fully appreciate this unique breathtaking environment. After a break for lunch we shall drive northwards and off the beaten track - over narrow moorland roads to cast your eye over Lochindorb. Home to Lochindorb Castle which sits on a tiny island in the middle of the loch and only accessible by boat - it was gifted to Alexander Stewart, the notorious "Wolf of Badenoch" at the end of the 14th century.
Thursday - First we shall drive up into the mountains to the Cairngorm base station where a funicular railway (2km/8 mins) continues to the Ptarmigan building at 3600ft above sea level (not included - approx. £22). Located at the base station of the mountain an exhibition tells the story of the Cairngorms; its wildlife, mountains, the natural environment and achievements of mountaineers and artists from the area. Lunch is available in the cafe. This afternoon we drive into Aviemore and board the Strathspey Steam Railway - a line that takes visitors on a stunning and nostalgic journey though the countryside between Aviemore and Broomhill. A round trip takes almost 2 hours with time to step off the train and take photos and savour the sounds and smells of yester-year.
Friday - Southbound from the Highlands, we stop at the Falkirk Wheel for lunch - a feat of engineering that connects the Forth & Clyde Canal with the Union Canal - the only rotating boat lift in the world. The visitor centre gives a sensational viewpoint from which to see the wheel in action. Continue to Wigan for overnight hotel stay.
Saturday - Homewards bound via motorways - we call into historic Tewkesbury for a lunch break - to return to Dorset that evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie
This very highly regarded three star hotel is situated deep in the picturesque Spey Valley and offers a warm welcome and great traditional character. It is one of the best equipped hotels in the region and offers 67 guest bedrooms all equipped with private bathroom, television, phone, tea tray and wifi. The Balmoral Restaurant prepares carefully selected menus using traditional Scottish ingredients which, combined with personal service, makes for an enjoyable dining experience. A Full Highland buffet breakfast and 3 course evening dinners unfortunately wont keep you trim! The bar is a great place to relax and discuss the days sightseeing with fellow travellers and entertainment is provided some nights in the ballroom. A lift serves all floors, although there may be a few steps between lift and bedrooms.
TOUR PRICE: £999.00 per Person
Single room supplement: £120.00
Price Includes: All coach travel, 2 x overnight hotel in Wigan, 5 nights hotel in Kingussie, Half board meals, Porterage, K&D rail charter, Entry to Highland Folk Museum, Jacobite steam train fare, Rothiemurchus guided tour, Strathspey steam train fare, Entry to Falkirk Wheel visitor centre
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Name | Address |
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Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
Other Points in Dorset | Phone us to discuss a convenient pick up. |
Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
St Nicholas Church | St Nicholas Church, Buxton Road, Weymouth |
Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
From Price | Book Now | Call Back | Telephone | Favourites |
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A Selection of Holidays in the UK
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