Scotland - Great Highland Railways

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