Boasting a fantastic combination of wild moors, sheer sea cliffs, tranquil lochs and jagged peaks, the Isle of Skye is the largest of Scotland's islands, and is certainly one of the most visually stunning. The wonderful scenery is naturally the island's main attraction for many tourists - particularly the walkers and rock climbers that tackle the Cuilin range each year. Skye also has impressive castles, cosy pubs and restaurants, and a number of charming towns to recommend it.
Skye's capital, Portree, is the island's liveliest town. Its name is from the Gaelic for 'King's Harbour', a reference to James V's visit in 1840. Even today, the town's most famous sight is still the pretty harbour. Fringed by cliffs, the harbour is lined with brightly painted houses and offers great views of the surrounding hills.
By Katie Shaw
13 April 2018
There’s something really quite special about the simple act of walking; heading out into the great outdoors and enjoying your surroundings at a slightly slower pace than usual.
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By Lorna Heatley
3 August 2017
What can be said about Scotland? For one, the scenery (providing it’s not so misty you can’t see the hand in front of your face) in this wild corner of the world can never just be ‘nice’ or ‘pretty’, it can only ever be breathtakingly dramatic, awe-inspiring, and slightly ominous, and you can see all of it in its disconcerting glory through its vast selection of rail journeys.
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By Sukie Chapman
12 May 2017
How many of us have wanted to walk straight into the pages of our favourite books? While it might not be possible quite yet to experience the lives of the fictional heroes and heroines we’ve walked side by side through life with for a little while, and sometimes who’d want to (think of just about any character from a Stephen King novel).
Read more12 February 2014
Experience the beauty of Scotland in comfort on a Great Rail Journeys holiday. Visit Edinburgh and Glasgow, or perhaps the Highlands and rugged islands.
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