The Scottish Highlands – a land of rugged landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and majestic castles that has captivated the imaginations of poets, writers, and travellers for centuries. And as I stepped onto the train in York to begin my Highland Adventure holiday, I knew I was about to experience something beautiful, but I never expected it to be such a cathartic journey.

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.

7 fascinating facts about St Andrew and how he became so well-connected with Scotland and a symbol of its independence.

Make the most of train holidays to Scotland - visit the Orkney Islands. Nestled between two oceans, the culture and landscape of Orkney is breath-taking.

Experience the beauty of Scotland in comfort on a Great Rail Journeys holiday. Visit Edinburgh and Glasgow, or perhaps the Highlands and rugged islands.