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Loch Lomond & the Scottish Highlands

 
4.1 stars(131 reviews)
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20252026
Duration
6 days
From per person
£1,499 £1,399
Tour code
26FWS
Mobility Rating 2
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Journey to the heart of the Highlands, exploring historic sites like Inveraray and Duart Castle before experiencing the legendary Jacobite Steam Train ghlands, exploring historic sites like Inveraray and Duart Castle before experiencing the legendary Jacobite Steam Train

Explore the beauty of Scotland's renowned wonders on this Highland getaway. Our holiday begins amongst the cultural richness of Glasgow before we traverse the Scottish Highlands aboard the West Highland Line and set sail on Loch Lomond.

Staying in the serene village of Crianlarich, we discover the historic town of Inveraray, visit Duart Castle, and wander through the colourful streets of Tobermory. The perfect end to our Scottish experience is a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct and savouring the wild landscapes of the Scottish countryside.

Unforgettable Experiences

Exploring the 13th-century Duart Castle
Exploring the 13th-century Duart Castle
Enjoy a guided tour of 13th-century Duart Castle, a historic fortress standing proudly on the Isle of Mull, with its imposing stone walls rising from the cliffs and stunning views over the Sound of Mull.
Discovering the legendary Jacobite Steam Train
Discovering the legendary Jacobite Steam Train
Journey on the Jacobite Steam Train, one of the world’s most scenic rail experiences, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct and passing amazing Highland landscapes on your way to the quaint village of Mallaig.
Cruising Loch Lomond’s tranquil waters
Cruising Loch Lomond’s tranquil waters
Sail along Loch Lomond with guided commentary, drifting through the serene waters flanked by majestic hills and scenic landscapes while spotting the wildlife that call this beautiful setting home.
Visiting the Isle of Mull
Visiting the Isle of Mull
Catch a ferry to the Isle of Mull off the West Coast of Scotland, and visit the picturesque port of Tobermory with its vibrant harbour and colourful buildings.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1Arriving in the culture-packed city of Glasgow

Your holiday begins today in Scotland's largest city, Glasgow. Make your way to our hotel in Glasgow, where you meet the Tour Manager and your fellow travellers this afternoon. With check-in available from 3pm, you can head out and start exploring before our first dinner as a group this evening. Glasgow is situated on the River Clyde and has a welcoming atmosphere with art, culture, music and attractions to interest every visitor.

Stroll through the West End, admiring the architecture of the University of Glasgow and exploring Kelvingrove Park. Alternatively, you could admire the 22 galleries on display at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which has free entry. If the weather is pleasant, enjoy a leisurely walk along the River Clyde, soaking up the city's rich history and culture.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY2The scenic West Highland Line to Crianlarich

After breakfast, enjoy time at leisure to discover more of Glasgow. Early this afternoon, we gather at the train station for a scenic rail journey on the West Highland Line to Crianlarich in Glen Strathfillan. As we leave Glasgow, we are quickly surrounded by the wild and windswept Scottish Highlands as we travel through landscapes of mountains, steep-sided lochs and heather moors. Sit back and take in the rugged beauty that passes by our windows.

After checking in to our hotel on arrival, there's time to relax or take a leisurely stroll before our dinner this evening. The quaint village of Crianlarich is the perfect base to explore the Highlands, with its cosy pubs, welcoming locals and rich history dating back centuries. Meander through Glenbruar House Gardens, enjoy a serene stroll along the River Fillan, and marvel at the picturesque views of the surrounding mountains.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY3Sailing Loch Lomond and discovering Inveraray’s history

This morning, we travel by coach to Tarbet for a cruise on Loch Lomond. Enjoy your lunch on board while surrounded by the impressive scenery. As we travel, our guide's live commentary shares tales from the loch and provides fascinating insights into its history and geological wonders.

After soaking up the beauty of Loch Lomond, we head to Inveraray, a town on the western shore of Loch Fyne. With time at leisure here, you could visit Inveraray Castle, a unique castle with Baroque, Palladian and Gothic-style architecture, surrounded by glorious gardens. For a different side of the past, you could explore Inveraray Jail. This 19th-century prison and courthouse is now a 'living museum' recreating the history of the era. Returning to our hotel later this afternoon, there's time to relax before dinner this evening.

Please Note - For departure 21st June, Days 3 & 4 have been swapped around.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY4A day of exploration at Oban, Duart Castle and Tobermory

We experience more of the Scottish Highlands by rail after breakfast. Heading for Oban, a charming coastal town, our train makes its way westward, and we experience striking views of the Glen Ogle viaduct and the tranquil waters of Loch Awe. After the scenic journey, we board the ferry in Oban and set sail for the Isle of Mull.

Arriving at Craignure, our coach drives us to Duart Castle, the ancient home and seat of the Clan Maclean. We enjoy a guided tour of the imposing 13th-century estate, built on the end of a peninsula jutting into the Sound of Mull. Explore the medieval architecture, wander the grounds, and absorb tales of clan warfare and Highland culture.

Our next destination is Tobermory, the capital of the Isle of Mull. After our coach journey here, there is time at leisure to explore. This fishing port is famous for its brightly coloured houses, and you could wander by them enroute to its sheltered bay. Later, we catch the ferry back to Oban from Craignure, where our coach takes us back to our hotel in time for dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY5Journey on the Jacobite Steam Train

We experience the final leg of the West Highland Line today on the Jacobite Steam Train*. Boarding the restored carriages at Fort William, discover why this journey is renowned as one of the best and most scenic in the world. A highlight of the route is crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, a marvel of engineering with 21 arches, that you may recognise from the 'Harry Potter' films.

The train continues towards the coast, unveiling wild and wonderful views across the vast Scottish countryside. After passing through Arisaig, the line descends towards Mallaig, a quaint fishing port that looks over the Isle of Skye. With free time here, you could visit the picturesque harbour, where there's a choice of local Scottish pubs that serve delicious seafood dishes, as well as other traditional meals.

We retrace our journey on the Jacobite Steam Train this afternoon, arriving in Fort William and then transferring back to our hotel in Crianlarich for our final dinner in the Highlands.

*Please note that journeys are steam-hauled where possible - some departures may use the ScotRail scheduled service.

For departure 20th September our journey back to the hotel this afternoon will be via coach.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY6Homeward bound

The beauty of the Scottish Highlands is unending, and this journey provided a memorable glimpse at its cultural destinations and colourful landscapes. We sailed across the majestic Loch Lomond to explore historic Inveraray and discovered Highland history at Duart Castle before soaking up the charm of Tobermory. The ideal ending to our holiday came with a scenic ride on the iconic Jacobite Steam Train, with its vintage carriages and stunning route.

As your holiday comes to a close after breakfast this morning, it's time to bid farewell to Crianlarich. We head back to Glasgow by train, where you can continue exploring on your own or make your way home.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Please Note

Please note that while every departure of this tour features the same excursions, they may not necessarily be in the order listed above.

Discoveries collection

Our Discoveries range offers everything you need at a great price so you can travel with confidence. It provides comfortable, locally run accommodation*, standard rail or economy flights and expert-led group tours. You'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. *where available

Departure times

Travel timings in your Holiday Confirmation are provisional and are subject to change. We will confirm your travel times in your final itinerary around 10-14 days before your departure. Eurostar or Flight times will be confirmed to you approximately 30-50 days before departure.

Hotels

Best Western Crianlarich Hotel, Crianlarich
Best Western Crianlarich Hotel, Crianlarich
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Hotel Indigo, Glasgow
Hotel Indigo, Glasgow
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Trains

More information on the different trains that are used on this tour.

Jacobite steam train

Arguably one of the world's great railway journeys, the Jacobite steam train sets off from Fort William under the watchful gaze of the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Travelling through stunning scenery on the northwestern reaches of the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig, the 42-mile route heads westwards along the northern shore of Loch Eil, with dramatic landscapes never far from view. Crossing the 21 arches of the curved Glenfinnan Viaduct - famed for its appearance in the Harry Potter films - the route heads into breathtaking Highland wilderness, providing great views of Loch Eilt, before crossing more viaducts as the tracks follow the Road to the Isles to the small port town of Mallaig on the coast.

Scotrail

Providing the entirety of mainland Scotland with transport links, Abello Scotrail is a fantastic commuter service that means even the farthest reaches of this wild and wonderful country is easily accessible. Running since 1983 under a variety of operators, this service has numerous lines, including one that stretches from the tip, Thurso, down to Edinburgh.

West Highland Line

Also known as 'the Iron Road to the Isles', a journey on the West Highland Line is an epic rail adventure that takes passengers through some of the world's most beautiful and dramatic landscapes. In fact the line has twice been voted the world's best rail journey by readers of Wanderlust magazine.

Enhance your holiday

UK rail connections

We can book UK rail tickets from your local station to and from Glasgow to join your holiday. Please call us to discuss your requirements.

UK rail connections

Reviews

4.1 stars4.1 / 5 · 131 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (51)
  2. 4 stars
    (54)
  3. 3 stars
    (16)
  4. 2 stars
    (3)
  5. 1 star
    (7)

Chris Shaw

5 stars

Submitted 14/Jul

5 star, loved the sceneries from boat, coach and train. All carefully planned & well led by Hamas, circulating photos & info. Only negative - would have appreciated more space to stroll around beauty spots after long seatings on transports.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Chris, Thank you for your review. I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed your tour to the Scottish Highlands, and that you found Hassan to be a great Tour Manager. Rest assured, your feedback regarding additional free time will be forwarded on to the relevant teams. Best wishes, Richard
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

Mrs Clark

5 stars

Submitted 28/May

This was my first tour with the company, I couldn’t praise it too highly. The tour guide was excellent, so helpful and informative. I shall definitely go on another holiday with you

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Mrs Clark, Thank you for your review. I'm delighted to hear that your first tour with us was a success! We shall look forward to welcoming you on another Great Rail Journeys holiday. Best wishes, Richard
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

Martin Sinnock

5 stars

Submitted 25/May

Excellent five night trip. Terrific excursions. Superb hotels. Garrath was a great Tour Manager: friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. Our lovely Coach driver Caitlin was the best I've experienced on the many tours I've taken with GRJ. Safe driving, commentaries pitched perfectly: informative, light-hearted, self-effacing. She knew when to stop talking, and at no time tried to take over the tour from the Tour Manager.

Collected by Trustpilot

Rodney Sorbo

5 stars

Submitted 23/May

Great scenery and easy travel via train and bus. A stay put at the hotel eased luggage transfer issues.

Collected by Trustpilot

Nickie

5 stars

Submitted 02 Oct 2024

Excellent tour great hotel and brilliant tour guide

Collected by Trustpilot

Bill Larkin

5 stars

Submitted 27 Sep 2024

An excellent well organised holiday. Thanks to David our very friendly tour manager for helping the group have a worry free and happy holiday.

Collected by Trustpilot

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British Isles Holidays 2026

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