From Edinburgh: 2-Day Jacobite Steam Train & The Great Glen Tour

Day 1

Wilderness and warriors…

Leaving Edinburgh behind on this magical, historic two-day tour, we’ll head north to Pitlochry, for a quick stop and bite to eat. Perched on the edge of the River Tummel, Pitlochry is a beautiful town, after a short stop here, we’ll once again head north on our journey, taking us through the breath-taking Drumochter Pass. Skirting the stunning peaks of the Cairngorm National Park, you’ll pass the home of five of the UK’s highest mountains.

Through the mountains to Culloden…

Passing Aviemore, we’ll drive via the Clava Cairns, a 500-year-old temple and ancient cemetery. This ancient burial ground features in the well-known ‘Outlander’ books, in the iconic scene when Claire falls through time to the 1700s. From here we’ll continue on to Culloden, the last stand of the Jacobites against the government forces. Explore the battlefield and walk in the footsteps of the hundreds of clansmen who gave their lives for the Jacobite cause or immerse yourself in the interactive history found inside of the Culloden Visitor Centre. Leaving this harrowing battlefield behind, you will have the opportunity to join a cruise on Loch Ness and visit Urquhart Castle this is an iconic experience you should enjoy on any visit to Scotland.

After this we will continue to Fort Augustus, a peaceful little village on the banks of Loch Ness, our overnight stop for this tour.

Overnight: Fort Augustus

Day 2

Take a steam train back in time…

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before a short journey to Fort William will finally jump aboard the Jacobite Steam Train! Known for being one of the world’s greatest train journeys, this train ride will take you past Britain’s highest mountain, deepest loch, shortest river and most westerly station. You may know it as the Hogwarts Express! You’ll cross the viaduct featured in the ‘Harry Potter’ films and pass the Glenfinnan Monument where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at the beginning of the 1745 Jacobite rising before arriving in Mallaig, the end of the famous West Highland Railway. The other half of the group will take this part of the journey to Mallaig in the bus with your driver-guide, giving you the opportunity to see the train cross the iconic Viaduct. Either way, you will be able to sit back, relax, enjoy the ride and don’t forget to take in those unmissable views of the highlands.

Have seafood for lunch at Mallaig…

Get ready to depart as the train and bus arrive into Mallaig, a stunning west coast fishing town, for lunch. Mallaig, ‘Mel Vik’ in old Norse, means sand dune bay, the perfect description for this vibrant port, the end to the ‘Road to the Isles’. Spend some time learning about Mallaig’s fascinating historical past at the Mallaig Heritage Centre, or sample some of the freshest seafood Scotland has to offer. After a delicious lunch, the groups roles will reverse, with the other half of the group now having the opportunity to take the vintage steam engine for the journey back to Fort William, whilst  your driver-guide will transport the other half of the group along the Road to the Isles for an opportunity to watch as the train passes over the majestic viaduct. When the group re-unities in Fort William, you will begin your journey to the breath-taking scenery of Glen Coe.

The journey home via Glen Coe…

Heading south, you’ll enjoy a drive through Glen Coe, Scotland’s most famous and scenic glen, where the MacDonalds were betrayed. This awe-inspiring glen was carved out centuries ago by glaciers and volcanic explosions to create the stunning mountains we know and love. This beautiful glen may seem a little familiar due to its starring role in one of the ‘Harry Potter’ films. Our journey through Glen Coe takes us to Rannoch Moor, a beauty not to be missed, so stunning it was the perfect place to film a scene in James Bond’s ‘Skyfall’. At 50 square miles of peat bog and marsh, it’s one of Scotland’s last great wildernesses. From here, our last leg of the journey home begins with a drive through Stirlingshire, passing by the likes of Stirling Castle and the Kelpies, before arriving back into Edinburgh.

Q. How does our accommodation booking service work?

We can book your accommodation for you, or you can choose to book your own, as long as it is centrally located at the overnight stop location. We will send you a payment link before the tour departs so you don’t have to worry about carrying cash or paying when you arrive each night. Your driver-guide will drop you off and pick you up from the accommodation during the tour.

Q. How much will the accommodation cost?

Accommodation is not included in the tour price, below is an estimate of the costs per room per night.

• Bed & Breakfast Ensuite: From £100 – £220 per room per night
• Ensuite: This means you will have your own private bathroom/toilet/shower

Accommodation costs depend on availability and season – so it may be more or less than estimated above.

Q. If I wish to book my own accommodation is there anything I need to know?

Once you’ve booked your accommodation, you’ll need to contact us at reservations@highlandexperience.com and let us know where you have booked to stay. Please, only reserve accommodation within the overnight towns that your tour stops in. If you’re unsure, please check with us first.

• No matter when you visit, the weather in Scotland can be “changeable”, to say the least. We suggest that you bring suitable clothing for all conditions, including a waterproof jacket (it has been known to rain in Scotland), sunglasses and plenty of layers.
• Ensure you bring shoes suitable for short walks, on rough or uneven terrain.
• Although most attractions & eating establishments we visit accept card payments, we would also recommend bringing cash with you.
• Don’t forget a camera to snap the fantastic memories you’ll make on tour with us!
• Please limit your luggage to 1 x small/medium piece per person (no more than 15kg), along with 1 x small handbag or daypack.