The Jacobite Steam Train Experience

Duration

2 Days

Prices vary by season

About

Steam into history on this two-day tour that combines a guided bus journey through historic landscapes and a trip on the Jacobite steam train. You will see Britains highest mountain, deepest loch and cross the viaduct featured in the Harry Potter films.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Wilderness and Warriors... Leaving Edinburgh behind on this magical, historic 2-day tour, we'll head north to the Forth Railway Bridge. Snap a photo of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a memory to treasure and symbol of Scotland. Opened in 1890, the Forth Railway Bridge is a true Scottish icon recognised all over the world for being the first major steel structure, a key milestone in the development in modern railway engineering. To this day, this fantastic piece of history still holds the record for being the world's longest cantilever bridge.

The journey North continues... We'll head further north to the 'geographical centre of Scotland' and of the gateways to the Highlands, Pitlochry, for a quick stop and bite to eat. Perched on the edge of the River Tummel, Pitlochry is home to one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland, Edradour. Leaving this beautiful town, we'll once again head north on our journey, taking us through the breathtaking Drumochter Pass. Skirting the stunning peaks of the Cairngorm National Park, you'll pass the home of 5 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, the iconic scene when Claire falls through time to the 1700's. From here we'll continue on to Culloden *, 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,

Take a cruise and visit Urquhart Castle or Nessie spot from the shore…

Loch Ness is the largest body of water in Britain by volume; incredibly, all lakes and rivers of England and Wales would fit in it. With these dimensions, it’s not surprising that a monster is believed to live in the depth of the Loch. The famous “Nessie” was first seen by St. Columba in the mid-6th century. But it wasn’t until the 1930s that the mysterious creature came to widespread notice when it was seen again by an American couple. Since then, there have been thousands of sightings, and who knows? Maybe you will be the next to spot it. During our time at Loch Ness, you have a few options. You have the opportunity to visit Urquhart Castle and then join a cruise on Loch Ness (cruise and castle combined: additional £28.00 per person).

We'll finally be heading 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 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 into Mallaig, the end of the famous West Highland Railway. 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 arrives 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, hope back about the vintage steam engine for the journey back to Fort William, where your driver-guide will be waiting to whisk you off to the breathtaking 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 Scotlands last great Wildernesses. From here our last leg of the journey home begins, with a driver through Stirlingshire passing by the likes of Stirling Castle and the Kelpies, before arriving back into Edinburgh.

What to bring

It is always advisable to be prepared for any weather in Scotland so a jacket is always a good idea! A bottle of water for hydration and a camera to capture the spectacular views and you are set to go! It is not necessary for you to bring your own meals, as we will stop throughout the day in small towns or villages where you can purchase food, however you are more than welcome to bring along snacks or a packed lunch.