Train Hiking in Scotland - Highlands & Skye

This adventure by train and on foot through Scotland begins in Edinburgh. Board the train that takes you to charming Blair Atholl in about 2 hours.

Accommodation in Blair Atholl

The surroundings around Blair Atholl are a fantastic part of Scotland and you have a whole day to explore them. Start by visiting Blair Castle which dominates the area with its impressive white facade. The castle is home to the Atholl Highlanders, one of Europe's last private armies. After that you have several walks to choose from, ranging from challenging walks in hilly terrain to relaxing walks along the river all the way to Pitlochry if you wish.

Accommodation in Blair Atholl

An early start gives you plenty of time in Inverness (the train takes 1 1/2 hours). The pleasant town has many of Scotland's greatest attractions around the corner. You can visit Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle during a day trip by boat and bus (not included, book on site). If you feel like stretching your legs you can do a lovely circular walk of 11.5 km along the peaceful river Ness and Caledonian Canal

Accommodation in Inverness

Lean back and relax when the train departs from Inverness. Enjoy a scenic journey along lakes, valleys and mountains to the harbor station Kyle of Lochalsh. Here you change to bus (not included) and take yourself over Skye Bridge to the island of Skye and the town of Portree which becomes your base for two days.

Accommodation in Portree

The colorful houses in Portree's harbor give you several photo opportunities. If you want to spend the day strolling around Portree, you do that. If you'd rather hike, take the bus to The Storr on the Trotternish peninsula and do a nice coastal walk back to Portree. The third option is to do a day trip around the island (not included, book on site).

Accommodation in Portree

Today you can look forward to several memorable travel experiences. Start with a nice bus journey (1 hour) to Armadale from where you take the ferry (30 min) to Mallaig. Here you board the train that takes you over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, one of the journey's highlights. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. The journey includes train with Scotrail, but you can also choose to book yourself on the steam train The Jacobite for an extra magical experience.

Accommodation in Fort William

Today you can enjoy a lovely hike with views over Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. You also pass Neptune's Staircase, the eight locks along Caledonian Canal. Continue through lush greenery along The Great Glen until you reach Spean Bridge.

Accommodation in Spean Bridge

Get ready for yet another of Britain's most scenic railway journeys when you travel south on the classic West Highland Line. Enjoy the last of the Highland landscape from your seat as you rush through the fertile Great Glen to Rannoch Moor, a remote plateau 300 meters above sea level. This is a wild landscape of peat bogs, lakes and ancient forests, now home to red deer herds. 

The train journey to Glasgow takes about 3h30min and thereafter the journey ends.