Save up to £1200 per couple on worldwide tours Book now
Discover our new Premier Collection Find out more
Join our mailing list for a chance to win a holiday worth £5,000. Join now
Loading...

Scottish Highland Railways for Solo Travellers

{{specificDatePrice.departurePoint === 'Tour Only' ? specificDatePrice.departurePoint : 'Departing from ' + specificDatePrice.departurePoint}}  -  {{specificDatePrice.departureDate}}  -  {{duration + ' ' + (duration == 1 ? 'day ' : 'days ')}} from £{{decimalString(specificDatePrice.price)}}pp was £{{decimalString(specificDatePrice.wasPrice)}}

{{specificMonthPrice.departurePoint === 'Tour Only' ? specificMonthPrice.departurePoint : 'Departing from ' + specificMonthPrice.departurePoint}}  -  {{specificMonthPrice.departureDate}}  -  {{duration + ' ' + (duration == 1 ? 'day ' : 'days ')}} from £{{decimalString(specificMonthPrice.price)}}pp was £{{decimalString(specificMonthPrice.wasPrice)}}

To book this holiday please contact our Travel Experts directly on

or

EXCLUSIVELY FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS

Experience some of the world’s most spectacular scenery as you enjoy journeys on three of Scotland’s most celebrated railways.

Sit back in wonder as you enjoy the breathtaking train journey from Inverness – one of Michael Palin’s "Great Railway Journeys" – to Kyle of Lochalsh. The dramatic 42 miles of the famous West Highland line from Fort William to Mallaig, and a nostalgic trip on the steam-hauled Strathspey Railway complete an unforgettably scenic few days exploring one of Scotland’s most beautiful regions by train.

What does this price include?

  • Four nights' dinner, bed and Scottish breakfast accommodation at the Carrbridge Hotel, Carrbridge
  • A Welcome Drink on your first evening
  • Return flights to Scotland
  • Coach travel and transfers throughout
  • The services of a friendly, experienced tour manager

Your Itinerary

View a full breakdown of your holiday to help you plan your trip

  • Fly into Scotland, meet your tour manager at the airport, and board the coach for the scenic journey to your hotel.

    The Carrbridge Hotel is situated on the edge of Carrbridge village, and is close to some lovely local walks (the hotel staff will be happy to point you in the right direction). The famous packhorse bridge, dating back to 1717 and reputed to be one of the oldest in Scotland, is opposite the hotel.

    This evening, join your tour manager and fellow guests for a Welcome Drink and a get-together before dinner.

  • Board the coach and travel to Inverness, this morning. Here, you'll board the train for the spectacular 80-mile, two-and-a half-hour journey west to Kyle of Lochalsh, in its idyllic setting opposite the Isle of Skye. From Inverness, the line travels along the south side of Beauly Firth with views back across to the Black Isle, before turning north to the market town of Dingwall. Here it heads west once again, climbing slowly through the remote northern Highlands and offering glimpses (on clear days) of towering Liathach and its Torridon mountain neighbours.

    Probably the most spectacular part of the journey is when the line descends to the magnificent scenery of Loch Carron, and runs alongside the Loch, past Attadale Estate and Plockton, and on to Kyle.

    Once in Kyle you'll have time to explore, and perhaps have a spot of lunch, before heading back to the hotel by coach at the end of a wonderful day.

  • Today you'll head to Boat of Garten for a somewhat shorter, but no less special, rail journey on the Strathspey
    Steam Railway, a reminder of the golden days of steam.

    The nine-and-a half-mile run passes through unspoilt Highland scenery, taking you past great sweeps of the River Spey, through moorland and forest, and ending in the famous Highland resort of Aviemore. After an opportunity to explore the famous resort town, one of Britain’s most famous outward-bound centres, you'll have a chance to enjoy an afternoon visit to Newtonmore’s fascinating Highland Folk Museum.

    Here, Highland life from the 18th Century to the 1950s is vividly depicted, with a number of historic dwellings – some built from scratch on-site and others brought from other locations - and a vast collection of artefacts gathered together in a beautiful setting.

    Those not wishing to visit the museum will have an afternoon free to spend as they wish.

  • Fort William beckons today, as you enjoy your holiday’s final highlight – the journey on the last stretch of the famous West Highland Line, to the tiny fishing village of Mallaig. Voted by readers of Wanderlust Magazine as the world’s best train journey, this is another truly spectacular route.

    As the train pulls out of Fort William, look back and left to see Ben Nevis towering above the town. Minutes later, the train crosses the Caledonian Canal – look out for Neptune's Staircase, a succession of eight locks, to your right. The train then runs alongside Loch Eil before reaching the spectacular, 21-arch, Glenfinnan Viaduct - famously featured in the Harry Potter movies. Other highlights of the journey include island-studded Loch Eilt (considered by many to be the prettiest along the route), Arisaig (Britain’s most westerly railway station) and the white Atlantic sands of Morar.

    Mallaig is a delightful, thriving place, with a working port, and is well worth exploring. You may like to head into the hills above, where you’ll be rewarded with some wonderful views, explore the Heritage Centre or visit the Smokery where you can arrange for kippers to be sent anywhere in the world. We return to the hotel by coach.

  • Bid farewell to the Highlands today, and travel to the airport to board your flight home.

Dates & Prices

To book this holiday please contact our Travel Experts directly on

or
{{loading ? 'Loading' : ''}}
Price Per Person
Availability
{{departurePort}}
{{port.name}} No transport included
{{port.dateRange1}}
  • Adult: {{'£' + decimalString(port.fromPriceDate.fromPrice)}}
  • Children: {{'£' + decimalString(port.fromPriceDate.childFromPrice)}}
  • From {{'£' + decimalString(getDatePrice(port.fromPriceDate))}}
{{port.datesAvailable}}
{{departurePort}} {{port.name}}
Late Escape
{{date.departureDate}} {{date.departureDateDayOfWeek}}
{{data.duration}} Days
{{date.endDate}} {{date.endDateDayOfWeek}}
No single supplement
Now £{{decimalString(getDatePrice(date))}}
was £{{decimalString(getDateWasPrice(date))}}
£{{decimalString(getDatePrice(date))}}
 
{{'Only ' + date.avail + (date.avail === 1 ? ' place ' : ' places ') + 'left!'}}
Hurry, selling fast!

SOLD OUT

Hotels

Carrbridge Hotel, Carrbridge

Set on the banks of the Dulnain River, and boasting spectacular views of the Cairngorm Mountains, this charming, family-run hotel was originally established in 1803 as an inn for travellers. It has been extended and refurbished over the years, and now has 100 bedrooms of varying shapes and sizes. 

View Hotel

Further Information

  • The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately three hours from Edinburgh airport and one hour from Inverness airport.

  • We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.
  • Please note, the West Highland and Kyle lines are both scheduled ScotRail services, and use diesel-powered engines. In the unlikely event of a steam locomotive breaking down on the Strathspey Railway, we reserve the right to substitute the engine with a diesel locomotive. All train journeys are single journeys.
  • If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
  • The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
  • Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
  • An Airport Development Fee has been introduced at a few UK Airports. You will be required to pay this charge at the following airports prior to checking in for your flight: Blackpool, Durham Tees Valley, Newquay and Norwich. The amount varies from airport to airport, but it is generally between £5 and £10 per person. Please visit the airport's website for further information.
  • Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.

    Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.

    Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").

    Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.

    European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Commencing in late 2023 or 2024, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.

Why book with us

The smallest details are what matter the most when it comes to your holiday, and we aim to elevate every experience you encounter on each one of our award-winning tours.

Complete financial protection

We offer complete financial protection through our membership of ABTA and our ATOL licence, giving you total peace of mind with regards to your money.

Dedicated tour managers and local guides

Every one of our holidays is escorted by friendly, dedicated tour managers and local guides. It's their local knowledge that will turn your wish-list holidays plans into lifelong memories.

Award-winning service

We've won more than 70 awards during our 40-year history, and best of all, you've voted us winners at the British Travel Awards 11 years in a row.

Available 24/7

Wherever you are in the world, you'll be able to contact us. There are many ways to get in touch, and we promise you'll always be speaking to a human, not a computer.

So much included

The price you pay includes all your travel, accommodation, touring itinerary, tour manager and much more. There's no need to pay for annoying extras you weren't expecting with us either.

Holding your hand

Wherever you choose to go next, our team of experts are on hand to assist you before, during and after your holiday, so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying your experience.

Order a brochure now!

Get Newmarket Holidays’ latest brochures sent straight to your doorstep.

Call us now on
0330 341 1927

Booking Hotline
Mon, Wed, Thu 9am - 6:30pm
Tuesday 9:15am - 6:30pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm
Customer Services
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6:30pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm