Railtrail Annual Brochure 2021

R omantic H ighlander

NEW I T I NERARY

A delightful Railtrail tour inspired by the BBC “Great Railway Journeys of the World” TV series which saw Michael Palin travelling through the spectacular Scottish Highlands to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Our popular Romantic Highlander tour is based at one of Railtrail’s best loved hotels and for 2021 also includes the fabulous Jacobite steam train.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Sir Michael Palin’s ‘Great Railway Journey’ to the Kyle of Lochalsh ★ ★ Sensational mountain scenery of the Highland Line to Inverness ★ ★ Nostalgic steam train ride on the Strathspey Railway ★ ★ Enjoy a tour and tasting at a local distillery ★ ★ ‘Monster spotting’ Loch Ness cruise

Fares From £839

★ ★ Historic Urquhart Castle ★ ★ Visit legendary Isle of Skye ★ ★ Superb spa hotel leisure facilities

DAY 1 For those on our rail inclusive package the wonderfully picturesque Highland Line takes you through Perth, Pitlochry and over Cairngorm Mountains to Inverness and our hotel on the banks of the River Ness. (D) DAY 2 Travelling through the Great Glen to Fort William we journey on one of Scotland’s most scenic railway journeys as we join the Jacobite Steam Train * on the West Highland Line between FortWilliam andMallaig. The train line takes us over the impressive Glennfinnan Viaduct , capturing the views of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s monument standing proudly at the head of Loch Shiel. The viaduct is now famous for its association with the Harry Potter movies. Circumnavigating Loch Eilt with the small island home to the remnant of the original Caledonian Forest the steam train continues with astonishing vistas of the Atlantic coastline before arriving at Mallaig overlooking the Isle of Skye. We have a short break for sightseeing in Mallaig before journeying back to Fort William and onto Inverness in time for dinner. (B,D) Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ ★ Dinner each evening, plus light refreshments on the Strathspey Railway ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Hotel Porterage

Jacobite Steam Train

5 DAYS

© AdobeStock

DAY 3 This morning we travel by train to Cairngorms National Park and the mountain resort of Aviemore. Here we enjoy a wonderful whiff of nostalgia on the Strathspey Steam Railway with refreshments served en route as we steam along the whole length of the line from Aviemore to Broomhill (renowned as Glenbogle in the old TV series ‘Monarch of the Glen’). When we arrive back in Aviemore we board our return train and travel through stunning Highland scenery as we complete our journey back to Inverness. (B,LR,D) DAY 4 After breakfast we take the wonderful Kyle Line train, Scotland’s original “ Great Railway Journey of the World ”, simply one of the world’s finest coast to coast rail adventures through stunning scenery and across the great mountain plateau. Look out for wild deer, eagles and the palm trees of Plockton village, before dramatic sea vistas are revealed as we arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh . Here we enjoy a light lunch at Lochalsh Hotel and admire the superb views across to the Isle of Skye, just as Michael Palin did before retracing our steps to Inverness. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Today we bid farewell to Inverness and, if travelling by train, return over the mountains to Edinburgh and homeward stations. (B) *In the unlikely event of the steam train being unavailable we reserve the right to substitute a diesel train or undertake the journey by road coach.

DEPARTS

Tuesday 29 June 2021 Tuesday 28 September 2021

FARES

FARE REGION

FIRST STANDARD

London: Kings Cross

£1119 £1145 £1175 £1189 £1195 £1105 £1065 £1009 £1029 £1125 £1075 £975

£989 £999

Greater London South of England

£1025 £1029 £1039

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

£979 £955 £955 £919 £929

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

£1059

£955 £879

Scotland

£925

Join & Leave at hotel £849 £10 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Single Room Supplement £340 SEPTEMBER Departure Supplement £50 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & Table d’hôte evening meal, 1 lunch, plus light refreshments on the Strathspey Railway Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions and admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel Porterage

Kyleakin, Skye

© shutterstock © meunierd

HOTEL

Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness Overlooking the River Ness, a short stroll from the city centre, this superior quality, traditional Scottish hotel has well appointed bedrooms all en-suite with hospitality tray, radio, TV and free Wi-Fi. Leisure facilities include indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and beauty salon.

Kyle of Lochalsh & Bridge to Skye

Strathspey Steam Railway

© Andrew Thoirs

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

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