Railtrail Annual Brochure 2024

H ebridean O dyssey

Treat yourself to this Railtrail tour offering the ultimate island-hopping experience in the Outer Hebrides and visiting an impressive eight islands. Discover an area of unspoilt natural beauty offering spectacular scenery, impressive mountain ranges, and miles of golden beaches.

DAY 1 We spend our first night in Glasgow at the contemporary Radisson Blu Hotel ideally located close to the central railway station. Spend time admiring Glasgow’s Charles Rennie Mackintosh architecture or explore the city using the ‘Clockwork Orange’, Glasgow’s underground system, before our first dinner together this evening. (D) DAY 2 This morning we travel north on the stunning West Highland Line , admiring the watery landscapes of the TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Travel the glorious West Highland Line - “Railroad to the Isles” ★ Take a relaxing cruise on Loch Linnhe ★ Visit picture perfect Portree, the Capital of the Isle of Skye ★ Discover the Isle of Barra, considered by many to be the most beautiful little island in Britain ★ Stroll along unspoilt, white sandy beaches ★ See the beautiful Eriskay Ponies on the Isle of Eriskay ★ Glimpse whales, dolphins, and sea eagles as you cruise between outstanding island seascapes ★ Discover a birdwatcher’s paradise and view amazing island wildlife ★ Learn about the Hebrides unique and fascinating history spanning back 5,000 years ★ Explore the Isle of Lewis and Isle of Harris with expert local guides ★ Journey through the Cairngorms enjoying wonderful Highland scenery Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ Dinner every evening plus 2 packed lunches ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Fares From £1999

Isle of Barra

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Snizort to Uig for our ferry cruise to North Uist. Our journey to Benbecula takes us past numerous lochans and beautiful beaches before we arrive at the Dark Island Hotel, our base for the next two nights. (B,D) DAY 4 Today the island hopping begins by taking the causeway across to South Uist where the west coast is a continuous sandy beach and the east is dominated by mountainous peaks. We continue via a further causeway to the Isle of Eriskay . Eriskay is famous for the Eriskay Ponies and is also the real ‘Whisky Galore’ island. It was just off Eriskay, between Great Todday and Little Todday, that the S.S. Politician ran aground in 1941 with 50,000 cases of whisky aboard.The locals managed to save several hundred cases before the ship sank, providing them with a good supply of their ‘Water

Firth of Clyde and Gareloch. With scenery becoming ever more dramatic, we trundle beside Loch Long and skirt the ‘bonnie banks’ of Loch Lomond before climbing into the western Highlands. At Crianlarich, we continue northwards, over Rannoch Moor towards our destination of Fort William . In the afternoon we enjoy a relaxing cruise on Loch Linnhe – a lovely sea loch – looking out for seals and porpoises, diving birds, and perhaps a golden eagle. Following our cruise, we return to our Fort William hotel for dinner. (B,D) DAY 3 After breakfast we continue our journey enroute to the Isles by private coach. We travel via the Skye Bridge, Broadford, and over the famous Cuillin Hills to the capital Portree , where we enjoy free time for lunch. In the early afternoon we travel the shores of Loch

Portree

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Eriskay Ponies

Cullin Mountain Range of Skye

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© Eriskay Pony Society

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

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