We are delighted to present a three day weekend tour to the West Highlands of Scotland at this most beautiful time of year with the Autumnal colours on full display – Travel will be on board the celebrated ‘Statesman’ Train over the full length of the world famous West Highland line, featuring some of the most dramatic and spectacular scenery Scotland has to offer with magnificent waterfalls and rippling burns that lead to peaceful lochs with towering mountains mirrored in the still waters beneath. A memorable return journey to Mallaig on the steam hauled ‘Jacobite’ train (voted top rail journey in the World) is included and accommodation for two nights will be in en-suite rooms at quality hotels in the Fort William area.

Friday: Following passenger stops as above our train takes the West Coast line with views of the Lakeland mountains as we pass through Oxenholme, and at Carlisle there will be a short break for a leg stretch before we continue over the border at Gretna Green and the long climb to Beattock, then taking the route around the north of Glasgow and along the banks of the Clyde we join the West Highland line at Craigendoran. Passing Loch Long and Loch Lomond we climb into the mountains for a memorable journey over the wild expanse of Rannoch Moor with an arrival in Fort William at approx 20.30.

Saturday: Following a traditional and hearty Scottish breakfast in the hotel we make our way to Fort William station where we step back in time with the maroon carriages (standard class only) of the steam hauled ‘Jacobite’ train waiting to take us on the magnificent 84 mile round trip over the ‘Rails to the Isles’. Before departure, time will be available for photographs and perhaps a chat with the Driver and Fireman, and then with a blast on the whistle and a full head of steam we pass the foot of Ben Nevis and over the Caledonian Canal swing bridge, following the shoreline of Loch Eil and into the high mountains.

At Glenfinnan we cross the viaduct which offers magnificent views down Loch Shiel and was the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745, and more recently was the location used for the flying car scene in the Harry Potter movies. Continuing through the memorable scenery our engine works hard to haul the train up Beasdale Bank and past the white sands of Morar before our arrival in the fishing village of Mallaig. With views across to the Isle of Skye and numerous eateries there is plenty to see and do in the couple of hours before the return journey. On arrival back into Fort William time will be available for sightseeing and shopping before returning to the hotel where a three course dinner will be served.

Sunday: Following breakfast in the hotel our train will depart from Fort William around 09.30 for the journey up the Great Glen and Monessie Gorge passing the falls of Orchy. Time permitting a stop will be made at Rannoch where the views are truly spectacular and herds of wild deer roam - then homeward with magnificent views of Loch Long and via Glasgow, Beattock, Carlisle and Shap summit.

A second chance to travel by direct chartered train to Fort William and also by Steam train to Mallaig but from a different choice of stations. Once again our private train will consist of a mix of Pullman and Premier dining coaches plus heritage first and standard class with all seats arranged at tables. On the Saturday we travel the magnificent West highland extension from Fort William to Mallaig and return behind steam traction in heritage standard class carriages.

Friday, we expect to depart Swindon around 0700 and running up the West Coast main line with views across the Cumbrian mountains we make our way through Carlisle, Gretna, and alongside the clyde before tackling the scenic west highland line to Fort William. Climbing up to Ardlui we enjoy stunning views of Loch Lomond and Loch Long before crossing the wilds of Rannoch moor and rounding Ben Nevis. We then descend to sea level and expect to arrive into Fort William at around 2000. Where required coaches will transfer everyone to their hotels and back to the station throughout the weekend.

Saturday. We will depart Fort William mid morning, again on a specially chartered train but now with steam in charge for the nostalgic and thrilling ride along the West Highland extension to Mallaig. This route has got to be one of the most fortuitous in Britain with sharp bends and steep inclines for the locomotive to content with. After a break of around 90 minutes in Mallaig we return to the Fort and hope to have a short stop at Glenfinnan for photographs. Please note that the steam train consists of standard class coaches only and so all passengers will travel standard class at tables of four. (in the unlikely event of a failure of the steam engine we reserve the right to substitute steam with diesel traction).

Sunday. Today we expect to depart Fort William around 0945 for our return run over the memorable West Highland Line. Time permitting there will be a photo stop at Rannoch where the views are quite spectacular. Rejoining our train we continue the scenically splendid journey through the highlands and back to out home stations in the evening. (Swindon around 2310)

Meals and accommodation. Those passengers booking Pullman and premier dining will be served a full English breakfast, light lunch and a three course dinner on the outward journey with a 'taste of Scotland' four course lunch and an afternoon tea on the return journey. Drinks cam be purchased 'at seat' throughout the journey. Pullman passenger will also be severed with Bucks fizz at breakfast, a glass of champagne and canapés before dinner and a quarter bottle of house wine with the meal. Standard and first lass passengers will have access to a buffet serving teas, coffees and light refreshments during the journey but they are also welcome to bring on board their own picnics if they wish. 

Pullman passengers will be accommodated at the Ballachulish Hotel at Loch Leven, fourteen miles from Fort William. Premier passenger will stay at the Isles of Glencoe Hotel at the foot of Glencoe and also fourteen miles from Fort William. First class passengers will be based at the Alexandra Hotel at Fort William whilst standard passengers will be based at the Ben Nevis Hotel on the outskirts of Fort William. All passengers will be served a full breakfast at their hotels on Saturday and Sunday plus a three course dinner on Saturday night. Please note there will be no dinner served in any hotel on Friday night.

This trip offers heritage train travel to Fort William and the chance to experience the thrill of steam on one of Britain's most attractive railways. 

Below are details of the two trips available.

Friday 1st, 2nd, 3rd October 2010

Departing from:

Peterborough (06.10/23.50) Melton Mowbray (06.50/22.20) Loughborough (07.20/21.50) Nottingham (07.50/21.20) Alfreton (08.30/20.30) Chesterfield (08.45/20.15) Stockport (09.45/19.15) Manchester Vic or Picc (10.25/19.05)
Bolton (10.55/18.35)
Chorley (11.10/18.20)
Preston (11.30/18.00)
Lancaster (12.00/17.30)

Friday 8th, 9th, 10th October 2010

Swindon, Kemble, Stroud, Stonehouse, Cheltenham Spa, Worchester Shrub Hill, Kidderminster, Stourbridge Junction, Stafford and Crewe.

The costs are the same for both trips:

Standard Class £289.00
First Class £349.00
Premier Dining £549.00
Pullman Dining £649.00

Single supplement £40.00

A limited number of private tables for two people are available in first, premier and Pullman class at a supplement of £30 per person. 

Contact us on the telephone number below to book tickets for this trip:

0845 128 8634