Route: Edinburgh Inverness Pitlochry Glasgow Fort William Loch Lomond Edinburgh
Nights: 14
Countries Visited: 1
Accommodation: Hotels only
Transport: Trains & Two Coach Journeys
Sustainability: This trip only creates 28.5kg of carbon emissions. Flying the same route would create 216.2kg ♻️
Reviews: All independent reviews
The best way to see Scotland’s natural beauty is from the window of a train. So allow this loop journey take you through the Scottish Highlands, following routes carved by Victorian railway pioneers, and through landscapes that have inspired poets and artists for centuries.
Your journey begins in Scotland’s magnificent capital, where the medieval Old Town hides thousands of stories and the Georgian New Town showcases 18th-century elegance. This is the city of Sir Walter Scott and Scotland’s Enlightenment heritage. From Waverley Station, you depart northward into the Highlands.
The journey north crosses the iconic Forth Bridge and borders the Cairngorms before reaching the Highland capital. Inverness has been a strategic location since Pictish times and it’s the perfect base for those interested in history, nature and Scottish folklore.
Next in your journey is Pitlochry, a Victorian resort town nestled in the Perthshire hills that won Queen Victoria’s heart in 1842 when she declared it “very wild and romantic.” Pitlochry offers a relaxing stop with their famous salmon ladder and walks through ancient Caledonian pine forests.
From the highland hills you descend to Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow. The “Second City of the Empire” transformed the shipbuilding and industrial wealth into stunning Victorian architecture, becoming one of the most vibrant cities in the UK.
Your next journey takes you on the West Highland Line which offers one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world. Taking you past Loch Lomond, crossing the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor and descending through Glen Coe, you will experience Scotland’s most iconic places from the comfort of your seat. You will finally reach Fort William which will be your gateway to Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak.
The last stop before returning to Edinburgh is Scotland’s largest loch. The loch stretches from broad, island-studded southern waters to narrow fjord-like reaches in the north, with the Highland Boundary Fault marking the geological divide between Lowland and Highland Scotland.
This loop route captures the essentials in Scotland—the harmony between Highland and Lowland, ancient clan territories and industrial powerhouses, wilderness and culture.
– Train tickets from the first to the last city on the route, as shown in the map.
– All possible seat reservations – not just the compulsory ones!
– Accommodation in top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels – tested by us
– Walking or public transport directions between the stations and your booked accommodation.
– Travel Disruption Protection – alternative travel included if there is a strike or similar disruption.
– 24hr emergency phone number to use while you’re away.
– Personalised travel pack with your travel times, accommodation information, directions, language guides and things to see and do in each location.
– Exclusive discounts on attractions across Europe.
– 1GB of Free Data, with the option to add more anytime with eSIM!
Route: Edinburgh Inverness Pitlochry Glasgow Fort William Loch Lomond Edinburgh
Nights: 14
Countries Visited: 1
Accommodation: Hotels only
Transport: Trains & Two Coach Journeys
Sustainability: This trip only creates 28.5kg of carbon emissions. Flying the same route would create 216.2kg ♻️
Reviews: All independent reviews
The best way to see Scotland’s natural beauty is from the window of a train. So allow this loop journey take you through the Scottish Highlands, following routes carved by Victorian railway pioneers, and through landscapes that have inspired poets and artists for centuries.
Your journey begins in Scotland’s magnificent capital, where the medieval Old Town hides thousands of stories and the Georgian New Town showcases 18th-century elegance. This is the city of Sir Walter Scott and Scotland’s Enlightenment heritage. From Waverley Station, you depart northward into the Highlands.
The journey north crosses the iconic Forth Bridge and borders the Cairngorms before reaching the Highland capital. Inverness has been a strategic location since Pictish times and it’s the perfect base for those interested in history, nature and Scottish folklore.
Next in your journey is Pitlochry, a Victorian resort town nestled in the Perthshire hills that won Queen Victoria’s heart in 1842 when she declared it “very wild and romantic.” Pitlochry offers a relaxing stop with their famous salmon ladder and walks through ancient Caledonian pine forests.
From the highland hills you descend to Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow. The “Second City of the Empire” transformed the shipbuilding and industrial wealth into stunning Victorian architecture, becoming one of the most vibrant cities in the UK.
Your next journey takes you on the West Highland Line which offers one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world. Taking you past Loch Lomond, crossing the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor and descending through Glen Coe, you will experience Scotland’s most iconic places from the comfort of your seat. You will finally reach Fort William which will be your gateway to Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak.
The last stop before returning to Edinburgh is Scotland’s largest loch. The loch stretches from broad, island-studded southern waters to narrow fjord-like reaches in the north, with the Highland Boundary Fault marking the geological divide between Lowland and Highland Scotland.
This loop route captures the essentials in Scotland—the harmony between Highland and Lowland, ancient clan territories and industrial powerhouses, wilderness and culture.
Start your Scottish Highlands rail adventure in Edinburgh, the elegant capital of Scotland. Known for its stunning architecture and rich literary heritage, Edinburgh is a city that embraces its medieval history, and continues to promotes its creative energy. From the impressive Edinburgh Castle to the Georgian splendour of the New Town, this city is a testament to Scotland’s enduring cultural power.
Highlights
Explore Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile
Visit Dean Village as you explore the Georgian New Town
Hike Arthur’s Seat for impressive views over the whole city
Train to Inverness – 3.5 hours
Continue your journey to Inverness, the historic gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Known for its strategic location and Highland charm, Inverness is a city that effortlessly blends ancient Pictish heritage, Jacobite history, and natural beauty. From the battlefield of Culloden to the mysterious waters of Loch Ness, this city is a testament to Scotland’s dramatic past and wild landscapes.
Highlights
Search for Nessie on Loch Ness
Stroll along the River Ness and explore the Victorian Market or the Ness Islands
Visit the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery for a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the Scottish Higlands
Train to Pitlochry – 2 hours
Journey south to Pitlochry, the charming heart of Highland Perthshire. Known for its Victorian elegance and natural beauty, Pitlochry is a town that effortlessly blends royal romance, outdoor adventure, and Highland tradition. From the leaping salmon at the fish ladder to the ancient Caledonian forests, this town is a testament to the timeless appeal of the Scottish Highlands.
Highlights
Watch salmon leap at the famous fish ladder
Experience world-class theatre at Pitlochry Festival Theatre
Taste real Scotch Whiskey at Blair Athol Distillery
Train to Glasgow – 2 hours
Continue west to Glasgow, the dynamic powerhouse of Scotland. Known for its architectural grandeur and warmth, Glasgow is a city where the industrial heritage meets artistic innovation and cultural vibrancy.
Highlights
Explore world-class museums like Kelvingrove and Riverside
Experience the legendary music scene
Increase your chance of seeing Higland Cows by visiting Pollock Country Park
Train to Fort William – 4 hours
Travel north on Britain’s most scenic railway to Fort William, the outdoor capital at the foot of Ben Nevis. Known for its dramatic mountain landscapes and adventure spirit, Fort William is a town that offers military history, Highland wilderness, and natural wonder. From the towering peak of Britain’s highest mountain to the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, this town showcases the raw beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
Highlights
Stand beneath Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain
Journey through Glen Coe’s dramatic mountain pass
Ride the Jacobite Steam Train across the Glenfinnan Viaduct
Coach to Loch Lomond – 2.5 hours
Continue south to Luss, the picturesque village on the shores of Loch Lomond. Known for its island-studded waters and Highland charm, Luss is a village where natural beauty meets traditional Scottish character and romantic scenery. The largest loch in Scotland stretches before you, surrounded by the peaks of the Trossachs, capturing hearts just as it has done for centuries.
Highlights
Cruise Scotland’s largest and most beautiful loch
Stroll through the charming village with its traditional cottages
Explore Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Coach & Train to Edinburgh – 2 hours
Conclude your Scottish Highlands adventure back in Edinburgh, where the city’s vibrant culture and iconic landmarks welcome you back. Reflect on your journey as you revisit favourite spots or uncover hidden gems before your trip comes to an end.
The quickest way to get to and from the UK will be to book a flight. Alternatively, you can get in touch to customise this route into a loop from London or anywhere else in mainland Europe!