The Autumn Scot
Holiday brief
The Autumn Scot provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the finest Scottish
scenery by train, coach and boat. The variety is wonderful as we tour the
western seaboard visiting the islands of Mull, Iona and Skye. Inland we cruise
some lochs, ascend some mountains and, of course, must go to a Scottish castle.
Along with the preserved railways we cover, included are three of the best
scenic rail rides to be had in the British Isles with the trip over Rannoch
Moor, the fantastic Kyle line and the splendour of the steam hauled journey on
the
“Road to the Isles” out to Mallaig. We haven’t room below to detail all that we cover but rest assured that this holiday
encompasses the very best Scotland has to offer in a superb scenic touring
adventure amid glorious autumn colours.
Rome? No, Oban actually!
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Monday – This holiday actually starts in Oban but we will all meet up on the early evening train as we travel up from Glasgow.
On arrival we stroll across to The Caledonian Hotel for a light, mid-evening,
supper.
Tuesday – Over the sea to the Island of Mull where we enjoy an excursion to Iona,
allowing time for lunch and to visit the abbey. Returning to Torosay we call in
at the castle and enjoy the lovely narrow gauge steam railway between Torosay
and Craignure. The Mull and West Highland Railway
’s terminus at Craignure must enjoy the most spectacular views to be seen from
any station in Scotland.
Wednesday – “The Rannoch Circular”. By train to Crianlarich where we change for the Fort William line travelling
through some of the most desolate, yet spectacular, scenery in Scotland. Our
day continues with a time in Fort William and a trip up Ben Nevis, followed by
a wonderful journey back to Oban with a leg-stretch en route in atmospheric
Glen Coe.
Thursday – A relaxed day commences with a cruise to see the seals of Loch Etive before a
journey into the depths of the earth at Cruachan. Our afternoon offers free
time in Oban or a delightful scenic excursion across the Atlantic Ocean to the
Islands of Seil and Easdale.
Friday – We leave Oban and head north to Fort William in time to catch the Jacobite
steam train on the most spectacular standard gauge railway in Great Britain
– the West Highland Line. Lunchtime is spent in Mallaig before we take the Cal
Mac ferry to Skye. A lovely coach trip to Kyleakin precedes the crossing to
Kyle of Lochalsh, where we arrive in time to enjoy a relaxed late afternoon and
evening.
OUR HOTELS
The Caledonian Hotel, Oban
This hotel has been completely refurbished and is directly opposite Oban Station
and the Cal Mac pier. It is perfectly located with high standard rooms
featuring all the usual facilities. The spacious bar and lounge and a fine
restaurant provide a high quality and relaxing environment.
The Kyle Hotel, Kyle of Lochalsh
This is a gem. Situated in the village centre, a stones throw from the station
and loch side, this small, friendly hotel has a welcoming air and very pleasant
rooms with full amenities. It is often complimented upon as
“one of the nicest we use”.
The Four Seasons Hotel, Aviemore
A large hotel situated in the centre of Aviemore. It is spacious and modern,
with mountain views, fine accommodation and is perfectly located for the
station, Strathspey Railway and the town.
Saturday – Today we head back over the water for a splendid trip to Skye that includes
scenic views of The Cuillin Hills and visits to Portree, the capital of the
island, and Dunvegan Castle.
Late afternoon we return to the Kyle of Lochalsh for a waterborne trip that
offers a completely different perspective of the area.
Sunday – A very relaxed day gives us an easy start before we leave Kyle by train bound
for Inverness. Another spectacular train journey around the lochs and then
through the wilds will undoubtedly be a holiday highlight. From Inverness we
head south by train to Aviemore and The Four Seasons Hotel.
Monday – Now in the heart of The Cairngorms and the Spey Valley, we spend two days
enjoying the scenic splendour and local attractions. Today we head up the Spey
Valley for some local wildlife and a warm welcome with private arrangements at
the delightful Keith and Dufftown railway.
Tuesday – Such a diverse holiday with so many highlights deserves a fitting finale, so
today we
’ll enjoy the mountains, the Cairngorm Funicular Railway, the Strathspey Steam
Railway and a couple of local surprise attractions.
Wednesday – After breakfast we transfer to Aviemore Station where the holiday concludes though the magnificent highland scenery continues on our homeward bound
journeys.
Date & Price
Tour Ref: AS10/1
Monday October 6th (10 days)
£1079.00
Price Variation
Single supplement £20.00 per night
Cairngorm Mountain Railway
