Our favourite Scottish rail trips and where to stay

Edinburgh to Aviemore, 3 hours 

Using majestic Edinburgh as your leaping-off point means you can spend a couple of days sauntering about the capital, checking out the sights and restaurants. From here, it’s an easy trip to Aviemore on a Scotrail train that zips through the rugged Cairngorms National Park. You’ll gaze in awe at towering mountains (five of the six highest peaks in the UK are here), sparkling lochs and huge dark forests. Aviemore is a super base for forays into the Cairngorms, the largest national park in the UK. Don your boots for fabulous walks through wild mountain landscapes of granite and heather, home to myriad bird life, deer and Britain’s only free-ranging reindeer herd. Challenge yourself to a hike up the mighty Cairn Gorm – loafers can opt for the funicular when it reopens in winter 2023.

Stay super centrally at Apartment on Cheyne Street in Edinburgh and right in the middle of the Cairngorms National Park at Strathspey Lodge.

Andrew’s tip from Strathspey Lodge: Visit Dalwhinnie Distillery, set in stunning mountain scenery in the heart of the Cairngorms, it’s Scotland’s highest distillery, at 1164 ft.

 

Aviemore to Inverness, 35 minutes

This short hop from Aviemore to Inverness means you might be the one to finally catch a glimpse of that infamous monster – don’t forget your camera! Long, deep and narrow, Loch Ness spans over 20 miles between Inverness and Fort Augustus. Despite its icy waters being trawled many times, the elusive Nessie is yet to be spotted, but that doesn’t stop travellers arriving in their droves. Stroll along the southeastern shore, it’s usually quieter and more scenic, or take a boat trip to witness the atmospheric ruins of Urquhart Castle, arguably the most picturesque castle in the Highlands. With sparkling loch views and an informative visitor centre, you can get a feel for medieval life through the layers of history. 

Stay at Fettes Farmhouse and luxuriate in the wood fired hot tub or at charming Cose Farmhouse. 

Katie’s tip from Fettes Farmhouse: You’re a 10 minute drive to Inverness for local pubs and restaurants – it’s the most beautiful drive along the shore road and even better by bike!

Andrew’s tip from Cose Farmhouse: In the immediate vicinity lies Cawdor Castle and, a little farther off, Culloden Battlefield and the ancient stone circles of Clava Cairns.

The West Highland line, Glenfinnan Viaduct, 2 hours

There are two ways to travel along the West Highland line, on a locomotive or a steam train. The Jacobite steam train is an exhilarating ride, sweeping over the glorious 21-arch viaduct in Glenfinnan on the route between Fort William and Mallaig. Harry Potter fans flock here in their droves to ride the ‘Hogwarts Express’ but every inch of scenery during the two hour journey is breathtaking as you swoop past Lochs Eilt, Ailort and Nan Uamh – all bleakly beautiful – before arriving at Morar’s sandy shores. You’ll catch a glimpse of magical Skye on the final stretch into Mallaig, where you can hop on the port ferry, it’s just a short boat journey to the island.

Stay at the utterly spoiling Knoydart Hide or on the loch shore at Avernish Lodge. 

Lynsey and James’ tip from Avernish Lodge: Sample some local produce at Manuela’s Wee Bakery in Ardelve, where they produce quality bread, cakes and gin.

 

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