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Glenfinnan
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Your journey to the Highlands & Islands

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01 May 2023 - 14 May 2023

Departing from

Travellers & rooms

undefined Adult

220 kg CO2
What's included:
  • Transport
  • Accommodation
  • Journey guide with tickets
  • Seat reservations where required or recommended
  • WhatsApp support and disruption replanning

Journey at a glance

Trip overview

  • Glasgow

  • Fort William

    2 nights

  • Mallaig

    3 nights

  • Glenfinnan

    2 nights

  • Inverness

    3 nights

  • Tobermory, Isle of Mull

    3 nights

  • Glasgow

Full itinerary

Journey
TRAIN
3hrs 45mins
Standard class

GlasgowFort William

Join the West Highland Line west from Glasgow, travelling past Loch Lomond through the Trossachs National Park. You'll trace the rails through the land of lochs as far as Crianlarich, then take the northern branch into the wilds of Rannoch Moor. Here, the line floats over peat bog-land surrounded by mountains on all sides. Pause at Corrour if you like, for a wild walk in this remote world where no roads were ever built.
Stay
2 nights
Fort William

Fort William

Known as the outdoor capital of Scotland, Fort William sits on the shores of Loch Linnhe and is surrounded by spectacular Highlands scenery. It's a fun, lively town, and with easy access to Ben Nevis and other Munros (Scottish mountains), it makes a great base for hiking or climbing.

Where you could stay2 nights

Mansefield Guest House

Tucked away in the sleepy village of Corpach, a short walk from the train station. Food is locally sourced and award-winning and there’s a log fire for quiet, cosy nights with a good book.

Find out more

Change your room

Recommendations

  • Lochaber Geopark boasts some amazing geology, with the UK’s highest mountains, deepest lochs and stunning natural scenery.

  • Within easy reach of Fort William, Ben Nevis is the UK's highest peak. Take a full day to climb to the top of the mountain or walk half an hour up the hill to the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre for one of their shorter and more sedate suggested walks.

  • Discover the history of the West Highlands through artefacts in the collection relating to such luminaries as Bonnie Prince Charlie and learn about the Jacobite cause.

Journey
1hrs 22mins
Standard class

Fort WilliamMallaig

Travel via Scot Rail along the spectacular route that takes you over the 21 arched Glenfinnan viaduct to Mallaig – the iconic route to Hogwarts from the Harry Potter films.
Stay
3 nights
Mallaig

Mallaig

A charming fishing port at the end of the 'road to the Isles', Mallaig is the main ferry hub for access to the Small Isles and Outer Hebrides. It's a lively little town overlooking the Sound of Sleat, with independent shops, lovely walks and is a short hop from some spectacular beaches.

Where you could stay3 nights

The Marine Hotel

The Marine Hotel is located in the centre of the fishing village of Mallaig, next door to the railway station and just a two-minute walk from both the Calmac and Knoydart ferry terminals. The Marine provides comfortable, well-rated bed and breakfast accommodation with lovely views out to the small islands.

Recommendations

  • Make the journey across Loch Nevis to The Old Forge, one of Scotland's few community-owned pubs. The former smiddy's forge is only reachable by an 18-mile hike over munros or a 7-mile boat trip, but you'll be rewarded with an exceptional welcome and fantastic local ales.

  • Do a circular walk around Mallaig that offers great views over the harbour and across Loch Nevis to Knoydart.

  • Find out more about the history and culture of the area at Mallaig Heritage Centre. Having experienced the scenic train journey here, it's especially interesting to learn more about how the Fort William–Mallaig railway line came into being.

Journey
0hrs 48mins
Standard class

MallaigGlenfinnan

Take the train inland to Glenfinnan, tracing the rails of the West Highland Line.
Stay
2 nights
Glenfinnan

Glenfinnan

Home to the Glenfinnan Viaduct (made famous by the Harry Potter films), Glenfinnan sits at the northernmost point of Loch Shiel, encircled by towering mountains. The majestic and tranquil scenery has made Glenfinnan a popular filming location for many years.

Where you could stay2 nights

The Prince's House Hotel

This traditional inn is next to the railway station in Glenfinnan, just a short walk from the Glenfinnan monument. Comfortable and traditional rooms have great views. The restaurant has a fantastic a la carte menu, and they also offer more casual bar-bistro food.

Recommendations

  • Head out on our recommended circular walk that takes in the viaduct from above (climbing up the hillside with a panoramic view down to the railway and Loch Shiel beyond) and the Jacobite Rebellion monument.
  • Board the small boat at Glenfinnan pier for a day on the water, to discover a remote part of the West Highlands only accessible by boat. Look out for eagles on a cruise from Glenfinnan to Acharacle and back.
Journey
0hrs 35mins
Standard class
GlenfinnanFort William
Journey
BUS
2hrs 5mins
Standard class

Fort WilliamInverness

A fabulous bus journey running the length of Scotland’s Great Glen, paralleling Loch Ness for a good part of the way. Look out for Urquhart Castle, the perfect spot to break your journey and catch the spirit of these Highland landscapes.
Stay
3 nights
Inverness

Inverness

Inverness enjoys a fine setting by the River Ness, with Loch Ness and its alleged monster well away to the southwest. The graceful city is home to fine restaurants and museums and in 2019 it topped a list of the most cultured cities in the UK.

Where you could stay3 nights

Abermar Guest House

Run by welcoming hosts James and Allison, this central bed and breakfast offers a comfortable stay on a quiet residential street in the heart of Inverness.

Find out more

Recommendations

  • The Moray Firth is home to the world’s northernmost pod of bottlenose dolphins. Climb aboard a low-impact boat with Dolphin Spirit and see these beautiful creatures up close.

  • Enjoy haggis-loaded fries, jackfruit stovies or pizza at one of Inverness' many vegan-friendly hotspots. You can even find some locally made, artisan vegan cheese.

  • From Inverness, head out on foot to the ancient fort of Craig Phadrig for beautiful views of the Beauly Firth.

Journey
BUS
2hrs 5mins
Standard class

InvernessFort William

Cruise the shores of Loch Ness on a comfortable Scottish Citylink bus from Inverness to Fort William: Monster sightings possible, but not guaranteed.
Journey
3hrs 30mins
Standard class

Fort WilliamTobermory

Take the 506 bus from Fort William, which crosses the Corran Narrows on a car ferry and then skirts the shore of Loch Sunart to drop you at Kilchoan. There, the CalMac boat waits to ferry you over to Tobermory (both services are 'turn up and go', so have your fare ready).
Stay
3 nights
Tobermory, Isle of Mull

Tobermory, Isle of Mull

The Isle of Mull's pretty capital, Tobermory, is known for its wide harbour lined with colourful houses and surrounded by hills. You'll find cosy pubs, traditional cafés and restaurants serving local produce on your doorstep, and beautiful countryside to explore.

Where you could stay3 nights

Tobermory Hotel

Friendly hotel and inn in a wonderful spot on the harbour with easy access to local shops, activities and buses. The cosy rooms are decorated in a traditional style. Enjoy wonderful food, a relaxed atmosphere and fantastic sea views.

Find out more

Recommendations

  • Island hop to Ulva (for woodlands, shores, moors and bird watching), Staffa (for sea caves and magnificent basalt columns) and Iona (the birthplace of Celtic Christianity).
  • Enjoy uninterrupted relaxation on the Isle of Iona, via the ferry at Fionnphort - it's a spot to allow your soul to catch up with you. Iona casts its own special magic for those who make time for the enchanting island.
  • Settle down by a roaring fire for a drink with a view at the Mishnish, Tobermory.
Journey
5hrs 17mins
Standard class

TobermoryGlasgow

Take the bus south from Tobermory to Craignure (pay the driver on board) then enjoy a short trip on a CalMac ferry across the Sound of Mull to Oban (pause for a walk and perhaps a coffee or a bite to eat). From there, make your way to the station to board the West Highland Line inland to Glasgow, enjoying the spectacular views on one of the most scenic rail journeys in Europe.

Before you book

Please make sure that you're happy with your trip before booking, as fees apply to changes made after booking. Check our FAQs for more information. To make changes to this trip before you book, please email hello@byway.travel

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