West Highland Line

Explore the Highland beauty of Scotland's west coast and the Isle of Skye on a 5-day excursion from Edinburgh. This in-depth tour of Scotland’s classic locations includes visits to Stirlingshire, the Scottish Highlands, Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield, plus a ride on the ‘Jacobite Steam Train’ — a mode of transport made famous as ‘Hogwarts Express’ in the Harry Potter films. Choose from 3-star guesthouse or hotel accommodation with breakfasts in Oban, the Isle of Skye and Inverness.

On this day tour from Edinburgh, you can see the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe, film locations and take a journey on the Jacobite Steam Train over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. We travel directly for Fort William to board the Jacobite Steam Train for the greatest railway journey in the world, it's the perfect way to see some of famous movie spots. One of the most iconic images in the films is that of the Jacobite Steam Train known to us all as the ‘Hogwarts Express’ travelling over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. On arrival to the fishing village of Mallaig with its ferry route to the Isle of Skye (which you will get views of on a clear day) you will have a rest from location spotting to enjoy some free time in the village with many choices for lunch. From Mallaig you will again board the coach where we will have a stop at the Glenfinnan visitor centre for an excellent chance to photograph the steam train returning across the viaduct, before we return to Edinburgh via Pitlochry.

Magnificent mountain scenery slashed by silvery lochs and peppered with brooding castles: all laden with rich Scottish heritage, history and tradition. Drive the NC500 road trip, or ride on the spectacular West Highland Line.

Be it jaw-dropping scenery, a rich historical significance, the tradition and atmosphere of the train itself – or a combination of all three – here’s our round-up of the world’s best.