Isle of Skye & Jacobite Steam Train: 3-Day Highlands Tour

Summary

Jacobite train ride, Skye’s wild cliffs, castles & Highland tales

You’ll cross Scotland’s Highlands by coach and steam train, breathe Skye’s sea air, hear local tales over whisky in Portree pubs, and stand where castles meet lochs. Expect rain on your face, music drifting from corners, and moments you’ll want to remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

It started with a grin from our driver, Jamie, who handed out oatcakes while we waited for the coach in Edinburgh. He had this way of pronouncing “Glencoe” that made it sound like a secret. By the time we reached those misty hills, I could smell rain on stone and sheep somewhere close — not sure if it was the wool or just my imagination. We stopped for photos but mostly just stood there quietly, like everyone was trying to listen to something old in the wind.

The Jacobite Steam Train was next. I’ll admit, I thought it’d be all about Harry Potter — but as soon as we chugged over Glenfinnan Viaduct, I forgot about wands and just watched the lochs roll by. The train windows were smudged (someone’s nose print?) and Mallaig at the end smelled like salt and fried fish. We wandered past fishing boats before heading to Portree on the Isle of Skye. Dinner at a pub — I tried haggis for the first time; not bad with enough whisky.

The next day on Skye felt like another country. Our guide pointed out Kilt Rock (“see how it folds?”) and Old Man of Storr shrouded in cloud. There was a moment at Dunvegan Castle when an older woman explained her family’s clan history — her accent thick as porridge — and I barely caught half but still felt it. The air tasted faintly of peat smoke near the castle walls. That night in Portree, someone played fiddle in a corner, and I still think about that tune sometimes.

On our way back, Eilean Donan Castle looked unreal against two lochs meeting — we got lucky with sunlight breaking through for five minutes. At Loch Ness, Jamie joked about Nessie insurance (not included). Last stop was Dunkeld; quiet streets, river light flickering under old trees. The drive back to Edinburgh was sleepy — everyone full of stories or just staring out at green after green after green…

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel from Edinburgh to Portree

• Travel north through Rannoch Moor
• Stop at Glen Coe
• Arrive at Fort William
• Board Jacobite Steam Train
• Ride train crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct
• End train ride at Mallaig harbour
• Arrive in Portree
• Dine or drink in Portree

Day 2 — Explore Isle of Skye

• View Old Man of Storr
• Visit Kilt Rock waterfall
• Tour Dunvegan Castle
• End day exploring Isle of Skye

Day 3 — Return from Portree to Edinburgh

• Visit Eilean Donan Castle
• Visit Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
• Search for Nessie at Loch Ness
• Stop at Commando Memorial
• Visit Dunkeld village and cathedral

Top questions

How long is the 3-day Isle of Skye & Jacobite Steam Train tour?

The tour lasts three days with two nights’ accommodation included.

Is accommodation included on this Highlands tour?

Yes, two nights in 3-star B&Bs or hotels in Portree are included.

Does this tour include a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train?

Yes, you travel on the Jacobite Steam Train between Fort William and Mallaig.

Are meals provided during the trip?

No meals are included but you have free time for local dining in Portree.

What attractions are visited on this tour?

You visit Glencoe, Isle of Skye (including Old Man of Storr & Kilt Rock), Dunvegan Castle (optional), Eilean Donan Castle (photo stop), Loch Ness & more.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; you meet at a central departure point in Edinburgh.

Can children join this tour?

The minimum age is 5 years; children under 5 cannot be accommodated.

Is this trip suitable for people with limited mobility?

Collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated if accompanied by someone who can assist boarding/disembarking.

What’s included

Your journey includes comfortable coach transport from Edinburgh through Highland scenery, two nights’ stay at a 3-star B&B or hotel in Portree, your ticket for the Jacobite Steam Train between Fort William and Mallaig, entry to Dundreggan Rewilding Centre to learn about Scotland’s forests revival work, plus all guiding by an English-speaking local expert throughout.