About this trip
Two days out of Edinburgh covering some of the Highlands' most talked-about sights, with a ride on the steam train made famous by the Harry Potter films at the centre of it.
You'll cross Glenfinnan Viaduct by steam train, cruise Loch Ness, and take in the wild scenery of Glen Coe, with the coastal village of Mallaig thrown in for good measure. It's a full couple of days on the road and rails, guided throughout.
Pickup is from central Edinburgh at 9am, with drop-off around 8pm on the second day.
What you'll do
- Ride the steam train across Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Cruise Loch Ness
- Walk the wild landscape of Glen Coe
- Take in coastal views at Mallaig
- Optional visits to Culloden Battlefield and Urquhart Castle
- Culloden Battlefield and Urquhart Castle are optional add-ons subject to availability, not automatically included
- Long day out, with pickup at 9am and drop-off around 8pm
- Suits families and groups after a broad taste of the Highlands rather than deep time in any one place
Worth it if you want curated Highland scenery and a knowledgeable guide. Think twice if you expect the train itself to be themed or thrilling.
- Guide quality is the real star—Brody, Hugh, Stephen and Paul consistently praised for passion, storytelling and making history come alive.
- The actual train ride itself underwhelms some; one reviewer gave it a 2/10, noting lack of theming despite the Jacobite name.
- Weather can scupper plans entirely—amber wind warnings have prevented passengers boarding; town dining options sparse after 9pm.
- Two-day format covers impressive ground, but larger groups dilute experience; smaller groups of 16 or fewer preferred by some.
Distilled from real traveller reviews on TourRadar — we don't edit out the bad bits.
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Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Cairngorms National Park · 19 Jul – 20 Jul
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