Great Railway Journeys of Scotland

Described as one of the great railway journeys of the world, the wonderful 84 mile round trip aboard the Jacobite Steam Train (which featured as Harry Potter's Hogwarts Express) takes you past a list of impressive superlatives. Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, depart Fort William passing close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and then the shortest river in Britain, River Morar. Then arrive at the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis at Mallaig. Also included is a trip on the scenic Kyle Line travelling across the Northern Highlands from the Kyle of Lochalsh to Dingwall. A trip on the Strathspey Steam Railway from Aviemore is also included. This extremely popular holiday is based in the highland resort of Fort William, which basks on the shores of Loch Linnhe.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights in Fort William with breakfast and dinner- Overnight hotels for 2 nights with breakfast and dinner- 3 included excursions as stated- Return journey on the Jacobite Steam train- Kyle of Lochalsh to Dingwall on the Kyle Line- Strathspey Steam Railway (Aviemore - Broomhill)

Your Itinerary
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, travel north with suitable stops for lunch and refreshments. Arrive at your overnight stop in Gretna Green in 3* Gretna Hall Hotel, ready for you your evening meal. DBBDay 2 - After breakfast, travel through the stunning scenery of the Scottish borders and onto the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Onwards through the Highland Glens passed tranquil lochs shadowed by rugged mountains to Fort William for your 4-night stay. DBBDay 3 - 5 - At leisure in Fort William with THREE included excursions. DBBINCLUDED EXCURSIONS
The Jacobite Steam Train
Travel on one of the greatest railway journeys in the world. Sit back and enjoy this magnificent journey towards the Isles passing the most spectacular scenery on the west coast of Scotland. Cross the world famous Glenfinnan Viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies, and after a stop at Glenfinnan continue, with the backdrop of the Isles of Eigg, Rum and the Isle of Skye, to the fishing village of Mallaig with free time for lunch and sightseeing before the return journey back to Fort William. Return in time to stretch your legs in Fort William before dinner.Kyle of Lochalsh to Dingwall Train Journey
Set off through the Great Glen of Scotland before heading West through the remoteness of the Glens of Gary and Morrison; a landscape of dramatic scenery and once the site of battle and massacre. The Kyle Line is one of the world's most scenic rail journeys and was featured in Michael Palin's Great Railway Journeys. Travel from Kyle of Lochalsh on the West Coast to Dingwall. The views from the window are simply wonderful and no matter where you are along its 70 miles, historic Scotland is only a few yards away. The ride lasts two hours and your coach will be waiting to return you through the Highlands and along the shores of Loch Ness back to Fort William.

Strathspey Steam Railway and Aviemore
Sit back and enjoy a day out featuring a trip on the Strathspey Steam Railway, travelling through the stunning Cairngorms National Park. Departing from Aviemore Station, visitors can travel on to Boat of Garten, also known as the 'Osprey Village' before heading on to Broomhill Station, or 'Glenbogle' as fans of the popular BBC series Monarch of the Glen will know it! As you travel over moorland, forest and by great sweeps of the River Spey, the Cairngorm Mountains provide a backdrop to the scene which, together with the hot oil, smoke and steam form the ingredients of a grand day out.Day 6 - Following breakfast, your journey takes you south back through the Trossachs to Callander and extraordinary Kelpies sculpture of two gigantic horses heads. Continue to the overnight hotel in the Newcastle area at 3* Holiday Inn Gosforth Park. DBBDay 7 - After a leisurely breakfast, head back through Northern England, with ample stops for coffee and refreshments. Continue back to the local joining points via the fast motorway network arriving back mid/late evening.Alexandra Hotel, Fort William
The 3* Alexandra Hotel is situated in a convenient central location in Fort William close to the town's facilities. A 5-minute drive from the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain and a ten minute walk from the shores of Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil.An open-fire features in the hotel's lounge where guests can relax with a drink. Local, Scottish produce is served in the Alexandra's traditionally decorated restaurant.There are 93 bedrooms within the hotel all benefitting from en-suite bathrooms, television, direct dial telephone and tea and coffee making facilities.

There is a lift to all floors and free WiFi in public areas.

Hotels
• Alexandra Hotel, Fort William (Fort William) - View Information