Experience one of the world’s great rail journeys – an unforgettable loop through the Scottish Highlands.
ScotRail’s Scottish Grand Tour ticket is designed for multi-day exploration, combining scenic rail travel with the freedom to stop off and explore along the way. With four days of travel within eight consecutive days, all for just £92, it’s an ideal way to discover Scotland at your own pace.
Starting from either Edinburgh or Glasgow, the Scottish Grand Tour offers a circular, one-way journey through some of the country’s most iconic landscapes and award- winning rail routes. Hop on and off at stations on your route and explore as you
please, with both train and coach travel included in your ticket.
You’ll pass mountains, lochs and forests, and travel through the lush farmland of Perthshire. And as you leave the mountains behind, you’ll see the landscapes get steadily wilder. Does any other train journey in the UK offer such variety? We don’t think so.
To help you make the most of your Scottish Grand Tour, we’ve selected ten Walkhighlands routes that you can access directly from stations along the way.
The Cobbler (Arrochar & Tarbet)
Walk the walk
The Cobbler – also known as Ben Arthur – probably has the most striking, and definitely the most recognised, outline of any mountain in the Southern Highlands. It makes a fantastic shorter hill-walk, reached from the nearest rail station by this dedicated link path. Deservedly popular, the path up the Cobbler itself has been much improved in recent years, but there is no taming the remarkable rock peaks that make up the actual summits.
Get on track
Get off at Arrochar & Tarbet Station, which is just over 2km from the start of the ascent; and follow the link path.
Beinn Dòrain & Beinn an Dòthaidh (Bridge of Orchy)
Walk the walk
Beinn Dòrain is a real landmark, a towering pyramid when seen from the West Highland line, and it’s a cultural icon too – being celebrated in a famous eighteenth century Gaelic poem by Duncan Ban MacIntyre. It’s a real draw for serious Munro-baggers, who usually climb it in combination with its neighbour Beinn an Dòthaidh – the latter having a breathtaking view over Rannoch Moor.
Get on track
Although the most demanding walk on this list, getting to the start by train is a doddle – the route starts right from Bridge of Orchy Station.
Loch Ossian circuit (Corrour)
Walk the walk
This circular loop around the very remote Loch Ossian is reachable only by train. Made famous by an iconic scene in the film Trainspotting – yes, it was here that Ewan MacGregor explained what it was like, being Scottish. The route has excellent mountain views and you can imagine the steamer boats that once plied the loch in the days of the Victorian version of the Grand Tour.
Get on track
Corrour Station is set on the edge of the vast and empty Rannoch Moor; there is no road here but luckily there is an excellent cafe/restaurant while you wait for your train.
Bourblach beach (Morar)
Walk the walk
The area around Morar is renowned for its beautiful white shell sands, but few people know of Bourblach. Here you’ll find a secluded stretch of perfect beach, with views across turquoise waters to the stunning islands of Eigg and Rum.
Get on track
This short route begins right from the station at Morar.
Duncraig circuit (Plockton)
Walk the walk
Plockton is one of Scotland’s most picturesque villages, and this exploration of the wooded coastline to the east of the village is sheer delight. Duncraig Castle achieved fame when its restoration by an extended family featured in a TV series; today the castle itself remains private but there are beautiful views all along the route – with a chance to spot otters.
Get on track
Plockton Station is on the Kyle line, which also visits tiny Duncraig Station.
Fionn Bheinn (Achnashellach)
Walk the walk
This solitary Munro is rather unfairly neglected. Whilst Fionn Bheinn‘s broad grassy (and wet) slopes may lead to it being ignored in favour of its spectacular Torridon neighbours, this isn’t a hill to leave for a dreich day – because the summit is a superb viewpoint over this spectacular part of the Highlands.
Get on track
Achnasheen Station on the Kyle line is right at the start of the walk.
Caledonian Canal and River Ness (Inverness)
Walk the walk
The Highlands may be renowned for its mountains and lochs, but its capital city, Inverness, is well worth a hike too. This circular route runs alongside the rushing waters of the River Ness, visiting a series of linked islands – before joining the towpath of the Caledonian Canal to reach a beautiful stretch along the shores of the Beauly Firth. You can even add a bit of Nessie hunting and make a day of it by taking a cruise on Loch Ness which depart from the hike.
Get on track
From Inverness Station, it’s just a short stroll down the High Street to reach the river and the start of the walk.
Wildcat Trail (Newtonmore)
Walk the walk
The Scottish wildcat – the ‘Highland tiger’ – is one of our rarest and most endangered creatures. Strathspey is one of its few remaining strongholds, where a captive breeding and release programme is attempting to save the species. The Wildcat Trail is an orbital route around the fine old town of Newtonmore, taking in the banks of the River Spey, open heather moorland, wooded glens and burbling burns.
Get on track
The route begins from just outside Newtonmore Station.
Glen Tilt (Blair Atholl)
Walk the walk
Many people regard Glen Tilt as being amongst Scotland’s most beautiful glens, extending for seemingly endless road-free miles towards the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. This mostly waymarked route follows good paths, tracks and minor roads.
Get on track
Beginning from Blair Atholl Station, head out to the main road and turn right. The described walk starts from the Old Bridge of Tilt, which can be reached by taking a lovely riverside path off on the left just before the main road bridge.
Fiddler’s Path (Dunkeld & Birnam)
Walk the walk
This superb circuit follows the banks on both sides of the mighty River Tay upstream from the historic small town of Dunkeld. It takes in the magnificent ruined Cathedral as well as some remarkable trees – including the Mother Larch and Niel Gow’s Oak.
Get on track
Dunkeld & Birnam Station serves both Dunkeld and its neighbour on the opposite side of the Tay. From the station, head through the underpass into Birnam, then turn left along the street, crossing the Tay to reach Dunkeld and the start of the walk.
More info on the ScotRail Scottish Grand Tour, and full terms and conditions