Tour Ref: EE6/1
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Featuring an overdose of railways, fantastic Highland mountain scenery, and a host of “special” Inside Track type features, this is a top-class holiday with top-class attractions and top-class hotels - a “must do” Easter getaway.
We meet at Aberdeen Station about 17.00 and transfer to our very smart hotel at Dyce by 17.30. A relaxed evening and meal together.
To the mountains and steam! A wonderful journey across to the Cairngorms to Broomhill where we join the famous Strathspey Railway. Later, we continue, amid the glorious scenery, down the Spey Valley to Dufftown. It’s the “Whisky Line” between Dufftown & Keith to enjoy now, complete with some traditional hospitality, before a gentle drive via Insch and back to our hotel. A wow of a day – Och Aye!
Our “local” day begins with the coastal route south to Brechin where we find steam on the Caledonian Railway between here and Bridge of Dun. Now for the scenic bit! A stunning drive north via Fettercain, Cairn o Mount (leg stretch) and the Bridge of Feugh to Crathes. Here is one of the less visited preserved lines and we enjoy a ride with the Royal Deeside Railway. Our circular tour continues to Alford for the fascinating Grampian Transport Museum - magic!
Transfer days do not come any better than this! We leave Dyce and head for Perth to catch a train crossing the Forth Rail Bridge, to Edinburgh. Time for a stroll and to grab some lunch while the coach catches up and then a city tour follows accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. Our day is concluded with a visit to the pristine Royal Yacht Britannia and an evening meal by the banks of the Firth of Forth.
Lot’s of local stuff to do in a circular tour that starts at the Falkirk Wheel. This incredible feat of engineering links two canal systems negating the need for a flight of locks. Then, comes today’s steam fix as we head to the Bo’Ness and Kinniel Railway. Plenty of time here for the cafe and to visit the excellent museum of Scottish Railways. But wait, the day is not spent yet as we head for South Queensferry and embark on a Firth of Forth cruise providing stunning views of the three bridges from the water. Our day concludes with a finale evening meal together.
Heading home today, but a great day on the way. We begin by joining a tram at the airport for a street-run into Edinburgh. Then it’s the now famous “Borders Line” for a train journey to Tweedbank. We will pause in Fiona Turner’s Kelso for a leg stretch/lunch opportunity and then continue to Berwick-Upon-Tweed where homeward bound journeys commence, early afternoon.
A 5 mile line running from Borrowstoneness that has a fine museum housing the Scootish Railway Preservation Society's extensive collection.
Rural views throughout between Bridge of Dun and the impressive, original, terminal station at Brechin.
11 miles by DMU on the famous and picturesque whisky line.
One mile trip on the former Aberdeen to Ballater track-bed.
9 1/2 miles of steam travel alongside the Spey enjoying views of the Cairngorm Mountains.
A four-star establishment with large bedrooms of which half are on the ground floor. The public areas are all finished to an exceptionally high standard making this a top-notch venue and a joy to stay for three nights.
For the second part of the holiday we are in for even more of a treat as we check in for a stay at this “international class” hotel overlooking the Forth Bridges – sheer indulgence!
