Scotland: A Classic Scottish Steam Break 537
Scotland: A Classic Scottish Steam Break 537
Scotland: A Classic Scottish Steam Break 537
4 Days
Visiting: The Falkirk Wheel, Scotland, United Kingdom
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BSTB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Steam locomotion has an enduring fascination for many of us and combined with the wonderful scenery of Scotland it becomes utterly irresistible. The Jacobite Steam Train, from Fort William to Mallaig, is one of the longest steam-hauled rail journeys available in Britain today, an 84-mile round trip through some spectacular scenery, which features an impressive list of superlatives. It starts near Britain’s highest mountain, (Ben Nevis), passes its most westerly mainland railway station, (Arisaig), deepest freshwater loch, (Loch Morar), shortest river, (River Morar) and finally arrives next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, (Loch Nevis). ‘Concrete Bob’ McAlpine’s 21-arch Glenfinnan viaduct is just one of the engineering marvels we encounter on our journey, which is made all the more enjoyable by the sound and fury of the steam locomotive at the head of our train, forging its way along the Iron Road to the Isles.
A gentler pace is set as we sail ‘Doon ra Watter’ on the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, the PS Waverley*, still elegantly plying her trade on the Clyde. There can be no better way to enjoy the gentle beauty of the Argyll hills and the Kyles of Bute than from the deck of this grand old lady. We also enjoy a relaxed and informative cruise aboard the steam-powered Sir Walter Scott, on the calm waters of Loch Katrine amid the spectacular scenery of the Trossachs.
Our tour also includes a unique boat journey on the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift. The Falkirk Wheel is part of the biggest canal restoration project ever undertaken in Britain, as a result of which the Union and the Forth & Clyde canals, both over 180 years old, are once again linked together and fully operational.
*Please note that the itinerary is subject to the Waverley’s sailing schedule. Should the Waverley not be sailing, an alternative excursion will be provided, featuring a boat trip on Loch Lomond and a tour of Inveraray Castle and Gardens.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: The Falkirk Wheel
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Arrochar Hotel, Arrochar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today following breakfast we head for Tarbet on the banks of Loch Lomond, Britain’s largest inland body of water, and depart on a 60-minute ‘Northern Highlights Cruise’ with full commentary. As we cross to the far side of the loch we hear the story of ‘Rob Roy’ MacGregor who was born by Loch Katrine in the 17th century and lived at Inversnaid here on the banks of Loch Lomond. After fighting in the Jacobite Rising he became a respected cattleman but defaulted on a loan and was branded an outlaw – legends abound of his secret prison and hiding place in local caves.We then cross the mountain pass known as the ‘Rest and Be Thankful’ and descend to the shores of Loch Fyne, a long fjord-like sea loch.This afternoon we visit Inveraray Castle, which has been the seat of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Clan Campbell, since the 17th century. The house is a mostly mid-18th century neo-Gothic design. Designers who worked on the house include Sir Matthew Digby Wyatt and Robert Adam; the interior includes a number of neoclassical rooms created for the 5th Duke by Robert Mylne.We will then return to our hotel where dinner will be served in the evening.
Day 2
Accommodation Name: The Arrochar Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following an early breakfast this morning we travel to Fort William where we will then begin our journey back in time on the Jacobite steam train and experience one of the most memorable and spectacular railway journeys in the world – the famous Fort William to Mallaig line following The Road to the Isles. “The Jacobite” combines the romance of the steam era with the opportunity to drink in the stunning views of this wild and historic part of Scotland. From the slopes of Ben Nevis the line runs through rugged mountains, past sea and inland lochs and onto the shores of the Atlantic at Mallaig. The route also takes us over the massive Glenfinnan viaduct overlooking Loch Sheil, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745. We will have some free time in Mallaig to enjoy lunch (not included) before the train returns to Fort William.We will then return to our hotel where dinner will be served this evening.
Day 3
Accommodation Name: The Arrochar Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today following breakfast we head for Tarbet on the banks of Loch Lomond, Britain’s largest inland body of water, and depart on a 60-minute ‘Northern Highlights Cruise’ with full commentary. As we cross to the far side of the loch we hear the story of ‘Rob Roy’ MacGregor who was born by Loch Katrine in the 17th century and lived at Inversnaid here on the banks of Loch Lomond. After fighting in the Jacobite Rising he became a respected cattleman but defaulted on a loan and was branded an outlaw – legends abound of his secret prison and hiding place in local caves. We then cross the mountain pass known as the ‘Rest and Be Thankful’ and descend to the shores of Loch Fyne, a long fjord-like sea loch. This afternoon we visit Inveraray Castle, which has been the seat of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Clan Campbell, since the 17th century. The house is a mostly mid-18th century neo-Gothic design. Designers who worked on the house include Sir Matthew Digby Wyatt and Robert Adam; the interior includes a number of neoclassical rooms created for the 5th Duke by Robert Mylne.
Day 4
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast this morning we check out of our hotel — please ensure any extras are settled prior to departure. We then head to Callander where we will have some free time.This afternoon we enjoy a scenic cruise on Loch Katrine, the tranquil freshwater loch which serves as Glasgow’s water supply. Sit back and relax on board the steamship Sir Walter Scott as we glide across the water and savour the famed charms of The Trossachs, a highly scenic area of lochs, hills and woods.After our cruise we will re-join the coach and return to our original pick-up points.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Services of a professional tour manager
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
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Meals as per the itinerary
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All visits as outlined in the itinerary
What's Not Included
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.