A Classic Scottish Steam Break With Carol Kirkwood
A Classic Scottish Steam Break With Carol Kirkwood
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A Classic Scottish Steam Break With Carol Kirkwood
4 Days Starting in Bassingbourn Rd, Stansted CM24 1QW, UK and ending in Callander FK17, UK
Visiting: Edinburgh, The Falkirk Wheel, The Jacobite Steam train, Fort William, Mallaig, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Rest and be Thankful Viewpoint, Tarbet, Inveraray Castle, Trossachs, Callander, Loch Katrine
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BSTC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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. We also enjoy two relaxed and informative cruises amid spectacular scenery, one on the calm waters of Loch Katrine in the Trossachs and the other on nearby Loch Lomond, on the trail of the infamous outlaw ‘Rob Roy’, who frequented these bonnie, bonnie banks in the early 18th century. We also visit historic Inveraray Castle on the shores of Loch Fyne. Our tour 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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Edinburgh, The Falkirk Wheel, London Stansted Airport
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Winnock Hotel, Drymen
Meals Included: Dinner
Depart this morning from London Stansted Airport on a morning flight to Edinburgh (regional flights from other airports and/or overnight accommodation before or after the tour are available on request. There is a discount of £100pp if you make your own way to the pick-up point at Edinburgh Airport or to the Falkirk Wheel).
On arrival at Edinburgh Airport we are met by our coach and guide and travel to the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift. We shall start the journey on the water at New Port Downie from where you will sail into the Falkirk Wheel. Enjoy the truly spectacular scenery as the wheel commences its graceful ascent to join the Union Canal 35m above. We sail along the Union Canal and under the historic Antonine Wall – the Roman’s most northern frontier – before you enjoy a wander through the Visitor Centre, where lunch is available (not included).
We continue to the historic Winnock Hotel in the village of Drymen in the Trossachs, where we will enjoy a refreshing glass of sparking wine before dinner with wine. After dinner Carol Kirkwood will give a talk on her grandfather’s experiences in helping to build the Fort William to Mallaig railway.
Day 2
Location: The Jacobite Steam train, Fort William, Mallaig, Glenfinnan Viaduct
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Winnock Hotel, Drymen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, following an early start, we will 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. We will be joined on the excursion by Carol Kirkwood. "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. There is time to enjoy lunch (not included) in Mallaig, whether you choose fish and chips, crab sandwiches or freshly landed lobster. On arrival in Fort William we return by coach to our hotel.
Day 3
Location: Rest and be Thankful Viewpoint, Tarbet, Inveraray Castle
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Winnock Hotel, Drymen
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 90-minute ‘Rob Roy Discovery 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
Location: Trossachs, Callander, Loch Katrine
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast we check out of the hotel and depart for a cruise on Loch Katrine, the tranquil loch which serves as Glasgow’s water supply. Sit back and relax as we glide across the water and savour the famed charms of The Trossachs, a highly scenic area of lochs, hills and woods.
Following our cruise we continue through The Trossachs to Callander, where there will be an opportunity for lunch (not included). Thereafter we return to the airport or make onward connections.
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
What's Not Included
Tipping and Gratuities
Check out our Q&As
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Yes
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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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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.
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