Day 7 - The Kyle Line & Eilean Donan Castle
Today we enjoy one of the most breathtaking railway journeys in
Europe, the Kyle Line. This incredibly scenic route takes us
across Scotland from east coast to west, crossing the Caledonian
Canal as we leave Inverness and skirting the shores of
crystal-clear lakes. Countless photo opportunities present
themselves as we wind through wooded hillsides and over sparse
moors, climbing over the highlands and past charming loch-side and
seaside towns. The tracks rise and fall over hills and valleys,
traveling at low speed throughout most of the journey, giving you
time to soak up the terrific views. The train sweeps one way and
the next, wild deer grazing beside the tracks that follow a route
dictated by politicians and powerful landowners as much as by civil
engineers. During the final part of the journey we pass the
picturesque white-washed houses in the village of Plockton. We
arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh, the end of the line, located across a
short stretch of water from the Isle of Skye. Afterward, we make a
visit to Eilean Donan Castle, situated on a tiny island in Loch
Duich, joined to the mainland by a small, elegant bridge. The
island was part of the Macrae Clan's territory and in the 13th
century, they built Eilean Donan Castle, which was initially
designed to defend the clan's land from invading Vikings but which
actually saw more battles between the warring Scottish
clans. This evening, a local storyteller weaves their
magic as they tell us time-honored stories of Scottish myths and
legends. Overnight Inverness.
Includes
