The Craiglynne Hotel, Granton on Spey
During your tour, you'll stay at The Craiglynne Hotel in Grantown-on-Spey, a charming Victorian-era establishment nestled within its own grounds. The hotel offers comfortable en-suite rooms equipped with amenities such as tea and coffee-making facilities and televisions. Guests can enjoy hearty breakfasts and delicious evening meals in the on-site restaurant, which serves a variety of dishes made with fresh, local produce. The hotel's lounge features open fires, providing a cosy atmosphere to relax in after a day of exploring.
With its welcoming ambiance and convenient amenities, The Craiglynne Hotel ensures a pleasant and comfortable stay during your trip.
🚂 The Jacobite Steam Train
The Jacobite Steam Train is a true bucket-list journey, rolling out of Fort William behind a classic steam locomotive and into some of the most dramatic scenery in the Highlands. You’ll pass lochs and mountains almost immediately, then climb towards the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct - the sweeping curved bridge that’s become an icon in its own right, with incredible views across the glen and towards Loch Shiel.
As the line continues west, the landscapes shift from rugged peaks to wide open views and flashes of coastline, with stretches that feel wonderfully remote and untouched. Arriving into the fishing port of Mallaig is a lovely finish, with a working harbour, sea air, and plenty of spots to browse for gifts or enjoy something tasty before heading back.
🏔️ Highland Folk Museum and Aviemore
The Highland Folk Museum is one of the most interesting ways to experience Highland life, bringing history to life through real buildings, everyday objects, and immersive displays. You can wander through a recreated township with thatched cottages and traditional workshops, then explore later settings that show how people lived and worked across different eras, all set against a beautiful Highland backdrop that makes it feel even more authentic.
Aviemore adds a lively, outdoorsy feel to the day, sitting right in the heart of the Cairngorms. It’s a great place to browse for local gifts and outdoor gear, enjoy a coffee with mountain views nearby, and simply soak up that fresh, alpine atmosphere that makes the area so popular year-round.
🌊 John O’Groats
The journey up to John O’Groats is a day of big Highland scenery that just keeps changing as you go. Leaving Speyside behind, the route threads north through wide open glens and mountain views, then on towards the firths around Inverness, where the landscape opens out into water, rolling hills, and long coastal horizons. As you push further into the far north, you get those classic stretches of dramatic shoreline and rugged cliffs, with sweeping sea views that feel a world away from everyday life.
John O’Groats itself is a memorable spot, famous for its signpost, the wild coastal setting, and clear views out towards Orkney on a bright day. It’s a brilliant place for photos and a refreshing walk by the sea, and if you fancy a little extra scenery nearby, the coastline around Duncansby Head is known for its striking cliffs and sea stacks that really show off the raw beauty of the north coast.
🏞️ Perth & Pitlochry
Perth is a lovely, laid-back city on the River Tay, known for its elegant streets, riverside walks and a classic Scottish feel without the bustle. A stroll around the centre takes you past attractive stone buildings, smart shops and inviting cafés, and the riverside is a real highlight, especially around the Tay Street area and the bridge views. If you fancy a cultural stop, Perth Museum and the famous Stone of Destiny story add an extra layer to the visit.
Pitlochry is pure Highland charm, with pretty streets, independent shops and a cosy atmosphere that makes it a favourite. The scenery is the main event here - you’ve got the River Tummel nearby, the peaceful walks around Loch Faskally, and the chance to take in views at Queen’s View, one of the most photographed lookouts in Scotland. It’s an easy place to enjoy a wander, pick up local treats, and finish the day with that fresh-air feeling.
