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The Highlander |
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Friday 18th June to Monday 21st June 2010 |
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Birmingham International to Inverness, Kyle of Lochalsh, Wick & Thurso |
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Class 20 Photo courtesy of the Grim Sheeper |
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Join us for a unique four day rail cruise to the Scottish Highlands
DAY ONE - FRIDAY 18TH JUNE:
Breakfast will be silver served at seat (in Premier
Dining) as we head north picking up passengers enroute to Preston.
Heading northwards, we then skirt around the Lake District up Shap
summit and descending into the Eden Valley to reach Carlisle our second
to last pick up, we then cross the Scottish Border at Gretna, while
Lunch will be served (in Premier Dining), before climbing over Beattock
summit into the Clyde Valley and downhill to Motherwell. From here now
with all our passengers aboard, we skirt around the suburbs of Glasgow
via Cumbernauld and through Gleneagles to Perth from here we skirt the
Firth of Tay to Dundee. From here we traverse the pleasant Tayside and
Grampian Coast to Aberdeen. Here we will have a leg stretch break of
around 45 minutes. On departure from Aberdeen we head across 'The Top'
to Inverness. Upon departure from Aberdeen a full 4 course dinner will
be silver served at your seat (In Premier Dining) while yet more
stunning scenery of the Grampians and Moray pass your window through to
the Highland Capital of Inverness as the sun sets to end what will have
been a stunning journey. |
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DAY TWO - SATURDAY 19TH JUNE:
This morning is free for you to enjoy the Highland Capital which is
crowned by a pink crenellated castle, decorated with flowers. There are
plenty of shops, (shop for something tartan to take home?), places to
eat and drink, peaceful areas close to the centre for relaxing. Chill
out by the river at the lovely Ness Islands, or take a stroll along Ness
Walk, which offers a leisurely stroll on both banks of the River Ness
connected by suspension bridges. |
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DAY THREE - SUNDAY 20TH JUNE:
This morning our special train will depart from Inverness around 07:30
for the journey to the very top of Scotland. Retracing our route from
Saturday along the Moray firth to Dingwall as a full Scottish Breakfast
is being served (In Premier Dining) as we take the line to Invergordon,
Tain and Brora a stunning mix of Sea, Moors and Mountain views are
available from the large picture windows in our comfy mark 1 vintage
carriages, A selection of pastries will be served with morning Tea or
Coffee prior to arrival at Wick. At Georgemas Junction our train will
halt while our locomotives are placed into Top and Tail mode, from here
we first head to the easterly tip of the Highland rail network at Wick,
where we will have around 90 minutes to explore, before rejoining our
train for the short run to Thurso, the most northerly station on the
network. Once again we have a break of around 90 minutes to explore this
northerly outpost. (There will be an optional coach tour for those that
wish to visit John O’Groats, passengers will join the coach at Wick for
the journey via John O’Groats to Thurso, giving around 60 minutes at
John O’Groats and 90 minutes in Thurso - please indicate on your booking
form if you would like to take this option). |
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DAY FOUR - MONDAY 21ST JUNE:
This morning we begin our journey home via the Highland Mainline,
departing Inverness around 0945. Firstly climbing to Culloden and on to
the summit at Slochd we then run downhill to Aviemore, in Premier Dining
a delicious selection of pastries will be served with morning tea and
coffee. Upon passing Aviemore we begin the long climb to Druimuachdar
Pass, the summit at 1484ft is the highest point on the National Rail
Network. As we descend towards Pitlochry there is still stunning scenery
to be seen. Our first set down point is at Edinburgh, after departure
from this historic city, Afternoon lunch is served (In Premier dining)
as we make our way south to our pick up stations, travelling over Shap
Summit to Preston. |
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