.jpg?f=webp&m=contain&w=1000)
.jpg?f=webp&m=contain&w=1000)
Extension Nights & Extras
Book extension nights and optional extras in the next step.
See our Rail Tours FAQ for more information about booking a rail tour.
Rail tours
show-number-tripsrail-journeys
Scotland and the Outer Hebrides
Rail & Ferry Tour to the Edge of EuropeRemote landscapes, peaceful islands and spectacular coastal scenery
White-sand beaches, lochs and rugged mountains
Travel by train, ferry and local bus through Scotland's Western Isles
1/28
Journey to the outer edges of Europe: remote, unspoilt and far from mass tourism. The Outer Hebrides are a chain of islands off Scotland's west coast, each with its own character. Expect white sandy beaches, wild Atlantic waves, rich wildlife and a vibrant Gaelic island culture. The ferry crossing from Oban takes around five hours, carrying you to one of Europe's most remote island regions. Many roads are still single-track, traffic is light, and the islands are linked by ferry.
read-more
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel by train to Edinburgh. From London King's Cross, follow the East Coast Main Line along the North Sea coast to Scotland's capital. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.
Day 2
Enjoy a beautiful rail journey via Glasgow and alongside Loch Lomond to Oban on the west coast. Stay in a 3-star hotel within walking distance of the station and harbour, for example The Ranald.
Day 3
A relaxed start to the day in Oban. In the early afternoon, the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry departs for Castlebay on Barra, one of the Outer Hebrides. Arrival in the early evening.
Day 4
Free day in Castlebay. Visit Kisimul Castle, the sea castle in the bay that gives the village its name, or visit Barra Airport, the only airport in the world where scheduled flights land on the beach.
Day 5 (not Sunday)
Today marks the start of a special journey from south to north across the Outer Hebrides. Take the ferry to Eriskay, the southernmost island of the Uists, then continue by local bus along single-track roads to Lochmaddy on North Uist. Causeways and bridges link one island to the next.
Day 6 (not Sunday)
Travel by local bus to Berneray, then take the ferry to Leverburgh on Harris, sailing between countless rocky islets. Continue by bus past white sandy beaches to Tarbert, the main village on Harris. Overnight stay at the Harris Hotel.
Please note: Due to limited hotel capacity in Tarbert, accommodation may sometimes be arranged in Stornoway instead. In that case, continue by the same bus to this larger town further north, then return by bus to Tarbert after your stay to take the ferry to Skye.
Day 7
Free day in Tarbert. Take a day trip by bus to Hushinish or Stornoway on Lewis (please note: no buses on Sundays), or enjoy a coastal walk to Rhenigidale and return by bus.
Day 8 (not Sunday)
Take the ferry to Uig on the Isle of Skye, then continue by bus to Portree. Overnight stay in a centrally located guesthouse.
Please note: If accommodation in Portree is unavailable, you may stay in nearby Broadford instead.
Day 9
Travel by bus to Kyle of Lochalsh, then continue on one of Scotland's most scenic railway lines through the Highlands to Inverness. Overnight stay in Inverness.
Day 10 (not Saturday or Sunday)
Board the direct morning train from Inverness through the Highlands to London King's Cross.
price-dates
Scotland and the Outer Hebrides
log-in-tip
travelers
0
legend
available
selected
last-minute
special
unavailable
showing-number-of-reviews
