Scotland has hundreds of miles of disused or dismantled railways, many of which run through the dramatically beautiful landscapes the country is famous for.
This four-Day tour gives you the chance to walk along some of these lines. You'll be joined by TV presenter Rob Bell on this exclusive trip, which recreates some of the walks he took on his popular TV Series Walking Britain's Lost Railways.
You'll start your trip with a gentle walk along Strathkelvin Railway Path, part of the former Strathblane to Lennoxtown railway to the north of Glasgow, before checking into your four-star hotel in Stirling.
You'll be joined after dinner on your first evening by Rob, who'll give an illuminating talk, sharing his knowledge of the local area, the history of the railway lines, and what you can expect to see along the way. There'll be a chance to ask Rob any questions you have during an insightful Q&A session.
The following days are full of excursions along historic former railways that will take you into the heart of some of Scotland's finest rural landscapes. Rob will join you on a walk along parts of the former Callander and Oban Railway, which offers sweeping views over Loch Earn and the surrounding hills. As you walk, he'll recount fascinating facts about the railway, helping to bring its history to life.
Your base for the trip will be the four-star Stirling Highland Hotel in the elegant historic city of Stirling, known as the 'Gateway to the Highlands'. You might choose to visit the well-equipped spa in between excursions, where you can relax in the indoor heated swimming pool, sauna or steam room, or treat yourself to a massage.
He has presented several popular programmes for Channel 5, including The Flying Scotsman, World's Greatest Bridges, and four series of Walking Britain's Lost Railways.
You'll fly this morning from London Stansted to Glasgow.**
On arrival, you'll be met by your expert local guide, Scottish railway expert David Tucker. You'll travel by coach over the Erskine bridge to Lennoxtown, where you'll walk a section of the Strathkelvin Railway Path. This is a very pleasant walk along the valley of the Blane Water, with views of the nearby Campsie Fells. After stopping for refreshments (not included) you'll continue to your hotel in Stirling, where you'll enjoy a welcome drink.
This evening you'll enjoy dinner at the hotel, after which you'll be joined by expert guest Rob Bell, who'll give a talk about the local railways you'll explore and host a Q&A session.
Today Rob will join you on a visit to Glenoglehead, formerly a station on the Callander and Oban Railway. From here you'll walk along a section of the trackbed which has been resurfaced as a cycle path and makes a comfortable walking route.
As you walk down the gentle incline you'll enjoy sweeping views over Loch Earn and the surrounding hills. Rob and David will recount the history of the line and point out some of the railway features that remain following its closure in 1965.
Following the walk you'll head to Killin, where a light lunch will be provided at the Killin Hotel. In the afternoon you'll walk a section of the former branch line that connected Killin with the main Callander and Oban line.
Later you'll return to the hotel and after dinner this evening, David will give us a presentation on Scottish railway history.
This morning, you'll head to Crianlarich, where the surviving section of the former Callander and Oban Railway connects with the West Highland line to Glasgow. You'll continue to Connel Ferry and cross the impressive cantilever bridge which spans the Falls of Lora at the mouth of Loch Etive.
The bridge was one of two on the branch line to Ballachulish which opened in 1903 and closed in 1966. You'll follow the route of the railway, enjoying splendid views over Loch Linnhe, as far as Creagan, where you can see the former station building and walk another section of the trackbed.
You'll have lunch today at the Hollytree Hotel, which is in the former station building in Kentallen. In the afternoon you'll continue to Ballachulish to see another former station building. You'll then continue through the dramatic landscape of Glencoe to Tyndrum before retracing your route back to Stirling.
After breakfast, you'll check out of the hotel and depart for a final walk, a section of the former Lochearnhead, St Fillans and Comrie Railway, which connected with the Callander and Oban Railway, but operated for just 50 years between 1901 and 1951. Few traces remain but you will see the former station building at St Fillans.
You'll then have some free time and an opportunity for lunch (not included) in Crieff, before returning to Glasgow Airport for your return flight.
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