Scotland specialist reports surge in rail travel

Wilderness Scotland, which offers adventure holidays in the Scottish Highlands, says it has seen a massive increase in customers using the train instead of flying.

Four years ago, the company made the decision to switch the departure points of all its group holidays from airports to train stations. The departure times of trips were even set to connect with the sleeper train from London to Scotland.

Co-founder Paul Easto says, “We were unsure of how our existing and potential clients might react to this, but we felt the change was necessary as the size of our business was growing."

Now, a whopping 75% of holidaymakers arrive by train, and only 20% by air. "We estimate that this shift in transportation has delivered an approximate saving of 1,100 tonnes of carbon over the four year period," he says.

Wilderness Scotland was set up in 2001 and offers 38 guided active holidays, including walking, mountain-biking, photography, canoeing and sailing. The company released a new brochure last week, with three new holidays for 2010, two of which we feature on greentraveller: sea-kayaking West Coast tour and a sailing and walking tour around Skye.

As well as guided trips for small groups, Wilderness Scotland also has a range of self-guided walking holidays, with a tailor-made itinerary, detailed route notes and 24-hour support.

The company was awarded top adventure travel company in Europe in National Geographic Magazine’s awards last year.

ts eco-credentials include putting a voluntary £5 donation to Scottish charities like Trees For Life and the Scottish Wildlife Trust onto every customer's booking, and adding a further £5 donation itself. Travel by motorised vehicle is kept to a minimum and any carbon emissions are offset financially 110%.