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Royal Scotsman Grand North Western (7 nights) from £5150pp

With seven nights aboard, this is an opportunity to savour The Royal Scotsman and Scotland to the full. Enjoy the many sights and highlights along the way, and opportunities for golf, seal spotting, or a guided nature walk along Caledonian pine forest trails.

 

Journey Dates & Times

Itinerary

Day One: Edinburgh – Keith

The Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh Waverley Station at 14.25, and travels north across the Firth of Forth by means of the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge. Enjoy your afternoon tea as you journey through the former Kingdom of Fife and across the Tay Bridge.

Following the east coast, passing through Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in Huntly, where you will disembark for a traditional Scottish ceilidh at Strathisla. You then rejoin the train at Keith for an informal dinner and overnight stabling.

Day Two: Keith - Kyle of Lochalsh

Breakfast is served as the train departs Keith and travels west towards Elgin where you disembark. At Elgin you have 2 options; Option 1 an exclusive VIP visit to Johnstons of Elgin, which is one of the few vertical mills still operating in Scotland and is the only British mill to transform cashmere from raw fibre to the finished garment. Option 2 an exclusive visit to Glen Grant distillery which was founded by James and John Grant in 1840 and is set around a small courtyard with turreted and gabled offices in the "Scottish Baronial" style.

You return to the train in Elgin before continuing west to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands and towards Kyle of Lochalsh, on what is arguably the most scenic route in Britain.

Lunch is served as you pass through Dingwall and Garve, which lies under the shadow of Cnoc na h-Iolaire. The line passes Loch Luichart and the Torridon mountains, which are so old they contain no fossils. Geologists believe that they were formed before any life began. On through Achnasheen, then the climb to Luib summit and Achnashellach forest before descending to Strathcarron. The train then follows the edge of Loch Carron through Attadale, Stromeferry and Duncraig.

At Plockton you will have an opportunity to become your own guide and explore this picturesque Scottish Highland village. Be at one with nature, as you take a boat trip to see the colony of wild seals, and relish the magnificent views across the Isle of Skye to the Applecross Mountains. There is also a woodland walk, which leads to a viewpoint overlooking the loch. Alternatively visit the local art gallery or simply wander through this charming village.

Afterwards rendezvous at the Plockton Hotel, where there is time to enjoy a dram or two before rejoining the motorcoach. You return to the train in Kyle of Lochalsh for overnight stabling. Dinner this evening is formal and afterwards there is entertainment in the Observation Car. Marvel at the view from the train’s verandah as you gaze over Loch Alsh to the Isle of Skye.

Day Three: Kyle of Lochalsh - Boat of Garten

After your breakfast, enjoy a photo opportunity outside Eilean Donan Castle, the second most photographed in Scotland. Departing from Kyle you retrace part of yesterday's route to Dingwall. Have your cameras ready for the views of Plockton across the bay to the left, where you can see whitewashed cottages with fishing boats and yachts riding at anchor. Travelling round the edge of the Beauly Firth, you cross the northern end of the Caledonian Canal shortly before reaching Inverness.

The train continues south to Carrbridge where you disembark for your visit to Ballindalloch, one of Scotland's most romantic castles, and with its wonderful gardens. Set in the magnificent surroundings of the Spey valley, Ballindalloch has been the home of the Macpherson-Grant family since 1546, and exemplifies the elegant and comfortable country house so beloved of Victorians in the Highlands. You return to the train at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway for overnight stabling.

A formal dinner is served and afterwards you meet Ray Owens, a Highlander who brings to life the stories of Scottish heroes. Listening to Ray, you will gain a true sense of the past and learn how life in the Highlands has changed over the centuries.

Day Four: Boat of Garten – Dundee

Disembarking from the train at Boat of Garten you can choose from a number of different options; golfers can have a round at Boat of Garten Golf Club, a demanding test of sporting skill and a magnificent Highland setting for the game, those wishing to explore the surrounding countryside can take a leisurely, guided woodland walk where various species of wildlife will be pointed out, fishing enthusiasts will have an opportunity to try their hand on a loch at Aviemore or alternatively, enjoy some time on your own in this beautiful Speyside setting.

You rejoin the train in Aviemore and enjoy lunch as you journey south through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry to Perth, where you disembark for your visit to Glamis Castle and gardens, Seat of the Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, and childhood home of the late HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. The Bowes Lyon family have lived at Glamis since 1372, when Sir John Lyon was granted the thaneage of Glamis by King Robert II. Since then the castle has been visited and lived in by many members of the Scottish and British Royal Families.

Rejoining the train in Perth you will enjoy an informal dinner as you travel to Dundee “The city of Discovery” where the train stables overnight.

Day Five: Dundee – Edinburgh – Spean Bridge

After breakfast, the train leaves Dundee and travels over the Tay Bridge then through the former Kingdom of Fife. You cross the Firth of Forth by means of the Forth Railway Bridge to arrive in Edinburgh Waverley station where this part of your journey ends.

Now there is an opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Edinburgh, known as the 'Athens of the North'. Explore the historic Royal Mile, visit the Castle, take in an art gallery or simply relax with a coffee.

Should you so wish, a light lunch will be served for you in a local hotel before you re-join the train. Your Train Manager will be pleased to confirm details on the day. The Royal Scotsman departs from Edinburgh at 13.40 and heads west through Falkirk, Clydebank and Dumbarton to skirt Glasgow and so reach the northern bank of the Clyde.

Near the mouth of the Clyde estuary lies Craigendoran, the starting point for the majestic West Highland Line. Enjoy afternoon tea as you travel along the edge of Gare Loch. Loch Long comes into sight to your left, and after vanishing for a while, returns with a view of Ben Arthur (The Cobbler) with its distinctive peak.

Passing Arrochar you will get your first view of Loch Lomond. The train descends almost to the water's edge at Ardlui, and then has a hard climb up Glen Falloch, whose many waterfalls provide an impressive display.

As you continue north you will pass through Crianlarich and Bridge of Orchy. There are spectacular views of Rannoch Moor before arrival in Spean Bridge where the train stables overnight. After a formal dinner you meet Ray Owens, a Highlander who brings to life the stories of Scottish heroes. Listening to Ray, you will gain a true sense of the past and learn how life in the Highlands has changed over the centuries.

Day Six: Spean Bridge - Taynuilt

Your breakfast is served as your journey continues west, passing through Fort William with views of Ben Nevis (Britain's highest mountain). Travelling by the side of Loch Eil you then pass Glenfinnan and Lochailort, before turning north along this stunning coastline until reaching Arisaig. Here you can disembark for a romantic walk along the beautiful Morar Sands, a magnificent expanse of gleaming white sand, where you can enjoy excellent views across the Sound of Sleat to the beautiful Isle of Skye with its awe-inspiring Cuillin Mountains.

Rejoin the train whereupon your lunch is served as the train retraces the route towards Fort William then Spean Bridge before turning south. You arrive at Bridge of Orchy and disembark for a cruise on Loch Etive.

As you relax in the comfort of your cruise boat you will take in the breathtaking and dramatic scenery of one of Scotland’s most beautiful lochs with majestic mountain views, sweeping glens and spectacular waterfalls.

You return to the train at Taynuilt for overnight stabling. After an informal dinner you will enjoy entertainment in the Observation Car.

Day Seven: Taynuilt – Wemyss Bay

Leaving Taynuilt you follow the previous day’s route as far as Glasgow before heading south to Gourock. At Wemyss Bay, board the ferry across to the Isle of Bute. The island embraces a variety of landscapes; seashore, moorland, farmland and forest. The natural history, geography, geology and ancient history of the island are revealed at every turn. From St Blane's Chapel at the south of the island to the abandoned townships in Glen More at the north, it seems that every stone has its tale to tell.

Mount Stuart is Britain's most spectacular Victorian Gothic house. This was the architectural fantasy of the 3rd Marquess of Bute and his architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. Stunning, mysterious interiors reflect the romantic and scholarly Marquess' passion for art, heraldry, astrology, mythology and religion. At Mount Stuart, there is arguably the finest privately held collection of family portraits in Scotland.

Following your afternoon tea, you will have time to explore this magnificent house, its tranquil Rock Garden, the Wee Garden containing rare plants from the southern hemisphere, the Kitchen Garden and the Victorian Pinetum. The Limetree Avenue leads you to a secluded stretch of coastline and one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland.

You return to the mainland and rejoin the train in Wemyss Bay where a formal dinner is served and the train stables for the night.

Day Eight: Wemyss Bay - Edinburgh

During breakfast you depart Wemyss Bay to arrive in Edinburgh at 09:44 where your journey ends.

How to book

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