With seven nights aboard the luxurious Royal Scotsman , this journey offers an opportunity to savour Scotland to the fullest.

Your travels begin along Scotland's West Highland line, taking you to Spean Bridge, Bridge of Orchy, Wemyss Bay and Edinburgh, where the first part of your journey concludes and the second part begins as you travel up the eastern coast to Keith and across the country to the picturesque west coast village of Plockton, on to Inverness and then south to Perth.

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Day One: Edinburgh - Spean Bridge
The train departs from Edinburgh in the early afternoon and heads west through Falkirk, skirting Glasgow to reach the northern bank of the Clyde.

 

While guests enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea, enjoy the spectacular scenery passing before you. Spot the distinctive peak of Ben Arthur (also called The Cobbler) on your left, a favorite with climbers. Soon you also catch a first glimpse of Loch Lomond, followed by a closer view as the train descends almost to the water's edge at Ardlui. After climbing up the waterfall-rich Glen Falloch, the train continues north to the village of Spean Bridge for the night.

 

Enjoy a splendid formal dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car. Overnight train.

Day Two: Spean Bridge - Bridge of Orchy
As the train travels west, passing through Fort William, don’t miss the views of Ben Nevis, at 1344m the UK’s highest peak. Traveling by the side of Loch Eil you then pass Glenfinnan, with its impressive curved viaduct, and Lochailort, before turning north along this dramatic coastline to Arisaig. Disembark here for a leisurely walk along the beautiful Morar Sands, with breathtaking views across the Sound of Sleat to the Isle of Skye with its distinctive Cuillin Mountains.

 

Back on board, lunch is served as the train retraces its route towards Fort William. Disembark here and enjoy a visit to historic Glenfinnan in the company of our Highlander who brings to life the stories of Scottish heroes before afternoon tea is served in the Factor’s Inn at the elegant Inverlochy Castle Hotel. Alternatively, a guided hike is available (weather permitting). A mountain ranger guides you through the scenic Nevis Gorge to The Steall Waterfall, the second highest in the UK.

 

Return to the train in Fort William and relax on board before an informal dinner is served as you travel south towards the tiny Argyll village of Bridge of Orchy. Afterwards, enjoy a nightcap whilst listening to the evening entertainment in the Observation Car. Overnight train

Day Three: Bridge of Orchy - Isle of Bute - Wemyss Bay
Today's destination is the charming Isle of Bute, reached by ferry from Wemyss Bay. The island is rich in geology, history and wildlife, with abandoned townships, an ancient chapel and varied landscape to explore. Guests enjoy a fascinating visit to Mount Stuart, a Victorian Gothic house with arguably the finest privately held collection of family portraits in Scotland. The stunning interiors reflect the 3rd Marquess of Bute's passion for art, heraldry, astrology and mythology. The house also boasts magical gardens and a secluded beach. Return to Wemyss Bay for a formal dinner. Overnight train.

Day Four: Wemyss Bay - Edinburgh - Keith
After an early departure from Wemyss Bay this morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you travel east towards Edinburgh where the first part of your Grand North Western journey ends in Waverley Station. There will be time to spend explore the city. You may wish to join a guided tour of Edinburgh or enjoy a light lunch before returning to the train for the next part of your journey.

 

The train pulls out of the station in the early afternoon and travels north, crossing the Firth of Forth via the magnificent 1.5-mile long Forth Railway Bridge, which was built by Benjamin Baker in the 1880s and is considered by many to be the eighth wonder of the world. The train proceeds through Fife and across the Tay Bridge – during which you are served a leisurely afternoon tea – passing Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in the market town of Keith.

 

This evening enjoy an informal dinner and perhaps a nightcap with your fellow guests in the Observation Car. Overnight train.

Day Five: Keith - Plockton - Kyle of Lochalsh
As the train leaves Keith you'll be enjoying a delicious breakfast. The next landmark you'll come across is the Highlands' capital, Inverness, which you pass through before heading on to Muir of Ord, where you disembark to visit Glen Ord distillery. Guests are treated to a private tour and a tasting, before returning to the train for another spectacular highlight – a delicious lunch, as the train heads towards Kyle of Lochalsh on what is arguably one of the most scenic routes in Britain.

 

The line passes Loch Luichart and the Torridon mountains, which geologists believe were formed before life began. The train then climbs to Luib summit and Achnashellach forest, descends to Strathcarron and runs along the edge of stunning Loch Carron. Disembark the train in Plockton, where you have time to explore the village at your leisure. You may wish to take a boat trip to see wild seals or walk through the woodland to a viewpoint overlooking the loch, after which there is time to enjoy a dram or two in the Plockton Hotel, or choose to simply have a wander through this charming village.

 

Dinner is formal and afterwards there is entertainment in the Observation Car, which offers mesmerising views over Loch Alsh to the Isle of Skye. Overnight Kyle of Lochalsh

Day Six: Kyle of Lochalsh - Boat of Garten
After breakfast the train heads back towards Dingwall, skirting the Beauly Firth and crossing the top of the Caledonian Canal, north of Loch Ness, before reaching Inverness. The train continues south to Carrbridge, where guests disembark to visit the romantic Ballindalloch Castle with its wonderful gardens. Golfers can play on the estate's course; clubs are available to hire. After a formal dinner this evening, a Highlander regales guests with stories of local heroes and their derring-dos, even demonstrating some authentic weaponry. Overnight train.

Day Seven: Boat of Garten - Wemyss Bay
The day begins with an excursion to Rothiemurchus Estate, where guests can choose from activities such as fishing, clay pigeon shooting, a guided walk through the stunning landscape or simply relax with a warming dram by the fire.

 

Rejoin the train at Kingussie, where lunch will be served as you journey south through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry to Dunkeld, where you disembark for your visit to Glamis Castle, Seat of the Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, and childhood home of the late HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.

 

After rejoining the train in Perth, relax and enjoy informal dinner onboard. Overnight train.

Day Eight: Wemyss Bay - Edinburgh
Breakfast is served as the train leaves Dundee and crosses the Tay Bridge into the former Kingdom of Fife and on to Edinburgh, where your luxury rail journey comes to a close.

Timings
The Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh at 1.21pm on day one and arrives back in Edinburgh at 9.43am on day four.

Please note: Itineraries are subject to change and all timings shown are for your guidance only. Confirmed itineraries and timings will be supplied with your travel documents.