The Royal Scotsman travels the scenic West Highland Line to Spean Bridge, Arisaig, Bridge of Orchy, Wemyss Bay for Isle of Bute, and back to Edinburgh where you have time to explore the city.
Rejoin the train to then call at Huntly, Keith, Invergordon for the Glen Ord Distillery, Plockton, Kyle of Lochalsh, Ballindalloch, Boat of Garten, Rothiemurchus Estate, Dunkeld (for Glamis Castle), Dundee and finally back to Edinburgh.
Departure Dates 2012 :
| April 23, 27. |
| May 25. |
| June 11, 25, 29. |
| July 16, 20, 23, 27. |
| September 3, 17, 21, 28. |
| October 12, 15, 19, 22. |
Itinerary
Day One : Edinburgh - Spean Bridge
The train pulls out of the station in the early afternoon (13.21) and head west through Falkirk, skirting Glasgow to reach the northern bank of the Clyde. Craigendoran is the starting point for the West Highland Line, while guests enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea. Spot the distinctive peak of Ben Arthur (also called The Cobbler) on your left, a favourite 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 dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car.
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. Travelling 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.
Day Three : Bridge of Orchy - 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 and overnight on board.
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 this first part of your Grand North Western journey ends in Waverley Station.
Now there is time to spend your morning in Edinburgh by joining a guided tour and enjoying 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. It then 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.
In the evening enjoy an informal dinner and perhaps a nightcap with your fellow guests in the Observation Car.
Day Five: Keith - Kyle of Loch Alsh
As the train leaves Keith you'll be enjoying a delicious breakfast. The next landmark 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. Guests alight in Plockton to explore at will; perhaps 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.
Spend the night on board in Kyle of Lochalsh. Dinner is formal and afterwards there is entertainment in the Observation Car, which offers mesmerising views over Loch Alsh to the Isle of Skye.
Day Six : Kyle of Loch Alsh - 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.
The night is spent on board at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway. After a formal dinner, our Highlander regales guests with stories of local heroes and their derring-dos, even demonstrating some authentic weaponry.
Day Seven : Boat of Garten - Dundee
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.
Day Eight : Dundee - Edinburgh
Breakfast is served as the train leaves Dundee and crosses the Tay Bridge into the former Kingdom of Fife and on to Edinburgh were your seven night journey ends, as it began, it Waverley Station arriving at 9:43am.
Special Offer
Book this journey before 6th January 2012, for departures in April 2012 and May 2012 and receive a complimentary night at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh.
Please ensure you mention this offer at the time of booking.
Prices (Per Person) 2012 :
|
Twin / Single |
Single Occupancy |
2012 |
£6,990 | £11,180 |
Prices are per person and include all table d'hôte meals, all alcoholic and other beverages, all sightseeing excursions as shown in the itinerary and accommodation on board based on two people sharing a twin compartment or one person in a single compartment.
Itineraries and timings shown may be changed for seasonal or operational reasons.
