Belmond Royal Scotsman - Grand Western Scenic Wonders 2020/21

The Belmond 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, Muir of Ord 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.

Itinerary

Day One : Edinburgh - Spean Bridge - Westbound

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. 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 - Northbound

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 towards Kyle of Lochalsh on what is arguably one of the most scenic routes in Britain whilst enjoying a delicious lunch.

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. Alternatively, take an excursion to the 13th century Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most iconic sights and learn how the castle was painstakingly restored to its former glory. Located on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by majestic scenery, it is little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish Highlands.

Spend the night on board in Kyle of Lochalsh. Dinner is formal and afterwards enjoy a nightcap with your fellow guests 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 Belmond Royal Scotsman 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. Here, you can take a tour of the castle, play nine holes of golf on the castle's own course, or take an exclusive look at what is Scotland's only single estate distillery.

The night is spent on board at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway. After dinner, a local 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 a formal 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.

Itineraries and timings shown may be changed for seasonal or operational reasons. This journey may be operated in a Northbound or Westbound Itinerary.

Departures

2020 :

2021 :

N - Northbound, W - Westbound

Prices (Per Person) 2020/21 :

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.

Add Personal Travel Insurance with Covid-19 cover from £8 per person