Heritage Homes & Gardens 2027
Scotland's finest private estates are rarely open to the public, which is what makes this itinerary so special. Many of the guided tours are led by the clan and estate owners themselves, from the Munro family at Foulis Castle to the castle and walled gardens of Ballindalloch, so you hear the untold stories of each house from the people who know them best.
The train leaves Edinburgh heading north over the Forth Railway Bridge and runs up the east coast to Montrose and on to the Cromarty Firth. It then turns west past the Torridon mountains, Achnashellach Forest and Loch Carron to the Kyle of Lochalsh, before looping back through the Cairngorms and the Rothiemurchus estate and finishing in Dundee. The focus throughout is on private access to castles, estates and gardens that most visitors never get to see.
Estimated departure from Edinburgh Waverley 1:45pm, with an estimated arrival back in Edinburgh at 9:40am on the final morning. All timings are indicative and subject to national railway constraints. Please check your final itinerary for confirmed timings.
Day by Day Itinerary
Edinburgh to Montrose
Board the Royal Scotsman in the early afternoon and settle in as the train heads north, crossing the Forth Railway Bridge and following the coast up through Fife and Angus. It is an easy, unhurried start and a good chance to get to know the train. At Montrose you step off for a visit to Pitmuies Garden, one of the finest private gardens in Scotland, where the walled garden and long borders have been tended with real care over many generations.
Montrose to Kyle of Lochalsh
Breakfast is served as the train carries on north to Invergordon on the Cromarty Firth. From here it is a short trip to Foulis Castle, the 18th-century home of the Munro family, who welcome guests to the house. You can spend the morning with the family hearing the story of the castle, or settle in for a whisky tasting instead.
Back on board, lunch is served as the train swings west past the Torridon mountains, through Achnashellach Forest and along the shores of Loch Carron. Later the train stops at Plockton for a visit to Attadale Estate, a beautiful west coast property whose gardens include a Water Garden, a Japanese Garden and a Sunken Garden, all set against the hills above Loch Carron. The train spends the night at Kyle of Lochalsh, with an informal dinner on board and coffee or a liqueur in the Observation Car to round off the day.
Kyle of Lochalsh to Boat of Garten
After breakfast you cross by road onto the mystical Isle of Skye for a visit to the Clan Donald estate, some 2,000 acres of woodland and gardens around the ruins of Armadale Castle, looking out over the Sound of Sleat. Rejoin the train at Kyle of Lochalsh for a leisurely lunch as it runs back east towards Dingwall.
In the evening you leave the train again for Ballindalloch Castle, often called one of the most romantic castles in Scotland and home to the same family for nearly five centuries, with lovely walled gardens to wander. You then rejoin the train at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway, where it stays for the night.
Boat of Garten to Dundee
A coach takes you the short distance to Rothiemurchus Estate, a glorious Highland estate beneath the Cairngorm mountains. Choose a tour of the parkland or one of the outdoor activities on offer, then rejoin the train at Kingussie for lunch as it heads south through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry.
After lunch you stop at Dunblane for Kilbryde Castle and its gardens, the last of the private estate visits and a fitting way to close the journey. From here you travel on to Dundee and rejoin the train for a gala dinner and your final night on board.
Dundee to Edinburgh
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the Royal Scotsman leaves Dundee and travels back to Edinburgh, with one last chance to watch the Scottish countryside roll past the window before the journey ends at Waverley.
Itineraries and timings shown may be changed for seasonal or operational reasons.
Departure Dates
2027
Other dates are sold out or yet to be released. Please call us to check availability.
Prices Per Cabin
| Accommodation | Price Per Cabin |
|---|---|
| Double Suite | from £39,600 |
| Twin Suite | from £39,600 |
| Grand Suite | from £64,800 |