Scotland's
Classic Splendours

The Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh and heads north, crossing the Firth of Forth on the Forth Railway Bridge at the start of the journey rather than the end. It is a fine way to leave the city. Afternoon tea is served as the train follows the east coast through Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen, the North Sea visible to the right and the farmland of Angus and Aberdeenshire to the left. The train reaches Keith in the early evening, and dinner is informal, as it often is on the first night. The Observation Car follows, with entertainment to set the tone for the days ahead.

The train heads west along the Moray Firth towards Inverness and then onto the Kyle of Lochalsh line, which is consistently rated the most scenic railway route in the United Kingdom. Lunch is served as the train passes through Achnasheen, climbs to the Luib summit and crosses Achnashellach Forest before descending to Strathcarron.

Two excursion options are available this afternoon. The first is Attadale Gardens, a beautifully maintained 30,000-acre estate on the shore of Loch Carron, with a Water Garden, Japanese Garden and Sunken Garden. Light refreshments with your hosts follow. The second option is to continue to Plockton, one of the most attractive villages in the Highlands, sitting in a sheltered bay on Loch Carron with white-washed cottages, fishing boats and views across to the Applecross Mountains. A boat trip to see the local seal colony is available, followed by a traditional welcome at the Plockton Hotel. A formal dinner is served on board this evening, with coffee and liqueurs in the Observation Car afterwards.

The morning begins with an early walk across the bridge that links the Scottish mainland with the Isle of Skye, which is one of the more remarkable ways to start a day. Breakfast is served as the train retraces part of yesterday's route as far as Dingwall, and the views of Plockton across the bay are worth having a camera ready for on the return journey.

At Garve there is a choice for the morning: a bespoke shopping experience in the village, or a walk along the old military road to Silver Bridge with a Highland storyteller who brings the history of the area to life. Lunch follows as the train heads to Carrbridge, from where the afternoon excursion is to Ballindalloch Castle in beautiful Speyside. This privately owned castle is one of the finest in Scotland and offers either a private guided tour of the house and grounds, or an exclusive visit to Scotland's only single-estate distillery. Either option is exceptional. The train stables overnight at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway, and after an informal dinner a local Highlander entertains guests with tales and traditional weaponry displays in the Observation Car.

A morning at Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park begins the day. The estate offers fishing, clay pigeon shooting and guided tours of the grounds, all in surroundings of real beauty. The train collects everyone at Kingussie and lunch is served as the journey heads south through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry towards Dunkeld.

The afternoon excursion is to Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and one of the most historically significant castles in Scotland. The castle has been associated with the Scottish royal family for centuries and the interior is remarkable. For those who prefer a different afternoon, Pitlochry and the Blair Athol Distillery offer an equally rewarding visit. The train returns to Perth for a gala dinner this evening, the most formal occasion of the journey. Entertainment follows, and the train stables overnight in Dundee.

A final breakfast is served as the train leaves Dundee and makes its way south to Edinburgh, where the journey ends. Four nights, five days, and a considerable portion of Scotland seen from the comfort of one of the most celebrated trains in the world. The Train Manager is available to arrange onward transport or accommodation in Edinburgh for those who need it.

Itineraries and timings shown may be changed for seasonal or operational reasons. Planned engineering works may cause some route amendments on late October departures.