CLASSIC JOURNEY ABOARD 'THE
ROYAL SCOTSMAN' ITINERARY:
Day One: Edinburgh - Keith
The Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh Waverley Station
early afternoon, and travels north across the Firth of Forth
by means of the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge. This is
one of the first cantilever bridges, designed and built by
Benjamin Baker in the late 1880s. It is considered one of
the greatest achievements of the Victorian Age, and known as
the eighth wonder of the world.
Enjoy your afternoon tea as you journey through the former
Kingdom of Fife and across the Tay Bridge.
Following the east coast, passing through Arbroath, Montrose
and Aberdeen before arriving in Huntly, where you will
disembark for a traditional Scottish ceilidh at Strathisla.
You then rejoin the train in market town of Keith for an
informal dinner and overnight stabling.
Day Two: Keith - Kyle of Lochalsh
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the train departs Keith
and travels west towards Inverness, capital of the
Highlands, passing through Dingwall before continuing north
to the village of Tain where you disembark and visit
Glenmorangie Distillery.
Returning to the train, lunch will served as you travel
towards Kyle of Lochalsh, on what is arguably the most
scenic route in Britain.
You pass through Dingwall and Garve, which lies under the
shadow of Cnoc na h-Iolaire. The line passes Loch Luichart
and the Torridon mountains, which are so old they contain no
fossils. Geologists believe that they were formed before any
life began. On through Achnasheen, then the climb to Luib
summit and Achnashellach forest before descending to
Strathcarron. The train then follows the edge of Loch Carron
through Attadale, Stromeferry and Duncraig.
At Plockton you will have an opportunity to become your own
guide and explore this picturesque Scottish Highland
village. Be at one with nature, as you take a boat trip to
see the colony of wild seals, and relish the magnificent
views across the Isle of Skye to the Applecross Mountains.
There is also a woodland walk, which leads to a viewpoint
overlooking the loch. Alternatively visit the local art
gallery or simply wander through this charming village.
Afterwards rendezvous at the Plockton Hotel, where there is
time to enjoy a dram or two before rejoining the motorcoach.
You return to the train in Kyle of Lochalsh for overnight
stabling. Dinner this evening is formal and afterwards there
is entertainment in the Observation Car. Marvel at the view
from the train’s verandah as you gaze over Loch Alsh to the
Isle of Skye.
Day Three: Kyle of Lochalsh - Boat of Garten
After your breakfast the train departs Kyle and you
retrace part of yesterday's route as far as Dingwall. Have
your cameras ready for the views of Plockton across the bay
to the left, where you can see whitewashed cottages with
fishing boats and yachts riding at anchor. Travelling round
the edge of the Beauly Firth, you cross the northern end of
the Caledonian Canal shortly before reaching Inverness.
The train continues south to Carrbridge where you disembark
for your visit to Ballindalloch, one of Scotland's most
romantic castles, with wonderful gardens. Set in the
magnificent surroundings of the Spey valley, Ballindalloch
has been the home of the Macpherson-Grant family since 1546.
The family have adapted their castle with the twists and
turns of fortune and history into the elegant and
comfortable seat at the heart of their working estate that
we see today.
You return to the train at Boat of Garten on the private
Strathspey Railway for overnight stabling. A formal dinner
is served and afterwards you meet Ray Owens, a Highlander
who brings to life the stories of Scottish heroes. Listening
to Ray, you will gain a true sense of the past and learn how
life in the Highlands has changed over the centuries.
Day Four: Boat of Garten - Perth
After breakfast you disembark the train at Boat of
Garten and take the motorcoach to Rothiemurchus Estate where
you can choose from a number of activities which may include
fishing, clay pigeon shooting, a guided walk or
alternatively, you may simply prefer to relax by the fire at
Drumintoul Lodge and admire the stunning scenery while
enjoying some time on your own.
You rejoin the train in Aviemore and enjoy lunch 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. The Bowes
Lyon family have lived at Glamis since 1372, when Sir John
Lyon was granted the thaneage of Glamis by King Robert II.
Since then the castle has been visited and lived in by many
members of the Scottish and British Royal Families and has
stunning gardens.
Rejoining the train in Perth you will enjoy an informal
dinner on the move before stabling for the evening.
Day Five: Perth – Edinburgh
After breakfast, the train leaves Perth you travel
through the former Kingdom of Fife crossing the Firth of
Forth by means of the Forth Railway Bridge to arrive in
Edinburgh Waverley station where your journey ends.
Please note: itineraries are subject to change and
full details will be confirmed with your tickets.
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