GRAND NORTH WESTERN 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 be 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, and with its 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
you 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 disembarking 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 – Spean Bridge
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 this part of your journey ends.
Now there is an opportunity to explore the beautiful City of
Edinburgh, known as the ‘Athens of the North’. Explore the
historic Royal Mile, visit the Castle, take in an art
gallery or simply relax with a coffee.
The Royal Scotsman departs from Edinburgh early afternoon
and heads west through Falkirk, Clydebank and Dumbarton to
skirt Glasgow and so reach the northern bank of the Clyde.
Near the mouth of the Clyde estuary lies Craigendoran, the
starting point for the majestic West Highland Line.
Enjoy afternoon tea as you travel along the edge of Gare
Loch. Loch Long comes into sight to your left, and after
vanishing for a while, returns with a view of Ben Arthur
(The Cobbler) with its distinctive peak.
Passing Arrochar you will get your first view of Loch Lomond.
The train descends almost to the water's edge at Ardlui, and
then has a hard climb up Glen Falloch, whose many waterfalls
provide an impressive display.
As you continue north you will pass through Crianlarich and
Bridge of Orchy. There are spectacular views of Rannoch Moor
before arrival in Spean Bridge where the train stables
overnight. After a formal dinner reacquaint yourself with a
familiar face for evening entertainment.
Day Six: Spean Bridge – Bridge of Orchy
Breakfast is served as your journey continues west, passing
through Fort William with views of Ben Nevis (Britain's
highest mountain). Travelling by the side of Loch Eil you
then pass Glenfinnan and Lochailort, before turning north
along this stunning coastline until reaching Arisaig. Here
you can disembark for a romantic walk along the beautiful
Morar Sands, a magnificent expanse of gleaming white sand,
where you can enjoy excellent views across the Sound of
Sleat to the beautiful Isle of Skye with its awe-inspiring
Cuillin Mountains.
Rejoining the train your lunch is served as the train
retraces the route towards Fort William. Here you will
disembark and enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Loch Linnhe.
While taking in the breathtaking scenery you may also spot
some of the local wildlife.
After your leisurely boat cruise you will return to the
train and enjoy an informal dinner as you head south towards
Bridge of Orchy where you stable overnight.
Day Seven : Bridge of Orchy – Wemyss Bay
Leaving Bridge of Orchy this morning enjoy breakfast on
route south towards Glasgow and Gourock. At Wemyss Bay,
board the ferry across to the Isle of Bute. The island
embraces a variety of landscapes; seashore, moorland,
farmland and forest. The natural history, geography, geology
and ancient history of the island are revealed at every
turn. From St Blane's Chapel at the south of the island to
the abandoned townships in Glen More at the north, it seems
that every stone has its tale to tell.
Mount Stuart is Britain's most spectacular Victorian Gothic
house. This was the architectural fantasy of the 3rd
Marquess of Bute and his architect Sir Robert Rowand
Anderson. Stunning, mysterious interiors reflect the
romantic and scholarly Marquess' passion for art, heraldry,
astrology, mythology and religion. At Mount Stuart, there is
arguably the finest privately held collection of family
portraits in Scotland.
Following your afternoon tea, you will have time to explore
this magnificent house, its tranquil Rock Garden, the Wee
Garden containing rare plants from the southern hemisphere,
the Kitchen Garden and the Victorian Pinetum. The Limetree
Avenue leads you to a secluded stretch of coastline and one
of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland.
You return to the mainland and rejoin the train in Wemyss
Bay where a formal dinner is served and the train stables
for the night.
Day Eight: Wemyss Bay - Edinburgh
You depart Wemyss Bay this morning and enjoy breakfast as
you travel east towards Edinburgh where your journey ends.
Please note: itineraries are subject to change and
full details will be confirmed with your tickets.
PRIVATE AND CORPORATE CHARTERS
We can offer a variety of charter programmes, either
based on our standard journeys or a fully customised
itinerary. These can include golf, shooting, food and wine,
heritage or a one night Christmas party. Ask for details.
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