GRAND WEST HIGHLAND JOURNEY ABOARD 'THE
ROYAL SCOTSMAN' ITINERARY:
Day One: Edinburgh - Spean Bridge
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 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 Two: 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 Three: 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 Four: Wemyss Bay – Edinburgh – Boat of Garten
During breakfast you depart Wemyss Bay to arrive in
Edinburgh where the first 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.
You rejoin the train The Royal Scotsman early afternoon and
head west through Linlithgow to Stirling, and past
Gleneagles on your way to the "Fair City" of Perth. You then
continue north on the Highland line through Dunkeld,
Pitlochry and Blair Atholl. Once past the station you can
catch a glimpse of Blair Castle.
Druimuachdar, the summit of this line, lies six miles south
of Dalwhinnie, which is dominated by the pagodas of a
nineteenth century distillery. You pass through Dalwhinnie
to reach Kinguisse where you disembark to visit The Highland
Folk Museum.
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 will be reacquainted with a
familiar face for your evening entertainment.
Day Five: Boat of Garten - Perth
Leaving Boat of Garten after breakfast you travel by
motorcoach to Rothiemurchus. The history of this estate is
as varied as most of the Highlands of Scotland. Its diverse
landscape comprises low-lying fields on the river flood
plain, open heather moorland, forestry plantations and
majestic Caledonian pine forest. Here you can enjoy a
variety of activities including clay pigeon shooting or a
guided tour of the Estate with one of the Park Rangers where
you can learn about the local flora and wildlife.
You rejoin the train in Aviemore and head north to
Inverness. Enjoy lunch as you pass Culloden, site of the
last battle on mainland British soil in 1746. You then
continue east following the Moray coast through Nairn and
Elgin before arriving in Keith where you disembark for an
exclusive visit to Strathisla distillery “The Home and Heart
of Chivas Regal”.
You return to the train in Keith and enjoy a formal dinner
as you travel south towards Perth, for overnight stabling.
Day Six: Perth - Edinburgh
After breakfast, the train leaves Perth and travels
through the former Kingdom of Fife. You cross the Firth of
Forth by means of the magnificent 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.
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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