Grand Western Scenic Wonders, Northbound on Royal Scotsman

Your journey begins with a private transfer from your centrally located Edinburgh hotel to Waverley Station, where you’ll board the Royal Scotsman luxury train. Departing in the early afternoon, the train crosses the iconic Forth Railway Bridge, continuing through the former Kingdom of Fife and along Scotland’s scenic east coast. Pass through Arbroath, Montrose, and Aberdeen before arriving in the charming market town of Keith. Enjoy a relaxed dinner onboard, followed by traditional entertainment in the elegant Observation Car.  

Travel west along the Moray Firth toward Inverness, capital of the Highlands. As you journey through one of the most scenic rail routes in Britain, enjoy lunch onboard while admiring views of Loch Luichart and the Torridon Mountains. In Plockton, a picturesque fishing village, take a boat trip to see wild seals and take in views of the Applecross Mountains. After a woodland walk and a Highland welcome at the Plockton Hotel, return to the train for a formal dinner and evening drinks in the Observation Car. 

Rise early for a walk across the bridge linking the mainland to the Isle of Skye. Enjoy breakfast as the train retraces its path to Inverness. Disembark in Garve for bespoke shopping or join a Highland storyteller for a walk to Silver Bridge. After lunch, disembark in Carrbridge for a guided visit to Ballindalloch Castle, one of Scotland’s most romantic castles, or explore its whisky distillery. Rejoin the train in Boat of Garten for an informal dinner and lively Scottish music in the Observation Car. 

After breakfast, transfer to Rothiemurchus Estate in the Cairngorms for outdoor activities like fishing, clay pigeon shooting, or a guided tour. Enjoy refreshments in a rustic hunting lodge before rejoining the train in Kingussie. A leisurely lunch is served en route to Dunkeld, where you’ll visit Glamis Castle and its gardens. Return to the train in Perth and enjoy a formal dinner as you travel to Dundee, complete with Scottish country dancing and evening entertainment. 

Begin the day with breakfast as the train crosses the Tay Bridge. Disembark in Edinburgh for a guided tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia with light lunch included, or explore the city at your leisure. Rejoin the train in the afternoon and travel west along the Clyde estuary to Craigendoran, beginning the famous West Highland Line. Enjoy afternoon tea and an informal dinner on board, followed by live music as the train stables overnight in Spean Bridge. 

Today brings views of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak. Disembark at Arisaig for a coastal walk along the silver sands of Morar, with views across the Sound of Sleat. Return to the train for lunch, then explore historic Glenfinnan or join a guided hike of Nevis Gorge. In the evening, enjoy drinks and bites at The Old Station Restaurant before returning to the train in Fort William. Relax onboard as the train travels south and an informal dinner is served. 

Departing Bridge of Orchy, the train heads south toward Glasgow, then on to Wemyss Bay. Take the ferry to the Isle of Bute and visit Mount Stuart, a Victorian Gothic masterpiece filled with rich symbolism, art, and mythology. Enjoy afternoon tea in the Drawing Room before exploring the estate’s stunning gardens. Return to the train to prepare for a formal farewell dinner and drinks in the Observation Car as the train makes its final journey east. 

Enjoy a final breakfast onboard as the Royal Scotsman arrives in Edinburgh. A private transfer will return you comfortably to your centrally located hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable Scottish rail journey.