Classic Splendours Aboard the Royal Scotsman

Belmond Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh Waverley Station in the early afternoon and travels north, crossing the Firth of Forth by means of the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge. This is one of the oldest cantilever bridges to be built, designed by Benjamin Baker in the late 1880s and considered one of the greatest achievements of the Victorian Age.
 
Enjoy afternoon tea as you journey through the former Kingdom of Fife. The train follows the east coast, passing through Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in the market town of Keith. Relax over an informal dinner, then retire to the Observation Car for a nightcap and some lively local entertainment.
 

Departing Keith this morning, the train travels west along the Moray Firth towards Inverness, capital of the Highlands.
 
Lunch is served on the way to Kyle of Lochalsh, on what is arguably the most scenic route in Britain. The line passes Loch Luichart and the Torridon Mountains, which geologists believe were formed before any life began. Travel onwards through Achnasheen, then commence 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.
 
Alight in the picturesque fishing village of Plockton, which boasts an incomparable location in a sheltered bay of Loch Carron. Take a boat trip to see the colony of wild seals and enjoy magnificent views across the bay to the Applecross Mountains. There is also a woodland walk to be discovered and time to stroll along the seafront with its brightly-painted cottages and palm trees. Stop along the way in the Plockton Hotel to enjoy a traditional Highland welcome and a dram or two.

Return to the train in Kyle of Lochalsh, gateway to the mystical Isle of Skye, for overnight stabling. We invite you to dress for a formal dinner this evening, followed by coffee and liqueurs in the Observation Car.

*Please note on the following dates you will visit Cawdor Castle. This will be instead of Plockton.
11 Jun 2021, 21 July 2021, 23 Aug 2021, 04 Oct 2021 and 10 Oct 2021

Join your onboard Host for an invigorating early-morning walk over the bridge that links the mainland with the Isle Of Skye. Alternatively, take a short drive before breakfast to marvel at Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic sights. Surrounded by majestic scenery at the meeting point of three great sea lochs, it makes for mesmeriZing photographs.

Breakfast is served as the train leaves Kyle and retraces part of yesterday's route as far as Dingwall. Have your cameras ready for the enchanting views of Plockton. Across the bay to the left you will glimpse whitewashed cottages with fishing boats and yachts riding at anchor.

Disembark in Garve to visit Glen Ord Distillery, founded in 1838 and among the oldest distilleries in Scotland. Situated on the edge of the Black Isle, west of Inverness, Glen Ord continues to malt its own barley and practice centuries-old long fermentation and slow distillation methods. Enjoy a tour of the distillery and a private tasting and nosing session.

Rejoin the train in Inverness in time for lunch. You then disembark in Carrbridge for an afternoon visit to Ballindalloch Castle. Located in the heart of the Speyside whisky region, Ballindalloch enjoys a majestic setting, surrounded by hills with the Spey and Avon rivers running through the grounds. The romantic baronial castle, known as the 'Pearl of the North', is the much-loved family home of the Macpherson-Grants, with treasures including a fine collection of 17^th-century Spanish paintings, a sumptuous dining room, splendid vaulted hallway and impressive library.

Return to the train at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway. After an informal dinner, make your way to the Observation Car, where local musicians are waiting to entertain you.

*Please note on the following dates we will not visit the Glen Ord Distillery.
11 Jun 2021, 21 July 2021, 23 Aug 2021, 04 Oct 2021 and 10 Oct 2021 

After breakfast, travel the short distance by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Rothiemurchus Forest is one of the largest and most important remnants of the native Caledonian pine forest, which used to cover most of Scotland. Choose from a number of activities, including fishing, clay pigeon shooting and an estate tour. Afterwards, your hosts warmly welcome you for refreshments in the hunting lodge. Learn about the fascinating history of the estate, which has been in the same family for over 400 years.

Return to the train in Kingussie and savour a leisurely lunch as you journey south through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry. On reaching Dunkeld, disembark for a private tour of Glamis Castle and its beautiful gardens. Seat of the Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, Glamis was the childhood home of the late HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. The multi-turreted, fairytale castle houses many treasures, including rich tapestries, furniture and priceless works of art. Steeped in legend and myth, its dramatic history embraces alleged murderers, monsters and gamblers, stories of whom may be revealed during an illuminating tour. Outside, stunning parkland beckons, including an Italian Garden, nature trail, pinetum and four-acre walled garden.

Rejoin the train in Perth and, as it makes its way to Dundee, prepare for a final formal dinner to mark your last night on board. After your celebratory feast, you may feel inspired by our musicians to partake of some lively Scottish country dancing on the station platform, a fitting finale to your tour.

Breakfast is served as the train leaves Dundee and crosses the Tay Bridge into the former Kingdom of Fife. At Edinburgh, your journey’s end, we bid you farewell and wish you safe onward travels