Western Scenic Wonders Aboard the Royal Scotsman
For those seeking unforgettable train holidays, Scotland is sure to ignite your imagination. Take a ride on the country’s wild side on this inspiring three-night journey, exploring iconic sites.
SEASON: APRIL - OCTOBER
LIFE ON BOARD
THE CABINS Savour the glorious scenery from the comfort of your private cabin. All cabins have an Edwardian air of elegant luxury and include private en-suite facilities with shower.
DINING The mahogany panelling and rich upholstery that adorn the two dining cars, Raven and Swift, set the scene for an unforgettable on-board dining experience. Belmond Royal Scotsman on-board chefs create dishes using the freshest seasonal local produce.
ENTERTAINMENT Enjoy traditional Scottish entertainment after dinner in the Observation Car, including storytelling from a clansman or music from local musicians.
BOUTIQUE The ideal place to purchase a memento of your time on board. The boutique offers a rich variety of traditional Scottish crafts, including tartans and jewellery.
OBSERVATION CAR The splendour of the Observation Car provides the perfect backdrop to Scotland’s stunning scenery. Views may be admired from the comfort of the interior, or from the exhilarating open verandah. Enjoy a drink from the bar, including a choice of over 50 whiskies.
HAYBARN SPA Belmond has partnered with British artisanal brand Bamford to create the first ever pamper carriage, the Haybarn Spa. This sanctuary consists of two interconnecting treatment rooms where guests can enjoy soothing therapies, such as the Bamford Bespoke Facial or Deep Tissue Massage, or spruce up with a manicure or pedicure.
Itinerary
Day
1
Edinburgh to Spean Bridge
Depart 13:55 from Edinburgh Waverley
Board Royal Scotsman at Edinburgh Waverley Station ready for three sumptuous nights. The highly personalised service and unhurried pace allow you to reclaim the romance of rail travel. Elegant Edwardian interiors wrap you in the warmth of cashmere and tartan, while our unique Spa Carriage offers soothing treatments on the move.
Depart in the early afternoon and travel west through Falkirk, Clydebank and Dumbarton to skirt Glasgow before reaching the northern bank of the Clyde. Near the mouth of the Clyde estuary lies Craigendoran, the starting point for the majestic West Highland Line.
Indulge in 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, whose distinctive outline has earned the 884m peak the nickname The Cobbler. Passing Arrochar, you gain your first glimpse of Loch Lomond, Britain’s largest loch. The train descends almost to the water's edge at Ardlui before embarking on a hard climb up Glen Falloch, whose many waterfalls provide an impressive display.
Continuing north, the train passes through the villages of Crianlarich, then on to boggy and beautiful Rannoch Moor, one of the last great wildernesses of Scotland. Dinner is served on the way to Spean Bridge. Our Chef’s inventive menus use the finest local ingredients, such as wild halibut, shetland Lobster and Aberdeen Angus beef. Chanterelles and wild garlic are foraged straight from Scotland’s wild larder. Afterwards, you are invited to enjoy lively entertainment in the Observation Car.
Day
2
Spean Bridge to Bridge of Orchy
As the train travels west, passing through Fort William, keep watch for the stunning views of Ben Nevis, at 1,344m the UK's highest peak. Travelling by the side of Loch Eil you then pass Glenfinnan, with its impressive curved viaduct, and the hamlet of Lochailort, before turning north along the dramatic coastline to Arisaig. Alight here for a walk along the Silver Sands of Morar – gleaming white-sand beaches – enjoying romantic views across the Sound of Sleat to the Isle of Skye and the jagged Cuillin Mountains.
Back on board, lunch is served as the train retraces its route towards Fort William. Disembark here for a fascinating visit to historic Glenfinnan, where the Jacobite Rising began in 1745. You are joined by your local guide, who brings to life stories of Bonnie Prince Charlie and other great Scottish heroes. Afterwards, enjoy drinks and some light bites back at the train.
Alternatively, a guided hike is available this afternoon (weather permitting). A mountain ranger will lead you through the scenic Nevis Gorge to the Steall Waterfall, the second highest in the UK. This is a moderate-grade, two-hour walk, which is steep, rocky and slippery in places, therefore requiring a reasonable level of fitness. Sturdy walking boots with a good tread and ankle support, waterproof jacket and suitable trousers are essential. Walking boots and waterproofs can be provided, subject to availability.
Return to the train in Fort William and relax. Dinner is served as you travel south towards the tiny Argyll village of Bridge of Orchy. After dinner, indulge in a nightcap while listening to the evening entertainment in the Observation Car.
Day
3
Bridge of Orchy to Wemyss Bay to Kilmarnock
Leaving Bridge of Orchy this morning, soak up the dramatic Highland scenery as you journey south towards Glasgow and the west coast. After lunch, disembark in Wemyss Bay where you board the ferry for the 35-minute crossing 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.
Visit Mount Stuart, Britain's most spectacular Victorian Gothic house and the fantasy of the 3rd Marquess of Bute and his architect, Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. Mysterious and surprising interiors reflect the marquess's passion for art, astrology and mythology, and the mansion is home to one of the finest privately held collections of family portraits in Scotland.
After enjoying afternoon tea in the Drawing Room, you are invited to explore the magnificent house and the grounds, which include a rock garden, kitchen garden, display of rare plants and a Victorian pinetum. Stroll down the limetree avenue to discover a secluded stretch of coastline and lovely views towards the mainland.
Return to the train in Wemyss Bay, where a delicious gala dinner is served on the way to Kilmarnock, our stabling location for the evening. Relax in the Observation Car over coffee, liqueurs and traditional Scottish music.
Day
4
Kilmarnock to Edinburgh
Arrive 09:40 at Edinburgh Waverley
After an early departure from Kilmarnock this morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you travel east towards Edinburgh. At Waverley Station, your journey’s end, we bid you farewell and wish you safe onward travels.
2025 Dates and Prices
Room Type | Single in Double Cabin | Double |
---|---|
Apr 18 | $17109.00$17109.00 |
Jul 11 | $14019.00$14019.00 |
Aug 1 | $14019.00$14019.00 |
Aug 8 | $18839.00$18839.00 |
Sep 12 | SOLD OUT |
Oct 3 | SOLD OUT |
Prices are land-only per person in Canadian dollars.
Subject to availability.
Excluded: Personal expenses (boutique, massage, special arrangements)
Please note: Belmond Royal Scotsman operates within the constraints of the railway network. As such timings, routes and associated itineraries are subject to change.
Tour Highlights
- Gare Loch
- Loch Lomond
- Crianlarich and Bridge of Orchy
- Rannoch Moor
- Spean Bridge
- Ben Nevis
- Glenfinnan
- Isle of Skye and spectacular Cuillin Mountains
- Silver Sands of Morar
- Fort William
- Isle of Bute
- Mount Stuart
- Kilmarnock
Tour Inclusions
- Three nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman luxury train
- 24-hour steward service
- All meals aboard the train: full Scottish breakfast, three-course lunch, and four-course dinner including cheeseboard, coffee, tea and petit fours
- All beverages including alcoholic drinks
- An excursion to the Silver Sands of Morar
- A choice between a visit to Genfinnan Monument or a walk to Steall Waterfall
- A guided tour of Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute
- Traditional entertainment on board