Royal Scotsman

Day 1 : Edinburgh > Keith

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. An informal dinner is served on board, after which you are invited to the Observation Car to enjoy entertainment with a Scottish flavour.

Day 2 : Keith > Kyle of Lochalsh

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. The train travels onwards through the small village of Achnasheen, before commencing the climb to the breathtaking Luib Summit and Achnashellach Forest. Descending to Strathcarron, you are invited to visit Attadale Gardens, a huge 30,000 acre estate. Explore the renowned gardens and enjoy light refreshments with your hosts as they welcome you into their home. Alternatively, stay on board the train to the picturesque village of Plockton, where you can 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 here and time afterwards to enjoy a traditional Highland welcome and a dram or two in the seafront Plockton Hotel. Return to the train in nearby Kyle of Lochalsh, gateway to the mystical Isle of Sky. You are invited to dress for a formal dinner this evening, followed by coffee and liqueurs in the Observation Car.

Day 3 : Kyle of Lochalsh > Boat of Garten

Join your Royal Scotsman host for an invigorating early-morning walk over the bridge that links the mainland with the Isle of Skye, taking in the majestic mountain views in every direction. 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 the charming, family-run Campbells of Beauly retail emporium, dating from 1858, which specialises in tweeds and cashmere. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walk with a history storyteller.

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 17th 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 our entertaining Highlander paints a colourful picture of Scottish heroes and gives a dramatic insight into Highland life through the centuries.

Day 4 : Boat of Garten > Dundee

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 you are warmly welcomed by your hosts in the hunting lodge, where, over refreshments, you can learn about the fascinating history of the estate that has been in the same family for over 400 years. Return to the train in Kingussie and relax over a leisurely lunch on the journey south through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry to Dunkeld. Here you 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.

As an alternative option, enjoy a visit to the Victorian town of Pitlochry and a tour of Blair Athol Distillery, including a whiskey tasting.

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 classic tour.

Day 5 : Dundee > Edinburgh

Breakfast is served as the train leaves Dundee and crosses the Tay Bridge into the former Kingdom of Fife and on to Edinburgh, where your journey ends.

Please note

Royal Scotsman operates within the constraints of the railway network, timings, routes and associated itineraries are subject to change.