Grand Western Scenic Wonders

Your journey continues west this morning along the Moray Firth towards Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Lunch is served on the way to Kyle of Lochalsh, one of the most scenic routes in Britain. From there, the train passes Loch Luichart, the Torridon Mountains, and Achnasheen before it begins the climb to Luib summit and Achnashellach Forest and descends into Strathcarron. The train then follows the edge of Loch Carron through Attadale, Stromeferry, and Duncraig.

The train stops in fishing village of Plockton, where you’ll take a boat trip to see a colony of wild seals and enjoying the beautiful views across the bay to the Applecross Mountains. After the trip, take a woodland walk and enjoy a traditional Highland welcome and a dram or two in the Plockton Hotel on the seafront.

Return to the train in Kyle of Lochalsh for a formal dinner, coffee and liqueurs in the observation car, and overnight stabling.

Join your onboard host for an invigorating early-morning walk over the bridge that links the mainland with the Isle of Skye. Depart from Kyle of Lochalsh as breakfast is served, retracing part of yesterday’s route. Travel around the edge of the Beauly Firth, across the northern end of the Caledonian Canal before reaching Inverness.

Disembark in Garve for a bespoke shopping experience. Alternatively, stretch your legs and join our Highland storyteller for a walk along the old military road leading to Silver Bridge. Lunch is served as the train departs Inverness en route to Carrbridge.

Disembark in Ballindalloch, one of Scotland’s most romantic castles and the much-loved family home of the Macpherson-Grant family. Take a tour of the building and grounds, or take the opportunity to play a round of golf on the castle’s 9-hole course. Optionally you can visit the castle’s single estate whisky distillery.

Return to the train at Boat of Garten and prepare for an informal dinner. Afterwards, make your way to the Observation Car, where local musicians are waiting to entertain you as you sip a nightcap.

After breakfast, travel the short distance by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Choose from a number of activities, including fishing, clay pigeon-shooting, and an estate tour. Afterward, receive a warm welcome from your hosts as refreshments are served in their hunting lodge and you learn about the fascinating history of the estate, which has been in the family for over 400 years.

Return to the train in Kingussie and enjoy a leisurely lunch as you travel south through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry to Dunkeld, where you disembark for a private tour of Glamis Castle and its beautiful gardens. Glamis was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth. After the tour, rejoin the train in Perth and prepare for a formal dinner en route to Dundee. Let the after-dinner musicians inspire you to partake in some lively Scottish country dancing.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the train departs Dundee and crosses the Tay Bridge into the former Kingdom of Fife and on to Edinburgh.

Disembark in Edinburgh where you will be escorted to The Royal Yacht Britannia for a guided tour followed by a light lunch on-board. Alternatively, enjoy some free time to explore Scotland’s vibrant capital city on your own.

Re-join the train in the early afternoon and travel west to Falkirk, Clydebank, and Dumbarton to skirt Glasgow before reaching the northern bank of the Clyde and Craigendoran, the starting point of the majestic West Highland Line. Enjoy afternoon tea as the train passes Gare Loch and Loch Lomond, with views of waterfalls, moors and mountains. An informal dinner is served on the way to Spean Bridge, followed by lively entertainment by local musicians in the observation car.

As the train travels west, watch for views of Ben Nevis, the tallest peak in the UK.  Disembark at Arisaig for an evocative walk along the beautiful Morar Sands, with breathtaking views across the Sound of Sleat to the Isle of Skye with its distinctive Cuillin Mountains.

Back on board, lunch is served as the train retraces its route to Fort William. Disembark here and enjoy a visit to historic Glenfinnan. Enjoy drinks and some light bites in the traditional cozy bar of The Old Station Restaurant, located at Spean Bridge Railway Station, before returning to Fort William.

Alternatively, a guided, moderate-grade hike is available (weather permitting) through the scenic Nevis Gorge to the Steall Waterfall, the second highest in the UK. This two-hour walk requires a reasonable level of fitness, as well as sturdy walking boots with a good tread and ankle support, a waterproof jacket, and suitable trousers.

Return to the train in Fort William and relax on-board before an informal dinner is served as you travel south towards Bridge of Orchy.

Leaving the Bridge of Orchy this morning, savor the dramatic highland scenery as you journey south towards Glasgow and the west coast. Board the ferry in Wemyss Bay for a 35-minute crossing to the Isle of Bute. The island embraces a variety of landscapes: seashore, moorland, farmland, and forest.

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. After enjoying afternoon tea in the Drawing Room, you are invited to explore the magnificent house and grounds, which include a rock garden, kitchen garden, display of rare plants, and a Victorian pinetum.

Return to the train in Wemyss Bay, where a delicious formal dinner is served on the way to Kilmarnock, the overnight stabling location for this evening. Relax in the observation car over coffee, liqueurs, and traditional Scottish music.

Breakfast is served as the train leaves Kilmarnock and travels east to Edinburgh where your journey ends at Waverley Station.