Western Scenic Wonders
Overview
The Highlights
- Five-star service and dining; all drinks and meals included
- Before-dinner drinks in the cozy lounge car
- Breathtaking views of moors, mountains, lakes and waterfalls from the open-air observation deck
- Excursion to Morar Sands with views of Isle of Skye and its Cuillin Mountains
- Just 40 passengers total
- Mount Stuart’s family portraits, arguably the finest collection in Scotland
- Traditional music and entertainment on board
The Tour
NEW for 2025! The train will introduce two new Grand Suites (bringing the total of Grand Suites to four) and will no longer have dedicated single cabins. Single travelers will still be able to book a cabin for sole occupancy.
Belmond Royal Scotsman‘s Western Scenic Wonders Tour runs on Scotland’s West Highland Line, one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. The luxurious, private train passes through gorgeous glens, lochs and mountains, steeped in the lore of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
The all-inclusive fare features off-train visits to such treasures as Mount Stuart House, Britain’s most spectacular Victorian Gothic house. Pair this itinerary with Belmond Royal Scotsman’s Classic Splendours for a full week of luxurious touring through Scotland on the Grand Western Scenic Wonders itinerary. There is no doubt, once you board, why this train is one of our World’s Top 25 Trains: the decor, the ambiance, the dining, the off-train excursions, and the service are consistently high throughout. If you want a great way to see the best of Scotland, choose the Belmond Royal Scotsman.
Now on board the Belmond Royal Scotsman: a full-service spa car for the ultimate indulgence.
IRT Insights: Click here to read about IRT’s most recent experience aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman.
IRT Exclusive: Click here to see our video of Society President Eleanor Hardy’s trip on the Royal Scotsman.
Countries Visited
- Scotland
Itinerary
Day 1: Edinburgh-Spean Bridge
The Belmond Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh early afternoon and heads west through Falkirk before reaching Craigendoran—the starting point for the majestic West Highland Line.
Enjoy 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. Passing Arrochar, you gain your first glimpse of Loch Lomond, Britain’s largest lake. 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 and the Bridge of Orchy, then on to boggy and beautiful Rannoch Moor, one of the last great wildernesses of Scotland.
A splendid dinner is served on the way to Spean Bridge, after which you are invited to the Observation Car to enjoy lively entertainment by local musicians.
Day 2: Spean Bridge-Bridge of Orchy
Breakfast is served as the train continues west, passing through Fort William with views of Ben Nevis (Britain’s highest mountain). Travel along the stunning coastline and disembark at Arisaig for a romantic walk along the Morar Sands, with views of the Isle of Skye and Cuillin Mountains.
Lunch is served as the train retraces its steps back to Fort William. Then, our local guide dives into the Glenfinnan Monument’s history, before drinks and some light bites in the traditional cozy bar of The Old Station Restaurant, located at Spean Bridge Railway Station. Energetic guests can choose to walk to beautiful Steall Waterfall (we loved this choice!), the second highest in the UK.
Return to the train at Forth William. Dinner is served as the train travels south toward the tiny Argyll village of Bridge of Orchy. Enjoy a nightcap and entertainment in the observation car.
Day 3: Bridge of Orchy-Wemyss Bay-Kilmarnock
Breakfast on board while traveling south. At Wemyss Bay, board the ferry to the Isle of Bute. View seashore, moorland, farmland and forest—and visit Mount Stuart, Britain’s most spectacular Victorian Gothic house. The home has a fine private collection of family portraits, as well as wonderful gardens and a secluded beach to explore. (We loved the hike through the woods – a quite vigorous and gorgeous walk.)
Return to the train for formal dinner while on the move to Kilmarnock, the stabling location for the evening.
Day 4: Kilmarnock-Edinburgh
After an early departure from Kilmarnock this morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you travel east towards Edinburgh Waverley Station, your journey’s end.
Dates & Prices
2025 Dates
April 18 - 21
July 11 - 14
August 1 - 4
August 8 - 11
August 29 - September 1
September 12 - 15
October 3 - 6
| Accommodation | Price | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Twin/Double | From £6,400 | 25% |
| Grand Suite | From £17,000 | 25% |
- Beginning in 2025, there will no longer be Single Cabins available. Single travelers will still be able to book a cabin for sole occupancy. Contact us for pricing for sole occupancy.
- Please note prices are in British pounds. View approximate exchange rates.
- Prices are per person.
- Pricing varies based on availability and date. Prices are subject to change daily. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure.
2026 Dates
April 3 - 6
April 10 - 13
April 17 - 20
April 24 - 27
May 22 - 25
May 29 - June 1
June 12 - 15
June 26 - 29
July 17 - 20
August 7 - 10
September 4 - 7
September 11 - 14
| Accommodation | Price | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Twin/Double | From £7,000 | 25% |
| Grand Suite | From £19,900 | 25% |
- Please note prices are in British pounds. View approximate exchange rates.
- Prices are per person.
- Pricing varies based on availability and date. Prices are subject to change daily. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure.
Book Your Journey
Reviews From Our Travelers
The service was outstanding and so was the food. It was a delightful experience to see the beautiful countryside of Scotland. I have always been fascinated with trains and the Royal Scotsman was a wonderful experience. Everything was exactly as you described it and if we ever decide to have another train tour you’ll be the first one I call.
The Royal Scotsman staff is superb in regards to taking care of all of us on the tour. From meals to off train tours everything was perfect.
My sister and I had a fantastic trip! …A big thank you to Eleanor and the IRT staff for all the planning!”
More
All prices are per person and include all table d’hôte meals, all alcoholic and other beverages, all sightseeing excursions as shown in the itinerary and accommodation on board based on two people sharing a twin compartment or one person in a single.
Have more time? Pair this itinerary with Belmond Royal Scotsman’s Classic Splendours for a full week of luxurious touring through Scotland on the Grand Western Scenic Wonders itinerary.
Inquire About This Journey
For dates and prices, please click here.
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