Westbound Elegance: A Royal Scotsman Experience

Arrival & Train Embarkation 

Step aboard the Royal Scotsman and embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Western Scotland, where rugged landscapes, historic treasures, and warm Highland hospitality await. 

This voyage seamlessly blends untamed natural beauty with captivating heritage, offering a truly immersive experience. Departing from Edinburgh, the train glides westward, revealing breathtaking panoramas. Near the mouth of the Clyde Estuary, you'll reach Craigendoran, the gateway to the legendary West Highland Line. As you journey through this spectacular route, admire the towering presence of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak, and take in the dramatic vistas as the train winds its way south towards Glasgow and later into the Highlands' capital, Inverness. 

Indulge in a delightful afternoon tea as the train departs Edinburgh, offering the first glimpses of Loch Lomond and the distinctive peak of Ben Arthur. The adventure continues as the train climbs through the waterfall-rich Glen Falloch, heading north to the charming village of Spean Bridge, where the train will rest for the night. As evening falls, enjoy an informal dinner, followed by lively entertainment in the Observation Car, setting the perfect tone for the unforgettable experiences ahead.

Luxury accommodation includes seven nights aboard the Royal Scotsman luxury train with 24-hour steward service. Fine dining features all meals on board, including a full Scottish breakfast, two-course lunch, and three-course dinner with a cheeseboard, coffee, tea, and petit fours. All beverages, including alcoholic drinks, are included.

Historical tours include visits to Ballindalloch Castle, the Rothiemurchus estate, and Glamis Castle, as well as a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh. Additional excursions feature a walk along the Silver Sands of Morar, a choice between visiting the Glenfinnan Monument or hiking through Nevis Gorge to Steall Waterfall, and a guided tour of Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute.

Onboard entertainment includes traditional ceilidhs, informal dinners, evening performances in the Observation Car, and a formal dining experience.

Glenfinnan 

As the train continues west, passing through Fort William — the largest town in the West Highlands — don’t miss the views of Ben Nevis. Travelling by the side of Loch Eil, you then pass the impressive curved viaduct of Glenfinnan, and Lochailort, before turning north along this dramatic coastline to Arisaig. 

Lunch is served as the train retraces its route back to Fort William. Disembark in Glenfinnan, where our local guide brings to life the stories of Scottish heroes before your group enjoys drinks and some light bites in the traditional cosy bar of The Old Station Restaurant located at Spean Bridge Railway Station. Feeling rather energetic? Weather permitting, a mountain ranger guides you through the scenic Nevis Gorge to the Steall Waterfall. 

Return to the train in Fort William and relax on board before an informal dinner is served as you travel south towards the tiny Argyll village of Bridge of Orchy. After an informal dinner in our luxury dining car, enjoy a nightcap whilst listening to the evening entertainment in the Observation Car.

Mount Stuart 

Today's destination is the charming Isle of Bute, reached by ferry. Rich in geology, history and wildlife, the island offers a varied landscape and welcomes you for an afternoon of exploration. Visit Mount Stuart, a Victorian Gothic house with arguably the finest privately held collection of family portraits in Scotland, before returning to the town of Wemyss Bay. There, a formal dinner is served while on the move to Kilmarnock, our stabling location this evening.

Keith 

After an early departure from Gourock this morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you travel east towards Edinburgh where this first part of your Grand Western Scenic, Westbound journey draws to an end in Waverley Station. 

Spend the morning in Edinburgh by joining a guided tour and enjoying a light lunch before returning to the train for the next part of your journey. In the early afternoon, the train pulls out of the station and travels north, crossing the Firth of Forth via the Forth Railway Bridge. 

Once the estuary traversed, the Royal Scotsman proceeds through Fife towards the city of Perth, during which you are served a leisurely afternoon tea, passing Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in the market town of Keith. 

In the evening, join an informal dinner followed by entertainment in the now-familiar Observation Car.

Kyle of Lochalsh 

As the train leaves Keith, enjoy breakfast and head west along Moray Firth towards Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Lunch is served aboard as the train heads towards Kyle of Lochalsh on the most scenic railway route in the United Kingdom. 

Disembark in Plockton, take a boat trip to see wild seals or enjoy a dram and a traditional highland welcome in the Plockton Hotel. 

Spend the night on board in Kyle of Lochalsh. Join fellow guests for a formal dinner and perhaps a nightcap in the Observation Car offering majestic views over Loch Alsh to the Isle of Skye.

Boat of Garten 

Feeling energetic? Join your onboard host for an invigorating early-morning walk over the bridge between the mainland and the Isle Of Skye. 

After breakfast, the train heads back towards Dingwall, skirting the Beauly Firth and crossing the top of the Caledonian Canal, north of Loch Ness, before reaching Inverness. The train continues south to Carrbridge where you will disembark to visit the romantic Ballindalloch Castle and its wonderful gardens. 

At Balindalloch, opt for a private castle tour or an exclusive look at Scotland's only single-estate distillery. Spend the night on board at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway. 

After dinner, make your way to the Observation Car, where local musicians are waiting to entertain you as you sip a nightcap or two.

Rothiemurchus 

Travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, where outdoor pursuits such as fishing, clay pigeon shooting, or a guided walk through the stunning landscape can be enjoyed. Rejoin the train at Kingussie where lunch will be served as you journey south through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry to Dunkeld. Here, disembark for a visit to Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the late HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Return to the train, as formal dinner and entertainment await.

Edinburgh 

Breakfast is served as the Royal Scotsman train leaves Dundee and crosses the Tay Bridge into the former Kingdom of Fife. Head back to Edinburgh where your seven-night journey comes to an end. For transportation after your journey or to book a reservation in one of Edinburgh’s finest accommodations, please speak to your Train Manager.