Royal Scotsman: Grand Western Scenic Wonders (Westbound) (Tour code: 12568)

Royal Scotsman - Grand Western Scenic Wonders

Enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea while the Royal Scotsman departs from Edinburgh and heads west to reach Craigendoran the starting point for the West Highland Line. Spot the distinctive peak of Ben Arthur — soon you also catch a first glimpse of Loch Lomond.

After climbing up the waterfall-rich Glen Falloch, the train continues north to the village of Spean Bridge, its stabling point for the night. Enjoy an informal dinner followed by entertainment in the Observation Car.

Overnight onboard Royal Scotsman. 

Spean Bridge

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 your 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.

Overnight onboard Royal Scotsman. 

Crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct

Today's destination is the charming Isle of Bute, reached by ferry. The island is rich in geology, history and wildlife, with a varied landscape to explore. 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.

Overnight onboard Royal Scotsman. 

Isle of Bute

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.

Overnight onboard Royal Scotsman. 

Forth Railway Bridge

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.

Overnight onboard Royal Scotsman. 

Plockton Hotel

If you’re feeling energetic, join your onboard Host for an invigorating early-morning walk over the bridge that links the mainland with the Isle Of Skye. 

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.

Overnight onboard Royal Scotsman. 

Isle of Skye

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.

Overnight onboard Royal Scotsman. 

Rothiemurchus

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