As we venture abroad, train travel has become a cherished way to explore, and experiencing Belmond’s Royal Scotsman is a pinch-me moment. Considered one of the world’s most opulent trains, mahogany-clad cars feature Edwardian elegance with country house comforts. Ten meticulously designed carriages, including the onboard Bamford Spa, create a palace on wheels. Here are itinerary highlights to Belmond Scotland’s Classic Splendours experience.
Day One
Edinburgh – Keith
Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh Waverley Station in the early afternoon and travels north, crossing the Firth of Forth via the 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. The train follows the east coast, passing through Arbroath, Montrose, and Aberdeen before arriving in the market town of Keith.
Day Two
Keith – Kyle of Lochalsh
Departing Keith in the 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. Travel onwards through Achnasheen, then commence the climb to Luib summit and Achnashellach Forest before descending to Strathcarron. The train then follows the edge of Loch Carron through Attadale, Stromeferry and Duncraig.
Alight in the picturesque fishing village of Plockton—an incomparable location in a sheltered bay of Loch Carron. Take a boat trip to see the colony of wild seals and enjoy magnificent views across the bay to the Applecross Mountains.
Day Three
Kyle of Lochalsh - Boat of Garten
Join your onboard Host for an early-morning walk over the bridge that links the mainland with the Isle Of Skye. Alternatively, take a short, pre-breakfast drive to see Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic sights. Disembark in Garve to visit Glen Ord Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland.
Rejoin the train in Inverness in time for lunch, then disembark in Carrbridge for an afternoon visit to Ballindalloch Castle. The romantic baronial castle, known as the “Pearl of the North,” is the family home of the Macpherson-Grants and includes a collection of 17th-century Spanish paintings.
Day Four
Boat of Garten – Dundee
After breakfast, travel the short distance 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.
Return to the train in Kingussie and savor a leisurely lunch as you journey south through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry. On reaching Dunkeld, 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.
Rejoin the train in Perth and, 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, partake in lively Scottish country dancing on the station platform—a fitting finale to your tour.
Day Five
Dundee – Edinburgh
Breakfast is served as the train leaves Dundee and crosses the Tay Bridge into the former Kingdom of Fife. Edinburgh is your journey’s end, and you’ll leave with memories of a lifetime.