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Day
One: Edinburgh - Keith
The Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh
Waverley Station early afternoon, and
travels north across the Firth of Forth
by means of the magnificent Forth
Railway Bridge. This is one of the first
cantilever bridges, designed and built
by Benjamin Baker in the late 1880s. It
is considered one of the greatest
achievements of the Victorian Age, and
known as the eighth wonder of the world.
Enjoy your afternoon tea as you journey
through the former Kingdom of Fife and
across the Tay Bridge.
Following the east coast, passing
through Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen
before arriving in Huntly, where you
will disembark for a traditional
Scottish ceilidh at Strathisla.
You then rejoin the train in market town
of Keith for an informal dinner and
overnight stabling.
Day Two: Keith - Kyle of Lochalsh
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the train
departs Keith and travels west towards
Inverness, capital of the Highlands,
passing through Dingwall before
continuing north to the village of Tain
where you disembark and visit
Glenmorangie Distillery.
Returning to the train, lunch will be
served as you travel towards Kyle of
Lochalsh, on what is arguably the most
scenic route in Britain.
You pass through Dingwall and Garve,
which lies under the shadow of Cnoc na
h-Iolaire. The line passes Loch Luichart
and the Torridon mountains, which are so
old they contain no fossils. Geologists
believe that they were formed before any
life began. On through Achnasheen, then
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.
At Plockton you will have an opportunity
to become your own guide and explore
this picturesque Scottish Highland
village. Be at one with nature, as you
take a boat trip to see the colony of
wild seals, and relish the magnificent
views across the Isle of Skye to the
Applecross Mountains. There is also a
woodland walk, which leads to a
viewpoint overlooking the loch.
Alternatively visit the local art
gallery or simply wander through this
charming village. Afterwards rendezvous
at the Plockton Hotel, where there is
time to enjoy a dram or two before
rejoining the motorcoach.
You return to the train in Kyle of
Lochalsh for overnight stabling. Dinner
this evening is formal and afterwards
there is entertainment in the
Observation Car. Marvel at the view from
the train’s veranda as you gaze over
Loch Alsh to the Isle of Skye.
Day Three: Kyle of Lochalsh -
Boat of Garten
After your breakfast the train departs
Kyle and you retrace part of yesterday's
route as far as Dingwall. Have your
cameras ready for the views of Plockton
across the bay to the left, where you
can see whitewashed cottages with
fishing boats and yachts riding at
anchor. Travelling round the edge of the
Beauly Firth, you cross the northern end
of the Caledonian Canal shortly before
reaching Inverness.
The train continues south to Carrbridge
where you disembark for your visit to
Ballindalloch, one of Scotland's most
romantic castles, and with its wonderful
gardens. Set in the magnificent
surroundings of the Spey valley,
Ballindalloch has been the home of the
Macpherson-Grant family since 1546. The
family have adapted their castle with
the twists and turns of fortune and
history into the elegant and comfortable
seat at the heart of their working
estate that you see today.
You return to the train at Boat of
Garten on the private Strathspey Railway
for overnight stabling. A formal dinner
is served and afterwards you meet Ray
Owens, a Highlander who brings to life
the stories of Scottish heroes.
Listening to Ray, you will gain a true
sense of the past and learn how life in
the Highlands has changed over the
centuries.
Day Four: Boat of Garten - Perth
After breakfast you disembarking the
train at Boat of Garten and take the
motorcoach to Rothiemurchus Estate where
you can choose from a number of
activities which may include fishing,
clay pigeon shooting, a guided walk or
alternatively, you may simply prefer to
relax by the fire at Drumintoul Lodge
and admire the stunning scenery while
enjoying some time on your own.
You rejoin the train in Aviemore and
enjoy lunch as you journey south through
Blair Atholl and Pitlochry to Dunkeld,
where you disembark for your visit to
Glamis Castle, Seat of the Earl of
Strathmore and Kinghorne, and childhood
home of the late HM Queen Elizabeth, The
Queen Mother. The Bowes Lyon family have
lived at Glamis since 1372, when Sir
John Lyon was granted the thaneage of
Glamis by King Robert II. Since then the
castle has been visited and lived in by
many members of the Scottish and British
Royal Families and has stunning gardens.
Rejoining the train in Perth you will
enjoy an informal dinner on the move
before stabling for the evening.
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Day Five:
Perth – Edinburgh – Spean Bridge
After breakfast, the train leaves Perth
you travel through the former Kingdom of
Fife crossing the Firth of Forth by
means of the Forth Railway Bridge to
arrive in Edinburgh Waverley station
where this part of your journey ends.
Now there is an opportunity to explore
the beautiful City of Edinburgh, known
as the ‘Athens of the North’. Explore
the historic Royal Mile, visit the
Castle, take in an art gallery or simply
relax with a coffee.
The Royal Scotsman departs from
Edinburgh early afternoon and heads west
through Falkirk, Clydebank and Dumbarton
to skirt Glasgow and so reach the
northern bank of the Clyde.
Near the mouth of the Clyde estuary lies
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 (The Cobbler) with
its distinctive peak.
Passing Arrochar you will get your first
view of Loch Lomond. The train descends
almost to the water's edge at Ardlui,
and then has a hard climb up Glen
Falloch, whose many waterfalls provide
an impressive display.
As you continue north you will pass
through Crianlarich and Bridge of Orchy.
There are spectacular views of Rannoch
Moor before arrival in Spean Bridge
where the train stables overnight. After
a formal dinner reacquaint yourself with
a familiar face for evening
entertainment.
Day
Six: Spean Bridge – Bridge of Orchy
Breakfast is served as your journey
continues west, passing through Fort
William with views of Ben Nevis
(Britain's highest mountain). Travelling
by the side of Loch Eil you then pass
Glenfinnan and Lochailort, before
turning north along this stunning
coastline until reaching Arisaig. Here
you can disembark for a romantic walk
along the beautiful Morar Sands, a
magnificent expanse of gleaming white
sand, where you can enjoy excellent
views across the Sound of Sleat to the
beautiful Isle of Skye with its
awe-inspiring Cuillin Mountains.
Rejoining the train your lunch is served
as the train retraces the route towards
Fort William. Here you will disembark
and enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Loch
Linnhe. While taking in the breathtaking
scenery you may also spot some of the
local wildlife.
After your leisurely boat cruise you
will return to the train and enjoy an
informal dinner as you head south
towards Bridge of Orchy where you stable
overnight.
Day Seven: Bridge of Orchy –
Wemyss Bay
Leaving Bridge of Orchy this morning
enjoy breakfast on route south towards
Glasgow and Gourock. At Wemyss Bay,
board the ferry across to the Isle of
Bute. The island embraces a variety of
landscapes; seashore, moorland, farmland
and forest. The natural history,
geography, geology and ancient history
of the island are revealed at every
turn. From St Blane's Chapel at the
south of the island to the abandoned
townships in Glen More at the north, it
seems that every stone has its tale to
tell.
Mount Stuart is Britain's most
spectacular Victorian Gothic house. This
was the architectural fantasy of the 3rd
Marquess of Bute and his architect Sir
Robert Rowand Anderson. Stunning,
mysterious interiors reflect the
romantic and scholarly Marquess' passion
for art, heraldry, astrology, mythology
and religion. At Mount Stuart, there is
arguably the finest privately held
collection of family portraits in
Scotland.
Following your afternoon tea, you will
have time to explore this magnificent
house, its tranquil Rock Garden, the Wee
Garden containing rare plants from the
southern hemisphere, the Kitchen Garden
and the Victorian Pinetum. The Limetree
Avenue leads you to a secluded stretch
of coastline and one of the most
beautiful beaches in Scotland.
You return to the mainland and rejoin
the train in Wemyss Bay where a formal
dinner is served and the train stables
for the night.
Day Eight: Wemyss Bay - Edinburgh
You depart Wemyss Bay this morning and
enjoy breakfast as you travel east
towards Edinburgh where your journey
ends.
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