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Belmond Royal Scotsman – Grand Western Scenic Wonders

Eleven-day Highlands rail journey starting and ending in Edinburgh

Illustration of Belmond Royal Scotsman – Grand Western Scenic Wonders

Railbookers runs this 11-day rail journey that starts and ends in Edinburgh, built around seven nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman. The trip opens with two nights in Edinburgh, including an evening whisky tasting and a timed visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, with an optional hike up Arthur's Seat. From day three, the train follows the West Highland Line past Ben Arthur, Loch Lomond, and the Glenfinnan viaduct, then continues to the Isle of Bute by ferry, across the Forth Rail Bridge toward Aberdeen, and on to Kyle of Lochalsh and the Cairngorms, with a choice of off-train stops including Ballindalloch Castle and Rothiemurchus Estate. The journey can run Northbound or Westbound depending on departure date. A final night in Edinburgh closes out the trip. This suits travelers who want a slow, immersive train journey through the Highlands with included meals, drinks, and excursions, rather than a city-hopping tour.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists six hotel options in Edinburgh; which one you get depends on the tier and city you choose, not one fixed property.
  • This 11-day itinerary runs as a Northbound or Westbound route depending on departure date, so the exact places visited on days 3 to 9 can vary.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Edinburgh

    Your Journey Begins in Edinburgh

    Welcome to Scotland! Once you have arrived settled into to your central hotel for a two-night stay. In the evening make your way to the Scotch Whisky Experience for a luxurious evening tour including some of the world’s best whiskies and a delicious tasting menu.

  2. Day 2overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    Today explore the Scottish capital at your own pace but be sure to be at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in time for your entrance timed slot. Once in you can explore The Kings official Scottish residence including the State Apartments, and Mary, Queen of Scots’ historic chambers. If you have the energy, the hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat rewards visitors with some wonderful views across the city.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Onboard

    Overnight Onboard The Royal Scotsman

    Check out of your hotel and make your way to station to begin the rail journey of a lifetime. Once onboard, settle into your private cabin, then afternoon tea is served on the Royal Scotsman as it departs from Edinburgh towards Craigendoran, the starting point of the West Highland Line. Witness the iconic peak of Ben Arthur and catch your first glimpse of the magnificent Loch Lomond. The train ascends Glen Falloch, adorned with beautiful waterfalls, and then proceeds northward to Spean Bridge, where it will stop for the night. An informal dinner will be followed by entertainment in the Observation Car, ensuring a memorable evening.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Onboard

    Overnight Onboard The Royal Scotsman

    Today the train continues west, passing through Fort William and the majestic mount of Ben Nevis. Enjoy the scenic views of Loch Eil then pass the famous Glenfinnan viaduct, and Lochailort before the train turns north along the dramatic coastline to Arisaig. Relish a delightful lunch as the train retraces its route back to Fort William. All off a Glenfinnan for some captivating tales from a local guide, and tea in Inverlochy Castle. If the weather permits there is the opportunity to hike the scenic Nevis Gorge to the stunning Steal Waterfall. The train will be waiting for you in Fort William and there is time to relax and refresh onboard, before traveling south towards Bridge of Orchy, where an informal dinner in the luxury dining car awaits.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Onboard

    Overnight Onboard The Royal Scotsman

    Take to the water today with a ferry to the captivating Isle of Bute, known for its geology, history, and wildlife. Explore the diverse landscapes, visit Mount Stuart's Gothic house with a remarkable portrait collection. Return to Wemyss Bay, savour a formal dinner en-route to Kilmarnock, where the train will be stationed for the night.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Onboard

    Overnight Onboard The Royal Scotsman

    After departing from Gourock in the morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast while traveling east towards Edinburgh. Spend the morning exploring Edinburgh with a guided tour and a light lunch before returning to the train for a thrilling ride crossing the Firth of Forth via the iconic Forth Rail Bridge. The train continues through scenic spots such as Arbroath, Montrose, and Aberdeen, and a leisurely afternoon tea is served before the train reaches the charming market town of Keith. Enjoy an informal dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car during the evening.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Onboard

    Overnight Onboard The Royal Scotsman

    Breakfast is served as the train leaves Keith, heading west along Moray Firth towards Inverness – the capital of the Highlands. Enjoy lunch onboard and continue to towards Kyle of Lochalsh on one of the most scenic railway routes in the UK. Disembark in Plockton for a boat trip to see seals or enjoy a dram or two and a traditional Highland welcome at the Plockton Hotel. Spend the night in Kyle of Lochalsh, joining your fellow guests for a formal dinner and a nightcap in the Observation Car with wonderful views of Loch Alsh and the Isle of Skye.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Onboard

    Overnight Onboard The Royal Scotsman

    This morning you have the chance to stretch your legs with a walk over the bridge between the mainland and the Isle of Skye. After breakfast, the train heads back towards Dingwall, passing by the Beauly Firth and crossing the Caledonian Canal near Loch Ness before reaching Inverness. Continue south to Carrbridge, where you can disembark and visit the charming Ballindalloch Castle and its stunning gardens. Choose between a private castle tour or an exclusive visit to Scotland's only single-estate distillery. Spend the night onboard the train at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway. Make your way to the Observation Car after dinner, where local musicians will entertain you as you sip a nightcap or two.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Onboard

    Overnight Onboard The Royal Scotsman

    Today take a short coach trip to Rothiemurchus Estate, located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Here you have the choice of outdoor pursuits such as fishing, clay pigeon shooting, or a guided walk through the stunning landscape. Upon rejoining the train at Kingussie, lunch will be served as you travel through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry to Dunkeld. Disembark for a visit to Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the late HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Return to the train for a final formal dinner onboard, and entertainment.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Edinburgh

    Ediburgh

    Savour breakfast onboard as the Royal Scotsman train leaves Dundee and crosses the Tay Bridge into the historic Kingdom of Fife. On arrival in Edinburgh, bid farewell to your fellow guests and the train staff as you are transferred to your hotel for a two-night stay.

  11. Day 11rail

    Your Journey Ends in Edinburgh

    Speak to any of our Rail Experts about your return home, or if you would like to continue your travels elsewhere.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh for the West Highland Line, passing Ben Arthur and Loch Lomond before climbing Glen Falloch.
  • Day 4The train passes Ben Nevis and Loch Eil, then crosses the Glenfinnan viaduct and turns north along the coastline to Arisaig.
  • Day 5A ferry crossing takes guests to the Isle of Bute to visit Mount Stuart's Gothic house and its portrait collection.
  • Day 6The train crosses the Firth of Forth on the Forth Rail Bridge en route to Aberdeen.
  • Day 8Guests can walk over the bridge to the Isle of Skye before the train crosses the Caledonian Canal near Loch Ness.

Included

  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Edinburgh
  • 7 nights onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman Grand Western Scenic Wonders (North or Westbound) in a twin cabin including: 24-hour steward service
  • All meals aboard the train: full Scottish breakfast, two-course lunch, three-course dinner including cheeseboard, coffee, tea, and petit fours
  • All beverages including alcoholic drinks
  • En suite facilities
  • Historic off-tours
  • Onboard entertainment
  • A Taste of Whisky small group tour
  • Skip the line tickets to the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The package includes seven nights onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman in a twin cabin, plus three nights in Edinburgh hotels.
Which trains does this trip use?
The Belmond Royal Scotsman travels the West Highland Line toward Fort William and Glenfinnan, then via the Isle of Bute, Aberdeen, Inverness, Kyle of Lochalsh, and the Cairngorms before returning to Edinburgh.
What's included onboard?
All meals and alcoholic drinks, en suite cabin facilities, 24-hour steward service, and off-train excursions are included, along with a whisky tour and skip-the-line Palace of Holyroodhouse tickets.
Is it Northbound or Westbound?
Railbookers runs this itinerary as either a Northbound or Westbound route depending on your departure date, with similar excursions on each.
How much walking is involved?
There's an optional hike to Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, a walk over the bridge to the Isle of Skye, and a choice of outdoor activities like fishing or guided walks at Rothiemurchus Estate.

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