Grand Western Scenic Wonders (Northbound)
Seven nights that run the Highland journey first and the West Highland Line second: Plockton, Ballindalloch, Rothiemurchus and Glamis, then the Royal Yacht Britannia, Morar, Glenfinnan and Mount Stuart.
Day by day
- Day 1
Edinburgh to Keith
Depart Edinburgh across the Forth Bridge, through Fife and up the east coast from Arbroath to Aberdeen. Informal dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car.
- Day 2
Keith to Kyle of Lochalsh — Plockton
Along the Moray Firth to Inverness, then west past Loch Luichart and the Torridon mountains. In Plockton, see the seals and enjoy a Highland welcome at the Plockton Hotel.
- Day 3
Ballindalloch Castle
Along the Beauly Firth and the Caledonian Canal to Ballindalloch Castle: tour the castle or play its nine-hole golf course. In the evening a guide tells tales of Highland heroes.
- Day 4
Rothiemurchus & Glamis Castle
Transfer to Rothiemurchus Estate for clay-pigeon shooting or fishing. Lunch on board, then the gardens of Glamis Castle. Overnight in Dundee with after-dinner music.
- Day 5
Dundee to Spean Bridge — Royal Yacht Britannia
Across the Tay Bridge to Edinburgh for a guided tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia, then west to Spean Bridge.
- Day 6
Morar Sands & Glenfinnan
Views of Ben Nevis, a walk on the Morar Sands and Glenfinnan with a storytelling Highlander.
- Day 7
Isle of Bute — Mount Stuart
From Bridge of Orchy south towards Glasgow and the 35-minute ferry to the Isle of Bute for Mount Stuart.
- Day 8
Return to Edinburgh
Breakfast on board as the train travels back to Edinburgh, where the journey ends.
Excursions and timings can change at the operator's discretion; the confirmed itinerary is sent before departure.
- Forth Bridge and the east coast
- Plockton and Ballindalloch Castle
- Royal Yacht Britannia
- Morar Sands, Glenfinnan and Mount Stuart
A day aboard
Days follow an unhurried rhythm: a full Scottish breakfast, a two-course lunch and afternoon tea on scenic runs, then a three-course dinner with cheeseboard, coffee and petits fours. Dinners alternate between informal evenings (smart casual) and formal or gala nights, when a dark suit, tuxedo or kilt is customary for gentlemen and a cocktail dress or tartan for ladies. All meals, all drinks — including an extensive whisky selection — excursions and nightly entertainment in the Observation Car are included in the fare. Most evenings the train stables in a quiet country station, so you sleep to stillness rather than motion.
Other journeys
Grand Tour of Scotland
Seven nights from the far north to the Borders: Glenmorangie, a day on Orkney at Skara Brae, a full day on the Isle of Skye, Royal Deeside, St Andrews, Loch Lomond and a gala dinner at Drumlanrig Castle.
View itinerary →
Grand Western Scenic Wonders (Westbound)
Seven nights joining the West Highland and Highland journeys: Morar, Mount Stuart, a morning in Edinburgh, Plockton or Eilean Donan, Ballindalloch Castle, Rothiemurchus and Glamis Castle.
View itinerary →
Taste of the Highlands
Two nights up Scotland's east coast and into the Highlands: Rothiemurchus Estate in the Cairngorms, a private tour of Culloden Battlefield and an evening at Strathisla Distillery.
View itinerary →Ready to reserve Grand Western Scenic Wonders (Northbound)?
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