Belmond Royal Scotsman: Western Scenic Wonders

Begin in style with a night at the Balmoral, the city’s landmark Victorian railway hotel where kilted doormen usher guests into a world of Michelin-starred dining, afternoon teas and spa treatments. Not only will you be perfectly poised for tomorrow’s departure from next-door Waverly Station, but you’ll have all of the Scottish capital’s delights within easy reach, from the Royal Botanic Garden to the imposing castle, whose history dates back to the Iron Age.

Stay: The Balmoral Hotel (Deluxe)

After some time to explore the city further, you’ll board the Belmond Royal Scotsman early this afternoon, your personal steward pointing you between everything from the spa carriage and observation car to the open bar and your en-suite cabin. Delightfully evocative of baronial Scotland, it all comes wrapped in lacquer-polished panelling and warm fabrics. Today’s route will bring you out west, following the Firth estuary through the Lowlands and the historic town of Falkirk, arriving at Craigendoran and the start of the impossibly scenic West Highland Line. Here, you’ll celebrate views of Loch Lomond with an afternoon tea onboard before climbing up through the waterfall-dotted Glen Falloch to spend the night in the quaint village of Spean Bridge. Its riverside setting is the perfect backdrop for an informal dinner and entertainment, served up in the observation car. Think seasonal Scottish seafood and game, proceeded by the likes of local musicians.

Stay: The Belmond Royal Scotsman (Deluxe)

Continuing west to views of mighty Ben Nevis, you’ll begin today with the first of your indulgent breakfasts in the restaurant car – the full Scottish is a particular highlight. You’ll then disembark at the pretty fishing village of Arisaig for a stroll along its white-sand beach to enjoy views of the Isle of Skye’s cragged Cullin Mountains. Lunch is then served as you retrace your way to Fort William, the West Highlands’ largest town, before you have the option of either a walk to Glen Nevis’s spectacular Steall Waterfall or tea at Inverlochy’s 13th-century castle and a guided visit to Glenfinnan’s Jacobite monument. It’s framed by dramatic Highlands scenery. Back on the train, an informal dinner is served as you travel south to the Bridge of Orchy – a historic riverside hamlet. Perhaps cap it all off with a nightcap at the bar, while enjoying tonight’s evening entertainment.

Stay: The Belmond Royal Scotsman (Deluxe)

Between a breakfast and lunch of yet more Scottish fineries, prepared by chefs out of Michelin-starred restaurants, you’ll explore the charming Isle of Bute. Here, idyllic coastal scenery backdrops stunning Victorian architecture. You’ll visit a prime example in Mount Stuart – a Gothic mansion with arguably Scotland’s finest privately held collection of family portraits. Your expert-led guided tour will bring it all to life. Returning to the train at Wemyss Bay, you’ll be treated to a formal celebration dinner as you continue on to the historic town of Kilmarnock.

Stay: The Belmond Royal Scotsman (Deluxe)

As you travel back through the Lowlands you’ll be served a final gourmet breakfast before you arrive back into Edinburgh to make your onwards journey. As always, our UK specialists will be more than happy to tailor something exactly to your taste, from a final night in the Scottish capital to expert-led tours of the city’s historic treasures.