Grand Taste of the Highlands

This morning, travel the short distance by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, where broadcaster and food anthropologist Ghillie Basan teams with her son Zeki to teach everything you need to know about Scottish wildlife and Highland survival skills.

Enjoy a barbecue lunch served while Ghillie shares the story about how she came to live in the Cairngorms and was elected a Food Ambassador for Scotland. Join her by the fire for an insightful food and kombucha pairing as she showcases the succulent seasonal produce of the Highlands.

Choose from a number of activities, including clay pigeon-shooting, fishing or a guided hike. Alternatively, you can also join Zeki on a guided nature walk with a focus on foraging, storytelling, traditional craft, learning how our ancestors survived through the ages in the Caledonian Forest.

Return to the train in Carrbridge for a relaxing afternoon onboard as the train travels through Inverness and then onto Keith. Enjoy an optional early evening visit to Strathisla Distillery, the oldest and one of the most picturesque working distilleries in the Highlands.

Enjoy a splendid dinner on board, followed by lively Jazz music in the Observation Car.

Breakfast is served as the train leaves Dundee and travels south through the former Kingdom of Fife, back to Edinburgh Waverley Station.

Disembark here for a visit to The Royal Yacht Britannia, berthed in Leith. Enjoy a guided tour of its five regal decks, including the State Apartments, Crew’s Quarters, Engine Room and Bridge. Afterwards, enjoy a light lunch at Brasserie Prince within the Balmoral Hotel or some free time to explore Scotland’s vibrant capital city.

Rejoin the train in the early afternoon and travel west through Falkirk, Clydebank and Dumbarton to skirt Glasgow before reaching 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. Passing Arrochar, you will glimpse 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.

Continuing north, the train passes through Crianlarich, then on to Rannoch Moor, one of the last great wildernesses of Scotland. Dinner is served on the way to Spean Bridge, after which you are invited to the Observation Car to enjoy lively entertainment by local musicians.

The travels west by the side of Loch Eil, before turning north along the dramatic coastline to Arisaig. Alight here for a romantic walk along the Silver Sands of Morar and views across the Sound of Sleat to the Isle of Skye and the jagged Cuillin Mountains.

Lunch is served as the train retraces its route towards Fort William. Disembark here for a fascinating visit to historic Glenfinnan, where you are joined by a local guide, who brings to life stories of Bonnie Prince Charlie and other Scottish heroes. Head to The Old Station Restaurant for drinks and light bites, before walking the very short distance to the train when it arrives into Spean Bridge Station.

Alternatively, a guided hike is available (weather permitting). A mountain ranger will lead a moderate-grade walk through the scenic Nevis Gorge to the Steall Waterfall, the second highest in the UK. Please note that a reasonable level of fitness is required. Sturdy walking boots with a good tread and ankle support, waterproof jacket and suitable trousers are essential. Walking boots and waterproofs can be provided, subject to availability.

Return to the train in Fort William and relax. Dinner is served as you travel south towards the tiny Argyll village of Bridge of Orchy.

Leaving Bridge of Orchy, soak up the dramatic Highland scenery as you journey south towards Glasgow. After lunch, disembark in Wemyss Bay a 35-minute ferry crossing to the Isle of Bute awaits.

Visit Mount Stuart, Britain’s most spectacular Victorian Gothic house and the fantasy of the 3rd Marquess of Bute and his architect, Sir Robert Rowand Anderson.

After enjoying afternoon tea in the Drawing Room, explore the magnificent house and the grounds. Stroll down the Lime Tree Avenue to discover a secluded stretch of coastline and lovely views towards the mainland.

Return to the train in Wemyss Bay, where a delicious gala dinner is served on the way to Kilmarnock, our stabling location for the evening.

After an early departure from Kilmarnock this morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you travel east towards Edinburgh Waverley Station and your Royal Scotsman luxury rail journey ends.