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| The quintessential
Royal Scotsman experience and certainly one of our most popular journeys. After
following the east coast up to Keith you head across to the picturesque west coast
village of Plockton, before making your way to Inverness and then south to Perth.
A private ceilidh at Strathisla and your personal invitation to visit Ballindalloch,
with its magnificent house and gardens, are just two of the highlights. Along
the way there is time and opportunity for fishing, clay pigeon shooting or guided
walking along Caledonian pine forest trails. | | | | |
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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 the market town of Keith for an informal dinner and overnight
stabling. | | |
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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
Invergordon where you will disembark and visit Dalmore Distillery, which has been
in operation on the banks of the Cromarty Firth since 1839.
Returning
to the train, lunch will 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 region. 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 where there is time
afterwards to enjoy a dram or two in the Plockton Hotel, or choose to simply have
a wander through this charming village.
Alternatively,
take the option to visit the majestic Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most
photographed castles. Located on a small tidal island at the meeting point of
three sea lochs, it is an area of exceptional beauty.
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 verandah 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, with 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 we 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 - Dundee
After
breakfast you disembark 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 Scone Palace,
home to the Earls of Mansfield. It's origins date back fifteen hundred years when
Scone was the capital of the Pictish kingdom and the centre of the ancient Celtic
church. It was also once home to the fabled Stone of Destiny, the crowning place
of ancient Scottish Kings. Scone is a unique treasury of furniture, paintings
and porcelain and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and peaceful woodland.
Rejoining
the train in Perth you will enjoy an informal dinner on the move before stabling
for the evening at Dundee. |
Day Five: Dundee - Edinburgh
After breakfast,
the train leaves Dundee 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 your journey ends.Please
note: itineraries are subject to change and full details will be confirmed with
your tickets. | |
Four nights: £TBA
(Prices
are per person and include all table d'hôte meals and accommodation on board
based on two people sharing a twin compartment or one person in a single.)
Supplements:
Single occupancy of twin cabin £TBA | |
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| Timetable:
Day
One: Edinburgh - Keith (Depart 13:21)
Visit Strathisla Distillery &
Scottish Ceilidh
Afternoon tea and Dinner
Day Two: Keith - Kyle of
Lochalsh
Tain - visit Dalmore Distillery
Plockton - boat trip and explore
village
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day: Three Kyle of Lochalsh -
Boat of Garten
Visit Ballindalloch Castle
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day
Four: Boat of Garten - Perth
Rothiemurchus Estate – clay pigeon shooting,
fishing, estate tour
Visit Glamis Castle
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day
Five Perth - Edinburgh
Breakfast
Arrive Edinburgh at 09:43
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| For
reservations, please contact us via email, telephone or fax on the details shown
below: | | | | |
Links
Golf St. Andrews, 7 Pilmour Links, St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 9JG, Scotland
T:
+44 (0)1334 478639, F: +44 (0)1334 474086
E:
info@linksgolfstandrews.com
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