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| On the West Highland
Line, one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, The Royal Scotsman passes
glens, lochs and mountains, steeped in the lore of giants such as Rob Roy McGregor
and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Off train visits, such as to the spectacular, gothic
Mount Stuart House, are included. Think of the finest country house on wheels,
add in great food, conversation and sunsets over unforgettable landscapes, and
you have a taste of the Royal Scotsman. | | | | |
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Day One: Edinburgh - Spean Bridge
The Royal Scotsman departs from Edinburgh early afternoon and heads west through
Falkirk, Clydebank and Dumbarton to skirt Glasgow and so reach 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. Loch Long comes into sight to your left, and after vanishing
for a while, returns with a view of Ben Arthur (The Cobbler) with its distinctive
peak.
Passing Arrochar you will get 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.
As you continue north you will pass
through Crianlarich and Bridge of Orchy. There are spectacular views of Rannoch
Moor before arrival in Spean Bridge where the train stables overnight. After a
formal dinner you will enjoy entertainment in the observation car. |
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Day Two: Spean Bridge – Bridge of Orchy
Breakfast is served as your journey continues west, passing through Fort William
with views of Ben Nevis (Britain's highest mountain). Travelling by the side of
Loch Eil you then travel to Glenfinnan Monument with Ray Owens, a hsitoric storyteller.
At the monument Ray will explain the history surrounding the area, followed by
afternoon tea in the Factors Inn.
Alternatively
guests can choose to do the walk to Steall Waterfall with a mountain ranger. This
is a moderate grade walk and requires guests to have good sturdy walking boots
and waterproof clothing. The Steall Waterfall is the 2nd highest in the UK and
is surrounded by some spectacular scenery.
Guests
then head to Lochailort, before turning north along this stunning coastline until
reaching Arisaig. Here you can disembark for a romantic walk along the beautiful
Morar Sands, a magnificent expanse of gleaming white sand, where you can enjoy
excellent views across the Sound of Sleat to the beautiful Isle of Skye with its
awe-inspiring Cuillin Mountains.
Rejoining
the train, your lunch is served as the train retraces the route towards Fort William.
Here you will be guided around the town on an historical tour by a familiar face,
giving you the perfect opportunity to admire and absorb the breathtaking local
scenery and fascinating highland culture.
After
your guided tour you will return to the train and enjoy an informal dinner as
you head south towards Bridge of Orchy where the train stables overnight. |
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Day Three: Bridge of Orchy - Wemyss Bay
Leaving Bridge of Orchy this morning enjoy breakfast en route south towards Glasgow
and Gourock. At Wemyss Bay, board the ferry across to the Isle of Bute. The island
embraces a variety of landscapes; seashore, moorland, farmland and forest. The
natural history, geography, geology and ancient history of the island are revealed
at every turn. From St Blane's Chapel at the south of the island to the abandoned
townships in Glen More at the north, it seems that every stone has its tale to
tell.
Mount Stuart is Britain's most spectacular
Victorian Gothic house. This was the architectural fantasy of the 3rd Marquess
of Bute and his architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. Stunning, mysterious interiors
reflect the romantic and scholarly Marquess' passion for art, heraldry, astrology,
mythology and religion. At Mount Stuart, there is arguably the finest privately
held collection of family portraits in Scotland.
Following
your afternoon tea, you will have time to explore this magnificent house, its
tranquil Rock Garden, the Wee Garden containing rare plants from the southern
hemisphere, the Kitchen Garden and the Victorian Pinetum. The Limetree Avenue
leads you to a secluded stretch of coastline and one of the most beautiful beaches
in Scotland.
You return to the mainland and
rejoin the train in Wemyss Bay where a formal dinner is served and the train stables
for the night. |
Day Four: Wemyss Bay - Edinburgh
You
depart Wemyss Bay this morning and enjoy breakfast as you travel east towards
Edinburgh where your journey ends.
Please note:
itineraries are subject to change and full details will be confirmed with your
tickets. | |
Three 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 - Spean Bridge (Depart 13:32)
Afternoon tea & Dinner
Day
Two:
Spean Bridge - Taynuilt
Walk along Morar Sands
Cruise on Loch
Linnihe
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Three:
Taynuilt -
Wemyss Bay
Visit Isle of Bute and Mount Stuart
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day
Four:
Wemyss Bay - 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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