Luxury on rails
through the Highlands
Scotland, UK
© Belmond
Atmospheric music playing as you board the sleek carriages, local delicacies on tap for you to try and dramatic scenery right outside the window. Yes, we are talking about the train ride of your dreams and, no, it doesn’t run to Venice (and there are no murderers on board). This is the Royal Scotsman, the most luxurious train in the British Isles and one of our favourite railway journeys. Come aboard and we’ll show you why.
The Royal Scotsman (a Belmond train) runs along twelve different routes lasting from two to seven nights. Its season is only from April to October and each trip has a maximum of 40 passengers so it’s best to book ahead.
Slow but
so splendid
Slow but
so splendid
There’s something deliciously romantic about train travel. A sense of nostalgia combined with slow travel at its finest makes every moment on board a delight. What we loved most about the Royal Scotsman was that no matter which route you take, you’re guaranteed to get very attentive service, exceptional food and captivating excursions. This isn’t just a posh way to get from A to B, it’s an experience in itself, one that combines opulence with adventure. And you can feel that the moment you board the train in Edinburgh to the sound of bagpipes. It’s almost as if you’re being treated like royalty aboard the Royal Scotsman.
Go west or east?
Twelve routes covering the best of the Scottish Highlands but which one do you choose? Just ask us and we’ll find the right one for you. Go west if you want to travel over the iconic Harry Potter bridge, known in real life as the Glenfinnan Viaduct (hint: it’s really worth it!), or see the stunning scenery around Ben Nevis and Fort William. Or take the eastern route across the impressive Forth Bridge to rugged Cairngorms National Park and one of Britain’s most scenic railway lines to Kyle of Lochalsh.
Either way, the most frequent itineraries are two-, three- or four-nights trips but you could even combine west and east in a seven-night grand scenic tour. Those don’t happen too often and sell out quickly so plan ahead. Or you could plump for one of the specialist itineraries, such as the malt whisky tour with its private visits to distilleries and tutored tastings. Maybe you want to dive deeper into Scottish heritage and learn about the clans and castles across this fascinating nation.
Indulgence on wheels
Indulgence on wheels
This is no ordinary night train. It feels more like a country house hotel that moves around, cocooning you in pure luxury as you travel through Scotland. Cabins with ensuite bathrooms are compact (they are on a train, after all) but very elegant and exceedingly comfy with tweed and tartan furnishings. You could splash out on a spacious grand suite, which comes with butler service and optional in-room dining. And everyone can enjoy the Observation Car: we loved watching the outside world go by from the plush seats or open-air veranda. There’s even a spa (yes, also on board the train) for complete relaxation.
Gourmet on the go
Gourmet on the go
There used to be a joke in Britain that the worst food you could get was on a train, the infamous British Rail sandwich. The Royal Scotsman is the polar opposite of that. The food is fantastic, with everything cooked and baked on board using local produce – expect exquisite salmon and venison. The two restaurant cars are stylishly decorated with mahogany panelling though you may only have eyes for the scenery beyond the picture windows. Not forgetting that over 60 whiskies are on hand for you to sample a wee dram. Evenings are rounded off with top musical entertainment, from traditional Scottish ceilidh to international artists.
Going off the rails
Going off the rails
You could view the Royal Scotsman as an exclusive cruise that happens to take place on land. It not only goes through landscapes that roads can’t reach but every day also brings new adventures. Typically, you disembark twice a day for off-train visits to historic castles or fishing trips, maybe play a round of golf or venture out on a guided hike. These private tours might also have you clay-pigeon shooting in a grand estate, stargazing without light pollution or even wild swimming in a loch (not for the faint-hearted). It’s definitely more than just a train ride.
Written by: Enzo Marraffino on 11 December 2023
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