Grand North Western Journey

Your Journey

GRAND NORTH WESTERN JOURNEY

8 Days / 7 Nights

ITINERARY

Day 1

The train departs from Edinburgh in the early afternoon and heads west through Falkirk, to reach Craigendoran the starting point for the West Highland Line, while guests enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea.

Spot the distinctive peak of Ben Arthur and soon you also catch a first glimpse of Loch Lomond.

After climbing up the waterfall-rich Glen Falloch, the train continues north to the village of Spean Bridge for the night.

Enjoy a splendid formal dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car.

Day 2

As the train travels west, passing through Fort William, don’t miss the views of Ben Nevis. Travelling by the side of Loch Eil you then pass Glenfinnan, with its impressive curved viaduct, and Lochailort, before turning north along this dramatic coastline to Arisaig.

Disembark here for a leisurely walk along the beautiful Morar Sands, with breath-taking views across the Sound of Sleat to the Isle of Skye with its distinctive Cuillin Mountains.

Back on board, lunch is served as the train retraces its route towards Fort William.

Disembark here and enjoy a visit to historic Glenfinnan in the company of our Highlander who brings to life the stories of Scottish heroes before afternoon tea. Alternatively, a guided hike is available (weather permitting). A mountain ranger guides you through the scenic Nevis Gorge to The Steall Waterfall.

Return to the train in Fort William and relax on board before an informal dinner is served as you travel south towards the tiny Argyll village of Bridge of Orchy.

Afterwards, enjoy a nightcap whilst listening to the evening entertainment in the Observation Car.

Day 3

Today's destination is the charming Isle of Bute, reached by ferry.

The island is rich in geology, history and wildlife, with a varied landscape to explore.

Guests enjoy a fascinating visit to Mount Stuart, a Victorian Gothic house with arguably the finest privately held collection of family portraits in Scotland.

Return to the train for a formal dinner and overnight on board.

Day 4

After an early departure from Gourock this morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you travel east towards Edinburgh where this first part of your Grand North Western journey draws to an end in Waverley Station.

Spend the morning in Edinburgh by joining a guided tour and enjoying a light lunch before returning to the train for the next part of your journey.

The train pulls out of the station in the early afternoon and travels north, crossing the Firth of Forth via the Forth Railway Bridge.

It then proceeds through Fife towards the city of Perth – during which you are served a leisurely afternoon tea – passing Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in the market town of Keith.

In the evening enjoy an informal dinner and perhaps a nightcap with your fellow guests in the Observation Car.

Day 5

Enjoy breakfast as the train leaves Keith and heads west along Moray Firth towards Inverness, capital of the Highlands.

Lunch is served as the train heads towards Kyle of Lochalsh on what is arguably the most scenic railway route in the UK

Disembark in Plockton - take a boat trip to see wild seals or enjoy a dram and a traditional highland welcome in the Plockton Hotel.

Alternatively, visit Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most iconic sights, and learn how the castle was painstakingly restored to its former glory.

Spend the night on board in Kyle of Lochalsh. Dinner is formal and afterwards there is entertainment in the Observation Car, which offers mesmerising views over Loch Alsh to the Isle of Skye.

Day 6

After breakfast the train heads back towards Dingwall, skirting the Beauly Firth and crossing the top of the Caledonian Canal, north of Loch Ness, before reaching Inverness.

The train continues south to Carrbridge where you will disembark to visit the romantic Ballindalloch Castle and its wonderful gardens.

Options at Balindallocah include a private castle tour, 9 holes of golf on the castle's own course or an exclusive look at what is Scotland's only single estate distillery.

The night is spent on board at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway.

After a formal dinner, our Highlander regales guests with stories of local heroes and their derring-dos, even demonstrating some authentic weaponry.

Day 7

Travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, where activities such as fishing, clay pigeon shooting, or a guided walk through the stunning landscape can be enjoyed.

Rejoin the train at Kingussie where lunch will be served as you journey south through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry to Dunkeld. Here you wil disembark for your visit to Glamis Castle, childhood home of the late HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

Return to the train for a formal dinner and entertainment.

Day 8

Breakfast is served as the train leaves Dundee and crosses the Tay Bridge into the former Kingdom of Fife and on to Edinburgh were your seven night journey ends.

TIMETABLE

DEPARTURE ARRIVAL

Day 1

Edinburgh 1.43pm

Keith 8.27pm

Day 2

Keith 8.36am

Plockton 2.58pm

Day 3

Kyle 08.45am

Carrbridge 3.05pm

Carrbridge 5pm

Boat of Garten 5.50pm

Day 4

Kingussie 12.30pm

Dunkeld 2.25pm

Dunkeld 10pm

Day 5

Dundee 8.07am

Edinburgh 9.50am

Edinburgh 1.51pm

Spean Bridge 8.54pm

Day 6

Spean Bridge 8.23am

Arisag 10.22am

Arisag 12pm

Fort William 1.45pm

Fort William 4.49pm

Bridge of Orchy 8.34pm

Day 7

Bridge of Orchy 7.46am

Gourock 12.15pm

Gourock 5.30pm

Kilmarnock 8.46pm

Day 8

Kilmarnock 5.45am

Edinburgh 9.50am

Timings: All timings shown are for your guidance only. Confirmed timings will be supplied with your travel documents.