A Rail Journey through the Scottish Highlands: Belmond Royal Scotsman

Few experiences can compare to traveling through the Scottish Highlands on board the Belmond Royal Scotsman. This luxury train journey offers guests a chance to explore the stunning landscape and rich history of Scotland in style. From the moment you step onboard, you will be pampered with world-class service and amenities. During your journey, you will make several stops at some of the most beautiful locations in Scotland, including Edinburgh, Inverness, and Fort William. So sit back and relax as we take a closer look at this wonderful rail journey!

History of Belmond Royal Scotsman 

The Belmond Royal Scotsman first began operating in the Highlands of Scotland back in 1856. It was originally known as the Highland Railway and was built to connect Inverness with the rest of Scotland. The train soon became very popular with both locals and tourists alike, and it wasn’t long before it underwent a major expansion. In 1923, the Highland Railway was absorbed into the London, Midland, and Scottish Railway.

After World War II, the train fell into disrepair and was in danger of being scrapped. However, in 1986, Belmond (then known as Orient-Express Hotels) took over the Royal Scotsman and completely refurbished it.

Today, the Belmond Royal Scotsman is widely considered to be one of the most luxurious trains in the world. It has been featured in numerous magazines and TV shows, and it continues to be a popular tourist attraction in Scotland.

Journeys

Taste Of The Highlands

This is a two-night journey that departs from Edinburgh and takes you to some of the most beautiful parts of the Scottish Highlands.

• The first day of your journey will take you through Perthshire, where you will make stops at the villages of Birnam and Dunkeld. You will also have the opportunity to visit Scone Palace, the crowning place of Scottish kings.
• On the second day, you will travel through the Cairngorms National Park and stop at the towns of Aviemore and Boat of Garten.
• You will also have the opportunity to go on several excursions, including a distillery tour, a whisky tasting, and a visit to the Highland Wildlife Park.

The cost of this journey starts at £2695 per person.

Grand Tour Of The Highlands

This is a four-night journey that departs from Edinburgh and takes you to some of the most remote parts of the Scottish Highlands.

• On the first day of your journey, you will travel through Perthshire and stop at the towns of Birnam and Dunkeld.
• You will also have the opportunity to visit Scone Palace, the crowning place of Scottish kings.
• On the second day, you will travel through the Cairngorms National Park and stop at the towns of Aviemore and Boat of Garten.
• On the third day, you will travel to the Isle of Skye, where you will stop at the towns of Kyleakin and Portree.
• You will also have the opportunity to go on several excursions, including a distillery tour, a whisky tasting, and a visit to the Highland Wildlife Park.

The cost of this journey starts at £3990 per person.

Western Scenic Wonders

This is a six-night journey that departs from Edinburgh and takes you to some of the most remote parts of the Scottish Highlands.

• On the first day of your journey, you will travel through Perthshire and stop at the towns of Birnam and Dunkeld. You will also have the opportunity to visit Scone Palace, the crowning place of Scottish kings.
• On the second day, you will travel through the Cairngorms National Park and stop at Aviemore and Boat of Garten.
• On the third day, you will continue your journey through the Cairngorms National Park before stopping for the night in Inverness.
• On the fourth day, you will travel to the Isle of Skye, where you will stop at the towns of Kyleakin and Portree. You will also have the opportunity to go on several excursions, including a distillery tour, a whisky tasting, and a visit to the Highland Wildlife Park.
• On the fifth day, you will travel through the Kyle of Tongue before stopping for the night in Ullapool.
• On the sixth and final day of your journey, you will travel through Assynt before returning to Edinburgh.

The cost of this journey starts at £4990 per person.

Scotland’s Classic Splendours

This is an eight-night journey that departs from Edinburgh and takes you to some of the most remote parts of the Scottish Highlands.

• On the first day of your journey, you will travel through Perthshire and stop at the towns of Birnam and Dunkeld. You will also have the opportunity to visit Scone Palace, the crowning place of Scottish kings.
• On the second day, you will travel through Cairngorms National Park and stop at Aviemore and Boat of Garten.
• On the third day, you will continue your journey through the Cairngorms National Park before stopping for the night in Inverness.
• On the fourth day, you will travel to the Isle of Skye, where you will stop at the towns of Kyleakin and Portree. You will also have the opportunity to go on several excursions, including a distillery tour, a whisky tasting, and a visit to the Highland Wildlife Park.
• On the fifth day, you will travel through the Kyle of Tongue before stopping for the night in Ullapool.
• On the sixth day, you will travel to Inverewe Gardens before stopping for the night in Gairloch.
• On the seventh day, you will travel through Torridon before stopping for the night in Plockton.
• On the eighth and final day of your journey, you will return to Edinburgh.

The cost of this journey starts at £5790 per person.

Prices are based on double occupancy and do not include airfare.

Onboard Services

One of the best things about traveling onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman is that you will never be short of things to do. There is a library on board where you can relax with a good book, or you can enjoy a drink in one of the two bar cars. If you’re feeling active, there is also a gym onboard, and you can even take a dip in the pool!

And if you want to learn more about the Scottish Highlands, there are several guided tours available.

Onboard services include:

• Three meals a day, served in the dining car
• Complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day
• An open bar with a selection of alcoholic beverages
• Live entertainment every evening
• A choice of excursions at each stop

Prices

The cost of a journey on board the Belmond Royal Scotsman depends on several factors, including the length of your journey, the time of year, and the type of room you book.

However, prices start at £2695 per person for a two-night journey.

Wild Swimming

One of the best things to do in the Scottish Highlands is to go wild swimming.

There are many beautiful lochs and rivers where you can take a dip, and you can even swim in the sea if you’re feeling brave! If you want to go wild swimming, I would recommend getting a map of the area and planning your route. We would also recommend taking a friend with you, as it can be dangerous to swim alone in remote areas.

Finally, make sure you check the weather forecast before you set off, as the weather in the Highlands can change very quickly. Have you ever been onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman?
Have you ever been wild swimming in the Scottish Highlands? Let us know in the comments below!

Private Party In A Palace On Wheels

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, why not hire the Belmond Royal Scotsman for a private party?

You and your guests will have the entire train to yourselves, and you can even choose your itinerary!The cost of hiring the Belmond Royal Scotsman starts at £10000 per day.

Wake Up Chic In The Scottish Highlands

One of the best things about traveling onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman is that you will never have to worry about finding a place to stay.

You can simply relax in your luxurious cabin and enjoy the stunning scenery as it passes by your window.

And when it’s time for bed, you can sleep soundly in your comfortable bed, knowing that you will wake up refreshed and ready to explore the Highlands tomorrow.

Watch the review of Belmond Royal Scotsman:

Accommodation in Belmond Royal Scotsman 

There are some different types of accommodation available onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, including suites, staterooms, and cabins.

The cost of accommodation depends on several many factors, such as the length of your journey and the time of year.

However, prices start at £995 per person for a two-night journey.

What do travelers say about Belmond Royal Scotsman?

The food was incredible and the staff was so friendly and helpful. The cabins are very comfortable and the views from the train are stunning. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone

Carl, entrepreneur

This was an amazing experience from start to finish. The staff was all incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the food was delicious. The cabins are very comfortable, and the views from the train are simply breathtaking. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone

Sofia, traveler

This trip was everything I hoped for and more. The Belmond Royal Scotsman is a truly unique experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone

Saimon, banker

More info about Belmond Royal Scotsman is on the official website.

Other luxurious trains worldwide you can find there.

Questions about Belmond Royal Scotsman