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Tours |
You don't simply admire the scenery with The Royal Scotsman, your journey offers plenty of chances to get out and about too. The splendour of The Royal Scotsman's interiors may keep you captivated for hours, but outside the train a whole new world is waiting to be explored.
Our tours are designed to offer a complete experience, introducing guests to unique Highland activities and breathtaking sights. Scheduled stops along your route enable you to enjoy exclusive visits to grand, country estates and castles such as the turreted Ballindalloch or the Gothic Mount Stuart, tour prestigious whisky distilleries or have a go at hunting, fishing or golf in some of the world's most wild and beautiful terrain.
Whisky Galore - On a visit to a Highland distillery you can see the precious "water of life" being made and bottled, and taste a wee dram or two. Guests on the Classic journey, for example, are treated to a fascinating tour of The Dalmore Distillery. Established 170 years ago on the banks of the Cromarty Firth, the distillery uses the purest water, malted barley, yeast and the traditional craft of the stillman to create its award-winning, classic Highland malts, each bearing the emblem of a majestic stag.
Walk on the Wild Side - The train passes through many wild and romantic landscapes: lovers of the great outdoors can do more than simply look out at the view – feel the springy heather beneath your feet and the wind in your hair as you walk to great sights. On the Western Tour, you can ramble through the gorge leading to the Steall waterfall beneath Ben Nevis. Host John Gritten describes it as "truly spectacular, particularly when in full flow and surrounded by wildflowers. Many guests have remarked at the end that it was the most stunning two-hour walk they have ever been on."
By Coasts and Rivers - A variety of excursions bring guests up close to some of Scotland's amazing wildlife. Visitors to Plockton can take a boat trip to see the seals that swim in the loch, as well as otters, porpoises and even dolphins. On the white sandy beach at Morar there is a huge variety of birdlife to spot, and on the beautiful Isle of Bute there are feral mountain goats, buzzards and roe deer.
Angling for Adventure - On the Rothiemurchus Estate – described by Sir David Attenborough as "one of the glories of wild Scotland" – you can try your hand at fishing, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Cairngorm Mountains. From stocked rainbow trout for novices, to salmon and sea trout fishing on the River Spey, or fishing for brown trout and pike in tranquil lochs, there is something for all levels of experience. Other activities you can try on the Estate, visited on the Classic journey, include clay pigeon shooting, deer stalking, hill walking and mountain biking.
For Culture Vultures - Scotland's heritage is a significant part of any journey: guests can explore historic castles and country houses such as Scone Palace, near Perth, formerly the seat of parliaments and crowning place of kings; Mount Stuart, home to the Stuarts of Bute and the most astounding Victorian gothic mansion in Britain; and Edzell Castle, a glorious ruin with a late medieval tower house and immaculate walled garden.
Swing Time - Golf is one of the glories of Scotland, the country where it all began. Guests keen to play on what are some of the world's most celebrated courses can weave a few hours into their itinerary, or head to the fairways before or after their excursion. Special itineraries between great golf courses can be organised for private hire journeys.
Great Gardens - The warm waters of the Gulf Stream create microclimates along the western coast where exotic plants flourish. Other parts of Scotland, too, are home to celebrated gardens in magnificent settings. Visit in spring for exuberant displays of daffodils, crocuses and azaleas right through to autumn, when trees turn red and gold. Exceptional gardens (all visited on the Country Homes and Gardens Tour) include Foulis Castle, Attadale, Logie House and Pitmuies. | | |
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