Belmond's Royal Scotsman––a luxury, mahogany-lined sleeper train that treks slowly through the Scottish Highlands––is already well-established as one of the best and most scenic train rides in the world.
Not only is the stunning ride perfected with the constant flow of champagne, single malt, and tartan wool blankets as the train chugs past Scotland's most romantic lochs, castles, and peaks, the ride is also home to Europe's first onboard spa. The Bamford Haybarn Spa Car is a luxury oasis on wheels that offers onboard guests (there's never more than 36) everything from a facial, manicure, massages and the new "B-Silent" treatment designed to relax.
Related: Touring the Picture Perfect Towns of the Scottish Highlands
And now they want to take guests "off the rails and into the wilds of Scotland" with bespoke activities and experiences tailored to individual itineraries. The activities off-board include stargazing under some of the darkest skies in Europe in the Cairngorms; hiking the gorges of Aviemore; canoeing on Loch Ness; clay pigeon shooting at Rothiemurchus Estate or teeing off for golf at some of Scotland’s most famous links courses.
Scottish Adventures
For those with an adrenaline streak, activities now on offer include white water rafting, gorge walking in Aviemore, paragliding in Fort William, or traditional Scottish outdoor pursuits such as clay pigeon shooting, falconry or quad biking at the famed Rothiemurchus Estate. Guests can also choose to make the most of the outdoors and the breathtaking Scottish scenery with active excursion options such as guided cycle tours, guided hikes, and options for running tours.
Take to the Lochs
The lochs of Scotland are an iconic part of the country's scenery and activities include spotting the mythical ‘Loch Ness’ monster on a boat cruise, kayaking in Clachnaharry Works Loch, dolphin-spotting in the Moray Firth or a quiet fishing trip on the Atholl Estate in Pitlochry.
Related: A Look Inside India's Most Luxurious Train, the Maharajas' Express
Scottish Single Malt Tasting Tours
Scotland is known for its whisky distilleries. Belmond Royal Scotsman itself serves over 60 varieties on board. Those with a taste for the finest malts can choose to visit some of the Highland’s best-known distilleries. Including Glen Ord, one of the oldest in Scotland, Glenlivet Distillery, in the Speyside Region; and Tullibardine (pronounced 'tully–bar–dee') Distillery in Blackford village where guests can join a tour led by the distillery's master blender.
Golf Breaks
Golf enthusiasts can choose to add a round of golf into their itinerary with tee times at Gleneagles, Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Castle Stuart Golf Links, and Kingsbarns Golf Links.
Related: This Glass-domed Train Through the Canadian Rockies Is One of the Most Scenic Rides in the World
There are several itineraries and trips available with all-inclusive prices starting at around $4,000 per person.
