Departing From

  • Stevenage,
  • Hitchin,
  • St Neots,
  • Huntingdon,
  • Peterborough,
  • Grantham,
  • Newark Northgate,
  • Retford,
  • Doncaster,
  • York

We are delighted to present a three day weekend break to the Highlands of Scotland at this most dramatic and beautiful time of year – The journey will be over the entire length of the world famous West Highland line, featuring some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland crossing magnificent bridges and viaducts with our train climbing high into the mountains offering views of tumbling waterfalls, peaceful lochs and the prospect of snow covered mountains as they glisten in winter sunlight. Accommodation for 2 nights will be in quality 3-star hotels in the Fort William area.

TRAVEL TIMINGS*

STATION DEPARTS RETURNS
Stevenage 05.40 00.30
Hitchin 05.50 00.15
St Neots 06.15 23.50
Huntingdon 06.25 23.40
Peterborough 06.40 23.20
Grantham 07.10 22.50
Newark Northgate 07.35 22.25
Retford 08.05 21.55
Doncaster 08.35 21.25
York 09.05 20.50

PLEASE NOTE *
All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.

Journey Itinerary

Saturday - 10/04/2021

Our train travels north with splendid views of the Northumberland coast before crossing the border, continuing through the Scottish Lowlands and Edinburgh, thence to Glasgow and along the banks of the River Clyde, where we join the scenic and spectacular West Highland line. Passing Loch Long and Loch Lomond we climb high into the mountains for a memorable journey over the wild expanse of Rannoch Moor with an arrival into Fort William around 20.00.

Sunday - 11/04/2021

‘The Statesman’ departs from Fort William at 09.00 for the magnificent 84-mile round trip through the mountains – Passing Ben Nevis we travel along the shoreline of Loch Eil and at Glenfinnan cross the viaduct featured in the ‘Harry Potter’ movies offering stunning vistas down Loch Shiel and regarded by many as the most spectacular view in Britain. Our train terminates in the pretty fishing port of Mallaig for a short late morning break. We return from Mallaig around 12.00 passing the white sands of Morar and over our outward route with an arrival back in Fort William about 14.00 with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure for sightseeing.

Monday - 12/04/2021

Departing Fort William around 09.00 we travel up the Great Glen, passing the falls of Orchy and through Monessie Gorge, then alongside Loch Treig with stunning views of the Nevis Range and Mamore Mountains. A stop (weather permitting) will be made at the isolated station at Rannoch for a short photographic break with views of the snow-covered mountains – continuing homeward around the Horseshoe Curve and County March summit.

Classes of Travel

Mobility: This tour is not suitable for guests requiring the use of a wheelchair or with severe mobility issues as the platforms at some remote stations in the highlands are much shorter than our train, low, or accessible only by a footbridge or steps and may be snow or ice covered.

First Class - £480 *

Accommodation is in the “Alexandra Hotel” located in the centre of Fort William directly opposite the station and close to the high street with three course dinner on Saturday and Sunday evening, and a full Scottish breakfast on Sunday & Monday served in the hotel restaurant. Complimentary tea/coffee, and light snacks will be served during the journey and a Buffet Bar is available for the sale of hot & cold beverages, light refreshments, and alcoholic drinks.

Pullman Dining - £900 *

Accommodation is in a choice of feature rooms or standard rooms in the “Isles of Glencoe Hotel” or “Ballachulish Hotel” set on the shores of Loch Leven overlooking dramatic Glencoe with Scottish breakfast on Sunday & Monday, on Sunday evening a champagne reception with piper followed by a four-course dinner with wine is served in the hotel restaurant. There is also a coach tour included on Sunday afternoon along the shores of Loch Linnhe to Neptune’s staircase, the Commando Memorial and surrounding area – Included in the meal service on board the train is bucks fizz with breakfast, a glass of chilled champagne and half bottle of wine served with five or seven course luncheon or dinner.

Statesman Rail Crest

English Riviera Statesman

Pullman Class travel started the moment the train stopped at Kidderminster for us to board with a red carpet greeting from the staff. We were guided to our seats and from then on we wanted for nothing. The comprehensive menu was only surpassed by the unbelievable quality of service from the staff, no request was too much for them. We travelled in luxury and were fed beyond belief all the way to Torquay arriving half an hour early. After approximately five hours of sampling the delights of the resort we were met at the station for the return journey with a punctuality rivalling Japanese Railways, oh and the red carpet both off and back on in Torquay.
The return journey was luxury and food for every mile. Dinner started in the West Country and finish in the West Midlands, a magnificent banquet with wonderful service throughout. A journey that you wished would never end, but it had to and yes with a red carpet.
An experience that will never be forgotten and also won't be the last for us with Statesman.

What a truly wonderful day – Dave (Halesowen)

July 27, 2019

Lord of the Isles Statesman

It is the best way to see thecountry. The Pullman carriages are superb, the staff are amazing, nothing is too much trouble and the food is super. We were lucky with the weather so were able to enjoy the whole experience, we had a marvellous time.

A Wonderful Experience – A Houghton

October 21, 2019

Lord of the Isles Statesman

I do like travelling by train anyway, whether it be in the UK, in Europe or in North America, but this Pullman Class 3-day trip to northern Scotland was simply delightful. My wife and I shared a table for 4 with two others, people who were strangers to us as we were to them, and it was certainly a huge piece of luck that we all got on very well indeed together. But even if we had not had such good conversation, that would not have affected the quality of the rest of the experience provided. The total presentation was lovely, starting from the welcome on board, with a beautifully laid table and Buck's Fizz (I was not the only one to say that simple champagne would be fine -- which was immediately provided). Service was immaculate and friendly throughout the 3-day trip. Food was really excellent, and the 7-course lunch on the return trip on Sunday was wonderful. That might sound like a lot, but when spread out gently over 3 hours, it was just a delicious series. The Inverness hotel was one I would be happy to return to, and our 2 nights' stay there was flawless. The intermediate day trip to Eilean Donan castle was the fulfilment of a long-standing wish, and I'm looking forward to a reprise to the Lake District and a 4* hotel.

Such a Charming Experience – Stephen H

October 21, 2019
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