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. Covid-19 Social Distancing Seating – Bookings of two passengers will be seated together at a ‘guaranteed window table for two’ with a mandatory supplement of £70 per person charged. Bookings of three or four passengers are seated at a shared table and charged the normal per seat price, with the adjacent table remaining out of use. (Minimum Booking 2 persons)
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. Covid-19 Social Distancing Seating – Bookings of two passengers will be seated together at a ‘guaranteed window table for two’ with a mandatory supplement of £70 per person charged. Bookings of three or four passengers are seated at a shared table and charged the normal per seat price, with the adjacent table remaining out of use. (Minimum Booking 2 persons)
First Class (Travel Only) - £340
In addition to the fully inclusive package we are also able to offer a ‘travel only’ First Class option allowing you the flexibility to arrange your own hotel accommodation. 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. Covid-19 Social Distancing Seating – Bookings of two passengers will be seated together at a ‘guaranteed window table for two’ with a mandatory supplement of £70 per person charged. Bookings of three or four passengers are seated at a shared table and charged the normal per seat price, with the adjacent table remaining out of use. (Minimum Booking 2 persons)
Pullman Dining (Travel Only) - £650
In addition to the fully inclusive package we are also able to offer a ‘travel only’ Pullman Dining option allowing you the flexibility to arrange your own hotel accommodation. 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. Covid-19 Social Distancing Seating – Bookings of two passengers will be seated together at a ‘guaranteed window table for two’ with a mandatory supplement of £70 per person charged. Bookings of three or four passengers are seated at a shared table and charged the normal per seat price, with the adjacent table remaining out of use. (Minimum Booking 2 persons)
