The Jacobite passing over Glenfinnan Viaduct
If you’d rather travel around Scotland in comfort, then you are in luck, as the nation is home to some of the world’s best train journeys, which wend their way through its stunning scenery.Scotland is welcoming a wave of new hotels and holiday homes this year. Here are eight of the best. Here are three unmissable trips: The Flying Scotsman Centenary
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Flying Scotsman train, and there is a programme of events running all year around Britain. Visit railwaymuseum. org.uk to find the nearest one to you. If you want to catch the UK’s most famous locomotive in Scotland, then head to Aviemore, in the Cairngorms National Park, in September. The train will be part of the Steam Gala at Strathspey Railway and open for visitors to board. It will also run tours on the 20-mile stretch of track.
◆ strathspeyrailway.co.uk
The Jacobite steam train
Another fabulous Scottish journey is on board The Jacobite, which makes daily 84-mile round trips from Fort William to Mallaig. On its way it crosses the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct, which was made famous by the Harry Potter films. The end of the line is the busy fishing port of Mallaig, where you can catch a ferry to Skye. The service runs until the end of October.
◆ westcoastrailways.co.uk
The Royal Scotsman
The super-luxury Royal Scotsman is a destination in itself, with carriages that emulate the golden age of train travel (below). There is a variety of trips on offer, from the two-night Taste of the Highlands to the week-long Grand Western Scenic Wonders. As well as enjoying the ride, tours also include excursions. Gourmets will also like the new A Taste of Scotland getaway, with Michelinstarred chef Tom Kitchin, in September.
◆ belmond.com
