A circular rail routing through the weekend will encompass the ever changing and colourful English and Scottish landscape sliding past your carriage window, complemented by an informative printed journey guide.

Each day’s itinerary is outlined on the following page and there is a choice of comfortable seating (see below) and onboard catering to give you a most relaxing weekend.

Photographic stops are included each day.

 

THE JOURNEY

SATURDAY

Our adventure commences by heading northwards along the West Coast Mainline through the Cumbrian Fells to Carlisle for an early afternoon short break, then continue over Beattock Summit into the upper Clyde Valley before reaching Scotland’s central belt. On through Stirling and Perth to Dundee where we then follow the eastern seaboard before grandly arriving into ABERDEEN in the evening at 1940hrs.

 

SUNDAY

An expected 08.30 start from the ‘Granite City’ and our special train now forges west through the rolling hills of the Aberdeen, Banff, Moray and Nairn Shires, passing settlements like Inverurie, Keith, Elgin and Forres, to arrive into INVERNESS  lunchtime for a two hour break in the ‘Capital of the Highlands’.

Resuming our journey the direction swings south to take us on an afternoon journey along the undulating Highland Main Line, up and over the high Slochd and Drumochter summits to Perth, then a reversal to gain the eastern coastal route onto Aberdeen [arrive around 19.30] to complete the days picturesque and circular journey around the Grampian Mountains massif.

 

MONDAY

Departing Aberdeen at 08.00, we head southward via Montrose to Dundee to the take the famous 2.75 mile Firth of Tay Bridge into the Kingdom of Fife, followed by a journey along the newly reopened branch line to LEVEN as a definite highlight. 

Continuing south we pass coastal Kirkcaldy before crossing the mighty Forth Rail Bridge and thence through historic Edinburgh. The East Coast Main Line route then takes us south with more coastal scenery by way of Berwick-upon-Tweed to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, then on through Durham and York.

To regain our pick-up stations we will now steer across West Yorkshire and through the Pennine Hills via Diggle (subject to pathing) to reach Stockport, then transit the Potteries to Stafford and back to Taunton to complete the itinerary.

What a weekend it will be!

 

ON TRAIN CATERING

PREMIER DINING – will include a service of Full Cooked Breakfast each day, Light luncheon Saturday, a full Luncheon Monday and Evening Dinner Saturday and Sunday.

FIRST CLASS – features an included hot drink and filled roll in the morning and a sweet treat and hot drink during the afternoon. The buffet is available for additional purchases.

STANDARD CLASS – has an optional buffet open throughout each day, with a selection of hot and cold drinks, confectionery, sandwiches and hot snacks.

 

ABERDEEN OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION [not included in the fare]

There is a good selection of three and four star hotels within reasonable walking distance of Aberdeen railway station, as well as Guest Houses and B & B’s.

The Aberdeen Douglas Hotel [3*] is offering a £65 single room / £75 double or twin room only rate per night if ‘Event Rail Rate’ is quoted through reservations@aberdeendouglas.com 

 

TRAIN TRACTION

The Class Fifty Alliance have graciously made available two of their classic locomotives to head the ‘Grampian Highlander’ north of Gloucester. A GBRf locomotive will fill in south of there. It is planned that the 50s will be resplendent in newly applied BR large logo livery.

Guaranteed Table for Two seats are available in First Class and Premier Dining at a supplement of £100 per person.

Customers will be able to relax in the luxury of classic 1970’s MK2 carriages throughout the journey.

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