Travel

[Oznell]

House and Garden UK has a feature on trains, and boy, the Royal Scotsman sounds like a throwback to luxurious, leisurely travel.  What a way to visit the Scottish Highlands, if you can manage the no-doubt hefty freight!

They have all different kinds of excursions-- this is map shows one of them-

The "doll house" aspect of train living fascinates so many people, including me, so I had to get a look at the cars.

The cabins are so cozy and atmospheric.  I wonder where they got the wood from-- it looks like it must have been reclaimed from an old house or hotel?  Or, indeed, maybe this is refurbished from this very train?

The whole thing is moodily Victorian-- you almost expect to meet Sherlock Holmes in a long passage way...

But there are surprisingly modern conveniences too, like a mini-spa-- 

 

But of course, dining car experiences are the highlight of this kind of train--

And the various observation cars look like nice spots from which to observe the passing scenery--

Various sights along the routes:

I think it's neat that it's a "whole experience"--  they stop for tours of castles and houses, for fishing in Scotland's renowned waters, for all kinds of exploration.  For me, that would keep at bay any slightly claustrophobic feelings of being in small spaces! 

You almost can't be an old movie fan, and not love the trains of old, with their mystery and romance.  Nice to see a few companies are maintaining the tradition.

[Patriot3]

That looks luxurious and would be quite a lovely experience!  Thanks for the pics.

[LindaSal]

@Oznell I have been fortunate to visit Scotland twice and I have read about this train.

DH and I were recently discussing possibly doing this in the next couple of years.  I would love this type of trip, how different and exciting   Thanks for posting!

[vermint]

@Oznell  Just...WOW! Thanks for the pictures @Oznell ...I didn't know such a train existed.

[PA Mom-mom]

Very romantic, but I immediately feel claustrophobic. That's just me. I'm a sucker for all that rich wood panelling, but I'd prefer it in a spacious hotel room. Also, that crazily tattooed hand seems rather out of place in such an elegant setting. 

[Judaline]

@Oznell  I could live on that train 

[PamfromCT]

@Oznell, Thank you for this glimpse into a fairy tale trip.  But I cannot imagine what the price is!  Not that I have any plans.

[PMG055]

Is that Balmoral there amongst the hills?

[We rescue cats]

When travel was elegant and memorable. Many years ago I did a 2 night trip on the Orient Express . . . OMG what a revelation of days gone by. 

[Imaoldhippie]

what fun this would be.  I would feel like I was on Murder On The Orient Express.  I would love that.