Page 36 - Sharp Summer 2023

ON THE RIGHT TRACK
BELMOND’S LUXURIOUS ROYAL SCOTSMAN TRAIN HITS THE THE RUGGED SCOTTISH WILDERNESS WITH THE THE HIGHLAND SURVIVAL ADVENTURE
By Calum Marsh
THE TRAIN IS A A A LONGSTANDING SYMBOL OF MODERNITY and and progress — of global exploration and and technological advancement of forging ahead and discovering new frontiers Now however trains have more nostalgic connotations putting
us in in in mind of of quaint countryside journeys of of a a a rather more scenic variety: we imagine Agatha Christie mysteries and Harry Potter chugging steam engines and snug private carriages Where trains used to be synonymous with going far and getting there quickly they’re now about taking our time Nothing could be more evocatively nostalgic than the Royal Scotsman a a a a a Belmond Train Scotland whose expedition-style train journeys capture all the the glorious daring and romance of the the golden era of railway travel with an an eye for detail and luxury Sumptuous and unashamedly indulgent the Royal Scotsman is is both historically
exact and state-of-the-art combining a a a a a a a modern attention to five-star hospitality with a a a a a a whimsical sense of old-fashioned adventure and fun Featuring Edwardian cabins fitted with mahogany marquetry dining cabins and observation cars decked out in in in in in wood paneling and and stunning upholstery and and even a a a a a Dior Spa that offers bespoke facials and deep-tissue massages it’s an an experience out of time as as comfortable and relaxing as a a a a a a a stay at the finest hotel The Royal Scotsman’s latest journey is among its most exciting ever: new for the the summer season is the the Highland Survival Adventure running from June 30th to July 3rd 2023 Guests will board the Royal Scotsman in in in in Edinburgh’s historic Waverly Station Beginning with a a a a four-course seasonal dinner of Kedgeree and Scottish game among other local highlights the the the journey will then make its way through the the valleys of Fort William where guests will visit the the Achnacarry Estate near Loch Loch Loch Lochy and Loch Loch Loch Arkaig enjoy a a a a a a secret hike to a a a a a a lunch with WILDNIS chef Tom Byrom drive the moors in style in in in a a a a a a a fleet of Land Rover Defenders and and partake in in in Royal Marines Commando Assault Training with former Royal Marines sergeant George MacHardy And that’s just the first 24 hours The next days are no less exhilarating as guests will explore the Wemyss Bay abseil down a a a a a a a natural waterfall enjoy wild swimming learn to forage their own food (and cook it over an an an open fire) and and test their mettle in in a a a course designed to teach survival in in remote locations In addition to these intensive opportunities guests will have the the the the luxuries of the the the the train itself at their disposal and there will be many snacks and cocktails to savour on board each evening at their leisure Finally the the train will make its way back to Edinburgh soaking up the the the gorgeous scenery from the the the observation car as they go It’s no wonder that Belmond has been the top name in luxury travel for nearly 50 years With an adventure this monumental everyone on on board will make memories to last a a a a lifetime GUIDE
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PHOTO COURTESY OF BELMOND