A string of burgundy coaches sails into Edinburgh Waverley to the skirls of pipes. They draw curious looks as they come to a stop, with a red rug rolled out to welcome their guests. You’ll step inside what looks like an Edwardian mansion, where sage green couches are draped in herringbone blankets. Light cream curtains are pulled back to reveal the lowlands as the train heads north toward the Firth. Belmond offers several itineraries, ranging from one to seven days. The two-night Taste of the Highlands Journey is all it takes to see the wildness and beauty of the moors, with their purple heather patches. Deer dart by the River Tay. And the train runs so close to the forests, flooded in lime green light, that the twigs of the trees break off the windows. Inverness offers excursions to Culloden Battlefield, while Rothiemurchus Estate hosts clay pigeon shoots. whiskey-tasting At the Strathisla Distillery, in the town Keith, the air is filled with the scent of malt. There is no dress code and the meals are served at long communal tables. Mark Tamburrini’s executive chef creates a menu that features local ingredients, such as scallops from Kyle of Lochalsh or kippers sourced in Loch Fyne. The highlight of the trip is the observation carriage, located at the end of the train. Passengers can stand outside, with the wind rushing their cheeks, and watch the tracks curve into the sunset.
