Northern Belle West Highland Lunch
Luxury trainScottish Highlands

Northern Belle West Highland Lunch

Edinburgh Park and Glasgow → West Highland Line circular
Photo: Rob Hodgkins, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • SeasonSpring and autumn
  • RunsSelected dates; next Wednesday 21 October 2026
  • DurationFull day (about 8 h on board)
  • TractionDiesel (West Coast Railways Class 57)
  • OperatorNorthern Belle

Seven-course lunch aboard the Northern Belle along the West Highland Line past Loch Lomond and Rannoch Moor, from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

This is the Northern Belle at its most scenic. Departing Edinburgh Park at 10:05 and Glasgow's Maryhill and Dalmuir stations later in the morning, the train follows the West Highland Line up the shore of Gare Loch and Loch Long, along Loch Lomond and through Crianlarich and Tyndrum, climbing towards Rannoch Moor before returning south in the afternoon.

On board, passengers are welcomed with champagne, canapes and caviar blinis, then served a seven-course lunch of British seasonal produce with a bottle of wine per couple, a cheese board with port and Fortnum & Mason tea. Strolling musicians move through the carriages.

The train's 1930s style Pullman carriages include Duart, formerly part of the Royal Train. Moet & Chandon and Krug upgrades add premium champagne and reserved seating in the heritage carriage.

Which side to sit

Edinburgh Park and Glasgow → West Highland Line circular

Gare Loch and Loch Long are on the left, while Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond are on the right heading north.

Either side3 sights on the left · 3 on the right
  1. 0mi
    StationEdinburgh Park
  2. 12mi
    CastleLinlithgow PalaceRuined royal palace above Linlithgow Loch
  3. 42mi
    StationMaryhillGlasgow pick-up
  4. 48mi
    StationDalmuirGlasgow pick-up
  5. 54mi
    CastleDumbarton RockCastle on the volcanic plug by the Clyde
  6. 62mi
    StationHelensburgh Upper
  7. 64mi
    LochGare LochThe line runs high above the eastern shore
  8. 72mi
    LochLoch LongSea loch below the line towards Arrochar
  9. 79mi
    StationArrochar & Tarbet
  10. 81mi
    LochLoch LomondThe line follows the western shore to Ardlui
  11. 83mi
    MountainBen Lomond3,196 ft, across the loch
  12. 87mi
    StationArdlui
  13. 95mi
    Junction · on the lineCrianlarich
  14. 100mi
    StationTyndrum UpperOperator does not publish the turning point

Sides are given facing the direction of travel. Miles are approximate from the start of the journey.

Upcoming dates

DateFromTractionStatus
Thu 10 Jun 2027
10:05
Glasgow Central
Picks up at: Glasgow. Provisional timings.
Heritage diesel On sale

On board

  • Dining
  • Premier dining

Highlights

  • Loch Lomond and Loch Long
  • Rannoch Moor approaches
  • Seven-course lunch with champagne reception
  • Royal Train carriage Duart

Classes of travel

Standard Northern BelleMoet & Chandon ClassKrug Class
Before you book: charter trains depend on locomotive availability and Network Rail engineering work. Steam can be swapped for diesel at short notice, so check the operator’s terms for what happens then. When you book, ask for a seat on the side we recommend: most operators allocate seats but will note a preference.

Frequently asked questions

What is the dress code?

Smart casual with comfortable shoes.

Does the train stop anywhere?

It is a scenic dining circular; there is no lengthy stop off the train.

Are there other Scottish dates?

Yes, the Northern Belle runs regularly from Edinburgh and Glasgow; see the search page.

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