Jaw dropping landscapes, beautiful cities, mouth-watering whisky and delightful residents; what is not to love about Scotland? Visiting this epic land and uncovering its endless treasures should be top of any explorer’s bucket list. Discovering Scotland’s rugged wilderness, undulating heather moorlands and dramatic lochs is even better from the comfort of a train carriage, which guarantees an exhilarating, once in a lifetime adventure.
Where to Start?
The West Highland Line stretches from the cultural gem of Glasgow to the charming fishing village of Mallaig. Parts of the journey are only accessible by rail and the route encompasses numerous wonders that range from the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct of Harry Potter fame to the breathtaking natural beauty of Loch Lomond.
“This unforgettable voyage is littered with treasures, from tiny stations to soaring mountains.”
Planning Ahead
Predicting the Scottish weather is rather simple: prepare for the worst and prepare to be wet. However, travellers should not be put off by opting to undertake the West Highland trail during the colder winter months, as experiencing tempestuous storm clouds drifting across snow-capped peaks holds its own unique enchantment. Tickets should be booked in advance if possible unless you are selecting an off-peak departure time, i.e. midweek, outside of school holidays, will provide a greater opportunity to discover the sights in total peace and comfort.
Practical Info
The train winds north along the west coast from Glasgow and splits at Crianlaric. The first ventures west, past Loch Awe and culminates at Oban, which provides further onward possibilities over water to Mull and the Outer Hebrides. The second option travels northwards, through Fort William and onto Mallaig, which takes approximately five and a half hours, runs three times a day and costs around £60 for an anytime return ticket.
Highlights
This unforgettable voyage is littered with treasures, from tiny stations to soaring mountains. Some of the line’s best bits include:
- Loch Lomond – Britain’s largest lake
- Cobbler – Incredible views of one of Scotland’s most recognisable mountains
- Glenfinnan Viaduct – Railway architecture at its most magical
- Corrour – The UK’s most remote train station
- Monessie Gorge – A bubbling spectacle of scenic delight.
