See Scotland’s Most Scenic Train Trip, Across The Highlands

Scotland is an incredibly beautiful country and one of the best ways to see all of the stunning sights is by train! West Highland Railway Line gives locals and tourists the opportunity to travel the gorgeous scenery in a comfortable and luxurious train car. 

The West Highland Line departs Glasgow, travels far into the untamed west coast, and is widely regarded as the most picturesque rail excursion in the globe. Take the West Highland Line to Mallaig to cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which served as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies.

A Youtube video gives us an inside look at what it would be like to travel on this train… from the comfort of our own homes! A Great Scenic Rail Journey takes passengers via Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and north along the west coast.

At Crianlarich, the line divides, taking travelers either across Loch Awe to Oban or high up to Rannoch Moor, into the isolated countryside, and on to Fort William and Mallaig. DownieLive, the Youtuber filming, is on a train that reaches the highest elevation in Scotland! 

​​Highlands, lochs with sheer sides, and heather moors will be encountered as the train cross this intimidating terrain. Watch for red deer that may be partially concealed in the vegetation or silhouetted against a nearby skyline. A few of the smallest, most isolated stations on the line will pass in front of guests; there are only a few buildings there for miles. 

Two Train Options

Serco’s Caledonian Sleeper, a sleeper train that travels from London Euston to Fort William, requires previous reservations. On Saturday evenings, this train doesn’t really operate. At Edinburgh Waverley, passengers who want to use the seated accommodations on the train must switch carriages. 

Between June and October, the Jacobite steam train travels between Fort William and Mallaig. The Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston is connected to the train that departs Fort William at 10:20 AM. The train then returns to Fort William at 4:00 PM. This gives you an hour and a half to explore Mallaig.

The top comment on the video praises how lovely the Scottish countryside is. They say, “Oh my gosh, just realized I live in the most beautiful country in the world, the best 11 minutes and 54 seconds I’ve had in years.”

We couldn’t agree more! Whether it’s the lush, rolling hills or the detailed architecture along the way, there is so much to see on the West Highland Railway Line. Now all that’s left to do is book a ticket! Alternatively, you could simply sit back and click play on the video below! 

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