Which Is the Best Train Route in Scotland
Scotland is famous for its beautiful landscapes, historic castles, dramatic mountains and beautiful countryside. An amazing way to see them all is on a train! There are many scenic routes to take on the Scottish railways. Travelling on the railways will allow you to see tranquil valleys, sparkling lochs and stunning bridges. Whether you are looking for a relaxing break, romantic retreat or exciting sightseeing trip, taking the train will allow you to take in Scotland’s beautiful scenery. However, which is the best train route in Scotland? Many would agree that the West Highland Line is one of the best options but there are plenty of other great railway routes.
Why Scotland Is Perfect for Scenic Train TravelScotland has many railways routes linking Scotland’s main cities, coastal towns and remote highland areas. Many people visit Glasgow, one of Scotland’s most vibrant cities. Whilst waiting for your train you can enjoy all the local attractions. Glasgow taxi ↗ bookings can be made so you can easily travel between hotels, stations and popular spots. You can take your luggage with you whilst travelling as you don’t need to worry about driving. You’ll be treated to stunning views along the way. Whatever your preference, whether you like dramatic mountains or peaceful coastal villages, you’ll have an amazing journey on the Scottish trains.
West Highland Line: The Best Scenic Train Route in ScotlandThe West Highland Line is often seen as one of the most scenic train journeys in Scotland. Beginning in Glasgow Queen Street and ending in Fort William and Mallaig, this famous train route will take you through some of the most stunning scenery in the country. The route will take you close to Loch Lomond, through the remote Rannoch Moor and into the beautiful Highland scenery. Enjoy the view of the tall mountains, pretty forests and peaceful lochs along the way. The full journey to Mallaig will take around 5.5 hours making it perfect if you’d like to take in some of Scotland’s wild scenery.
Glenfinnan Viaduct: Scotland's Famous Railway LandmarkOne of the highlights of the West Highland Line is Glenfinnan Viaduct. This impressive railway bridge became famous worldwide after being used in the Harry Potter films. Located between Fort William and Mallaig, the view from this incredible railway bridge is absolutely amazing. Take in the view of the mountains and Loch Shiel. As you pass under the arches you can enjoy one of Scotland’s most photographed railway landmarks. The train will continue to show you some beautiful coastal scenery before arriving in Mallaig, a lovely fishing port. This part of the journey will leave a lasting impression on anyone that loves trains, photography and nature.
Glasgow to Oban: A Beautiful Journey Through the HighlandsAnother great train route in Scotland is the Glasgow to Oban route. This is the west branch of the West Highland Line. This scenic railway route will take you through some beautiful scenery including pretty countryside, mountainous valleys and around Loch Awe. Oban is a lovely coastal town with a beautiful harbour, seafood restaurants and ferries to the nearby islands. If you arrive in Glasgow you may want to use a convenient transport service to get to your starting point. Glasgow Chauffeur Hire Services ↗ can take you comfortably between airports, accommodation and your departure point. This route will give you a perfect mix of Highland and coastal scenery.
Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh: A Spectacular Highland RailwayAnother fantastic train route is the Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh route. This will take you through some of Scotland’s most scenic scenery. The journey will take you through remote areas of the Highlands with beautiful mountains, forests and peaceful lochs. As you approach the west coast of Scotland the scenery becomes absolutely stunning. Take in the beautiful views of Loch Carron and surrounding hills. Kyle of Lochalsh is a great place to visit as you can travel to the nearby Isle of Skye. This journey will take around 2 hours and 40 minutes making it perfect for those looking for some dramatic scenery without spending too long on the train.
Edinburgh to Aberdeen: Discover Scotland's Stunning East CoastThis train route will give you a different experience. Rather than seeing remote wild areas of Scotland you’ll enjoy some coastal scenery. You’ll see historic towns and impressive landmarks. One of the highlights of this journey is crossing the famous Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey continues through Fife and Dundee, arriving in Aberdeen which is often referred to as ‘The Granite City’. You’ll enjoy some beautiful views of the coast, countryside and lovely Scottish towns. This is a great train route for those wanting to see some beautiful scenery and explore some cities.Also read :Where Is the Cheapest Town to Live in Scotland
Highland Main Line: Perth to InvernessThe high main line will take you from the centre of Scotland to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. The route will take you through some beautiful scenery with stops in Pitlochry, Blair Atholl and Aviemore. You will enjoy some beautiful views of forests, rolling hills, rivers and impressive mountain scenery. Aviemore is a popular stop as it’s close to Cairngorms National Park. This route will give you a wonderful introduction to Highland scenery and will take you to some important tourist spots. This train route will give you beautiful scenery and easy access to towns.
Best Time of Year to Experience Scotland's Scenic Train JourneysThere are many beautiful train routes in Scotland throughout the year.
Spring – The countryside will be greener and lots of flowers will begin to bloom.
Summer – You’ll have longer days meaning you’ll have longer to enjoy the views of mountains, lochs and coastal areas.
Autumn – The forests and valleys will be beautiful with lots of golden, orange and red colour. Great for photography.
Winter – The snowy mountains can create some stunning scenery. However, there may be disruptions due to extreme weather.
Many people will enjoy visiting during late spring and early autumn.
Essential Tips for Planning a Scenic Train Journey in ScotlandMaking sure you plan ahead will help you have a more comfortable and enjoyable journey. Here are some tips to consider.
Book tickets – You may get better deals on advance tickets for certain routes.
Check timing – Some of the rural routes in the highlands may not run as often as those in cities.
Window seat – Sit by the window to enjoy uninterrupted views of the beautiful scenery.
Extra time – Sometimes there may be delays due to connections and weather.
Camera – There are plenty of great photo opportunities on the railways in Scotland.
Visit local areas – Take a stop in some of the highland towns, coastal villages and historic spots.
Before you travel make sure to check the latest information about the railways. During winter or planned engineering there may be changes.
Which Scottish Train Route Should You Choose?Depending on what you’re interested in will determine which is the best train route for you. The West Highland Line is a great option as it offers a variety of scenery with mountains, lochs, wild scenery and famous landmarks. The Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh route is very appealing for those wanting to see peaceful Highland scenery. The Edinburgh to Aberdeen route will offer you some beautiful views of the coast and historic engineering landmarks.
If you are short on time you may want to take a shorter journey. However, if you’re going on a longer break in Scotland you can take a few of the routes to see the variety of Scottish geography.
Conclusion: What Is the Best Train Journey in Scotland?Scotland has some of the most beautiful train routes in the world. Taking the train will make your holiday an unforgettable experience. Whilst all the routes offer something special, the West Highland Line from Glasgow to Mallaig is the best scenic train journey. The dramatic mountains, peaceful lochs, wild scenery and famous Glenfinnan Viaduct will give you an amazing experience.
Whether you choose to take the West Highland Line, Kyle Line or scenic coastal route, taking the train will allow you to take in Scotland’s beautiful scenery at your leisure. By planning ahead and having an adventurous spirit you could have one of the most memorable experiences of your trip on the Scottish railways.