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5 Scenic Trains for Exploring Scotland's Dramatic Highlands, Sparkling Lochs, and Coastal Towns
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Train on the Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh railway rounding the coast near Strome Ferry Lochcarron Wester Ross Scotland](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/63a0e68d469b3e6bf2ff1541/16:9/w_2560%2Cc_limit/Train%2520on%2520the%2520Inverness%2520to%2520Kyle%2520of%2520Lochalsh%2520railway%2520rounding%2520the%2520coast%2520near%2520Strome%2520Ferry%2520Lochcarron%2520Wester%2520Ross%2520Scotland_D8PEYX.jpg)
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The best train rides in Scotland will have you witnessing the drama of the Scottish Highlands, exploring charming castles, and chasing some of the world's best whisky. You’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United Kingdom. Imagine chugging past glittering lochs, breathtaking glens, and vast moors, all while enjoying a meal in a stately dining car or relaxing in a plush cabin.
Around the world, train journeys are experiencing a great revival , with travelers realizing they’re a scenic, eco-friendly, and affordable mode of transportation. In Scotland, riders can also snag a discounted rail pass from ScotRail , which can save a third off the price of an already inexpensive journey.
And if you would rather have your train tour planned for you, there are a growing number of companies that will book and curate a rail-based adventure in Scotland for you or a group, like Vacations by Rail .
The most difficult part of your Scottish train travels will be selecting which of these spectacular lines you want to take. Here are five of the best train rides in Scotland—plus, where to stay and what to do along the way.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Steam train 'The Jacobite' crossing the Glenfinnan viaduct in Scotland famous as the Hogwarts Express](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/63a0e6902a76ea978654a27b/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/West%2520Highland%2520Railway%2520Line_GettyImages-613011628.jpg)
The West Highland Line takes passengers from Glasgow to either Oban or Mallaig, both picturesque coastal towns in Scotland.
The West Highland Line
Arguably one of the most visually stunning parts of Scotland , the Highlands are filled with dramatic peaks and valleys, craggy hilltops, and glassy lochs. The West Highland Line starts in Glasgow and runs more than 180 miles to either Oban or Mallaig, two tiny picturesque fishing ports that are resort towns in their own right, as well as departure points for travel onward to the surrounding Scottish Isles.
Along the way, you’ll cruise by charming towns and villages until the line splits at Crianlarich: One branch of the route heads by Loch Awe to Oban, the other towards the coastline through Highland forest and onto Fort William to the train route's final stop: the petite bustling port town of Mallaig.
Many travelers consider the Fort William to Mallaig portion as the nicest section of The West Highland route. The hills of Fort William, a town in Lochaber, set the scene for many iconic films and shows like Starz’s Outlander . On this leg of the route, travelers can spot the ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle on the right just before crossing the River Lochy, the Glenfinnan Viaduct as seen in the ‘Harry Potter’ movies. Halfway between Tyndrum and Bridge of Orchy stops, there is another famous looped viaduct known as the Horseshoe Curve. On the northbound routes, sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views and on the right side on southbound trains.
For a taste of Highland hospitality, spend a night or two at the charming Ballachulish Hotel in Glencoe along the way from Glasgow to Fort William. Pop into the Ben Nevis Distillery for a quick whisky tasting and tour. (Fort William station is only 10 minutes walk from the bottom of the tourist track up Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest peak).
Tickets for the West Highland Line start around $30.87 (£25.40) from Glasgow to Mallaig on ScotRail for a single fare in a standard cabin but vary depending on how far they are booked in advance and length of the trip.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland A Scotrail Class158 diesel multiple unit passenger train on the Kyle of Lochalsh railway line at Attadale beside Loch...](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/63a0e68b08df0abeba1b1c30/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/A%2520Scotrail%2520Class158%2520diesel%2520multiple%2520unit%2520passenger%2520train%2520on%2520the%2520Kyle%2520of%2520Lochalsh%2520railway%2520line%2520at%2520Attadale%2C%2520beside%2520Loch%2520Carron_FYHPWA.jpg)
The Kyle Line runs through mountain ranges and past tranquil lochs
Kyle Line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh
The most distinctive mountain ranges in Scotland, the Torridon Peaks, loom north along the Kyle Line to Kyle of Lochalsh. Depart from Inverness to take on even more breathtaking scenery of the Highlands. Passengers glide past sleepy coastal villages and hulking mountains towering over tranquil lochs. The Kyle line draws a wide curve from Inverness along the coast south to the shores of Loch Alsh, with views of the Isle of Skye at the line's end.
On the less than three-hour journey to Kyle of Lochalsh from Inverness, keep an eye out for the snow-capped Ben Nevis mountain, the country's tallest mountain that sits 4,411 feet above sea level, between Muir of Ord and Dingwall stops. Then glimpse the rolling Torridon Hills to the west before the Achnashellach Forest stop. Ride the line along Loch Carron to the Plockton stop, a charming town dotted with palm trees that was used for BBC series Hamish Macbeth and The Wicker Man .
At the end of the line at Kyle of Lochalsh, catch a quick cab ride to tour the spectacular 13th-century Eilean Donnan castle, one of Scotland’s most widely recognizable castles that sits on a small island where three sea lochs converge.
If returning to Inverness, travelers can stay at the 19th century Ness Walk , a five-star property on the banks of the River Ness or Kingsmills Hotel , a four-star luxury spa hotel that mixes contemporary design with historic period features. Make sure to grab a wee dram at The Malt Room , Inverness’ first whisky bar, followed by Hootananny , a ceilidh cafe for live traditional Scottish folk music (even Mumford and Sons have played here).
Kyle Line fares start around $18.48 (£15.20) from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh on ScotRail for a single fare in a standard cabin but vary depending on how far they are booked in advance and length of the trip.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Belmond Royal Scotsman](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/63a0e6bda0e10546a9f1f2b8/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Belmond%2520Royal%2520Scotsman_TRS-EXT-83.jpg)
The Royal Scotsman is a luxurious journey that begins in Edinburgh and takes passengers up into the Scottish Highlands.
The Royal Scotsman, a Belmond Train
The only true luxury train on the list, the Royal Scotsman is a sleek nine coaches, clad in Burgundy and operated by Belmond. First launched in 1985, the all-inclusive train offers exquisite accommodations reminiscent of an Edwardian country house and fine-dining cuisine. Each of the train cars are refurbished 1960s Pullman coaches.
Tours start at the Edinburgh Waverley station, where ticket holders follow a bagpiper dressed in traditional Scottish garb from the first class lounge to the platform. Once on board, passengers can settle into plush armchairs in the observation car lounge—complete with coffee tables and a bar that serves a wide assortment of Scottish whisky —while enjoying the gorgeous scenery of the Highlands.
Meals are cooked on board and served in mahogany-walled dining cars that feature Scottish produce, meats, and seasonal fish alongside wines, liqueurs, and malt whiskies. Private wood-paneled cabins feature beds fitted with soft Scottish wools and tartans and also include an en suite shower, toilet, desk, table, wardrobe, toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers. The train also includes two spa cabins.
Itineraries range from two to seven days long and include sightseeing stopovers and overnight hotel stays. New routes are scheduled to start from April 2023 onwards, but bookings are selling out fast. Tickets start at $4,789 (£4,000) for single occupancy on Belmond’s site or through Vacations by Rail.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Far North LineBR 'B1' 460 No. 61306 'Mayflower' crosses the Shin viaduct Invershin Highlands Scotland UK](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/63a0e68d2b87baa471bb57e9/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Far%2520North%2520Line_BR%2520'B1'%25204-6-0%2520No.%252061306%2520'Mayflower'%2520crosses%2520the%2520Shin%2520viaduct%2C%2520Invershin%2C%2520Highlands%2C%2520Scotland%2C%2520UK_W1H7F9.jpg)
The Far North Line connects Inverness with the northern reaches of the Highlands
The Far North Line
Take a four-hour journey on Britain’s most rural railway through hundreds of miles of peatland bogs, tiny hamlets, golf courses, quaint train stops, and salmon rivers. The single track Far North Line connects Inverness with destinations Thurso and Wick at the northern limits of the Highlands. It’s remote, rugged, and spectacularly wild.
The route is the same as the Kyle of Lochalsh line up until Dingwall, where the lines split. Passengers shimmy up the coast until the Tain stop, where the line then plunges into the lands of Sutherland and Caithness, across peat bogs and Flow Country, whilst crossing salmon fishing rivers. Flow Country is a vast wetland blanket bog and peat habitat, an important environmental landscape for preventing climate change and a proposed UNESCO World Heritage site .
Passengers can spot a few castles from the train route after departing Inverness: Just after the Tain stop is the glorious and exclusive Skibo Castle (formerly frequented by Andrew Carnegie) across the sea inlet Dornoch Firth, followed by the hilltop (and supposedly haunted) Carbisdale Castle after the Culrain stop. Then cruise past the thick and mysterious Balblair Wood, midway between the Rogart and Golspie stops on the shores of Loch Fleet. And if you fancy one more castle, the train will take you to the Dunrobin Castle station, where you can stop off and show your train ticket for discounted entry to the gigantic “home” (with more than 189 rooms, this castle is one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses).
For a stay along the way, the Glenmorangie House off the Tain stop is a boutique hotel set amongst breathtaking Highland scenery, near the Glenmorangie Distillery . The award-winning Mackays Hotel in Wick is just a three-minute walk from Wick stop, run by the same family for over 60 years. It’s welcoming, warm, and cozy.
Tickets for the Far North Line start around $14 (£17.02) from Inverness to Thurso and Wick on ScotRail for a single fare in a standard cabin but vary depending on how far they are booked in advance and length of the trip.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland 6th September 2015. Scottish Borders UK New Borders Railway. A train from Tweedbank enters Bowshank tunnel near Galashiels.](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/63a0e68d2b87baa471bb57e8/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Borders%2520Railway%2520-%2520A%2520train%2520from%2520Tweedbank%2520enters%2520Bowshank%2520tunnel%2520near%2520Galashiels_FE3Y8H.jpg)
The Borders Railway Line whisks passengers from Edinburgh to Tweedbank
The Borders Railway
Explore the “land of Sir Walter Scott” on The Borders Railway line, through former mining towns, wide open farmland, and lush valleys.
Departing from Edinburgh , take in the breathtaking landscapes of the rocky slopes and cliffs of Salisbury Crags in Holyrood Park. You can’t miss Arthur’s Seat, a massive, grass-covered hill that is the remains of an ancient extinct volcano jutting out from the crags. Then pass through the Midlothian. Time it right and you can catch beautiful sunsets between the Gorebridge and Stow stops. Then onto the hills, lochs, farmlands, and cairns (manmade stone piles) of the Scottish Borders to Tweedbank. Tweedbank is also the stop of Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott, and the historic market town of Melrose that includes the famous abbey ruins—a quick taxi or bus ride from the station.
Despite being the longest new domestic railway to be built in over 100 years, the line only takes an hour from Edinburgh to Tweedbank.
Start or end your journey in Edinburgh with a stay at the incredible new Virgin Hotel Edinburgh , on colorful and curved Victoria Street in the Old Town, one of the most photographed locations in the city. If looking for something along the Borders Railway line, try the Schloss Roxburghe at Kelso, off the Galashiels stop, the penultimate station on the route. This elegant hotel is part of a historic estate in the Scottish Borders, with a championship golf course, spas, heated swimming pool, and restaurant that offers “Scottish bistronomy.”
Fares for the Borders Railway start around $14.46 (£11.90) from Edinburgh to Tweedbank on ScotRail for a single fare in a standard cabin but vary depending on how far they are booked in advance and length of the trip.
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Train Holidays in Scotland - Getting Around by Rail
You’ll find some of the world’s most iconic railway journeys and train holidays in Scotland. Plus a Scottish railway journey is one of the best ways to take in the stunning landscapes. From scenic train routes through the Scottish Highlands to short steam train rides, Scotland's train tours can offer unforgettable journeys with great service and amazing views.
West Highland Line Glasgow to Oban or Mallaig
![great scenic rail journeys scotland great scenic rail journeys scotland](https://2f1a7f9478.visitscotland.net/binaries/content/gallery/visitscotland/cms-images/2022/07/25/scotrail-04-1.jpg)
A Scotrail 156 Sprinter crossing Loch Awe near Dalmally
© Scotrail / Tony Hardley
Time: 5h 15mins
Look out for: the Jacobite Steam Train* and its Harry Potter connections.
The West Highland Line is one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. It runs from Glasgow up north to Crianlarich. One route then goes west past Loch Awe to Oban or continues north through Rannoch Moor to Fort William and Mallaig. Or you can do both!
This route is known to millions for taking Harry Potter from Platform 9¾ all the way to Hogwarts. As the train heads west, it passes over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct and offers breath-taking views of locations such as Loch Shiel, Loch Eilt and Ben Nevis, many of which can also be seen in the films.
* Please note that the Jacobite Steam Train is running with reduced capacity for the 2024 season. Please check directly for the latest availability.
The Far North Line Inverness to Thurso or Wick
Inverness Castle and the River Ness
Time: 4h 30 mins
Look out for: varied coastline, pleasant farmland, traditional distilleries.
The far north of Scotland is home to unspoiled landscapes perfect for a relaxing break, but it's still easy to get there by train. Trains run north from Inverness to Thurso and onto Wick in just four and a half hours.
The Kyle Line Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh
Time: 2h 30 mins
Look out for: the magnificent rocky shoreline, wild mountain vistas, red deer.
Travel along the Kyle Line between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh for amazing views of mountains, forests and lochs. You’ll also pass by charming Highland villages, such as Achnasheen and Plockton.
The Borders Railway Edinburgh to Tweedbank
![great scenic rail journeys scotland great scenic rail journeys scotland](https://2f1a7f9478.visitscotland.net/binaries/content/gallery/visitscotland/cms-images/2022/07/29/borders-railway-steam-train.jpg)
A couple admiring the Borders steam train from the platform at Tweedbank
© VisitScotland / David N Anderson
Look out for: rolling countryside, historical gems, family attractions.
The Borders Railway will take you through the engaging landscapes of Edinburgh, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders, giving you easy access to some rich history and thrilling outdoor activities.
The Forth Bridge Edinburgh to North Queensferry
The Forth Bridge seen from North Queensferry
© VisitScotland/ Kenny Lam
Time: 20 mins
Look out for: the incredible views when crossing the bridge.
The Forth Bridge is an iconic structure which connects Edinburgh with Fife across the Firth of Forth. It is a recognised UNESCO World Heritage site.
Enjoy amazing views of the Firth of Forth and the other bridges as you speed across on the train. You can take the train from Edinburgh and get off at either Dalmeny or North Queensferry to admire the bridge from below.
The Belmond Royal Scotsman Starts from Edinburgh
The Glenfinnan viaduct on the West Highland Line
© VisitScotland / Airborne Lens
Time: 2-7 nights
Perfect for: luxury travel, stunning scenery, first-class service, exquisite food and drink.
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on a luxury train in Scotland, then treat yourself to a trip aboard the truly glamorous Belmond Royal Scotsman. This ultra-exclusive train offers fine-dining and 5-star hospitality as guests are whisked away on breaks around the country, stopping off along the way for unforgettable experiences and excursions.
The Strathspey Steam Railway Aviemore to Boat of Garten and Broomhill
![great scenic rail journeys scotland great scenic rail journeys scotland](https://2f1a7f9478.visitscotland.net/binaries/content/gallery/visitscotland/cms-images/2023/02/16/strathspey-railway.jpg)
The Strathspey Railway is a traditional steam powered train, based in Aviemore
Time: 1h 45 mins
Perfect for: a fun family day out, vintage steam train trips, wild birds of prey.
See the majestic Cairngorm mountains from the comfort of a plush carriage on a trip along the Strathspey Steam Railway. Tuck into afternoon tea or a three-course Sunday lunch on board the train or stop off at Boat of Garten to spot ospreys and other wildlife at the nearby RSPB reserve.
The Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway Bo-ness to Kinneil, Birkhill and Manuel Junction, Whitecross
![great scenic rail journeys scotland great scenic rail journeys scotland](https://2f1a7f9478.visitscotland.net/wsimgs/Ticket_trial_1_1209505620.jpg)
The Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway
Time: 1h 10 mins
Perfect for: a family day out.
The route passes by the local nature reserve, estate and museum at Kinneil and the charming vintage railway station at Birkhill. Book a special trip with Thomas the Tank Engine for young kids, while all the family can climb aboard heritage locomotives at the Museum of Scottish Railways in Bo'ness after the trip.
- Pets Welcome
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Level Access
- Accessible toilets
- Cafe or Restaurant
The Royal Deeside Railway Milton of Crathes
![great scenic rail journeys scotland great scenic rail journeys scotland](https://2f1a7f9478.visitscotland.net/wsimgs/BA_509892943.jpg)
The Royal Deeside Railway
Look out for: the award-winning Victorian station and railway carriage tearoom.
Take a journey through the beautiful Royal Deeside countryside, as this heritage railway runs for a mile alongside the River Dee. Explore the Milton of Crathes complex for craft shops, a restaurant and art gallery or discover the grounds and attractions at nearby Crathes Castle.
Leadhills and Wanlockhead Railway Leadhills
Leadhills And Wanlockhead Railway
Time: 30 mins
Look out for: the collection of locomotives at Leadhills station.
This railway runs between Scotland’s highest villages, Leadhills and Wanlockhead in Dumfries & Galloway. This round trip takes you through the mining area. You can request to get off at Glengonnar Halt and walk into the village of Wanlockhead to visit the Museum of Lead Mining.
Keith and Dufftown Railway Dufftown to Drummuir, Towiemore, Keith Town
Keith Town Station
Time: 40 mins
Look out for: the special events including Santa Specials and a Ghost Train.
This heritage railway runs for 11 miles through dense pine forests, the valley around the River Isla and rolling fields. Try and spot the local wildlife from the window including red squirrels, deer, buzzards and other birds of prey.
- On Public Transport Route
The Aberdonian Edinburgh to Forth Bridge, Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen
![great scenic rail journeys scotland great scenic rail journeys scotland](https://2f1a7f9478.visitscotland.net/wsimgs/21627F0CB9662E936592235E4DF9580604FACBFD.jpg)
The Aberdonian Steam Train
Time: All day
Look out for: the off-train trips including a whisky distillery.
This train runs along the coast of Fife before heading up to Perth and along the coast again to Dundee, through Angus and up north to Aberdeen. There are bookable off-train excursions to a castle or whisky tasting. You can enjoy fine Scottish produce on-board served by a friendly team.
Museum of Scottish Railways Bo'ness, near Falkirk
Museum of Scottish Railways
© @museum_of_scottish_railways
Time: 2 hours
Perfect for: this isn't a train tour, but a chance to find out more about trains in Scotland.
Railway locomotives, carriages and wagons – there’s plenty to keep all explorers entertained at the fascinating Museum of Scottish Railways at Bo’ness, near Falkirk.
General tickets and travel information
Please be aware that from 14 July ScotRail is operating a temporary timetable. Consult the timetable when planning your journey.
See the temporary timetable
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Look out for the Spirit of Scotland Travelpass, which gives you:
- 4-days unlimited travel over 8 consecutive days for £149
- 8-days unlimited travel over 15 consecutive days for £189
Buy the Spirit of Scotland Travelpass
Check out our Railway FAQs page for more information on train travel and accessible travel across Scotland.
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These 8 Scenic Train Rides Have The Most Stunning Views In Scotland
![great scenic rail journeys scotland great scenic rail journeys scotland](https://www.travelawaits.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/samantha-priestley50f066.jpg?resize=150%2C150)
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I spend a lot of time traveling around Scotland and I never tire of the incredible views, but sometimes it’s how you travel that’s important. For many reasons, train travel is a great way to travel around this rugged and beautiful country. Apart from the environmental benefits of train travel versus other modes of travel like cars and air travel, traveling by train creates a more relaxing journey and a brilliant way to see some of the scenery as you make your way from A to B.
Quiet coastlines, dramatic mountains and castles, and still and calm lochs all glide past your window as you sit back and breathe in these stunning landscapes. I’ve taken most of these train rides myself, though The Royal Scotsman is still on my must-do list! Here are eight scenic train rides with the most stunning views in Scotland.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland The Royal Scotsman](https://i0.wp.com/travelawaits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Royal-Scotsman.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
1. Royal Scotsman
Various routes across scotland, between 2 and 7 days.
I’m starting with a train journey that’s as much about the train itself as it is about the scenery and the journey. Royal Scotsman train tours are operated by Belmond, who operate luxury train vacations around the world. This is much more than just a train ride — it’s a luxury hotel on rails. If you want to get a taste of traditional Scotland while riding through some breathtaking Scottish scenery, this is a great way to do it.
The Royal Scotsman’s 10 carriages feature double en-suite rooms, a regal-looking dining car, an observation car, and two spa rooms. All train tours on The Royal Scotsman depart from Edinburgh Waverley station and travel to various locations including Ben Nevis, Loch Lomond, and The Isle of Bute. Enjoy Scottish cuisine and taste a few whiskies while the countryside rolls by. You can choose from two all the way up to seven-day train journeys on this incredible luxury train.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland The West Highland Line over Loch Awe](https://i0.wp.com/travelawaits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/West-Highland.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
2. The West Highland Line
Glasgow to mallaig.
I’m a lot more familiar with the east side of Scotland than I am with the west, but this train journey through the West Highlands shows that this side of the country has some truly stunning scenery and though very different to the east side, is equally beautiful. Often said to be one of the most visually incredible train journeys in the world, The West Highland Line begins at Glasgow and travels through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and on to Fort William.
It’s a beautiful ride, showing you parts of the landscape you can’t see in any other way. This unique perspective on the land and its features, like castles and coastlines, makes this a must for train lovers and anyone who loves a great view.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland The Far North Line in the Highlands](https://i0.wp.com/travelawaits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Far-North-Line.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
3. The Far North Line
Inverness to dunrobin castle.
The Far North Line is Britain’s most rural railway, which won’t surprise anyone who knows the north of Scotland even a little. If you like your landscapes rugged, wild, and remote, this is the train ride for you. Beginning at Inverness, the journey takes you through peatland and Flow Country, which is a wetland blanket bog and an important environmental area. It’s incredible to see, but it’s not somewhere you’d go walking, so seeing it from the train is a real privilege. You can spot castles along the way and stop off for some whisky tasting at one of the distilleries in this area.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Strathcarron Station, a small stop on the Kyle of Lochalsh Line](https://i0.wp.com/travelawaits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kyle-Line.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
4. The Kyle Line
Inverness to kyle of lochalsh.
If you like views of rugged and majestic mountains, this train ride is perfect. The Kyle Line offers views of The Torridon Peaks and other imposing mountains that create a backdrop to the quiet lochs and the sleepy villages that dot the landscape. It’s a largely untouched area, and though you’ll pass beautiful sandy beaches on this coastline, you won’t see many people out on them.
It often feels like you’ve entered another world, and if you opt to take one of the steam trains that use this line, organized by one of the heritage train companies, you’ll really feel like you’ve stepped back in time. At the end of the line you reach the village of Kyle of Lochalsh, the gateway to The Isle of Skye, which you can travel onto from here.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Strathspey Steam Railway](https://i0.wp.com/travelawaits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Strathspey-Steam-Railway.jpg?resize=1024%2C775&ssl=1)
5. Strathspey Steam Railway
Aviemore to broomhill.
The Strathspey Steam Railway is a short train ride, but it’s more of an event in itself than simply a train journey. For a start, you have the steam element. Traveling on a steam train has a certain kind of nostalgia about it and it’s a special way to enjoy the views in this part of the country. Sometimes you’re allowed up to the footplate at stops, which the train makes so travelers can enjoy the views and take photos.
Many people hop off at stops to explore a little, but it’s so nice on the train many opt to view from the viewing areas and windows. You’ll pass by the Cairngorm Mountains and the River Spey, and “Osprey Village,” an RSPB nature reserve where you can do a little bird spotting. Depending on when you travel, Sunday lunch and afternoon tea are served onboard the train.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Cairngorms National Park, Scotland](https://i0.wp.com/travelawaits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cairngorms-National-Park.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
6. ScotRail Commuter Line
Edinburgh to inverness.
Unlike the other train journeys on this list, this one is a commuter line, a train ride taken by ordinary people going about their daily lives rather than a train ride for leisure, but it’s still a strikingly beautiful journey. Beginning in Edinburgh, the line hugs the east coast, where you can sit back and enjoy the views of the sea and the small untouched beaches.
But before that, on leaving Edinburgh, passengers get to marvel at the beauty and the engineering of the red Forth Bridge, built in 1889. If you like bridges, this is a treat. From the pretty east coast stretch of the line, the train takes you through Perthshire and The Cairngorms National Park, with views of the parkland you can’t gain any other way. The line ends in Inverness, near Loch Ness, where you can explore the historic city and the loch.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Arthur's Seat, Scotland](https://i0.wp.com/travelawaits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Arthurs-Seat.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
7. The Borders Line
Edinburgh to tweedbank.
The highlands of Scotland are very impressive, there’s no doubt, but the borderlands also have their charms and don’t get as much love as they perhaps should. This train ride is a great way to explore this area of Scotland and a great introduction to the borderlands.
It’s a short train ride, but even before you’ve left Edinburgh you’ll get to view attractions like Arthur’s Seat, a grassy hill loved by hikers that covers an extinct volcano. From here you’ll travel through Midlothian and then the small villages, farmlands, lochs, and hills of the Borders. The line ends at Tweedbank. There’s a lot to explore in the village of Tweedbank, including Abbotsford House, the former home of Sir Walter Scott.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway, Scotland](https://i0.wp.com/travelawaits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Boness-And-Kinneil-Railway.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
8. The Bo’ness And Kinneil Railway
Bo’ness return journey.
This one is for railway lovers and is perfect for taking the grandkids to, but it’s equally fascinating for anyone with just a passing interest in the railways. The Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway journey is best taken as part of a wider railway-themed day out. The Museum of Scottish Railways is located at the beginning of this ride, and as you might expect for a rail enthusiasts attraction, you can take this journey by steam train.
The railway line goes through some beautiful scenery, but most people take this journey for the experience of the steam train. There are added attractions like a day with Thomas the Tank Engine for children, afternoon tea onboard, or a murder mystery train ride for adults.
Always book your tickets in advance. Train journeys in the UK are fun, but can be expensive if you buy your tickets on the day of travel. Always check your train is running and on time before you travel. If a train is canceled or late you can waste time waiting at the station.
Related Reading:
- 6 Tips For Taking The Train From London To Amsterdam
- Europe Is Getting Some Fantastic New Sleeper Trains, Plus 11 Others Not To Miss
- 9 Essential Tips For Train Travel In Europe
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Image of Samantha Priestley](https://www.travelawaits.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/samantha-priestley50f066.jpg?resize=150%2C150)
Travel writer, author, and playwright, Samantha loves historic buildings, quirky hotels, woodland walks and literary trails, specializing in food and drink, luxury travel, retreats, spas, and anything arts based. Samantha is based in Yorkshire, the UK, where she lives with her artist partner. Learn more on her website .
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- West Highland Line
- Highland Main Line
- Borders Railway Line
- Strathspey Steam Railway
- Far North Line
- Stranraer Line
Scenic Scotland by rail
![title= great scenic rail journeys scotland](https://loveincorporated.blob.core.windows.net/contentimages/fullsize/1fa5f5c3-ac7d-4666-b579-5fbbbd65d6c7-most-scenic-rail-journeys-scotland.jpg)
The most scenic rail journeys in Scotland
Scotland can be a little tricky to navigate: single track roads, steep gradients, unpredictable weather and underprepared fellow road users can all make for a fairly challenging journey at the best of times. thankfully, the scottish railway network is as enticing as it is practical, with a number of world-class routes on the cards for those looking to ditch the car in favour of a hassle-free holiday by train. here are seven of the best..., west highland line: glasgow to mallaig.
Consistently lauded near (or at) the very top of the world's most desirable railway journeys, this 164-mile (264km) route breathes in Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis, Fort William and the Glenfinnan Viaduct as it meanders between Glasgow and Mallaig.
You'll need to account for around five-and-a-half hours to experience this trip in its entirety – though it would be wise to break it up by joining the Jacobite Steam Train (Fort William – Mallaig, via the Harry Potter-famed viaduct), or follow the branch off to Oban (at Crianlarich) for epic views across Argyll and connecting CalMac ferries to islands like Mull and Barra. Carriages on this route rattle down a single-track railway line, bypassing sweeping landscapes, imposing mountains and often brooding skies. If there was one Scottish train journey you had to take, this would be it.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Corrour station on Crianlarich – Fort William branch (Image: Michael Lazor/Shutterstock)](https://loveincstatic.blob.core.windows.net/loveexploring/2021/most-scenic-rail-journeys-scotland/corrour-west-highland-line.jpg)
READ MORE: Beautiful train journeys that don't cost a fortune
The Highland Main Line: Perth to Inverness
Rail enthusiasts and those looking to explore the nooks and crannies of the Cairngorms should look no further than the Highland Main Line . Stretching 118 miles (190km) and transiting the southeastern Highlands, this scenic route starts in Perth, just north of Edinburgh, and snakes around the western Cairngorms before heading northwest to Inverness.
Picture-perfect towns like Pitlochry, Aviemore and Carrbridge provide suitable stopovers for sightseeing and leg-stretching, but there's plenty to see from your seat, too. The train crosses the world's only wooden viaduct at Aultnaslanach and swooshes past breathtaking landscapes on the UK's highest main line railway pass at Drumochter, nearly 1,500 feet (452m) above sea level. Journeys in winter, when the Highlands are coated in brilliant white and the road snow gates are closed, are particularly special.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Pass of Drumochter (Image: john paul slinger/Shutterstock)](https://loveincstatic.blob.core.windows.net/loveexploring/2021/most-scenic-rail-journeys-scotland/drumochter-highland-main-line.jpg)
The Kyle Line: Kyle of Localsh to Inverness/Dingwall
Whether you travel from Kyle to Inverness or vice versa, this 80-or-so-mile (128km) railway journey is one of Scotland's most dazzling. Begin your travels in Inverness and you'll be treated to sweeping views of Skye at your final destination – or head in the other direction for Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and the quintessential Scottish market town of Dingwall.
Either way, this arcing route takes in the Highlands at its very best: from the mighty (and often snow-capped) Torridon Hills and pretty harbourside towns like Plockton, to the still waters of Loch Luichart and the rolling Ross-shire heather moors. Tip: do stop off in Plockton – a popular filming location for movies including The Wickerman – for coastal walks, boat trips and lunch by the harbour. If you're lucky, you may even spot a seal or two.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Plockton (Image: Stefano_Valeri/Shutterstock)](https://loveincstatic.blob.core.windows.net/loveexploring/2021/most-scenic-rail-journeys-scotland/plockton-kyle-line.jpg)
READ MORE: 10 life-affirming experiences you can only enjoy in Scotland
The Borders Railway Line: Edinburgh to Tweedbank
With a one-way journey time clocking in at just under an hour, this is one of Scotland's shortest train routes but don’t let that fool you though, as the Borders Railway Line is every bit unassuming as it is captivating.
Hop on this 30-mile (48km) journey from the country's capital Edinburgh and be taken on an enchanting journey across sweeping Midlothian landscapes, important mining villages and those influential Scottish Borders landscapes that inspired much of Sir Walter Scott's writing. This short but sweet train line has something for everyone: Melrose Abbey, the burial site of Robert the Bruce's heart, the Borders Loop for keen walkers and the National Mining Museum in Dalkeith.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Melrose Abbey (Image: Richard Semik/Shutterstock)](https://loveincstatic.blob.core.windows.net/loveexploring/2021/most-scenic-rail-journeys-scotland/melrose-abbey-borders-railway-line.jpg)
The Strathspey Steam Railway: Aviemore to Boat of Garten and Broomhill
Proudly the most northerly steam train line in the British Isles, the Strathspey Steam Railway is a must-do for all fans of railway locomotives. This is another of Scotland's short railway lines – three stops, taking around 40 minutes in total – but it is certainly one of the UK's most unique.
A team of local railway devotees have meticulously restored this 1950s-style steam train which saunters between Aviemore, Boat of Garten and Broomhill in the Cairngorms. The staff are even dressed in 1950s attire and there's also a traditional restaurant service on board. Visitors sit comfortably on this 10-mile (16km) jaunt, enjoying the stunning Spey Valley views year-round (though there is a much more frequent service in July and August) with the three towns extremely popular with walkers and cyclists. Feeling lavish? Upgrade your ticket to first class for vintage-style dining in your own private four-seat booth.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Strathspey Steam Railway (Image: Sandy Harvey/Shutterstock)](https://loveincstatic.blob.core.windows.net/loveexploring/2021/most-scenic-rail-journeys-scotland/strathspey-steam-railway.jpg)
READ MORE: Incredible images that capture the history of train travel
The Far North Line: Inverness to Thurso and Wick
The Far North Line traverses much of the Flow Country, an area in the far north of Scotland with vast swathes of blanket bog. To some this may not be the most aesthetically pleasing train window view – at least in comparison to the famed lochs and hills spotted on the West Highland Line – but these far-reaching peat landscapes are protected and regularly maintained by the RSPB, making them a spectacular sight not often seen elsewhere in the UK.
Trains on this 110-mile (177km) route clatter along the track beside bogs, valleys, hills and salmon rivers on their way from Inverness to Thurso, the most northerly railway station on the UK mainland, and Wick, a lovely fishing harbour just 20 miles (32km) east of there. This route is particularly popular for ongoing travel to the famous John o'Groats along with ferries across to the Orkney Islands.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Blanket bog near Forsinard on the Far North Line (Image: Shzphoto/Shutterstock)](https://loveincstatic.blob.core.windows.net/loveexploring/2021/most-scenic-rail-journeys-scotland/blanket-bog-far-north-line.jpg)
The Stranraer Line: Glasgow to Stranraer
Start this journey in Glasgow and take a trip down to Stranraer, on the lesser-visited Rhins of Galloway peninsula. Trains on this 73-mile (117km) route roll down the west coast of Scotland, with near-immediate views across the Firth of Clyde to Arran and the Mull of Kintyre, before taking in Ayr: the heart of Burns Country.
The journey then bypasses the Galloway National Park as it swoops towards Loch Ryan in Stranraer, the end of the line and the point for ongoing ferry connections to Belfast. From start to finish, the journey takes around two-and-a-half hours and provides ample opportunities to stop off for an afternoon on the beach in Girvan, a round of golf at Troon or a few hours of castle exploring at Culzean.
READ MORE: What to see and do in Scotland
Lead image: Martin M303/Shutterstock
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6 scenic train journeys in Scotland: see the stunning pictures
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Royal Scotsman by Belmond](https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611befc636358776d94929ff/16:9/w_2560%2Cc_limit/1royal.jpg)
Travelling through Scotland by train is nothing short of a privilege. These are the very best journeys to take, all experienced first-hand by our man in Glasgow – including insider tips.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Royal Scotsman by Belmond](https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611befc6042ccafe9a9ae4f5/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/3royal.jpg)
THE BELMOND ROYAL SCOTSMAN
Something of a marvel, this. A wonder. The outfit that runs it, Belmond , used to be called Orient-Express. You have probably heard the name. As well as the familiar Venice Simplon affair, Belmond operates lots of other similarly glamorous rail routes, together with some of the world’s top hotels , including the Cadogan in London , the Cipriani in Venice and the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro . The lusciousness quotient of these places is replicated aboard the Royal Scotsman; the main difference between those bricks-and-mortar hotels and this hotel on wheels is a difference of scale. Belmond offers half a dozen or so different itineraries across Scotland , varying in route and duration. All involve excursions off the train to visit castles, whisky distilleries , seal colonies and whatnot. But for the present writer the loveliest moments were often the least complicated ones, sitting at the back of the Observation Car, gazing at the slowly unspooling Highland landscape.
LOOK OUT FOR:
The cows at Ballindalloch Castle. Ballindalloch is one of the many castles you are likely to get a chance to poke around during the trip. It is home not only to the Macpherson-Grant family but also to the oldest herd of Aberdeen Angus cows in the world. The current owners, Clare and Oliver, are charming. ‘Oliver had never set foot in Scotland before he met me,’ Clare said. ‘When he got me, he got the castle and the cows too.’ ‘Admission to the castle is free,’ came Oliver’s reply. ‘But the bull may charge later! Haw haw haw!’
INSIDER TIP:
Don’t forget to pack your penguin suit or ball gown, as appropriate. People really do wear these things. The fun of dancing a reel in your glad rags, late at night on an empty station platform somewhere in the Highlands, with a group of similarly gussied-up fellow travellers, is not to be underestimated.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland The West Highland Line](https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611befc7231ed5e8dfa34750/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/the-west-highland-line-gettyimages-1180467619.jpg)
THE WEST HIGHLAND LINE
Winding north out of Glasgow , skirting the western shores of Loch Lomond, meandering across the lonely wilds of Rannoch Moor, past the looming hulk of Ben Nevis, to Fort William, before striking out at last to the remote coastal village of Mallaig, ferry terminal for the Isles of Skye , Muck, Rum and Eigg. Every now and then someone or other declares this The Best Train Journey in the World . Certainly it provides a marvellous introduction to the severe loveliness of the western Highlands. I am particularly fond of the approach to Glencoe, which, in addition to its great beauty, has about it a peculiar melancholy, an air of inconsolable sorrow, that is almost spooky. You would feel and be moved by this, I think, even if you were a first-time visitor from some distant corner of the globe – a sunkissed, carefree atoll in the South Pacific, perhaps – and cheerfully ignorant of Glencoe’s murderous past.
Harry, Ron and Hermione.
Since its appearance in the first of the Harry Potter movies , the Glenfinnan Viaduct has become a powerful muggle magnet. In the summer months you can book a special ticket to complete the last leg of the journey – from Fort William to Mallaig, which includes the picturesque viaduct – by steam train, for the full Hogwarts Express experience.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Perth to Inverness](https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611befc8abe0ca68331f98de/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/perth-to-inverness-c8m6pw.jpg)
PERTH TO INVERNESS
A counterpart to the West Highland Line, though on the whole less dramatic, better behaved and more subdued. With one notable exception: the relatively short but quite magnificent section of the journey near the Drumochter Pass, before you get to Dalwhinnie, on the south-western edge of the Cairngorms. In winter the dark rocky hillsides dolloped with bright snow seem otherworldly in their black-and-white starkness. It is like swimming with orcas in outer space.
Blair Castle, seat of the Clan Murray and Dukes of Atholl since the 13th century, is clearly visible as you arrive at Blair Atholl station (on the right-hand side of the train if you are travelling north, the left-hand side if you are travelling south). Can a castle be perky? This one always strikes me as having a perky look about it. Good feng shui or something.
If you travel in first class, you can stuff your face with as much shortbread as you want at no extra charge. Shortbread always tastes better on the train.
THE FAR NORTH LINE
From Inverness up to Thurso then across to Wick. You are going it some by the time you get up here – Thurso is the most northerly railway station in the British Isles and an oatcake’s throw from John O’Groats. There are a few seasonal or request-only stops along the way, a reminder of statelier times when people who had their own castles also had their own train stations. You might care to stop at Dunrobin Castle, for example, one of the oldest continuously inhabited houses in Britain , home to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland for nearly 750 years. It underwent a spectacular Loire Valley-château-inspired makeover in the 19th century – a prosperous period for the Sutherlands, following their controversial role in the Highland Clearances. Statelier times, then, but not necessarily gentler ones.
If you do alight at Dunrobin Castle, note the length of the platform. Impressive, don’t you think? A 1903 article in Railway Magazine explains: ‘As a rule the platforms of private stations are very small, but this one at Dunrobin is an exception. It is very long, for often the family at the Castle will entertain three or four hundred guests at a time, when important fêtes or events are taking place there.’
Not a tip as such, and really only a guess, but it occurs to me that this route may very well pass more castles and whisky distilleries than any other comparable railway line in Scotland. Even if that is not statistically correct, it would still make for a jolly trip if you were to celebrate both of those legendary Scottish phenomena by knocking back a dram every time you saw a castle.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland The Strathspey Steam Railway](https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611befc7aac234341a8947bb/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/the-strathspey-steam-railway-r5x35y.jpg)
THE STRATHSPEY STEAM RAILWAY
I imagine this must be a glimpse of heaven for vintage-train obsessives. And it is not without a certain kind of Wallace and Gromit charm for the rest of us. Not without a pleasant dining car, either, come to that. The train is composed of lovingly done-up carriages drawn by a proper old-fashioned locomotive, which puffs and whistles its way from Aviemore to Boat of Garten and Broomhill and, er, back again. Just the three stops, not very far apart from one another, but all extremely shortbread-tin-worthy.
Ospreys. There are thought to be about 250 breeding pairs of ospreys left in Britain. The RSPB Osprey Centre is at nearby Loch Garten and your chances of spotting one of these majestic birds are better here than just about anywhere else.
If you’ve got the time and you’re good at coordinating train timetables, you could treat the Strathspey route as a little east-west interlude on a longer north-south trip. Let’s say you were heading from Glasgow or Edinburgh up to Inverness. You could break your journey at Aviemore and hop onto the Strathspey steam train – out to Broomhill and back, clickety-clack – then resume your journey from Aviemore.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland The West Coast Mainline](https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611befc9a106ea5ed309ac5c/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/the-west-coast-mainline-w4jb9r.jpg)
THE WEST COAST MAIN LINE, JUST NORTH OF CARLISLE
A sentimental choice. The area on either side of the border between Scotland and England was always my favourite section of the trip in the years when I was travelling more or less weekly between Glasgow and London on the West Coast Main Line. It did not matter which way the train was going – I was equally happy to cross over from Scotland into England or from England into Scotland. Historically this was reiver or bandit country. Elopement country, too, for English couples eager to get hitched in haste under Scotland’s more relaxed marriage laws (no parental consent or advance notice required). Gretna Green, a few miles north of Carlisle, became the destination of choice for ‘runaway marriages’ in the 18th century following the construction of a toll road that made it the easiest Scottish village to get to from England. Speaking of aisles, I recall an occasion when, late one night, a power failure caused the Glasgow-bound train I was on to come to a standstill near Gretna Green and the interior lights to die. A well-refreshed party in my carriage swiftly devised a competition to keep spirits high in the face of this inconvenient disruption to our journey. A golf club was repurposed as a hobby-horse and liquored-up jockeys undertook individual time trials along the length of the aisle, galloping from one end to the other as if it were the Straight Mile at Redcar. These thunderous feats of athleticism, rather romantically illuminated by mobile-phonelight, were met with frantic cries of encouragement and hysterical hoots of mirth.
Loved-up English youths heading north at speed from Carlisle towards Gretna Green with panicked parents in hot pursuit.
The views from both sides of the train are good during the daylight hours. (At night all you can see if you peer into the darkness is your own reflection in the window.) Choose your seat depending on the time of departure. If you are heading south in the morning, the sun will be in your eyes if you sit on the left of the train – better to sit on the right. There are only so many morning/afternoon, north/south, left/right combinations to worry about, but since the whole trip takes four and a half hours it is worth pausing to consider your options, especially if the weather is set fair.
Like this? Now read:
The best train journeys through Europe
![great scenic rail journeys scotland](https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be9c3db797d0116fd46f7/16:9/w_1600%2Cc_limit/west-highland-railway-from-glasgow-to-mallaig-gettyimages-890322420.jpg)
North Coast 500: the ultimate UK road trip
![great scenic rail journeys scotland article image](https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bef308c1b7286f1c11d32/master/w_775%2Cc_limit/website.jpg)
The best places to visit in Scotland
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Glencoe](https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/63972aa277aa45831bce2301/master/w_775%2Cc_limit/Glen%2520Coe-GettyImages-125984409.jpeg)
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Tour Scotland with Scottish Tours](https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/wwwroot/images/Scottish-Tours-logo.jpg)
Scotland Tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and London
- Scotland Tours
- Scenic Scottish Rail...
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Jacobite Steam Train](https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/images/tours/2986-Jacobite-Steam-Train.jpg)
- Jacobite Steam Train
- North Highland Line
- Strathcarron Railway Station
- Strathspey Railway
Room Size Warning
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Warning - Accommodation NOT included
Please note that accommodation is NOT included. Passengers are responsible for booking their own accommodation?
Scenic Scottish Railways - 4 day tour
Scenic Scottish Railways 4 day/3 night
Scotland has some of the most picturesque railway journeys in Europe. Start the tour with a relaxing trip on the preserved Speyside Railway from Aviemore to Broomhill. Later make for your base in delightful Grantown-on-Spey, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. The next day head to Inverness to take the Far North Line to Wick, enjoying spectacular coastal views along the way. Another scenic excursion is on the Kyle Line through Strath Carron to visit romantic Eilean Donan Castle. The highlight of the tour is left until the last day. Travel to Fort William to board the famous Jacobite Steam Train to ride on the scenic West Highland Line to Mallaig.
Strathspey Railway - steam through the beauty of the Cairngorms National Park aboard a vintage train
Grantown-on-Spey - relax with a stay in this historic town situated on the famous River Spey
Eilean Donan Castle - visit this picturesque castle stunningly situated on a tiny island in the shadow of the Kintail mountains
Wick - explore this traditional fishing port and discover its Viking history
Jacobite Steam Train - hop aboard the famous train that starred as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies
Movie locations – Harry Potter, Monarch of the Glen and Highlander
Hotel accommodation included
Book Now
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Edinburgh/Glasgow - Aviemore - Grantown-on-Spey
Leaving the cities behind, we head northwards over the River Forth and into the Kingdom of Fife. There’s a refreshment stop in the Victorian resort town of Pitlochry before we pass whitewashed Blair Castle and start the long climb through Glen Garry.
After travelling through the Pass of Drumochter, we reach Dalwhinnie and tour through the Spey Valley bound for Aviemore. On arrival at the town’s attractive railway station, a vintage steam train of the Strathspey Railway awaits to transport us on a nostalgic journey through the Cairngorms National Park .
The destination is Broomhill Station, which played the part of Glenbogle in the popular BBC TV series, “Monarch of the Glen”. The train will also make a stop in the attractive village of Boat of Garten in both directions.
On return to Aviemore, we rejoin our coach for the short drive to Grantown-on-Spey, our home for the next three nights.
Overnight: Craiglynne Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey (or similar) (3 nights)
Day 2 - The Far North Line Excursion
After breakfast, we board our coach and journey to Inverness, where we join the scheduled Scotrail train operating the service to Wick on the North Highland Line.
Our journey from Inverness takes us along the banks of the Beauly Firth to Muir of Ord, where towering Ben Wyvis dominates the landscape. As the train departs Tain lookout for Glenmorangie, one of Scotland’s most famous whisky distilleries and Skibo Castle, the former home of Andrew Carnegie , the Scottish philanthropist.
The Dukes of Sutherland have their seat at the fairytale Dunrobin Castle . When the line was constructed, the Duke, who was a railway enthusiast, had his own station built to serve the castle. It’s now a museum.
From Helmsdale, we travel inland to reach Kildonan, the scene of a gold-rush frenzy in 1868 and Altnabreac, one of the remotest stations in Britain. As we travel through this part of Caithness, lookout for the fences made of flagstones standing upright.
Journeys end is in Wick, once one of the busiest herring harbours in Europe. We’ll discover more about this port, and its Viking history before joining our coach for the journey back to our hotel along the famous North Coast 500 route.
Day 3 - The Kyle Line Excursion
Like yesterday we make our way to Inverness Railway Station after breakfast. Today we are heading westwards to Kyle of Lochalsh, which boasts a scenic location looking over the water to the Isle of Skye .
Wild mountain scenery accompanies us as the train heads towards Achnasheen, and briefly, the peaks of the Torridon Mountains will come into view. The journey continues along the banks of Loch Gowan and into the Achnashellach Forest, home to a thriving herd of deer.
At Strathcarron, there are lovely views over Loch Carron to the whitewashed cottages of Lochcarron . Soon we reach Attadale and the most spectacular section of the trip. The line hugs the shore, and the train twists its way past little inlets offering striking views at every turn.
Plockton is a delightful village overlooking a beautiful bay. Its sheltered location allows palm trees to flourish here. At too soon, the train pulls into Kyle of Lochalsh Station and the end of todays train journey.
After some free time we board our coach make the short journey to visit Eilean Donan Castle . This attractive castle sits at the confluence of three lochs and must be one of Scotland’s most photographed scenes. There’s time to explore the castle and admire the views before we make the journey back to our hotel for dinner.
![](http://mcmachinetools.online/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
Day 4 - Grantown-on-Spey - Jacobite Steam Train - Edinburgh/Glasgow
We end the tour on a real high with a return trip on the famous West Highland Line aboard the Jacobite Steam Train.
First, we make our way through the Spey Valley, then Glen Spean, passing grand Ardverikie House, which sits at the head of Loch Laggan. This impressive house recently played Balmoral Castle in the hit Netflix series “ The Crown ”.
At Fort William, the Jacobite Steam Train awaits to take us on a spectacular 42-mile journey considered by many to be one of the World’s most memorable rail journeys.
After leaving “The Fort”, the train will cross the Caledonian Canal , giving you a wonderful view of Neptune’s Staircase, a network of eight locks that lifts the waterway 20 m (64 ft).
After following the banks of Loch Eil, the excitement mounts as the train steams over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, offering superb views of Loch Shiel. The 21-arched viaduct has become world-famous thanks to the adventures of a young wizard called Harry Potter.
At Arisaig, admire the views over Loch Nan Ceall towards the islands of Rum and Eigg before arriving in Morar, where Scotland’s shortest river flows from Loch Morar, our deepest loch.
Journeys end is in the historic fishing port of Mallaig, where there is free time to enjoy some lunch before reboarding the train for the return journey to Fort William.
On arrival in Fort William, rejoin the coach and head homeward through the magnificent scenery of the Western Highlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can i expect on this escorted tour.
If you enjoy the art of first-class travel whilst enjoying amazing value then an Escorted Tour is just for you. These tours are carefully researched and combine quality hotels, luxury travel, informative visits and leisure time. You’ll find our Escorted Tours to be memorable - for all the right reasons!
You will travel aboard a state of the art motorcoach with air-conditioning, reclining seats, oversized windows and emergency washroom. Many coaches are equipped with WiFi too.
An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver. In certain locations you’ll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights.
These tours are inclusive of superior tourist class accommodation, transportation, selected admission fees and many meals.
On many tours you’ll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. These are at additional expense and, if available, details will be provided with your tour documentation.
What type of room should I choose?
Selecting the right sleeping arrangements can be a little bit confusing, so here is a description of what you can expect from the hotel accommodation offered as part of your tour:
Single room - this is a room for one person sleeping in a single bed.
Twin room - this is a room for two people sleeping in two separate beds.
Double room - this is a room for two people sharing one large bed.
Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person).
Please note that a family room is normally a standard double or twin room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed.
All room types, other than twin rooms, are subject to availability.
How much luggage can I bring?
You can bring one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. The maximum weight allowance and luggage dimensions varies by tour so you should check the tour documentation for the luggage policy that applies to your tour. Â
Where can I purchase travel insurance?
We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance in place for your trip to Scotland, especially if you are visiting from overseas. To purchase a policy speak to your insurance broker or undertake a search on-line.
We would also suggest checking your home policy or credit card contract as many suppliers include travel insurance as part of their offering.
What sort of weather can I expect?
Ah, this is the $64,000 question! It may surprise you to know that we have a very temperate climate in Scotland. The geography of Scotland means that it does rain more frequently in the west of the country and there are stronger winds in the east. If it does rain on your tour we will not be too concerned and neither should you be – we need it to make our whisky!
View all Frequently Asked Questions...
Accommodation
- 3 nights hotel accommodation
- Location: Granton-on-Spey (3)
- Cooked/Continental breakfast (3)
- Table d’ hote dinners (3)
Visits, Admissions and Experiences
- Return journey on the Strathspey Railway from Aviemore to Broomhill
- Single journey by scheduled Scotrail train in standard class from Inverness to Wick and Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh
- Admission to Eilean Donan Castle
- Return journey on the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig
Tour Essentials
- Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats
- All baggage handling and hotel tips are included
- Services throughout the tour of a professional Tour Director
- Service charges and taxes
Departure information
From Glasgow
North Hanover Street Bus Stance, Glasgow, G1 2BP
Check-in: 08:15 hrs Tour Departs: 08:30 hrs Tour Returns: 21:30 hrs
From Edinburgh
Outside Reception at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh 111 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 8NF
Check-in: 09:30 hrs Tour Departs: 09:45 hrs Tour Returns: 20:15 hrs
Child details
Please contact us for information on child prices.
Price Notes
Accommodation The price of this tour includes hotel accommodation with en-suite bathroom.
Departure and Return Times The departure and return times are given for guidance only and are subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days before departure.
FAQs Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code BW 02986
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Tour route map](https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/wwwroot/images/maps/2986-Scenic-Scottish-Railwa.jpg)
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Customer reviews overall rating:.
As a whistle-stop, scenic tour of Scotland, this trip provided an opportunity as a 'taster' of the highlands, lowlands and lands in between, with 'scenic' as the key word. While neither of us are railway enthusiasts, it was good to have an alternative view of the landscapes, with the opportunity to get out of one's seat at any stage of the rail journeys. The weather was generally kind to us, with only one day out of four being spoiled by inclement weather.
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- The Most Beautiful Train Journeys...
The Most Beautiful Train Journeys to Take in Scotland
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Let the train take the strain: the Glenfinnan Viaduct, on the West Highland Railway Line](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/j04dhw.webp)
Scotland is made up of many different landscapes – lochs, rivers, coastline and mountain ranges, including the famous Munros, as well as towns and cities that showcase art, architecture and tradition. But it’s spread across a lot of land, so travelling by train makes sense if you want to cover it all. We’ve rounded up six of the best. All aboard!
The borders railway.
This line , which reopened in September 2015, having been been closed for more than 40 years, links Edinburgh Waverley with Tweedbank, and since its reopening has added seven new stations to the Scottish rail network. This engineering feat makes it the longest railway to be constructed in the UK in a century, passing through forests, moorland and great swathes of emptiness. Hop off at Eskbank to visit Rosslyn Chapel , or continue on to Tweedbank and visit Sir Walter Scott’s home, Abbotsford House . In spring 2021, the world’s longest tapestry, The Great Tapestry of Scotland , is due to be rehoused in a new visitor centre in Galashiels, the penultimate stop on the Borders Line.
If you’re not able to wangle a room at Sir Walter Scott’s home, we recommend a cosy stay at either the Townhouse Hotel or the Barn @ the Coach House , both a short walk away in the old town of Melrose.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland The Scottish Borders railway line passes through stunning Scottish landscapes](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/h75x6b.webp)
Edinburgh to Inverness
Head north from Waverley, and you soon come to the mighty Firth of Forth, with the Forth Rail Bridge, a Unesco World Heritage Site and extraordinary feat of engineering. As the train continues, it leaves the sea behind and the rolling fields and woodlands begin to get steeper and more rugged. Beyond Perth, the train enters the Highlands, where, as the name suggests, the mountains start to appear. You can expect to see deer, mountain hare, mountain steep gorges and thundering waterfalls, all from the comfort of your seat. The train climbs higher and higher and snow often clads the mountains. Get off at Aviemore where you can jump aboard the Strathspey Steam Railway, or continue on to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.
There’s no shortage of fantastic accommodation around Inverness. Take your pick from our curated lists:
The Best Boutique Hotels in Inverness, Scotland The Best Bed and Breakfasts in Inverness The Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Inverness Where to Stay in Inverness for a Local Experience
![great scenic rail journeys scotland The Forth Bridge is a Unesco World Heritage Site](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/gr0h19.webp)
Strathspey Steam Railway
Closed to passengers in 1965, this route was reopened in 1978 by the Strathspey Railway Company and is definitely more about the journey than the destination. Your comfortable carriage is hauled by a traditional steam engine through the Cairngorm mountains where you can catch glimpses of eagles and ospreys. This might sound enough of a draw by itself, but the train also has excellent dining options and for the dedicated railway enthusiast, the chance to actually drive it, and fire the steam engine itself.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland people cheering on a mountain](https://theculturetrip.com/img/banners/sign-up-banner-right.webp?s=10x)
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For an overnight stay in Aviemore, you can’t go wrong at Cairngorm Guest House – a Victorian-style B&B 10 minutes’ walk from the train station. It has 12 country-style rooms, some with fabulous mountain views, and offers free cooked breakfast served in either the cosy dining room or the conservatory, with vegetarian options available.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Take the Strathspey Railway and you’ll have the Cairngorm mountains as a backdrop](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/r5x364.webp)
The Kyle Line
Winding its way through mountains and lochs, past beaches and wildlife, the Kyle Line leaves Inverness towards some stunning scenery. This is one of the best places to spot the golden eagle, or the even larger white-tailed sea eagle, aka the flying barn door. Deer abound, and other treats include otter spotting – from the comfort of your seat. Disembark at Kyle of Lochalsh, on the west coast, and you are at the gateway to the Isle of Skye and the islands to the west.
If you’re spending the night in Kyle of Lochalsh, we recommend a stay at the Kyle Hotel , where you’ll find unfussy rooms with a Scottish touch, plus a cosy pub and restaurant. And if you’re headed to Skye, choose from our definitive list across the island – from seaside B&Bs to luxury glamping pods .
![great scenic rail journeys scotland On the Kyle of Lochalsh line, your journey takes you along the banks of Loch Carron](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/rw6rw0.webp)
The Far North Line
Like the Kyle line, this route heads north out of Inverness and weaves in and out of mountains and lochs to the top of Scotland and the towns of Thurso and Wick. It is a long journey, as the terrain means the track has to curve and twist, so you’re train is often doubling back on itself. There are picturesque towns on the route, along with request stops – often little more than a platform in the middle of rugged, empty country. Highlights en route include seals and dolphins in the North Sea, wild glens full of nature, and the extraordinary expanse of blanket bog that is the Flow Country . If you get off at Dunrobin Castle you gain a discount on entry if you show your ticket.
Leave the train at Thurso to catch the ferry to the Orkney Islands – and choose your accommodation from our pick of the best places to stay . Or head on to Wick and catch a bus to John O’Groats. Accommodation options here are limited, but there are some lovely, warm and welcoming B&Bs in Wick – try Bank Guest House or the Clachan .
![great scenic rail journeys scotland The topography gets more remote the farther north you go](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/gettyimages-138602675.webp)
The West Highland Line
Voted as the best railway journey , not just in Scotland or the UK but the world, the West Highland Line stretches from Glasgow to Mallaig on the west coast. The stupendous scenery includes the vast Rannoch Moor, some of the highest peaks in the UK, and the silver beaches of Morar. Expect children, and adults too, to excitedly exclaim, ‘this is Harry Potter bridge!’ The famous Hogwart’s Express , having left Platform 9 3/4, appeared on parts of this route in several of the films, and the ‘bridge’ is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which gives the traveller stunning views of Loch Shiel and the Highlander’s memorial. One of the last stops on the route, with enchanting views out to the islands of Muck, Eigg and Rum, Arisaig is the furthest west station on the UK mainland. In summer the journey between Fort William and Mallaig can be made even more romantic by travelling on the train pulled by the steam engine, The Jacobite.
For a place to stay in Mallaig, take a sea-facing room at the equally charming West Highland Hotel or The Chlachain Inn for tasty pub grub and beautiful views across the harbour.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Steam train at Glenfinnan viaduct](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/pgt7m4.webp)
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Scotland by Train Itinerary (with Scenic Rail Journeys)
By: Author Tracy Collins
Posted on Last updated: July 24, 2024
Are you planning to visit Scotland? Have you considered a Scottish road trip but decided that’s not for you and would rather travel Scotland by train?
Over the years we have explored Scotland by both train and by car and as an alternative to our Scottish road trip itinerary, we decided to put together a detailed itinerary for those of you who would prefer to take the train.
You will be pleased to hear that travelling around Scotland by train is fairly easy as the railways operate on a route map that is not difficult to navigate in a generally circular direction (with a bus/car/taxi link in between as there are no trains on the Isle of Skye)
Our Scotland by rail itinerary also includes some of the most scenic rail journeys Scotland has to offer with breathtaking scenery and a welcoming rich history and heritage.
Add this Scotland train itinerary to our best of Britain by rail itinerary for the holiday of a lifetime. Perfect for train lovers and those who like to sit back and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Map of the route
Edinburgh – day 1, edinburgh days 2 – 3, accommodation options in edinburgh (near waverley train station), accommodation options in glasgow, accommodation options in oban, day 6 – oban, accommodation options in fort william, day 8 – fort william, accommodation options in portree on the isle of skye, day 10 to 11 – isle of skye, accommodation options in inverness, day 13 – inverness, day 14 – inverness to edinburgh.
- Train Passes
More UK rail travel tips and inspiration
Overview of the scotland by rail itinerary.
✅ The itinerary starts in the beautiful Scottish capital city of Edinburgh before you set off west towards Glasgow.
✅ After a day in Glasgow head to Oban to explore the islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa before a train ride to Fort William (the gateway to the Scottish Highlands).
✅ Embark on a short ferry ride from Mallaig to Armadale and onto the stunning Isle of Skye (this bit of the itinerary has to be taken by bus, taxi or tour) .
✅ A bus from Skye over the bridge will take you back to rejoin the train line at the Kyle of Lochalsh and a scenic ride to Inverness.
✅ The final train journey to Edinburgh through the beautiful Cairngorms National Park completes the journey.
For each destination included in this Scotland by train itinerary, we have included recommendations of what to see and do, accommodation options plus practical tips and details to help you on your way.
We have also included the distances between destinations and the estimated time it will take you to travel each leg of the journey.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Scotland Rail Itinerary](https://uktravelplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Scotland-Rail-Itinerary-533x800.jpg)
Scotland by train itinerary
Days 1-3 edinburgh.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland View of Edinburgh.](https://uktravelplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Edinburgh-6.jpg)
Perhaps you are planning to fly into Edinburgh or take the train to Edinburgh from London (or another UK destination)?
If you arrive by plane it is good to know that the connection from Edinburgh airport to the city centre is served by a frequent tram service that takes around 30 mins. A single ticket is around £6.50 and a return is £9. The return ticket is open for a return journey at any time (even months later).
If you arrive by train you will alight the train at Edinburgh Waverley Station which is located on Princes Street in the centre of the city.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Steps in Edinburgh.](https://uktravelplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Stairs-in-Edinburgh.jpg)
There is much to see and do in Edinburgh. The city caters to all interests, including history, walking, royal and military fans as well as whisky fans.
It really is impossible to visit everything the city has to offer in 2 days so we recommend prioritising your must-see items when planning your itinerary.
Highlights of Edinburgh include
- Historic Edinburgh Castle
- The Royal Mile
- Climb Arthur’s Seat and look at the Views
- The Port of Leith and the Royal Yacht Britannia
- The Palace of Holyrood House.
- Greyfriars Kirkyard
- Taking a ghost tour
- Edinburgh Botanic Gardens
Read – 27 things to do in Edinburgh
If this isn’t your first visit to Edinburgh (or you prefer to explore further afield and can base yourself in the city for a few more days) why not take a day trip by train? Destinations within easy reach of Edinburgh include
- Leuchars (for St Andrews golf course)
All are approx 1 hour from Edinburgh except Aberdeen which takes around 2.5 hours)
Read – Best day trips by train from Edinburgh
Alternatively, join an organised day tour from Edinburgh. Popular choices include this Outlander
- ⭐️ Best luxury hotel in Edinburgh – The Balmoral
- 🛌 Best B&B in Edinburgh – The Elder York Guest House
- 💰 Best budget accommodation in Edinburgh – Holiday Inn Express Royal Mile
Day 4 – Edinburgh to Glasgow
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow.](https://uktravelplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Kelvingrove-Art-Gallery-Glasgow.jpg)
📍 On Day 4 it’s time to depart from Edinburgh and head to Scotland’s most populous city – Glasgow.
🕘 This is a short train journey and only takes around 50 minutes.
✅ There are multiple services available daily.
🔎 During the train journey look out for the Kelpies in Falkirk. These are the 30-metre-high equine sculptures in Helix Park, visible from the train on the right-hand side from Edinburgh. Look carefully, they are easily missed.
Highlights of Glasgow include
- The Kelvingrove Museum & Art Gallery
- Glasgow Cathedral & Necropolis
- Glasgow Street Art
Read more – One-day itinerary for Glasgow
- ⭐️ Best luxury hotel in Glasgow – Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel
- 🛌 Best B&B in Glasgow – The Alamo
- 💰 Best budget accommodation in Glasgow – Ibis Styles George Square
Day 5 – Glasgow to Oban
![great scenic rail journeys scotland View from Oban to Mull.](https://uktravelplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Oban.jpg)
📍 From the Queens Street station catch the train on the West Highland line which is THE number one scenic Scottish train journey (and one of our top 10 UK train trips ).
🕘 Check your train times as there are only a few trains daily in each direction. The journey to Oban is around 3 hours.
The train heads north out of Glasgow. If possible try to sit on the left side of the train in the direction of travel as the train heads north for the best loch views.
The station at Balloch about 50 mins outside Glasgow is a change station for Loch Lomond if this is an area you want to explore further.
The train divides or splits at Crianlarich, about 90 minutes from Glasgow, with one portion of the train heading to Oban. The other portion of the train heads north to Fort William across the famous Rannock Moor.
You will be told which part of the train to sit in to ensure you are heading in the correct direction.
On the train journey to Oban from Crianlarich enjoy spectacular views of Loch Lomond, Glen Lochy, Loch Awe and then the shores of Loch Etive.
Highlights of Oban include
- McCaig’s Tower and battery on the hill overlooking Oban.
- Oban is known as the seafood capital of Scotland
- Oban Distillery
- ⭐️ Best luxury hotel in Oban – No17 The Promenade
- 💰 Best budget accommodation in Oban – Glenmoore Guest House
![great scenic rail journeys scotland View of Oban.](https://uktravelplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Oban-1.jpg)
One Day 6 take a tour from Oban to some of Scotland’s most stunning islands – Iona, Staffa, and Mull.
There are a number of tours available from Oban – most last all day. Also worth noting that these may not suit if you suffer from sea sickness! Check out Staffa Tours for more info
Day 7 – Oban to Fort William
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Snow peaked Ben Nevis.](https://uktravelplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Fort-William-1.jpg)
Day 7 catch the train from Oban back to Crianlarich and change there for the train to Fort William.
🕘 Journey time is dependent on the service caught from Oban and the time to wait for the connecting service at Crianlarich. Overall time travel time is around 3 to 4 hours.
The train journey from Crianlarich will take you across Rannock Moor on the West Highland train line.
The next train station stop is at Corrour which is the highest mainline UK train station at 1339 feet. Here many walkers end/start their hikes over this amazing landscape.
After Corrour the train travels on to Fort William. Look out for the peak of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest peak at 4,411 feet.
Highlights of Fort William include
- Neptune’s staircase
- Ben Nevis Visitor Centre
- Glenfinnan Visitor centre and monument
- Glenfinnan Viaduct
Read more – Best things to do and see in Fort William
- ⭐️ Best luxury hotel in Fort William – Inverlochy Castle Hotel (this is a taxi ride* from the train station)
- 🛌 Best B&B in Fort William – Glentower Lower Observatory
- 💰 Best budget accommodation in Fort William – Culacrick Guest House
*Note that there are taxis generally available outside Fort William train station.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland The Jacobite at Fort William train station.](https://uktravelplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/The-Jacobite-train.jpg)
If you are completing this Scotland by rail itinerary between April and October we recommend booking tickets on the world-famous Jacobite Express steam train to Mallaig (aka the Harry Potter train).
The train departs once a day in the morning from early April until late October. From May to September, an additional train service also runs every afternoon. The Jacobite train is operated by West Coast Railways.
Tip – Arrive at the train station in Fort William in plenty of time to soak up the fantastic atmosphere of the Harry Potter train and take plenty of photos and videos.
❗️Remember to book your tickets early as this sells out very quickly.
Read – How to ride the Harry Potter train in Scotland
Good to know – If you are unable to book tickets for the Jacobite (or are travelling out of season) the normal service train travels over the same train line. This means you will still travel over the Glenfinnan viaduct and see the same spectacular views along the way to Mallaig.
🕘 The train ride between Fort William and Mallaig takes around 1 hour and 25 mins from Fort William to Mallaig.
What to do and see in Mallaig
The endpoint of the West Highland Train line is Mallaig. Look out for the beautiful views of the islands of Eigg and Rum and the white sands of Morar as the train line hugs the coastline on its way to Mallaig.
In Mallaig explore the beautiful restaurants and try some local seafood and wander around the harbour. For Harry Potter fans there is a dedicated shop also worth exploring.
Day 9 – Fort William (Mallaig) to Armadale (Isle of Skye)
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Foot passengers and cars boarding the ferry to Skye at Mallaig.](https://uktravelplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Ferry-to-Skye.jpg)
Mallaig is the ferry terminal for the crossing to the truly breathtaking Isle of Skye.
The ferry carries road vehicles and foot passengers and is currently operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac). CalMac also provides ferry services to the Western Isles including Barra, Bute, Arran, Harris, Iona and Eriskey from Mallaig.
🕘 The ferry journey takes 25 minutes before arriving at the ferry port at Armadale which is located in the southern part of the Sleat Peninsula on Skye.
Whilst there is a road bridge to Skye via the Kyle of Lochalsh the ferry is the best option from Fort William for this rail trip.
How to travel from Armadale to your accommodation on Skye
On arrival at Armadale, you have a few options to get around the island. There are no trains on Skye so you will need to make alternative transport arrangements.
- Taxi to Portree* – takes 1 hour and costs £60+
- Rent a car – There is a small family-run car rental company located in Armadale. Organise a car pick here for the Skye leg of your trip before returning (for an additional fee) to the Kyle of Lochalsh.
- Bus –
*Public transport and tour options are easier from Portree so for this reason (if you do not hire a car from Armadale) we recommend basing yourself in Portree for the duration of your stay on Skye.
- ⭐️ Best luxury hotel on Skye – Cuillin Hills Hotel
- 🛌 Best B&B in on Skye – Canowindra B&B
- 💰 Best budget accommodation on Skye – Tianavaig View Apartments
Read – Complete guide to where to stay on Skye (area and accommodation)
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Portee in Skye.](https://uktravelplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Portree-1.jpg)
With so much to see on Skye and places to visit visitors are often left thinking they might have wanted more time here (including us in 2022!)
For this reason, it is best to prioritise your must-see places and plan your itinerary accordingly. If you have not hired a car at Armadale your options to explore the island are the following:
- Catch local buses around the island
- Take a tour from Portree
- Hire a private driver tour guide to show you the highlights of the island
Highlights on the Isle of Skye include
- Fairy Pools
- Dunvegan Castle and gardens
- The Old Man of Storr
- Kilt Rock and Mealt falls
- Talisker Distillery
- Armadale Castle Gardens and museum.
Day 12 – Isle of Skye to Kyle of Lochalsh and Inverness
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Skye bridge.](https://uktravelplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Skye-bridge-2.jpg)
Leaving Skye over the bridge to the Kyle of Lochalsh is possible by taxi or by bus. From Portree (Square) the 917 Citylink Service costs around £9 for one adult fare.
The bus stops at Kyle of Lochalsh Old Slipway bus stop and takes around 1 hour. The bus stop is a few minutes walk to the train station.
What to see around the Kyle of Lochalsh
If you are dropping off the hire car you picked up at Armadale at the Kyle of Lochalsh consider exploring a little of the area before you do so.
- Eilean Donan Castle is 9 miles (about 15 mins drive away) along the coast of Loch Alsh.
- Manuela’s Wee Bakery
Train to Inverness
🛤 This is the beautifully scenic Kyle line.
🕘 The train to Inverness takes around 2.5 hours.
What to see on the train journey to Inverness
From Kyle, the train line hugs the coastline of Loch Carron and at the station of Plockton is the location setting of the popular UK TV program Hamish Macbeth (from the 1990s).
Look out for the Torridon Hills on the left-hand side of the train just after the station at Achnashellach. The line then rises and falls en route to Dingwall past Loch Garve, Loch Luichart and Loch a’Chuilinn with constantly stunning views. Dingwall is at the end of the Cromarty Firth. From here the line heads the 20 minutes journey south to Inverness.
From Dingwall a change of train on the Far North Line would take you to the north tip of Scotland at Thurso and Wick train stations. From here if you wish to visit the John O’Groats or the Orkney Islands .
- ⭐️ Best hotel in Inverness near the train station – River Ness Hotel
- 🛌 Best B&B in Inverness – Moyness House
- 💰 Best budget accommodation in Inverness – Inverness Youth Hostel
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Loch Ness.](https://uktravelplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Loch-Ness-3.jpg)
Highlights of Inverness – including easy day trip ideas
- Loch Ness and Castle Urquhart
- Culloden battlefield
- Clava Cairns – Bronze Age Cairn
- Fort George- Artillery fortification
- I nverness to Thurso and Wick (Far North Line)
Good to know – the hop-on hop-off bus from Inverness has stops at Culloden and Loch Ness
Read more – Best day trips from Inverness
![great scenic rail journeys scotland Forth Rail Bridge.](https://uktravelplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Forth-Rail-Bridge-1.jpg)
✅ On day 14 catch the train back to Edinburgh Waverley from Inverness.
🔀 There is a choice of train routes to take – the coastal route that takes in Aberdeen and Dundee or the central route that passes through Aviemore, Pitlochry and Perth.
🕘 The coastal route takes around 5 hours while the central route to Edinburgh takes between 3 hours 30 mins – 4 hours.
Both routes are scenic and have contrasting landscapes. There are merits to both depending on timescales or your specific interests such as the Whisky Trail from the station of Keith north of Aberdeen.
Both routes take in the iconic Forth Rail Bridge which is about 12 minutes away from Edinburgh.
The bridge was completed in December 1889 and spans over the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Train ticket and passes – options for your Scotland rail itinerary
There are a number of options open to you when it comes to buying tickets for the Scotland by rail itinerary detailed above. The most cost-effective option for train tickets may be to compare the cost of a train pass or ticket discounts with a railcard.
Train Pass es
The two passes available are the BritRail Pass or the Global Eurail Pass (or Global Interail pass if you live in Europe).
Note – Unfortunately, the Scottish Highlands BritRail Pass and the Spirit of Scotland BritRail Pass are unavailable at the moment due to Covid – hopefully, they will be available again soon.
This means that you would need to buy a regular BritRail Pass for travel by trail in Scotland. The following types are available:
Flexible – 2 Day, 3 Day, 4 Day, 8 Day (valid within 1 month) and 15 Day (valid within 2 months)
Consecutive – 2 Day, 3 Day, 4 Day, 8 Day, 15 Day, 22 Day, 1 Month
The other alternative is a Global Eurail Pass . It offers consecutive travel for 15 or 22 consecutive days, or buy a pass valid for 1, 2 or 3 months. Or a flexible pass for 4, 5 or 7 non-consecutive days spread over a month; or for 10 or 15 days during a two month period.
With 6 days of train travel (excluding the Jacobite which is not covered by either pass) a 7 day Global Eurail flexipass may be the most cost-effective for this itinerary.
Read – Global Eurail Pass versus BritRail Pass
Another option would be to purchase a d i g i t a l railcard and compare the cost of tickets with discounts from the railcard applied.
Examples of railcards include:
- Two Together Railcard – Costs £30 for the year. Two travellers are named on the same card and you must always travel together to get one-third off the normal ticket price.
- Senior Railcard – For the over 60s. Costs £30 for the year and offers one-third off rail fares.
- UK Train Travel Guide ebook
- Tips to save money on UK train travel
- Britrail vs Gobal Eurail Pass
- Best day trips from Glasgow by train
- Guide to the Caledonian Sleeper (and podcast episode)
- 9 Tips for travelling the UK by train
- Introduction to UK train travel podcast episode #2
- Best day trips from Edinburgh
🚙 Decided a road trip around Scotland is more your thing? Not sure if you’re up to driving in the UK? We recommend using a Tripiamo guide to get yourself familiar before your journey. Previous UK Travel Planning users have said this has made them feel much more comfortable getting behind the wheel. Find out more in our guide to renting a car in the UK.
![great scenic rail journeys scotland great scenic rail journeys scotland](https://www.best-of-scotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo-edited.png)
5 of the Most Scenic Train Routes in Scotland
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There are many ways to travel around Scotland but travelling by train is a preferred option. Why? You simply cannot witness some of the scenes that the rail routes offer on any other form of transport. Even Scottish locals like to embark on some of these routes every once in a while. Check out our short list of some of the most scenic and popular train routes in Scotland below.
The West Highland Line
Perhaps the most iconic train route in Scotland, the West Highland Line has merited the title as the ‘World’s Best Train Journey’, as voted by readers of Wanderlust Magazine, and it’s not hard to see why. The route begins at Glasgow, passing through Glaswegian suburbs and along the banks of Loch Lomond, with the option to continue the line at Oban, where it branches off, or journey further north to Fort William and Mallaig. The West Highland Line travels through some of Scotland’s most staggering mountain landscapes, lochs and heather moors – some parts of the country you’ll only be able to witness via a train journey.
The Kyle Line
If there is any way to truly experience the heart of the highlands, it’s travelling on the Kyle Line. Departing from Inverness and ending at Kyle of Lochalsh, the Kyle Line is 2 and a half hours of mountains, forests, lochs, moors and rural villages. This route passes along the southern bank of the Beauly Firth, through the town of Dingwall and the small village of Garve, where Ben Wyvis can be carefully be spotted. Travellers will know when they have reached Kyle of Lochalsh as the view of the Isle of Skye is unmissable. Kyle of Lochalsh is the gateway to the Isle of Skye and other western islands.
Like the Kyle Line, the Far North Line also departs from Inverness, only it heads further north towards Thurso and Wick. This route passes through the more wild and remote areas of Scotland like the Flow Country, one of the world’s last wild places, stretching across Caithness and Sutherland. But as one of the longer train journeys – lasting 4 hours or more if heading to Wick- there’s still plenty of landmarks to spot along the way, including Skibo Castle just across the Dornoch Firth, just after Tain and Carbisdale Castle shortly after Culrain. If travellers leave the train at Thurso, they can catch the ferry to the islands of Orkney, or if continuing on to Wick, there’s the option to take the bus to John o’Groats, the most northernly point of British mainland.
The Borders
Unique compared to any other railway line in the whole of the UK, the Borders railway line is the longest new domestic line to be built in the UK in over 100 years. It was only in 2015 that this line reopened after closing in 1969 when it was then known as the Waverly Route. The line runs for 30 miles from Edinburgh, through Midlothian and into the Scottish Borders lasting around 55 minutes. Since reopening in 2015, 7 new stations have been added to the route, allowing passengers to hop off at Eskbank to visit Rosslyn Chapel or visit Sir Walter Scott’s home in Tweedbank. The entire route is encompassed by rolling hills and charming villages.
The Strathspey Railway
The Strathspey Railway is one for real railway enthusiasts, offering an experience like no other. Not only does the route take in some of Scotland’s best sights like the Cairngorm Mountains, passengers travel on a tradition steam train in comfortable vintage carriages with the option to dine as well. The Strathspey Railway was brought back to life in 1978 by a group of volunteers after being closed in 1965. The route travels for 10 miles on a restored section of the original Highland Railway Line, departing from Aviemore and passing along the west side of the Spey Valley to Boat of Garten.
Our team of experts at Best of Scotland Holidays have put together the ideal West Highland Train Journey package, Scotland’s most popular train route.
This package combines the iconic route with time to explore attractions of the capital city, Edinburgh, an optional boat and bus tour of the Inner Hebrides islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa, an option steam day trip, plus much more.
Find out more about our West Highland Train Journey package here or get in contact with us directly to speak with a member of our team.
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The best train journeys in scotland
Step aboard one of these trains for a railway tour of scotland to remember. here’s our pick of the best train journeys in scotland.
The Royal Scotsman
Words by ailsa sheldon.
This year, Scotland’s most luxurious train, the Royal Scotsman, is offering guests the chance to spend two nights travelling through the Highlands in style with a Michelin-starred chef in the kitchen.
This must surely be top of the list of the best train journeys in Scotland.
To journey on the Royal Scotsman is to step into a more opulent world: think refined Edwardian country-house style, polished lacquer panelling, and an observation car with an open-air veranda at the back of the train. It’s an exclusive journey, with only 38 guests on board and a full staff catering for your every need.
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There is even a Christian Dior spa on board offering unique, luxurious treatments designed to enhance the journey. Many people book the Royal Scotsman as a ‘once in a lifetime experience’, only to return again every year.
Food and drink play a hugely important role in all journeys on this luxury train, from breakfasts and lunches to afternoon tea and dinner, but with chef Tom Kitchin on board, an already special experience is taken to another level.
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Tom is one of Scotland’s best-known and best-loved chefs. As chef-patron of The Kitchin in Edinburgh , he gained a Michelin star in 2007 when he was only 29 years old, an accolade he has held onto ever since. The Kitchin is also the only restaurant in Scotland to hold 5 AA Rosettes.
Tom and his wife Michaela also run The Scran and Scallie , a gastropub in Edinburgh and KORA , a restaurant also in Edinburgh, as well as The Bonnie Badger restaurant with rooms in Gullane, East Lothian.
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A journey on the Royal Scotsman begins at the iconic Balmoral hotel. After meeting your fellow travellers, your luggage is whisked away to your train compartment allowing you to board via the red carpet unencumbered. Over two days the train traverses great swathes of Highland countryside, on both national rail and private railway lines, giving guests views of places inaccessible by road. The route north passes through Perthshire and on to the Cairngorms, returning south through Aberdeenshire and Angus.
Tom says his cooking style is a great fit for the Royal Scotsman : “It’s very much showcasing Scottish produce, that’s what I’m known for. I’m very passionate about the produce, the larder that we have here in Scotland, all the excellent suppliers. It’s a really nice fit.”
Before opening his restaurants, Tom worked on luxury yachts, so he wasn’t daunted by the size of the kitchen on the train. This year will be Tom’s third voyage with Belmond, “After I’d done it the first time, it absolutely blew my socks off. It’s just like a fairy tale, it’s one of the most magical experiences. It’s such a lovely way to see the country. It makes me so proud to be Scottish.”
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Tom’s starred restaurant is just a few miles from the train station in Leith, allowing the food preparation to start well before guests embark. “We can actually prepare 90% of the food in the restaurant,” he says, “so you’re getting that incredible restaurant level of food and then we transport it up in big chill boxes and unpack it, instead of ordering scallops and trying to open them on the train.”
Tom also brings one of his restaurant chefs to work with him on the train, “It’s a fight to see who joins me because they all want to come,” he says.
The menus Kitchin designs complement the incredible scenery that the train travels through – basically the very best of Scottish ingredients.
“The menu’s not finalised this year. In years gone by, I’ve done venison, I’ve done scallops, I’ve done game in game season, it’s just the finest Scottish ingredients,” he says.
As part of the journey, a barbecue is also held on the Rothiemurchus estate in the Cairngorms, using meat and fish from the estate. “Guests are literally eating from the land that they’re enjoying,” Tom says, “it’s very special.”
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Dinner on the train begins in the observation car, where guests enjoy champagne and canapés, “Everyone’s dressed up very smart. Everyone puts an effort in, it’s really nice,” Tom says.
After a delicious four-course meal in the dining room guests return to the lounge for a wee dram, often joined by local Scottish folk musicians who will come on the train to entertain them. During the journey guests will also enjoy a wine tasting on board from the Kitchin’s top wine supplier and also visit Benromach Distillery in Speyside.
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At the time of writing there are cabins still available on this year’s trip, from 2-4 October 2024, though Tom will also return to the Royal Scotsman from 5-7 July 2025 for another journey in the train’s 40th anniversary year.
Prices start from £4,800 per person.
belmond.com/trains/europe/scotland/belmond-royal-scotsman/journeys/taste-of-scotland-with-tom-kitchin
The best rail holidays in Scotland
Mckinlay kidd.
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Glasgow-based husband-and-wife team Robert and Heather have been designing railway tours and holidays in Scotland for 20 years and know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to the best train journeys in Scotland.
Step on board one of their expertly curated tours, such as their 14-night Grand Tour of Scotland by Train , which will take you the length and breadth of the country and pass by some of Scotland’s greatest sights, including a trip over the magical Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films ; the beautiful islands of Skye , Mull and Iona ; and Scotland’s vibrant capital of Edinburgh.
There is also the option to choose a specific area to explore in more detail or tailor-make your own rail holiday. Robert and Heather’s expert local guides will show you hidden wonders, and you’ll have the chance to interact with locals at many of the places you visit. When your day’s exploring is done, rest assured that all accommodation has been carefully chosen to ensure every moment of your trip is as relaxing and memorable as possible.
Prices start from £1395pp. mckinlaykidd.com
Vacations by Rail
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This US-based tour company runs a variety of railway tours of Scotland that will allow you to experience our beautiful country in all its majesty.
A land of legend and unbelievable beauty, Vacations by Rail will guide you through the very best of Scotland’s landscapes, travelling on some of the world’s most famous trains on the best train journeys in Scotland, including the Jacobite steam train and the Royal Scotsman .
Whether you choose to plan your own itinerary or travel on one of the company’s carefully curated tours, such as the perennially popular nine-day Edinburgh, Highlands and Islands tour, or on one of its more specific tours such as a Scotch Malt Whisky Trail aboard the Royal Scotsman, you’ll travel through lochs and glens, past mountains and castles, through quaint villages and historic towns, and are guaranteed to have an adventure to remember.
Prices start from £1,295pp. vacationsbyrail.com
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With 20 different railway tours and holidays in Scotland to choose from, family-run RailTrail is guaranteed to have a holiday that will tickle your fancy, with virtually every inch of Scotland covered.
You can choose to explore Scotland’s exciting urban centres on a Stirling Cities of Scotland by Rail holiday; visit the wild landscapes of Shetland and Orkney on a journey to Scotland’s far north; travel through the Highlands on a steam train and visit a distillery or two en route; or choose the Golden Highlander tour for a chance to step on board the famous Jacobite steam train.
With journeys ranging from four to 12 days, including some seasonal trips that will explore the very best of Scotland at Christmas , every step of your journey has been carefully planned to guarantee guests the experience of a lifetime.
Prices start from £470. railtrail.co.uk
Newmarket Holidays
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A Scottish railway holiday with Newmarket Holidays will offer you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience some of the world’s most spectacular scenery on three of the best train journeys in Scotland, if not the world.
Sit back and let someone else do the driving as you travel past breathtaking views all the way from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, or journey along the incredibly dramatic 42 miles of track that makes up the West Highland Line from Fort William to Mallaig. Alternatively, take a nostalgic steam train ride on the Strathspey Railway.
As well as seeing many of Scotland’s most desirable sights, like Loch Ness, the Glenfinnan Viaduct and magnificent Eilean Donan castle , your holiday includes four night’s dinner, bed and breakfast at the historic and charming Carrbridge Hotel, in the heart of the stunning Cairngorms National Park.
Prices start from £544pp. newmarketholidays.co.uk
Macs Adventure
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Starting life offering self-guided walking tours of Scotland, Macs Adventure has 20 years of expertise in planning adventures.
Its Scotland by Train holidays allow you to embark on a relaxing car-free journey across the country, covering, of course, some of the best train journeys in Scotland. You’ll glide through the beautiful Highlands past lochs, castles and glens, delve into Scotland’s larder, enjoy a dram or two in a distillery and uncover rich stories, ancient history and intriguing folklore along the way.
Accommodation has been meticulously planned for each step of your curated journey, so all you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy.
Prices start from £490pp. macsadventure.com
Great Rail Journeys
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Specialising in exactly what its name suggests, Great Rail Journeys’ escorted tours and holidays will guide you through the romantic landscapes, fascinating history and wild nature of Scotland via some of the country’s greatest railway routes.
Tours include a five-day trip through scenic Royal Deeside aboard the Royal Deeside Railway, during which you’ll visit three of Scotland’s most exciting cities: Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee. There’s also an eight-day Skye, Orkney and the Wild North of Scotland tour, where you’ll visit historic sites and whisky distilleries and take a journey on the legendary West Highland Line, one of Britain’s most beautiful railway journeys and one of the best train journeys in Scotland.
Seasonal tours include a special Christmas in the Glens festive adventure, where you’ll experience a cosy Scottish Christmas in the heart of the Highlands.
Prices start from £795pp. greatrail.com
Read more from Scotland Magazine:
St Giles’ Cathedral: 900 years
King James VI and I: Scotland’s absent king
The best things to do in Edinburgh
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SCOTLAND MAGAZINE
Published six times a year, every issue of Scotland showcases its stunning landscapes and natural beauty, and delves deep into Scottish history. From mysterious clans and famous Scots (both past and present), to the hidden histories of the country’s greatest castles and houses, Scotland ‘s pages brim with the soul and secrets of the country. Scotland magazine captures the spirit of this wild and wonderful nation, explores its history and heritage and recommends great places to visit, so you feel at home here, wherever you are in the world.
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Scotland's 10 most scenic railways
From steam trains to sleeper trains, check out the best ways to experience the scenic railways of Scotland
![Scenic railway Scotland scenic railway scotland](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/scenic-railway-scotland-1633424214.jpg?crop=0.669xw:1.00xh;0.0678xw,0&resize=640:*)
Scotland : a country of glens, fells, lakes and islands beyond your wildest dreams. It's where white-sand beaches and snowy peaks sit side by side, and tiny coastal towns and world-class cultural cities sit just a few hours from each other - the ideal backdrop for the most scenic railways in Scotland.
The landscapes of Scotland are rugged and magical and the best way to take them in is with an unforgettable train holiday . During a Scottish rail adventure, you can see multiple destinations and enjoy the changing landscapes as you travel, worrying less about your carbon footprint, keeping comfortable and relaxed, and without the need to lift a finger!
Scotland is home to some of the UK’s most spectacular rail routes too, whether you want to explore the coasts or the Highlands, by steam train or narrow gauge railway, travelling overnight or on a day trip with the kids.
So read on to get to know the most scenic railways of Scotland and start planning your trip for 2024...
West Highland Line
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Known for the resident mythical monster ‘Nessie’, the dramatic, remote John o' Groats and whisky distilleries dotted between mountains and lochs, the Scottish Highlands are a wild and wondrous region.
The West Highlands have their own unique feel, famed for their fresh seafood, Highland hospitality and beloved Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.
Fittingly, the West Highland Line is considered by many to be the most scenic rail journey in the world.
Heading north through the wilds of the west coast, you can see parts of the country only visible by train as you pass through Loch Lomond and the stunning Trossachs National Park.
The line then splits at Crianlarich, and you can either travel past Loch Awe to Oban, or high up to Rannoch Moor, through remote wilderness, and on to Fort William and Mallaig.
Travel with Good Housekeeping on the West Highland Line during a four-day Scotland by steam holiday, where you'll be joined by TV presenter Kirsty Wark. You'll get to experience the Jacobite, from the Harry Potter films, as you make your way across the breathtaking Glenfinnan Viaduct.
FIND OUT MORE
Fort William to Mallaig on the Jacobite steam train
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An off-shoot of the West Highland Line, this section is world-famous for the stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct, which the Hogwarts Express soars over in the Harry Potter films.
Undoubtedly the best way to travel this route is, like Harry, by classic steam train.
The iconic Jacobite, or the Harry Potter train , as it's known to many, offers the perfect way to travel through the Highland scenery, occasionally pausing on the 21-arched viaduct, allowing you time to take in breathtaking views of the mountainous, mossy terrain and glistening Loch Shiel in the distance.
Good Housekeeping has an excellent four-day staycation, where you'll not only experience this epic train journey, but enjoy a cruise on Loch Katrine in the Trossachs and have time to discover the pretty town of Mallaig, where you can stop for fish and chips. TV's Kirsty Wark will also join you for part of this once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Far North Line
To really see Scotland’s rugged coast and remote farmlands - and of course to visit the traditional distilleries it's so famous for - the Far North Line is the one.
You jump on at Inverness then head out into the wilds, reaching the northern limits of the Highlands - this is Britain's most rural railway, didn't you know?
The journey takes around four hours in full, introducing you to hundreds of miles of beautiful - and varied - landscapes, from quaint hamlets to deep-green bogs, and finally to the gates of the magnificent Dunrobin Castle.
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Royal Scotsman
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Operated by Belmond, purveyors of sumptuous train experiences, the Royal Scotsman transports you into the Scottish wilderness in style, to see iconic landmarks including Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis, the Isle of Bute and Mount Stuart.
But this is a train like no other. Edwardian elegance meets country-house comforts in the Royal Scotsman’s 10 carriages. On top of the en suite double cabins, this palace on wheels also features a dining room, observation car and the Dior Spa, a new tranquil way to experience the train.
Fine wines, malt whiskies, entertainment and a first-class menu celebrating Scottish produce, is all yours, as you snake through sky-high peaks and dramatic valleys.
The Royal Scotsman has various journeys throughout 2023, including a whisky-themed journey, the castles and isles and a taste of the Highlands tour.
Also departing from Inverness, the Kyle Line winds through charming Highland villages such as Achnasheen and Plockton before arriving in Kyle of Lochalsh, the stunning village gateway to the Isle of Skye .
The Kyle Line, in just two and a half hours, takes you past idyllic beaches and tranquil lochs, and along untouched Highland hillsides, home to rare birds like eagles and herons.
You can also delve into Scottish history at the Kyle Line Museum, catching a glimpse of Scottish highland life from a century ago and understanding the impact the railway made in its early years. And if you want to revisit the Golden Age of travel, there’s a chance you can travel by steam: various heritage trains travel the Kyle Line.
Strathspey Railway
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Home to the Cairngorm quartz, these mystical mountains are often snow-topped and Tundra-like, popular with climbers, walkers and even skiers.
We find that the best way to admire the majestic peaks is from the comfort of a plush carriage on a journey along the Strathspey Steam Railway.
Lasting just an hour and a half, the line connects snowsports base Aviemore with Broomhill, along the River Spey and western edge of the National Park. Many travellers hop off at the RSPB reserve in Boat of Garten - also known as 'Osprey village'.
It makes for a perfect day out, with afternoon tea and Sunday lunch both served on board the train, and the flexibility to take the dogs with you - provided they are well-behaved.
BROWSE HOTELS IN AVIEMORE
The Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway
Perfect for a family day out, the Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway is a short journey, taking in multiple points of interest.
It’s a great option for young travellers, taking a little over an hour and offering special activities like a day with Thomas the Tank Engine or an experience on board heritage locomotives at the Museum of Scottish Railways.
The line itself takes you past Kinneil Local Nature Reserve, ideal for walking, cycling and bird watching; the estate, a 16th-century mansion with rare renaissance wall paintings; and the museum, with artefacts dating back to Roman times; as well as Birkhill’s vintage railway station, which kids absolutely love.
BROWSE PLACES TO STAY NEAR BO'NESS
Aberdonian Steam Train
This is a special one, where you can take in two of Scotland’s most exciting cities - Edinburgh and Aberdeen - on a nostalgic day trip on the world-famous steam locomotive Tornado.
Large windows offer unrivalled views of the scenery and fine Scottish fare graces the menu.
A highlight of the journey will undoubtedly be crossing the remarkable Forth Bridge. Connecting Edinburgh with Fife, this structure has the second-longest single cantilever span of any bridge in the world - awarding it its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Aberdonian then runs along the coast as you weave through lush landscapes and verdant countryside with clifftop views.
In Aberdeen, you can explore the historic city and its stunning castle, or visit the distilleries, and Edinburgh needs no introduction.
BEST HOTELS IN EDINBURGH
The Borders Railway
The Borders Railway will take you past the breathtaking landscapes of Edinburgh (think Arthur’s Seat and the Salisbury Crags), Midlothian (catch incredible sunsets on the long stretch between Gorebridge and Stow) and the Scottish Borders (with its rolling hills, lochs and cairns), to Tweedbank.
Tweedbank is popular with visitors, who are keen to explore Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott, and Melrose Abbey, the magnificent historic ruin.
Despite being the longest new domestic railway to be built in over 100 years, it takes just an hour to travel from Edinburgh to Tweedbank and you can opt for fun steam train journeys on certain days.
BROWSE HOTELS IN EDINBURGH
Leadhills and Wanlockhead Railway
For something a little bit different, hop aboard a car on this narrow gauge railway which operates between Scotland's highest villages, Leadhills and Wanlockhead.
This is a line for railway and engineering lovers: the line itself was built on the track-bed of the former Caledonian Railway line, which closed in 1938, and the station at Leadhills boasts a collection of locomotives specially preserved from the industrial era.
The line also takes you to remote upland villages where you can learn about the region’s industrial history, like the aptly-named Leadhills. This village is home to Scotland's highest course - not for the faint-hearted!
The lead mining museum at Wanlockhead teaches you about the history of industry, how lead miners dug to below sea level and excavated miles of tunnels looking for lead ore and silver.
PLACES TO STAY NEAR LEADHILLS
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Great Railway Journeys of Scotland
Experience some of the world's most spectacular scenery as you enjoy journeys on 4 of Scotlands most celebrated railways
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Experience some of the world's most spectacular scenery as you enjoy journeys on four of Scotland's most famous railways - discover wild and dramatic landscapes from a unique angle aboard magnificently restored trains gently rolling through the picturesque heather-clad hills of the Scottish Highlands, with breathtaking scenery right outside your window!
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Return coach travel
5 nights half board
Visit to Moffat enroute
Journeys on the Jacobite Steam Railway, Kyle of Lochalsh Line Railway, Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway & Strathspey Railway
Photo stop at Eilean Donan Castle
Scenic drive along Loch Ness
Free time in Mallaig
Please note: we cannot guarantee that steam trains will make railway journeys. This tour may be unsuitable for passengers with restricted mobility.
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After departure, we travel north towards the Scottish border, where we enjoy a stop in the Border market town of Moffat. After some free time to explore, we continue our journey to our overnight hotel.
Today, we will travel to the historic port of Bo'ness on the Firth of Forth for a journey on the Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway. On our ten-mile scenic journey to Manuel, you'll travel along the Forth Estuary, through woodlands, past waterfalls and over the Avon Viaduct. From here, our journey continues by coach into the Highlands and our hotel based near Fort William.
Today, we head north with a photo opportunity at Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most striking castles in Scotland. Perched atop a tiny island and joined to the mainland by an elegant bridge, it was designed to defend the region from invading Viking raiders. We next follow in the footsteps of Michael Palin and embark on a railway journey on the Kyle of Lochalsh Line. This primarily single-track railway travels via breathtaking scenery from Kyle of Lochalsh to Dingwall. After disembarking, our return by coach takes us along the shores of Loch Ness - keep your eyes peeled for the mythical resident!
Described as the 'Greatest Railway Journey in the World', we board the Jacobite Steam Railway today. This section of the West Highland Line crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, which you may remember from the Harry Potter films. Starting in Fort William, a town in the shadow of Ben Nevis, our journey will take us to Mallaig, a busy fishing port and home to many shops, restaurants and freshly caught fish and chips! After some free time to explore, you'll enjoy a return journey by train back to Fort William.
Today's journey takes us towards the magnificent Cairngorm Mountains and to Aviemore. All aboard the Strathspey Railway for a twenty-mile trip along a section of the original Highland Railway line! Winding along the river Spey, enjoy your journey through moorlands and wooded glens via the Boat of Garten and Broomhill. From here, we head to our final overnight hotel.
We begin the drive south, before crossing back over the border and returning home.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
The Onich Hotel 3*, Fort William
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With dramatic mountain views and a stunning loch-side setting, this family-run hotel offers attractive, beautiful gardens and individually decorated ensuite bedrooms, each unique. Some rooms have panoramic views over the gardens to Loch Linnhe and the stunning scenery beyond. All rooms have satellite TV, radio, telephones, tea/coffee-making facilities and hairdryers.
Please note that this hotel does not have a lift. There are approximately twenty steps to the first-floor bedrooms.
Hotel Facilities
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5 days £895 pp £795 pp. Explore the beautiful Scottish Highlands, staying in luxurious 4-Star hotels. Board the famous Jacobite Steam Train for a scenic journey to Mallaig. Enjoy a trip along the stunning Kyle Line to view Eilean Donan Castle. Discover More.
Stranraer Line. Go right to the heart of Burns country from Glasgow to Ayr and Stranraer. Stop off for the museum, castles, golf, or a ferry to Belfast. Explore Scotland's landscapes, wildlife and history by train on these special rail journeys. Find out more about the routes and buy tickets online.
5 Scenic Trains for Exploring Scotland's Dramatic Highlands, Sparkling Lochs, and Coastal Towns. ... Around the world, train journeys are experiencing a great revival, ...
This is a side of Scotland you can only see from the train - a Great Scenic Rail Journey that carries you north along the west coast, through the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. The line splits at Crianlarich, carrying you either past Loch Awe to Oban, or high up to Rannoch Moor, through remote wilderness and on to Fort William and ...
A guide to railway holidays & train tours in Scotland, including steam train journeys, buying tickets, and discounts. Plan your Scottish train adventure today. ... From scenic train routes through the Scottish Highlands to short steam train rides, Scotland's train tours can offer unforgettable journeys with great service and amazing views. 1.
1.5 Hours. The Strathspey Steam Railway is a short train ride, but it's more of an event in itself than simply a train journey. For a start, you have the steam element. Traveling on a steam train has a certain kind of nostalgia about it and it's a special way to enjoy the views in this part of the country.
Scotland can be a little tricky to navigate: single track roads, steep gradients, unpredictable weather and underprepared fellow road users can all make for a fairly challenging journey at the best of times. Thankfully, the Scottish railway network is as enticing as it is practical, with a number of world-class routes on the cards for those looking to ditch the car in favour of a hassle-free ...
Wander the rainbow streets of delightful Tobermory, stand at the foot of Neptune's Staircase, and admire the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Scotland's beauty and culture pave the way for a range of amazing experiences and memories. View Dates & Pricing. Call to book 01904 521 936. Enquire about this tour.
Here are 6 rail journeys to take you through Scotland. By Steve King. 5 April 2021. Travelling through Scotland by train is nothing short of a privilege. These are the very best journeys to take, all experienced first-hand by our man in Glasgow - including insider tips. Royal Scotsman by Belmond.
Step back in time with visits to iconic landmarks such as the Eilean Donan Castle and the Culloden Battlefield, where we delve into Scotland's fascinating heritage and rich history. This scenic adventure lets you lose yourself in Highland treasures and the rugged beauty of the Scottish landscape. View Dates & Pricing.
West Highland Line. This scenic journey is considered by many as the World's most memorable rail journeys. Work commenced in 1889 when the first sod was cut using a silver spade. The line reached Oban in 1880, but it was another 14 years before the link to Fort William was opened. The line's construction through inhospitable terrain was ...
THE KYLE LINE. One of the world's most beautiful railway journeys, this train moves you from Inverness, across the East Coast of Scotland to Kyle of Lochalsh on the West, the crossing point for the Isle of Skye. See lochs, mountains and hills as you follow the coast across the Highlands, visit the beautiful market town of Dingwall and visit ...
Tour Summary. Scenic Scottish Railways. 4 day/3 night. Scotland has some of the most picturesque railway journeys in Europe. Start the tour with a relaxing trip on the preserved Speyside Railway from Aviemore to Broomhill. Later make for your base in delightful Grantown-on-Spey, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.
The West Highland Line. Voted as the best railway journey, not just in Scotland or the UK but the world, the West Highland Line stretches from Glasgow to Mallaig on the west coast. The stupendous scenery includes the vast Rannoch Moor, some of the highest peaks in the UK, and the silver beaches of Morar. Expect children, and adults too, to ...
Day 5 - Glasgow to Oban. 📍 From the Queens Street station catch the train on the West Highland line which is THE number one scenic Scottish train journey (and one of our top 10 UK train trips). 🕘 Check your train times as there are only a few trains daily in each direction. The journey to Oban is around 3 hours.
The West Highland Line. Perhaps the most iconic train route in Scotland, the West Highland Line has merited the title as the 'World's Best Train Journey', as voted by readers of Wanderlust Magazine, and it's not hard to see why. The route begins at Glasgow, passing through Glaswegian suburbs and along the banks of Loch Lomond, with the ...
8 days from. £2,095 pp £1,895 pp. View Details. View our full collection of Scotland holidays. Save up to £500pp. India's Golden Triangle, Tigers and Shimla. Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen by Rail. The Sensational Isles of Scilly. Yorkshire and Northumberland.
Great Rail Journeys Urquhart Castle in winter. Credit: Filippo Masoni. Specialising in exactly what its name suggests, Great Rail Journeys' escorted tours and holidays will guide you through the romantic landscapes, fascinating history and wild nature of Scotland via some of the country's greatest railway routes.
2. Inverness - Kyle line. Travel coast to coast across the Highlands, in the shadows of mountains and forests, beside bright lochs and wide open moors. More. 3. Highland Main Line. Experience the Highland Perthshire hills and rivers, Cairngorms National Park and mountains alongside the Spey Valley. More.
Kyle Line: Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. Travel coast to coast across the Highlands, in the shadows of mountains and forests, beside bright lochs and wide open moors. The Kyle line draws a wide arc from Inverness to the shores of Loch Alsh, taking in spectacular Highland scenery - and finishing with magnificent views of Skye.
From steam trains to sleeper trains, these are the most scenic railways in Scotland for a 2024 holiday. Check out the best Scottish train journeys.
Journeys on the Jacobite Steam Railway, Kyle of Lochalsh Line Railway, Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway & Strathspey Railway. Photo stop at Eilean Donan Castle. Scenic drive along Loch Ness. Free time in Mallaig . Please note: we cannot guarantee that steam trains will make railway journeys. This tour may be unsuitable for passengers with restricted ...
Departing October 23, 2024. In 2025, embark on the Royal Scotsman train for a gourmet adventure in the Scottish Highlands, sampling the finest Scottish produce. After mingling with fellow guests over candlelit feasts in the dining cars and exuberant ceilidhs — the traditional Scottish social gathering — a warm and sophisticated atmosphere ...
Scotland Cruises. With Great Rail Journeys you will voyage along one of Great Britain's most famous waterways - the Caledonian Canal - and sail over the sea to Scotland's idyllic islands. Medieval Castles, World Heritage Sites and journeys on scenic heritage railways are just a few of the possible highlights of our Scotland cruises.
The Yellow Train passes through some spectacular scenery on its short journey, including one of France's highest railway stations at Bolquére Eyne, which stands at 5,226ft above sea level. Our Little Trains of the Pyrenees tour includes a ride on the Yellow Train, as it heads up into the mountains, crossing dizzying gorges and fast-flowing ...