Tag: Far North Line

Scotland is a country made for looking out the window. From the mountains and lochs of the Highlands to historic towns, traveling by train offers a chance to see parts of the country that can be difficult to appreciate from behind the wheel.

Some Scottish train journeys are attractions in their own right. The Jacobite Steam Train, made famous by the Harry Potter films, is perhaps the best known, but it is far from the only scenic railway journey in Scotland.

Whether you’re looking for a classic steam train experience, a relaxing Highland journey or a way to build rail travel into a Scotland vacation, these are some of the best scenic train rides to consider.

What Is the Most Picturesque Rail Journey in Scotland?

The West Highland Line is widely considered one of the most picturesque rail journeys in Scotland and the world. The route travels from Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig, passing through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, across the remote landscapes of Rannoch Moor and over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.

The complete Glasgow-to-Mallaig journey takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, although travelers can also take shorter sections of the route. The scenery changes dramatically along the way, from forests and sea lochs to mountains, moors and remote Highland stations. For many travelers, the stretch between Fort William and Mallaig is the highlight.

1. The Jacobite Steam Train: Fort William to Mallaig

If you’ve ever watched the Harry Potter films, you may recognize the Glenfinnan Viaduct, where the Hogwarts Express travels through the Scottish Highlands.

The Jacobite Steam Train travels along this same stretch of the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig. The 84-mile round trip passes beneath Ben Nevis, across the Glenfinnan Viaduct and through some of the most spectacular scenery on Scotland’s west coast.

Along the way, you’ll pass Loch Morar, Arisaig, Morar and Loch Nevis, with views toward the Small Isles and the Isle of Skye on clear days. The journey includes time in Mallaig, a historic fishing port and ferry gateway to Skye and the Small Isles.

Is the Jacobite Train Worth It?

For many visitors, yes. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, a steam-train enthusiast or simply want to experience one of Scotland’s most famous rail routes, the Jacobite is a memorable addition to a Highlands itinerary.

However, the scenery isn’t exclusive to the steam train. The regular ScotRail West Highland Line also travels between Fort William and Mallaig, following the same spectacular railway route.

The main difference is the experience. The Jacobite adds the vintage steam locomotive, heritage carriages and the nostalgia of traveling on a historic excursion train. If those details matter to you, the additional cost can be worthwhile.

Important: The Jacobite’s schedule, cost, and rolling stock have changed in recent years, so check the operator’s current information before booking.

2. The West Highland Line

Even if you don’t ride the Jacobite, you can experience one of Scotland’s most scenic railway routes on the West Highland Line.

The line runs from Glasgow to Oban or Mallaig, with the route dividing at Crianlarich. The Mallaig branch passes through Rannoch Moor, Fort William and Glenfinnan, while the Oban branch travels alongside Loch Awe toward the west coast.

3. The Kyle Line: Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh

For a different view of the Highlands, take the Kyle Line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh.

The approximately 2-hour-40-minute journey crosses the Highlands through forests, moors and mountain landscapes before reaching the west coast.

Keep an eye out for Ben Wyvis and the Torridon Peaks, as well as lochs and Highland scenery along the route. The journey finishes at Kyle of Lochalsh, where you can continue toward the Isle of Skye.

You can also stop along the way. Plockton, known for its picturesque waterfront and appearance in Hamish Macbeth, is one of the most popular places to visit from the route. Eilean Donan Castle is also nearby.

4. The Far North Line: Inverness to Thurso and Wick

If you want to see a quieter and more remote side of Scotland, consider the Far North Line. The route travels from Inverness north to Thurso and Wick, following the coastline and passing through the Highlands. Along the way, you’ll see open moorland, rivers, lochs and remote communities.

The journey also provides access to attractions that Dunrobin Castle and whisky distilleries. You can also view the Flow Country, one of Scotland’s most important peatland landscapes.

It’s a particularly good choice for travelers heading toward Caithness and the North Coast, and it can be incorporated into a longer Highlands itinerary.

5. The Borders Railway: Edinburgh to Tweedbank

Not every scenic Scottish train journey takes you into the Highlands. The Borders Railway runs from Edinburgh to Tweedbank, traveling south into the Scottish Borders. The route offers views of rolling countryside and provides access to historic attractions including Abbotsford House and Melrose Abbey.

Because the journey begins in Edinburgh, it’s an easy option to add to a Scotland vacation without committing to a full-day Highland train trip.

6. The Strathspey Steam Railway

For another heritage railway experience, head to Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park. The Strathspey Steam Railway offers a nostalgic way to experience the scenery around the Cairngorms. It is particularly appealing if you enjoy historic railways but don’t want to travel as far west as Fort William and Mallaig.

Aviemore also makes a convenient base for exploring the Cairngorms, so the railway can easily become part of a larger Highlands itinerary.

How to Choose the Best Scenic Train Ride in Scotland

The best choice depends on your itinerary and interests, but if you only have time for one, the West Highland Line from Fort William to Mallaig is hard to beat. You’ll experience mountains, lochs, moorland, the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the west coast all in one journey.

For Highland scenery and access to Skye, consider the Kyle Line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. If you are looking for northern landscapes, take the Far North Line toward Thurso and Wick. For historic towns and countryside near Edinburgh, the Borders Railway is an easy addition to your itinerary.

And if you’re looking for a heritage steam railway experience, the Jacobite and Strathspey Steam Railway are two excellent options.

Why Travel Scotland by Train?

A train journey can be more than transportation. It allows you to sit back and enjoy the scenery without navigating unfamiliar roads, while also connecting some of Scotland’s most interesting destinations.

Rail travel is especially useful in the Highlands, where routes pass through landscapes that aren’t always accessible by car. The West Highland Line, for example, crosses remote sections of Rannoch Moor where the railway offers views that are difficult to experience any other way.

For travelers planning a longer Scotland vacation, scenic rail journeys can also be combined with driving, private tours, ferries and overnight stays to create a more varied itinerary.

Plan a Scotland Vacation by Train

From the Jacobite Steam Train and the West Highland Line to the Kyle Line and Far North Line, Scotland offers scenic railway journeys for every type of traveler.

At Brack Tours, we can help you build scenic rail journeys into a customized Scotland vacation, whether you want to ride the Jacobite, explore the Highlands by train or combine rail travel with a self-drive or private tour.

Explore Brack Tours’ Scotland vacations and start planning your journey through Scotland.