Discover Scotland by Rail

Join guest blogger Hazel Bonner (from the Association of Community Rail Partnerships) as she explores the rugged landscapes of scenic Scotland by rail.

By Hazel Bonner

We began our journey on a sunny spring morning in March with a hearty breakfast in Huddersfield Station Buffet. We changed trains at Manchester Piccadilly and continued on to Glasgow to begin our Scottish adventure.

As we headed north the urban greyness gradually turned into increasingly picturesque scenes, a theme that was to continue throughout our two day visit.

The glass fronted viaduct over Argyle Street known as Hielanman's Umbrella is simply magnificent.

After enjoying lunch in the bustling Scottish city we took the train to Wemyss Bay, a beautiful terminal station built in 1903 to carry passengers for the ferry to Rothesay on the isle of Bute. This was yet another picturesque route with wonderful views across the River Clyde.

However, I don't think any of us were ready for the impact that Wemyss Bay station would have on us. As we disembarked, a curving swathe of girders and glass led us down the platform to the main concourse where the elegant glass canopy radiated in all directions before sweeping down to the ferry pier. For me - it was love at first sight.

The Friends have created their own mini nursery where they grow their own plants and run a bookshop and gallery in one of the renovated buildings. Click here to find more about this wonderful jewel on the Scottish network.

With smiles on all our faces and a warm glow in our hearts we headed back to Glasgow for supper and an early night, ready to catch the 8.21 to Oban the next morning.

The following day we left Glasgow Queen Street travelling along the West Highland Line to Oban. Yet it wasn't the destination that we'd come to experience, but the whole journey.

That title goes to Loch Awe at a staggering 25 miles long. I couldn't put my camera down, there was so much to see with incredible views of the rugged landscapes, impressive lochs and striking castles.

We were all awestruck by the spectacular scenery which meant that as the journey progressed there was a real buzz in our coach. We all scampered from one side to the other drinking in the natural beauty that this train journey takes you through.

The line splits at Crianlarich and so did our train. We continued west toward Oban whilst the rear coaches headed north to Fort William and Mallaig. The entire journey took just over three hours but it felt like a fraction of the time. At Oban, where the train connects with the ferry service to the Western Isles, we had thirty minutes to grab some lunch before getting back on the train for the return journey.

One of the most memorable parts of the trip was at Crianlarich where many passengers disembarked, standing on the platform to watch the Fort William & Mallaig train approach and couple up to the back of ours. There was a real feeling of anticipation and a sense of occasion. Even though this procedure is a daily event, to the passengers it's exciting – as it was for me!