Train on the West Highland Line with mountains in the background

Enjoy unparalleled panoramic views of lochs dominated by towering mountains and delve deep in the wilds of the West Highland Line.

Natural beauties including Loch Lomond, Arrochar Alps, Falls of Lora and Ben Nevis can be seen on your journey. Experience the thrill of travelling 100ft above ground along the breath-taking curve of the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Originally famous for being the first mass concrete viaduct ever built in the world, it’s now more notable for being part of the route to Hogwarts in several of the Harry Potter films. Proof that stunning scenery is around every corner of the West Highland Line.

Highlights

Get your hiking boots ready and walk the West Highland Way

Visit the highest mainline station in Britain, Corrour. Also known as one of the most remote stations it is famous for appearing in the film Trainspotting starring Ewan McGregor

See Neptune’s Staircase, a remarkable series of eight canal locks

Find out more

Local line website

WHLines032

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-tmegMU4Qo

Jacobite steam journeys

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TripAdvisor

Getting there

Train/bus Car Plane

Car parking is available at Inverness Station (IV2 3PY).

There are rail connections to each of Scotland's seven cities. The rail network links many of towns and villages across the country with main lines running north and south through the east and west. For more information visit: www.scotrail.co.uk.

Four main operators, First, Stagecoach, Lothian Buses and National Express, and a number of independent operators, run local bus services in Scotland between the main cities, towns and villages.

Route

Glasgow - Fort William - Mallaig, Glasgow - Oban

Cost

£61.90 Off-Peak Return

Opening times

7 days a week | all year

Journey time

5 hours

Distance

105 miles |170 km to Oban or 160 miles | 260 km to Mallaig

Time from London

5:30 hours (see itinerary)

Plan your trip

Suggested itinerary

Take the train from Edinburgh to Glasgow. Trains are frequent (look up times) and take approximately 1 hr 5 minutes.

Places to explore along the West Highland Line include:

GLASGOW

The largest city in Scotland (and the third most populous in Britain) was once a thriving centre for ship building and has many interesting attractions on offer. Why not visit the beautiful Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, where you can see Dali’s famous Christ of St. John of the Cross; take a trip on the river Clyde either by waterbus or the Waverley paddle steamer; enjoy the wonders of the Science Centre; shop in the famous Barras market; make a day of it at the Riverside Museum built by Zaha Hadid.

FORT WILLIAM

Fort William is the outdoor capital of the UK and has numerous activities available. Try the gondola lift 2,000ft up Aonach Mor, climb Ben Nevis, visit the West Highland Museum or enjoy a dram at the Ben Nevis Whisky distillery. You can also travel on the famous Jacobite steam train – and follow in the tracks of the Hogwarts Express - to Mallaig.

DUMBARTON CASTLE

The ‘Defender of the Realm’ is a unique stronghold built between twin peaks of volcanic rock and has foiled many attacks on Scotland – from Vikings to Nazis during the second World War – during its 1,500 year history . It is also thought that William Wallace may have been held here and legends tell of Merlin visiting in the 6th century.

WEST HIGHLAND WAY (96 miles)

The 154 km (96 mile) route starts at Milngavie passes through Mugdock Country Park, follows the shores of Loch Lomond by Ben Lomond, crossing Rannoch Moor, past Buachaille Etive Mor to the head of Glencoe, then climbing the Devil’s Staircase before descending to Loch Leven and Glen Nevis before finishing in Fort William. Apart from stations at either end of this famous trail, the path also passes close by Crianlarich and Tyndrum.

GLENFINNAN

Climb the tower of the Jacobite Monument for a magnificent view down Loch Shiel. You can also visit the Station Museum and eat in style in the restored dining car. Or for a unique overnight stay, board at the converted Sleeping Car – it can accommodate up to 10 people.

MALLAIG

Take the ferry across to Skye and the Small Isles or just enjoy the tranquillity of this quiet fishing port.