Great Rail Journeys: the West Highland Line

Soaring mountains, expansive lochs and famous bridges have earnt Scotland’s West Highland Line a place among the best railway journeys in the world. Starting in Glasgow, travelling north through historic villages and ending in the coastal village of Mallaig, this line is an easy and sustainable way to discover the Scottish Highlands. With a flexible train pass, you’ll be able to hop on and off, explore the stops and get a real feel for this remote region.

Here are some of the best stops to make en route, along with some tips on what to do when you’re there.

Shopping in Glasgow

From vintage boutiques to state-of-the-art malls, Glasgow’s range of retail options have made it one of the top spots for shopping in the UK. For clothes, cameras and all other essentials ahead of your travels, head to the Style Mile, Glasgow’s bustling shopping hub. As well as the high-end fashion that gave this district its name, you’ll also find hundreds of big-name brands spanning tech, cosmetics and home furnishings, in malls like the Buchanan Galleries and the St. Enoch Centre. Be sure to take a break from shopping to admire the antique architecture on show in Argyll Arcade and outside Princes Street shopping centre. If you’re after something a little more unusual, De Courcy’s Arcade is the place to pick up vintage clothes and handcrafted jewellery from independent boutiques. Drop the shopping bags and settle in for the night at Native Glasgow, before departing from the nearby Queen Street Station the next morning.

Nature in Ardlui

An hour and a half on the West Highland Line will take you out of Glasgow, along the shore of Gare Loch and up to the village of Ardlui. Nestled in the beautiful Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Ardlui’s serene waterside location will feel like a world away from Glasgow’s busy city centre. The village is situated right by Loch Lomond, making it an ideal spot for fishing, kayaking, boat trips and other aquatic activities. For other ways to immerse yourself in nature, follow relaxed walking trails up to the loch’s surrounding hills, or enjoy a cool Highlands breeze as you cruise along tree-lined cycling routes. If the weather isn’t on your side, simply put your feet up and take in the great outdoors from the comfort of a loch-view room at the Ardlui Hotel.

Please note that the West Highland Line splits one stop after Ardlui in Crianlarich. To continue north, hop off here and switch to the Fort William and Mallaig branch.

Scenery in Fort William

You’ll have already seen some breathtaking scenery on the two-hour ride from Crianlarich – now you’ll have the chance to get out and explore it for yourself in Fort William. The town is a popular base camp for first-time climbers and avid enthusiasts looking to tackle Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain. Hiking routes like the beginner’s Mountain Track and the more challenging Carn Mor Dearg Arête are some of the best ways to discover this rocky, waterfall-laden landscape. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can also take in the scenery while golfing, skiing or snowboarding in the winter, or on a gondola ride up another of the Nevis Range’s mountains. After getting some rest at Wilderness Apartments, it’s time to hop on the ScotRail service and continue your train journey. Between July and October, you’ll also have the option to travel direct to Mallaig on the Jacobite, a magnificent, vintage-style train that puffs out billows of white steam as it chugs along.

Historical architecture in Glenfinnan

For the best views en route to Glenfinnan, be sure to grab yourself a seat on the left-hand side of the train. This way, you’ll not only get to see the calm waters of Loch Eil, but you’ll also be in a prime position for photos of the majestic Glenfinnan Viaduct. This 1897-built stone structure is an impressive feat of historical engineering, arching high above the River Finnan and curving into a smooth crescent shape above the trees. It has its place in film history too, having found fame as the bridge the Hogwarts Express train travels across in the Harry Potter movies. Another of the village’s historical attractions is the Glenfinnan Monument, an 18-metre tower topped by a kilted Highlander, honouring the Jacobite Rising that began in the village in 1745. Stay overnight at The Prince’s House Hotel if you fancy another day to explore.

Clean air and coastal walks in Mallaig

The last stop on the West Highland Line is Mallaig, a port village looking out over the Inner Hebrides’ Small Isles. After the final stretch on your train journey, there’s no better way to freshen up than with walks along Mallaig’s coastline. Strolls here are accompanied by an invigorating sea breeze, as well as sweeping views of the water and the neighbouring archipelago. If you find yourself wondering what’s across the sea, hop on a ferry and – keeping an eye out for seals, birds and even dolphins – cruise over to the isles of Skye, Rùm or Eigg. Here you’ll be able to explore beaches, bays and even a castle sat on the coastline. When you’re ready to return to Mallaig on the mainland, clean and comfy rooms await at Springbank.