The West Highland Line in Scotland is surely one of the world's best train journeys. It is not only the most scenic train route in Britain but it's one of my favourite journeys anywhere.
The West Highland Line runs from Glasgow to Fort William, the largest town in the West Highlands of Scotland, and onwards to Mallaig, a tiny fishing port. Most of the line is a twisting single track railway through fabulous Highland scenery, often miles from the nearest road. There are three trains a day (just one on Sundays) from Glasgow's Queen Street station all year round, with an additional fourth train between Fort William & Mallaig. The whole West Highland Line can be done as a day trip from Glasgow on Mondays-Saturdays, leaving at around 08:21, (with 2½ hours in Mallaig) returning to Glasgow by 21:30. But it's better to spend a couple of days exploring. In addition to the regular ScotRail trains, there is a Jacobite steam-hauled train from Ft William to Mallaig in the summer (famous as Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter movies).
Tip : From Glasgow, sit on the left hand side for gorgeous views. After crossing the Glaswegian suburbs and buildings, you will see ships and boats at anchor before they disappear behind the woods and forests. The track then runs along the shores of Loch Lomond and every mile is a sight to behold. You will be hard pressed to reach for your mobile or book.
Arrochar & Tarbet station lies on a strip of land between lochs Long and Lomond. The place was used in the 13th century by the King of Norway to launch his raids. The beauty of the lochs enclosed by mountains is too good to be measured in words and the snow covered peaks were like the icing on the cake. My eyes were riveted on the windows and the scenery passing me by.
After Crianlarich, a line branches off towards Oban while we continue our journey towards Mallaig.
Then comes the station Upper Tyndrum, high up on the village on a hillside. It is a tiny village with few inhabitants.
I had seen Scotland in the movies and documentaries, through the eyes of other travelers and of course, on the internet. But, nothing can prepare you for the moment when you witness the rugged and unspoiled beauty of the land in all its glory. I would like to spend a few quiet days in such gorgeous Scottish villages.
After Bridge of Orchy station, we enter the Rannoch Moor, which is the bleakest part of the line. The wilderness of this section is majestic and nothing can upset the course of nature. It is a haven for trekkers, who do just about enough to support a hotel in Rannoch in the summer months.
The next station is Corrour, the highest station on the British rail network at 1,338 feet (a few steps from the station lies the summit at 1,350 feet). The film "Trainspotting" was shot here in 1996. The only residents of Corrour are the inhabitants of the Corrour station house restaurant. It is not accessible by any public road.
I couldn't have asked for a better setting to have a snack -
The line descends along the shores of Loch Treig, before it proceeds to Fort William.
Fort William station is only 10 minutes walk from the tourist track up Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain at 4,409 feet.
Ft William is the largest town on the West Highland Lane and the Londer sleeper terminates here. The Glasgow train switched direction now, so I was ready to change seats, if needed - it helps when the train is almost empty.
As soon as you leave the station, one can see the ruins of old Inverlochy castle near the Lochy river. The castle was built in the 13th century over a city, that is believed to be destroyed by the Vikings.
The train now runs along the banks of saltwater Lock Eil. It gives a good final glance at Ft William and Ben Nevis.
Next is the Neptune staircase - a series of 8 locks on the Caledonian canal.
The train moves at a leisurely pace and there is lots to admire. I did not want this journey to end and I was actually pinching myself to make sure I am not in a dream - the sights and ride were so so good.
Just before Glenfinnan station, we pass over the viaduct built in 1901, which gained worldwide fame once it was featured in the Harry Potter movies.
I got down at Glenfinnan, which is around 25 miles before Mallaig, the last station on the line. I had half a mind to extend my journey but the attraction of the viaduct pushed me to get off the train, albeit reluctantly. Going down to Glenfinnan, you will find the shores of Loch Shiel. Alas, my train journey had come to an end but it was time for my hike, which was capped off by moments of solitude and reflection along the quiet waters of Loch Shiel.
The journey from Glasgow to Ft William takes around 3 hrs 45 minutes and from Ft William to Mallaig, it takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.
It is one of the most visually stunning train journeys I have ever taken and one which I would recommend whenever you visit Scotland. My love affair with Scotland had begun and I cannot wait to visit the country again in the near future.
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