Fort William Highland Mallaig train

West Highland Line

The thing that was voted much more scenic compared to Trans-Siberian Railway, the Trans-Mongolian Railway, as well as the Trans-Manchurian Railway? Solution: the West Highland Railway Line in the Western Highlands of Scotland, and the village of Crianlarich features a part station sitting close to this gorgeous train trip, with one line proceeding as much as Fort William and Mallaig, together with other proceeding west out towards Oban.

The West Highland Line starts in earnest after Helensburgh Upper place, and terminates in Fort William. There are three various solutions on the Line:

Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig – trains operate north to Fort William, where the western Highland Line formally ends, and carry on northwest regarding the breathtaking Mallaig branch line, which crosses the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, where Harry Potter ended up being filmed.

Glasgow to Oban – trains run north to Crianlarich, as part of the Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig solution, and several carriage leaves the West Highland Line and mind off west regarding scenic range to Oban. This passes the wonderful Loch Awe as well as the base of Ben Cruachan, a mountain complex containing a huge hydroelectric system.

London to Fort William – trains run-on Scotrail’s Caledonian Sleeper service from London Euston to Fort William. The sleeper has lots of quality, with extremely comfortable berths and often a seated carriage. The restaurant buffet car also features leather-based couches!

When it comes to latest timetables on West Highland Line, check traveling exactly in danger is actually an excellent knowledge. Time goes by very quickly as a few of the country’s most breathtaking surroundings slips past close at hand, while the staff in the trains also give fully out no-cost postcards for the location! Be aware of the place brands in Gaelic, which are in green text.

The channels from Glasgow to Fort William tend to be below:

Glasgow Queen Street

Your trip is probably to begin with at Glasgow’s Queen Street section. Many trains to Oban and Fort William / Mallaig leave from here; typically two mentors are planning to Oban, and two coaches to Fort William and Mallaig. Queen Street station is in the heart of Glasgow town centre and you will find exceptional services near the place.

Dalmuir

Your train will most likely initially call at Dalmuir, a Glasgow residential district station.

Dumbarton Central

It is, architecturally, quite an interesting station. Dumbarton is a sizeable city to your west of Glasgow – tourist attractions consist of Dumbarton Castle, which sits on Dumbarton Rock, a volanic plug on financial institutions of this River Clyde.

Helensburgh Upper

Helensburgh Upper marks the start of the western Highland Line. That is a small place providing a residential location.

Garelochhead

There is not most of touristic curiosity about Garelochhead.

Arrochar & Tarbet

If you should be taking the train to Tyndrum, could alight at this pretty little place, which serves Arrochar therefore the nearby town of Tarbet. The place is within the conventional Victorian design typical of stations in the West Highland Line, and offers pleasant views of surrounding mountains including Ben Lomond.

Ardlui

This little place serves the town of Ardlui, that will be perfectly placed to rise Ben Vorlich as well as great views of Loch Lomond.

Crianlarich

This is certainly outstanding section for climbing nearby Munros. Ben much more, Stob Binnein, Cruach Ardrain, Beinn Tulaichean, An Caisteal and Beinn a’Chroin are within simple walking distance of the station. Crianlarich can be right near the western Highland Method.

Crianlarich could be the point from which the train typically splits into two components, with several carriages continuing north on the western Highland Line, and several carriages proceeding west towards Oban. Both have become pretty paths. It's interesting to obtain off the train and watch it being decoupled (or recoupled), but don’t remain down a long time – it's sometime till the second train! Crianlarich has good hotel, a tearoom and lots of bed and breakfasts.

Tyndrum Upper

Tyndrum is a strange village – it actually features two train programs! Tyndrum Upper sits regarding western Highland Line, whilst Tyndrum Lower sits on Oban range. The explanation for this will be that when the two outlines divide at Crianlarich, the Oban line runs up the west region of the glen, as the West Highland Line runs up the eastern region of the glen (it could be amusing when finding its way back along the glen, witnessing the other train battle you down the glen to Crianlarich!). Those two outlines was previously owned and operated by various train companies. Tyndrum Lower had been the station regarding the Oban and Callander Railway, whereas Tyndrum Upper had been the section on the North British Railway. Both are now actually possessed and operated by the same business, with all the Oban part becoming the actual only real area of the old Oban and Callander Railway still existing – the remainder had been mothballed.