I have become a recent convert to rail travel, I must admit. Over the last few years, my eyes have been opened to the many incredible rail journeys that exist around the world, and how they offer unparalleled views deep in the landscapes of the country you are travelling through. Scotland by rail
Scotland is no different. Of course, when we all think of Scotland we think of castles, mountains, kilts, and of course, haggis! But add ‘iconic rail journeys’ to that list because they are just as worthy!
There’s just something about it… the scenery is absolutely magical, it’s just fantastic… and this is a good way of seeing Scotland” – Gwen, fellow Travelmarvel passenger
Our recent 9-day Travelmarvel adventure in Scotland began and ended in the capital of Edinburgh and took us deep into the Scottish Highlands in the west of the country. Our main mode of transport was on some of the world’s most spectacular train routes; journeys that also connected us with some of the country’s most iconic sights.
We began on the West Highland Line, which took us to Fort William, a town lying in the shadow of Ben Nevis, and gave us our first views of the incredible Scottish countryside.
One of the highlights of travelling Scotland by rail are the views you get out of large (often panoramic) windows on both sides of the carriage. With the freedom to get up and move about the car, you don’t have to miss a second of the landscapes unfolding around you.
The city soon turned into quintessential scenery that we had, up until that point, only ever seen in pictures. Moody Scottish moors, peaceful glens, dramatic lochs, and of course, a sprinkling of rain to make sure the stereotype stayed true!
We followed the western bank of Loch Lomond and started to climb through the dramatic scenery this region is known for. Our tour director Sandra tell us that the scenery is different with every trip, due to seasonality and of course, the weather.
It was the perfect situation for our Travelmarvel group to get to know each other. We had all joined the tour in Edinburgh the day earlier and the train journey allowed us to spend some quality time with each other, get our maps out, share our travel stories and swap notes. We were to spend another eight days in each other’s company after all.
We always try and find a holiday that includes a train journey. We love steam trains and obviously later we get the Jacobite… Trains are a part of this country’s history – they brought this country together as well as England and Scotland. Through time we all used to work and play in our own little area, but once the lines opened up suddenly towns met each other, and counties met each other – this is part of this country’s history and heritage” fellow Travelmarvel passenger Roger tells me.
Our introduction to the Highlands was nothing short of mesmerising and we all knew by the end of the day that Scotland had set the bar high when it came to captivating rail journeys. We couldn’t wait to see what else was to come.
And after a few days spent in the area of Glencoe, experiencing the lochs, castles, canals and islands, we were all ready for what many of us felt would be the highlight of the entire trip… the Jacobite Steam Train.
Not only is the Jacobite an incredible locomotive, but it takes passengers on one of the most iconic rail routes in the world. A route that has been made even more famous thanks to a certain ‘boy wizard’….
That’s right! The Jacobite Steam Train starred in several Harry Potter films as the ‘Hogwarts Express’ and the journey over the curving Glenfinnan Viaduct is now immortalised as the route to Hogwarts.
I love the fact that each of my fellow travellers was anticipating this journey for their own reasons. Some loved Harry Potter and wanted to travel in the footsteps of the famous literary legend. But some simply loved steam trains, and this is touted as one of the greats.
This is one of the main train journeys’ that I wanted to go on while we were on this trip, so yes, I am excited” Chris tells me.
I can confidently say that I loved the experience for both reasons. There is something so captivating about watching a steam train in action. The driver (ironically an English man!) even allowed me to throw some more coal on the fire to power the locomotive before we departed, and I was confident that the Jacobite was ready for action.
I loved the rhythmic clickety-clack of the tracks as the train slowly wound its way through valleys, around hills, over rivers and lochs and even stopping at quaint little stations along the way. It was like a musical accompaniment to the journey. This was a ride to be savoured and the train was in no hurry. We could watch the scenery go by and not miss a beat and of course, the anticipation for the Glenfinnan Viaduct crossing was building by the minute.
I chatted to a passenger with a Harry Potter wand in her hand, obviously on the train for that very reason. She had also found that the scenery was just as impressive as the famous scene she was now a part of, and this seemed to be a very common sentiment in the carriage. We truly had a front row seat to Scotland’s splendid beauty.
The curve around the viaduct might have only lasted around a minute but every passenger on board was glued to the windows and savouring the experience. Spanning a length of around 1000 ft and a height of around 100 ft above the ground, we had incredible views over Loch Shiel and the famous Glenfinnan monument, erected to honour the Jacobite clansmen who gave their lives in the uprisings of 1745.
It was definitely one of those times where, upon the train’s arrival into the final station of Maillag, everyone released their breath and knew we had experienced something special.
After making our way north-east to Inverness and exploring some of the famous surrounding sites including Urquhart Caste and Loch Ness, it was time for another special rail journey; the Kyle Line.
The Kyle Line takes passengers from Inverness to the rugged west coast through some of the dramatic scenery in the country. Passing the Torridon Peaks, a distinctive mountain range, past lochs and moors, the isolated mountain of Ben Wyvis, and finally finishing with amazing views of Skye, the journey is as wild as it is beautiful.
Terry, one of our fellow passengers put it perfectly;
We’re off the main road, so you see things you wouldn’t see on the main road…”.
Ending in the town of Kyle of Lochalsh, it is the perfect location from which to visit one of Scotland’s most famous castles, Eilean Donan.
Our final rail journey took us back to where we started, Edinburgh. The journey from the north to the south of Scotland by rail is a little over three hours and allowed our group to reflect on the journey we had been on.
We loved the different carriages… with great views of the passing countryside and the fellowship in the group. We have visited places we might not have seen otherwise and met good people along the way” my fellow traveller Lorraine tells me.
And as Robert, another passenger, so eloquently put it;
I have now marked it off my bucket list and other people should… It is a destination that is stunning.. and the scenery outside the windows its breathtaking isn’t it…”
And I couldn’t agree more!
Have you seen a country by rail, and if so, which one? Tell us below in the comments!
I recently traveled Switzerland by scenic first class rail and was not disappointed, the scenery was breathtaking and I would highly recommend it, just don’t be late, Swiss rail waits for no one, that applies to local trains as well! The journeys are not too long which allows you to enjoy the next stop and the attractions.
Wow I hope we get to travel to Switzerland next! Glad to hear it was a great trip Ann.
Cheers Clint
I have only gone on the Blues jazz steam train from Roma Street to glass house mountains. It was so much fun with everyone on board talking to each other. I missed the steam train in Tasmania because of Mother Nature. This rail journey in Scotland would just be a dream for my hubby and me. Fingers crossed we win.
Fingers are crossed Cheryl. Being a Brissie boy I have a soft spot for the glass house mountains. A lovely part of the world. Cheers Clint
Two years Ago we travelled by train from Vancouver to Nova Scotia, we spent 14 days travelling across Canada and enjoyed every minute. We would love to see Scotland the same way.
Oh wow I can only imagine what that would’ve been like Jill. So many great train journeys to go on. Cheers Clint
The whole trip just looks so amazing. I’ve only done one rail journey so far (The Ghan) and it was terrific, unbelievably so well organised and I’m sure this one in Scotland would be well done as well. All our family on my Mum’s side came from Scotland…my grandfather a milkman in Glasgow and was a boilermaker as well as in a pipe band and my grandmother was in service. I am very proud of my heritage and would love to see it all for myself and take my sister, so it is very much on my bucket list.
The Ghan is one of Australia’s great rail journeys. I hope you get the chance to see where you’re from as it connects many dots. Good luck Wendy. Cheers Clint
Hi my name is Dave my father was born in Scotland he had a hartatac then got dementure and die’d at 64 years old I have liveed in Australia all my life and would love to see were my dad came from and spread his ashes in the country side off Scotland and meet all his family that still live in my great grand perants house in abadeen petercouter it would be a dream come true and he could be payed down to rest in his home town thank you I hope this is the comp to win a trip to Scotland
Hi David, that would be a wonderful way to lay your father to rest. All the best. Cheers Clint
What an amazing journey such beautiful raw nature.
It is indeed Carl and better in person. Cheers Clint
We have seen a lot of Europe by train. I once bought my husband two rides in the drivers cabin of the Glacier Express through Switzerland and over the famous Landwasser Viaduct and the Bernina Express over the Swiss border and down into Italy via the Brusio spiral viaduct. It was a surprise and he was totally overwhelmed. It was snowing both days and so was stunningly beautiful and he got to see it all from the “front seat”.
Another amazing train journey we did was Norway in a Nutshell. This trip takes you through impossibly beautiful country, to Myrdal then you wind your way through and down the mountain to Flam. From Flam you board a boat and cruise the dramatically beautiful fjords, take a picturesque coach ride to Bergen before taking the train back to Oslo. This journey is guaranteed to take your breath away and the Norwegian trains are second to none for comfort, cleanliness and style.
You’ve definitely been spoiled when it comes to train journeys Leonora. I agree that Norway has wonderful trains as I was there a year ago. Great to hear you continue to find amazing rail journeys. Cheers Clint
I would love to win the highland rail experience ,have enjoyed the series on TV . Love rail travel and can’t wait to see the Scottish scenery.
Its a wonderful expereince and I hope you get the chance Janene. Cheers Clint
I would love to see Scotland by rail because my grandfather Alex Mackenzie was born in Inverness . He was supposed to board the Titanic with his uncle when he was 15 . Fortunately the Titanic was totally booked so the destination they then chose was Australia. As a tribute to my grandfather who went to fight in the first world war when he was 17 and had never had the opportunity to return to his homeland . The stone cottage where he was born still stands and my brother recently visited the home and the school he attended as a child. Steam trains are so nostalgic and I could think of no better way to see the countryside of Scotland and visit Inverness (the most perfectly spokenEnglish in the world)
What an AMAZING story Julie. Unbelievable circumstances that allow you to be on earth! I hope you get the chance to go back there and visit Inverness as its a beautiful city. Cheers Clint
One of the best train trips I have had has been on the Ghan. A three day break from Darwin to Adelaide with views that will make your heart sing. The service, tours and the food is as good as anywhere in the world.
I agree Lucy, it’s a wonderful way to see our beautiful country. Cheers Clint
My partner and I have often talked about how cool a long train journey would be. I would love to surprise her with a trip to where her anscestors came from. Thank you.
That would be awesome indeed! Good-luck Barbie. Cheers Clint
We went to Scotland once. Loved it but run out of time looking around and didn’t make it up into the highlands would so love to go and see it by train
Its one of those places that you can easily lose yourself in, thats for sure!
I would love to win this trip to Scotland and take my husband over and visit my relatives
Would love to take my wife there for her 40year bday! We have had Scotland on our bucket list for a long time!
We would love to travel by train around Scotland. It is something we have always wanted to do. The length of the trip suits us down to a tee and it would be a lovely getaway to spend time together (just the two of us) as we have not done this since before having children.
Would so enjoy this holiday. Hubby of 50yrs passed away 2 years ago after a long illness. I’m now feeling ready to spread my wings a little. What better place on earth than God’s own Scottish Highlands and experience the scenery from a train. A 1st Class experience !!
I’d LOVE to see the Scottish countryside by train and also Ireland while I’m there.
I’ve reunited with an old school mate and we’re hoping to do the long haul journey before we get too old. I’ve only done the Brisbane to Cairns train trip, being glued to the window the whole way.
Can’t imagine a better way to see the Highlands of Scotland than getting off the main roads.
My boyfriend is English and I head over to England as often as possible to see him. So far we have traveled around North England, Noth Ireland and quick stop in Wales and hoping on a train is our favourite way to travel! It’s such a relaxing way to get around and travelling around Scotland on a steam train would be a dream come true! A once in a lifetime opportunity!
Having recently travelled from Sydney to Perth on the Indian Pacific I could think of nothing as different in terms of scenery and train types as a train journey through Scotland
My husband & I went to Europe especially to see Scotland but unfortunately we could get there but not back intime for our tour so we were disappointed. My hubby had cancer at the time and he only got worse. So I told myself I would try & get there if I won some money as that would be my way of telling him in my prayers all about the wonderful country.
I have a passion for train travel. For me it is the most civilised way to travel because I can relax and dine or move around the train at the same time as enjoying viewing aspects of a country that I normally wouldn’t see by road. My two most recent train adventures include travelling overnight on the Ghan to Alice Springs and a half day tour on the Borneo Railway, Kota Kinabalu; totally different trips but both well worth doing particularly if you enjoy great food.
Having just watched Places We Go, Scotland is now on my bucket list.
It’s such a great place to travel to by rail and I know you would love it. I hope you get the chance to see it one day Alison. Happy Travels Clint
My grandparents came from « Fordyce » town where I believe there is a castle of our family name Fordyce. Love train travel this is my only chance.
Hi Jean, I hope you get the chance to travel to Scotland and see the castle in Fordyce. Our competition is closed as the episodes are re-running. Channel 10 do it all the time. I hope you get the chance to travel to Scotland one day. Happy Travels Clint
Hi guys
Is there a way I can see the episode about the Duart Castle?
I just caught the end of it!
I would love to see it in its entirety.
Many thanks
Sally McLean
Check this out Sally: https://placeswego.com/videos/scottish-highlands-rail-journey-episode-2-series-12/
My husband and I have always dreamt of visiting Scotland! Robert the Bruce (King of Scotland 1306-1329) is his 13th great grandfather!
Wow, that’s incredible lineage to say the least! I hope you get there one of these days Soph. Happy Travels Clint
I’d love to come here and see all the historical places in Scotland, I’m a history buff myself and I love learning about my Scottish ancestry, plus I love Harry Potter and would love to become more well travelled, having never gone overseas!
Scotland is definitely magical and Harry Potter adds that special touch too! happy Travels. Cheers Clint
Wow, your documentary on this journey was spectacular. You really captured the beauty, history and .Scottish pride. I’ve never afforded a train journey such as this and can only dream of such an opportunity. What a wonderful way to see the country, and not to mention the opportunity to travel on the Harry Potter train!!!! I think I would just gaze out the window the entire time – too scared to miss a thing! A trip of a lifetime – 😉
Thanks for your kind words Tina. Its an incredible country to visit and I hope you get the opportunity one of these days 🙂 Cheers Clint
I have just found out my father is not my father. My real father is Scottish and would really like to see Where I’m from.
Hi Ann, unfortunately, our competition to win a trip Scotland has finished. Best of luck with your situation. Cheers Clint
I just saw this program on tv today and thought I’d enter the competition to win a trip. Unfortunately it was a repeat 😂😂. But we are still going to Scotland, my husbands father emigrated to Australia in the 1950s and left his parents, brothers and sisters there. So there is a lot of family to meet and see the sights with.
I’m a fourth generation Scott and I’ve never been Scotland. I have such an affinity for this magnificent country, land of my ancestors. The history, the Architecture, people, food & whisky. It would truly be a “dram”come true if I got the opportunity to visit this county… for the soul.
Would love to see scotland where my dad is from would mean the world to me my biggest wish i have always wanted
Having traveled with travel marvel I can only enjoy the trip of exploring and experience Scotland rafter experiencing a European cruise our expectations would be high .
Beautiful. Magnificent Historic Site