The varied and beautiful landscapes of Scotland can easily be accessed by rail. Indeed, some of the scenic rail journeys through the country are widely recognised as amongst the the most beautiful in the world. In this guide, we’ll talk you through the six main routes, where to consider stopping and what to look out for. Hopefully, this will give you some inspiration for planning your own Scottish holiday by train. Alternatively, you can simply choose our suggested Grand Tour of Scotland itinerary and take in the highlights over a 10-day trip.

West Highland Line

Glasgow – Loch Lomond – Rannoch – Fort William – Glenfinnan – Mallaig

Glenfinnan Viaduct @TMR

This is the most famous of Scotland’s scenic rail routes, partly because of its associations with the Harry Potter films, but mainly because it regularly features in (and sometimes tops) lists of the world’s most scenic railway journeys. This holiday features in our Grand Tour of Scotland itinerary and on our World’s Most Beautiful Rail Journeys blog.

Look out for:

• Loch Lomond: Stations at Ardlui and Arrochar & Tarbet offer access to hiking and cruises respectively
• Remote Rannoch Moor. The station at Corrour is the most remote in the UK and only accessible by train
• The Glenfinnan Viaduct, looking over the waters of Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Monument
• Arisaig, set on a beautiful peninsula with sweeping views of the islands of Rum and Eigg

Kyle Line

Inverness – Dingwall – Plockton – Kyle of Localsch

Loch Carron from the Train @ TMR

Connecting the Highlands station of Inverness with the road bridge across to the Isle of Skye, this is another stunning journey with views over rugged moorland (look out for well-camouflaged herds of wild deer) and the jagged coastline of Loch Carron, which feeds out into the North Atlantic Ocean. This route also features in our Grand Tour of Scotland itinerary

Look out for:

• The distinct mass of the Torridon Peaks, just before the stop at Achnashellach Forest
• Roaming deer on the downhill route from Loch Luichart to Garve. Keep your eyes peeled as they are well disguised!
• The village of Plockton, on a lovely Loch Carron bay, used in the TV series Hamish Macbeth
• Fabulous views of the Isle of Skye on the last stretch to Kyle of Localsh

Far North Line

Inverness – Dingwall – Dunrobin Castle – Wick/ Thurso

Altnabreac Railway Station @ Rob Faulkner

Head north from Inverness, to the far north of Scotland, tracing the North Sea coast as you pass distilleries, salmon rivers and golf courses to Thurso and the fishing port of Wick. This remote line will take you as far as you can by rail if you are heading for John O’Groats on our Lands End to John O’Groats holiday.

Look out for:

• Skibo Castle – look across the Dornoch Firth, just after Tain
• The wide expanse of the Flow Country, one of the RSPB’s top peat habitats
• Dunrobin Castle station (summer only) impressive seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland
• Thurso, the most northerly station in the British Isles or Wick, a former herring fishing port

Stranraer Line

Glasgow – Ayr – Stranraer

Ayr

Another very scenic rail journey which takes you south along the west coast, with views over the sea to Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran. Stop off in Ayr (pictured) to find out more about Scotland’s favourite poet – Robert Burns, play a round of golf in Troon or use Stranraer as a base to explore Dumfries and Galloway.

Look out for:

• Knockdolian (between Girvan and Barrhill), known as False Ailsa because of its striking resemblance to Ailsa Craig, the seabird colony just off the coast.
• The 12th century remains of Glenluce Abbey, just before Stranraer
• Merrick, the tallest mountain in southern Scotland which can be seen at Chirmorie
• Baltersan Castle, a classic 16th century tower with a distinctive profile just south of Maybole

Highland Line

Glasgow / Edinburgh – Stirling – Gleneagles – Perth – Aviemore – Inverness

Culloden Viaduct

This route the most spectacular part of the journeys from Edinburgh or Glasgow up to Inverness, taking in the majestic Grampian mountains and the winter sports Mecca of Aviemore. On the approach to Inverness, the train runs across the famous Culloden Viaduct (above), constructed in the 1890s. This is another journey on the Grand Tour of Scotland.

Look out for:

• The Ochil Hills between Perth and Gleneagles
• The stunning Pass of Drumochter at 1,484 feet above sea level, between Blair Atholl and Dalwhinnie
• The views into the Cairngorms National Park – the UK’s largest
• The viaducts at Culloden and in the village of Tomatin

Carlisle Line

Carlisle – Kilmarnock – Glasgow

Old Blacksmith’s Shop – Gretna Green

This route takes you from the English city of Carlisle through Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire through Scottish history along with rolling farmland, forests and Beltie cows. If you want to see more of the UK, why not combine this route with the famous Settle to Carlisle railway – perhaps taking our Pennines and Lake District holiday in reverse?

Look out for:

• Gretna Green, the town across the Scottish border famous for its historic association with eloping couples
• Portrack House, home to the Garden of Cosmic Speculation – you’ll see them as you cross the River Nith on the Portrack Viaduct. The garden only opens once a year, usually on the Sunday of the first May bank holiday
• Belties – the distinctive cows of Galloway, black with a wide white stripe
• Loudoun Hill – just south of Kilmarnock, a volcanic plug and scene of one of Robert the Bruce’s great victories in battle against the English army

You can combine any of these rail journeys on a tailor made Scottish or UK-wide rail holiday. Alternatively, simply choose from one of our suggested United Kingdom Holidays by Rail.