Call to book01904 521 936
Tour Search
#Favourites

West Highland Line

The Train

There are two ways to travel along the iconic West Highland Line, the most famous of which being the majestic Jacobite Steam Train. The Jacobite was one of many steam trains to travel this line over the years and has inspired a traditional Scottish tune thanks to its beauty. Steam locomotives were removed from the West Highland Line in 1967, they were reintroduced in 1984 as an attempt to promote tourism - an attempt which proved successful after this line became one of the most famous in the world. The Jacobite became known under its current title in 1995, and operates regular services during the spring, summer, and autumn months.

An alternative way to travel along this line is using the excellent ScotRail service. This fleet of trains that services the entirety of mainland Scotland, from the lowlands right to the farthest reaches of the Highlands, and has done since 1997. The West Highland Line is one of its main rural lines, and is serviced by a regular schedule, taking both tourists and commuters along this line.

The Journey

Travelling between Glasgow, Oban, Fort William, and Mallaig, this line covers some of the most beautiful areas of Scotland. As you leave beautiful Glasgow, a modern metropolis, you suddenly find yourself surrounded by the wild and windswept panorama of the Scottish Highlands. One of the most iconic landmarks to look out for along the pretty Fort William route is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, an incredible feat of engineering that was opened in 1901. Most famous for being featured in the 'Harry Potter' films, the viaduct stretches over some truly verdant views that cements the West Highland Line as one of the most scenic lines in the world.

Another magnificent sight can be found on the Oban line, as you pass under the mighty Munro, Ben Lui. Of course, the highlands are filled with mountains such as this, but there is something particularly beautiful about this mountain with its five ridges making the mountain seem larger than it really is.

Of course, the destinations are almost as lovely as the journey itself. Fort William, a delightful port town, is nestled within the mountains and hills of the highlands, whilst Mallaig is famed for its stunning harbour and fantastic array of seafood.

Facilities

The Jacobite offers four distinct locomotives that take passangers along the route, the most iconic of which being the K1, built in 1949. Passengers travel n carriages decorated to reflect the 'Golden Age' of rail travel, with comfortable seats in an armchair style. The wide windows are perfect to watch the passing scenery, whilst the wood panelling escort travellers into a lovely bygone era. Although there are toilets on board the train, these are unable to be used whilst the train is in motion.

Although already comfortable and effective, ScotRail is gradually introducing new trains to its fleet, which include newer and more modern amenities including Wi-Fi, power sockets, and more accessible carriages. The current commuter trains offer on board toilets, comfortable seating, and large windows, perfect for viewing the passing countryside.

6 results matching: West Highland Line

Filters
Filter by
Clear All
Holiday type
Reset
Holiday length
Reset
Theme
Reset
Transport type
Reset
Additional options
Reset

Don’t see the tour you want?

Contact us to create a tailor made tour.

Find out more
Edinburgh
New Tour
Save up to £100pp
2024MarAprJunJulSepOct
7 days from
£1,395 pp £1,345 pp
View Details
Save up to £100pp
7 days from
£1,395
£1,345
per person
View Details
tour map
  • DestinationScotland
  • Starts / EndsEdinburgh
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Edinburgh, Highlands & Islands
Save up to £100pp
4.3 stars(424 reviews)
2024MayJunJulAugSepOct
9 days from
£1,895 pp £1,795 pp
View Details
Save up to £100pp
9 days from
£1,895
£1,795
per person
View Details
tour map
  • DestinationScotland
  • Starts / EndsEdinburgh
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
The Outer Hebrides
Save up to £100pp
4.1 stars(117 reviews)
2024AprMayAugSep
8 days from
£1,755 pp £1,655 pp
View Details
Save up to £100pp
8 days from
£1,755
£1,655
per person
View Details
tour map
  • DestinationScotland
  • Starts / EndsGlasgow
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation

Don’t see the tour you want?

Contact us to create a tailor made tour.

Find out more
Skye, Orkney and the Wild North
Save up to £100pp
4.3 stars(26 reviews)
2024MayJunAugSep
8 days from
£1,595 pp £1,545 pp
View Details
Save up to £100pp
8 days from
£1,595
£1,545
per person
View Details
tour map
  • DestinationScotland
  • Starts / EndsGlasgow
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
7 days from
£1,695
per person
View Details
tour map
  • DestinationScotland
  • Starts / EndsEdinburgh
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
tour map
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Our customers love our West Highland Line tours
The Outer Hebrides and the Highlands
13/Jul
David Butlin
5 stars
“A well organised and very pleasant tour. Good hotels and good food. A excellent way to see the islands and Highlands of Scotland.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Best of Scotland and Ireland
25 Oct 2022
C Gordon
5 stars
“Great trip.
Collected by Trustpilot
Skye, Orkney and the Wild North
24/Sep
Patrick
4 stars
“excellent tour and guide.
Collected by Trustpilot
Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands
20/Sep
Pam Highton
4 stars
“There is no denying that the Highlands provides spectacular scenery. Our tour was favoured by glorious sunshine for most of the time, with only a few grey days. Overall, I felt the days were too long, with too much time spent on the coach. That said, our driver Davy was superb and made the trip. The hotels were of a very high standard, with the exception of the Isles of Glencoe, where the staff were disinterested and, at times, downright rude. I was also given a room in the sub basement at the Mercure Haymarket, which had little natural light and was claustrophobic. I guess that’s the downside of being a single traveller. That said, I was soon given a room on the first floor. Big shout out to the restaurant manager who made me a meal despite the restaurant being closed. A big concern from my group was lack of timely information from the tour manager as we expected handouts of our itinerary for the day and lack of a contact number until the 5th day. Overall I enjoyed the trip and made some new friends along the way.
Collected by Trustpilot