The West Highland Line - Scotland's MOST beautiful Railway?

The West Highland Line in Scotland is often called one of the most Beautiful Railway journeys in the world, but is it? How Beautiful is the West-Highland Line as people say. To find out this week I take a ride on one of Scotrail's Class 156 sprinter trains dubbed the Highland Explorer to find out how good the west highland line actually is. The journey on Scotrail over the west highland line will take us from Glasgow to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands.
This is a comprehensive self funded Trip report travel vlog & Rail Journey review of Scotrail on Scotland's West highland Line from Glasgow Queen Street Railway Station to Fort William Railway Station
#scotrail #trainjourney #trains
Departure Train Station: Glasgow Queen Street Railway Station
Destination Train Station: Fort William Railway Station
Rail Operator: Scotrail
Train Type: Class 156 Sprinter
Fare Price: £ (Excluding Railcard Discount)
Total Cost: £ (Including Railcard Discount)
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[@c898dba]

Just returned home (Leicestershire) from my first trip to Scotland yesterday. Stayed in Glasgow and did train trips to Balloch and Stirling from Queen Street. Your previous videos inspired me to visit Scotland, so thanks Dom. Also saw the Loch Lomond sea plane depart but my limited budget did not stretch to a trip sadly!!

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Nice one! I'm Happy you found some inspiration in the videos. I hope you enjoyed your trip sounds like you got around a bit.

[@jamietebbett3197]

I'm also from Leicestershire and did a trip to Shieldaig for an ex partner's family. The Torridon valley is an immense sight to see. The West Highlands are full of incredible views. Highly recommend

[@robbrownplanespotting]

Sometimes we dont appreciate what we have on our own doorstep, truly stunning. The jewel of Scotlands crown. A big like Dom 👍

[@progster999]

You missed out on the Fort Williams to Mallaig line... the cream on the cake. Great video. I have done this train journey 10+ x times and still love it.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Your right that bit of the line is amazing & I've covered it on my Jacobite steam train video.

[@WVislandia]

Yes, the really beautiful part is from Fort WIlliam to Mallaig. Also great is the Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh trip. Sorry about the rain but we do live in the UK where it can be 'all seasons in a day'.

[@armychap007]

As a Fort William resident I'll gladly argue that it's the best train journey in Scotland. It's always spectacular, even in the drizzle and the mist. Wish I'd known you were here- could have got you a coffee in person! ☕️ 🚂 Thanks for posting this one.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

haha thanks, that's very generous of you. You are very lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the country. Will definitely be doing more stuff around the area in the future.

[@armychap007]

@WorldWide_Dom Yes, I'm very fortunate to live and work here. Give me a shout if/when you'll be back in Lochaber and I'll bring you coffee as promised. Have safe travels until then.

[@matthewviti2241]

Spectacular natural beauty

[@WorldWide_Dom]

It really is! Glad you liked it.

[@davidbbone]

Another great one and a stunning trip. I'm really jealous!

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Many thanks! You should definitely give it a go David.

[@johncrwarner]

The rain and mist definitely enhanced the journey as you got some great footage.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Thanks 👍 the weather seemed to just line up perfectly for this one.

[@Annie4Always]

Spectacular! The "epic' weather truly did cause the scenery to be even more breathtaking, if that's even possible. The mist & dark clouds, with the contrasting light & shadows. made the landscape appear hauntingly beautiful! Seeing the running of the Stags & deer was also very thrilling! Aye! Laddie! 'Tis true! "My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here. My heart's in the Highlands a'chasing the deer. Chasing the wild deer, & following the roe. My heart's in the Highlands where ever I go." Indeed! This truly was an amazing Highland train journey! Thank you for sharing! Blessings to you!

[@ReecesTrains]

Fantastic video! I love how it's all presented including the choice of music and how the scenes line up! You got yourself a new subscriber too!

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Thanks for that! 😁 glad you liked it, There will be many more rail videos to come in the future.

[@thomasrudge4632]

Done this journey in it's entirity twice in both directions, fantastic journey and stunning scenery, worth it completely

[@philipwalker103]

Did this journey with a massive rucksack on my back in 1990 after finishing my finals. Wow, amazing how this brings it back. Great line and great vid.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Thank you, I’m glad you liked it! You absolutely right this line is very beautiful and has something special about it.

[@grahamlive]

I did this journey, though I continued up to Mallaig, for the first time in January this year. It truly is spectacular. Can't believe I left it till I was in my 50s to make this journey. Totally worth it and I plan to do it again in the summer.

[@vicsams4431]

I rode from Edinburgh to Fort William in the locomotive cab of a Class 37 having been personally invited by ScotRail, on official duty, to help them out on the sleeper. I have also done the line with Class 67 and Class 73. Always a superb line, Mallaig, Oban, Wick and Kyle are also well worth doing.

[@allancopland1768]

12:10. Spooks herd of deer. You were lucky to see so many deer.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

I know, i was a bit shocked too see so many, I was expecting one or two but in such numbers.

[@ross14wpc42]

What a beautifully scenic journey. I’ve never been on this line before but I am definitely going to do this trip in the summer. Thanks again, Dom for another inspiring video 😊

[@WorldWide_Dom]

You should, its an amazing trip. Glad you liked it.

[@paulharvey9149]

The West Highland line is always amazing, whatever the weather's doing; and different people see different things anyway! I guess you're like me, and love seeing the whole mountains and vistas leading off into the distance, inviting further exploration at some future date; but many visitors from the US for for example just wouldn't get passed how green it all is - and how all that rainfall and swirling mist helps keep it that way! It does also bring the deer down off the tops, which you've captured well, in their nowadays very significant numbers. I guess I may have been tempted to comment on how, approaching Rannoch, the train actually bounces across the brushwood trackbed; that Corrour is the 4th busiest station on the line in the summer months, and perhaps on the artifically low levels maintained within Loch Treig these days, but many fall into the trap of talking too much and it was actually refreshing to just watch for a while. You may also have commented upon how FW station was resited in the 1970s, resulting in its somewhat cut off (by the road) relationship to the town centre - though I don't imagine you'll remember that at all - if you're even aware of it! The most scenic part of all is of course still to come, but perhaps we'll see that next time, who knows?!!

[@kwh1980]

Only recently come across yout channel. You have done some fantastic work for the Scottish tourism industry. Love watching your videos.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Glad you liked it, got a lot more videos from Scotland and further afield coming soon.

[@janinehawkins9565]

Dom keep at it, your climbing and if everyone shares, you'll get there. Spot on vlog 👏

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Absolutely! Here's hoping one day. For me at the moment though, its just a hobby, if it could pay for itself, that would genuinely be the dream but that's not why I do it. This perfectly combines my two biggest hobbies, Travel & Making videos. 😁 Thanks again for your support, it means the world. 🫡

[@176MarkW]

Another cracking video, and what amazing views. Queen Street Station has definitely changed a lot from what I remember 15 years ago or so on my occasional visits. Was pretty dingy before, as I recall. But RIP WH Smith.

[@joannamccue5676]

Absolutely beautiful 🤩

[@jamessmith6402]

Thanks Dom that was an absolutely brilliant video 👍

[@robertofraser101]

Great stuff dom thanks

[@christopherwayoftravel8435]

Hello mate. Sleeper goes to London Euston. Not seen your videos before. But very good. Good luck on your journey it's the same as mine 😂

[@john07973]

Fantastic scenery another top video ?

[@cathybonner7888]

Great video Dom, you're so right the scenery is stunning. Did you stay in Fort William? I've never been to Glasgow or further north before and was amazed at how beautiful Scotland is. I'm in Sussex England and will hopefully try this journey one day

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Yes I did. I've stayed in Fort William many times and I love it there.

[@cathybonner7888]

@@WorldWide_Dom I imagined Fort William to be a place with few buildings out in the sticks, how wrong I was! I googled FW last evening and was amazed at how many hotels there are there. What is there to do in FW?

[@WorldWide_Dom]

@@cathybonner7888 there is loads to do. You can go on the Jacobite steam train (Hogwarts Express) over to Mallaig and in Mallaig you can do a wildlife sea safari. There are boat trips along the sea lochs next to Fort William, hill walking is a must especially with the Nevis range gondolas that take you up to the top of the Nevis range ski resort (bar and restaurant are available at the top). If you want a stab at climbing Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in the UK) its only a 5 minute drive from Fort William. All these there are more besides. on top you have all the normal UK seaside resort stuff to do, Beaches, resteraunts, family activities, pubs, cinema etc. I would recommend it 100%. Fort William is my go to place when i want a few days just to get away from everything.

[@donmac6690]

I grabbed a coffee and watched another one of your great videos. 🎥👍

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Awesome! Thank you! I'm Glad you liked it and I hope you enjoyed that coffee.

[@stevebrittain4020]

At least your hotel was next door!!!

[@kerrys5540]

Absolutely beautiful journey. You captured it as I imagined. Loved seeing the 🦌

[@adambcakebread1244]

Wow. Us locals hate the 156s. Loud, cold, due to poor heating and look rough. Been fighting for better trains.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

I 100% agree, new stock is desperately required in these line, however it was just nice as a travel enthusiasts to get to ride on some older stock. I genuinely hope that newer stock can be brought onto the line sooner rather than later its only serves to benefit everyone.

[@vicsams4431]

Sadly the track on the West Highland, Mallaig Extension, Oban, Kyle and Far North can only take light axle weight trains such as 156 and 158. More modern trains, such as the 170 are far heavier and would be subject to very severe speed restrictions. If you look out for speed signs, you will note the square yellow boards which are signed with a MU differential speed. These apply to 156 and 158s only. These trains are 9 to 10 ton axle load. A 170 is 13+ ton per axle. This is why.

[@sandiandgregh]

We were just saying we’ll do this train trip on our next visit. :) Nice to glimpse Helensburgh where I lived as a child. Is it worth taking the train to Mallaig (we’d be going to Aberdeen after that which I think is a bus and train combo journey from there) or are the best views Glasgow to Fort William?

[@jockular123]

I did the journey to Mallaig yesterday. It is truly stunning

[@derricklewis5397]

dom, bit of constructive criticism. I think you would benefit from better mics, we can barely hear you with the noise reduction during the train ride (08:45 for example). Considering you make money from this channel it will only benefit you. Thanks

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Thanks, you are 100% correct, I'm currently working through editing some videos I filmed last year. I have since upgraded my camera and microphone since then. Check out the videos "Flying to Scotland’s MOST amazing Island" & "A final FAREWELL to Loganair's Saab 340" to see the new set up in action. I'd love to hear your thoughts on that.

[@adamdruett9107]

38 quid 😢 it’s only worth it because of the veiws. I can do a complete loop of Taiwan for about 25 quid. On the positive, absolutely stunning part of the world.

[@Gorantaylis]

As is typical with tourism and railways in this country, there is so much wasted potential here. Just 4 trains a day with very limited capacity and small, filthy windows. Surely a Swiss style tourist train is perfect for this route? At least the Highland Explorer carriages are a step in the right direction.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

100% Even for locals that use this daily, there needs to be newer train stock introduced to the line.

[@jimmcintosh9045]

There are only 3 coaches for passengers to Ft William and Oban which is not enough for summertime tourists. I stood for 2 hours till the train got to Crianlarich where the train splits!

[@michaelmcnally2331]

Whilst it is nice journey, I personally prefer Inverness to Kyle of lochalsh.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Well I have done both now on the channel and I have to say Kyle of lochalsh line is hard to beat.

[@gftyhify]

I’ve travelled on the west highland line before and it’s breathtaking. Also the old fashioned method of bolted rails as opposed to welded rails leading to the famous clickety clack noise on the wheels just adds to the enjoyment

[@WorldWide_Dom]

To me since i was a kid I've loved that noise. Its definitely a travel enthusiasts ASMR noise

[@egpx]

The West Highland Line is magnificent, I’ve been on it a few times and the journey is always memorable. My favourite time was in the Autumn with all the autumnal colours but the best experience has to have been waking up on the Caledonian Sleeper on a February morning as we were leaving Arochar and Tarbet and then having breakfast as we crossed a snow covered Rannoch Moor. Just a point of order, the Caledonian Sleeper operates out of Euston, not Kings Cross. Great video.

[@WorldWide_Dom]

Totally agree! it is such a great way to see the scenery of the highlands with relative comfort. Thanks for pointing that out. Never been on the sleeper & got confused with LNER from Inverness & Aberdeen. I'm going to have to take the sleeper now to redeem myself 😅

[@egpx]

@@WorldWide_Dom I look forward to the video 😁