Een Scotrail-trein bij Loch Awe, vlakbij Dalmally
© Scotrail / Tony Hardley

4-Day West Highland railway line itinerary

The West Highland Line is one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world.

This train line runs from Glasgow north to Crianlarich. One route then goes west past Loch Awe to Oban, or north through Rannoch Moor to Fort William and Mallaig. Or you can do both!

This itinerary gives you ideas for things to do in the four main locations - Glasgow, Oban, Fort William and Mallaig.

Get the Spirit of Scotland Travelpass for your train travel, which gives you 4 days unlimited travel for £149 or 8 days unlimited travel (over 15 days) for £189.

Begin / Eind: Centrum Glasgow / Skye

Dagen
4
Afstand
134Mijlen
214km
Reismiddel
Trein
Hoofdthema
Natuur

Hoogtepunten: Fascinating museums; A ferry journey to an island; A mountain gondola; Beautiful Highland scenery

Bestreken gebieden: Westen

Dag 1Glasgow

Reismiddel: Trein

Glasgow makes a perfect starting point with its great travel links to the rest of Scotland, the United Kingdom and indeed the world. It's tempting to hop straight on the train and head to the West Highlands but then you'd miss all the wonders of Glasgow! Take a day to see some of the city's highlights before you start your rail adventure. Consider taking the City Sightseeing Bus, which links these great attractions.

The city also has a public cycle hire scheme provided by Nextbike. The scheme offers 500 bikes for public hireat 67 locations across the city.

Plan a longer trip to Glasgow

Riverside Museum and Tall Ship Centrum Glasgow
Riverside Museum
The Riverside Museum is a visual feast - the building itself is one of the most striking modern buildings in Scotland. Inside, the museum houses all kinds of exhibits related to transport. Vehicles, bikes, and locomotives dating from different periods can be found. In addition, you can also explore the Clyde-built Tall Ship, which is berthed alongside the museum.
Meer info over Riverside Museum and Tall Ship
100 Pointhouse Place,Centrum Glasgow,G3 8RS
Faciliteiten
- Parkeerplaats
- Invalidenparkeerplaats
- Ringleiding
- Rolstoeltoegang
- Gehandicaptentoilet
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum Glasgow West End
Exterior of the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Glasgow's trendy West End is home to Kelvingrove, a free museum packed with over 8,000 intriguing objects and artefacts. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of art, from the Dutch Old Masters and the French Impressionists, to perhaps its most famous piece, Christ of St John of the Cross by Salvador Dali.
Meer info over Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
Argyle Street,Glasgow West End,G3 8AG
Faciliteiten
- Parkeerplaats
- Met Het OV Bereikbaar
- Ringleiding
- Invalidenparkeerplaats
- Rolstoeltoegang
- Gehandicaptentoilet
UNESCO City of Music Glasgow
Glasgow Music City Tours in King Tut's Wah Wah Hut
© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale
Glasgow's reputation for live music is legendary; so much so that the city has been given UNESCO City of Music status.
Why not catch a gig or a concert in one of its amazing venues? The OVO Hydro hosts all the big-name stars. You can experience roots, classical and world sounds at the Glasgow Royal ConcertHall, or see up-and-coming indie artists at the small but perfectly formed King Tut's Wah Wah Hut.
Meer info over UNESCO City of Music
Eetgelegenheden in de buurt Overnachtingen in de buurt

Dag 2Oban

Reismiddel: Boot; Trein

Board an early train and take the West Highland Line to Oban, a journey which reveals Scotland's great geographic contrasts. Along the way you'll travel alongside the River Clyde, through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, passing the hills and glens of Argyll, before finally ending up at this cheery seaside town where the train terminates.

McCaig's Tower Oban
McCaig's Tower, Oban
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Stretch your legs by taking the short climb from Oban town centre up to McCaig's Tower to admire the views across the bay and towards the isles.
Find out more about McCaig's Tower
Duncraggan Road,Oban,PA34 5DP
Oban Distillery Oban
Oban Distillery & Visitor Centre
Situated in the heart of Oban, take a tour and discover the history of entrepreneurial brothers Hugh and John Stevenson who founded the distillery. Choose from two tours, and let the knowledgeable tour guides tell you about the seven men who make the Oban Single Malt. 'Old Teddy' is exclusive to the distillery and was inspired by the unique and personal stories of the Maclean family, who have served the distillery on Scotland's west coast for three generations.
Meer info over Oban Distillery
Stafford Street,Oban,PA34 5NH
Faciliteiten
- Invalidenparkeerplaats
- Gehandicaptentoilet
- WiFi
Gateway to the isles Oban
De haven van Oban en Pulpit Hill
From Oban you can visit Colonsay, Islay, Mull, Lismore, Coll, Tiree and Barra. Once you're on the islands, enjoy a variety of outdoor activities from cycling to hillwalking, or stay out on the water with boat tours or kayaking. There are ferries between the islands, and day trips and tours to choose from.
Find out more about the Gateway to the Isles
Eetgelegenheden in de buurt Overnachtingen in de buurt

Dag 3Fort William

Dag 4Mallaig

Reismiddel: Trein

Board the train at Fort William and enjoy what is arguably the most spectacular section of the West Highland Line as you venture to Mallaig. The train tracks skirt the A830, fondly known as the Road to the Isles. The views from the train include a mix of rugged landscape and undulating coastline, and the train will traverse the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct at the head of Loch Shiel.

Fort William to Mallaig on the Jacobite Steam Train Fort William
Glenfinnan Viaduct
© VisitScotland / Airborne Lens
Did you know?
The steam train had a starring role as the Hogwarts Express taking Harry from platform 9 ¾ all the way to Hogwarts.
Some say that the West Highland Line is the greatest rail journey in the world. In the summer, the Jacobite Steam Train* travels along the route in addition to the regular trains. Take the journey over the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct, whilst enjoying views of Loch Shiel from your window, a key location in the Harry Potter films.
* Please note that the Jacobite Steam Train is running with reduced capacity for the 2024 season. Please check directly for the latest availability.
Meer info over Fort William to Mallaig on the Jacobite Steam Train
West Coast Railways,Fort William
Mallaig Heritage Centre Mallaig
Mallaig Heritage Centre
Mallaig is a small but bustling harbour village, once the busiest herring port in Europe. You could easily while away an hour watching boats and ferries come and go at the port. Pop into the Mallaig Heritage Centre and learn about the surrounding landscape and the fishing community. Feeling peckish afterwards? Then head to a café and order something tasty. For a really delicious treat, order a pint of local prawns or Mallaig kippers, if they are on the menu.
Meer info over Mallaig Heritage Centre
Station Road,Mallaig,PH41 4PY
Extend Your Trip Skye
Elgol, Isle of Skye
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Hop aboard a ferry to the Isle of Skye and explore the stunning island landscapes, or sail to one of the Small Isles and experience the tranquil remoteness of a rural Scottish island community.
After enjoying Skye, cross the Skye Bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh and take the Kyle Line to Inverness.
Find out more about the West Highland Line.
Plan your onward journey with the Calmac ferry timetables.
Meer info over Extend Your Trip
Eetgelegenheden in de buurt Overnachtingen in de buurt