Train Hiking in Scotland - West Highland Line

Arrival at Glasgow Queen Street train station where you board the West Highland Line to Ardlui. You travel along the River Clyde, passing the coastal town of Helensburgh before reaching Loch Lomond. The train arrives in Ardlui where you can enjoy the lakeshore and gaze north towards the peaks that will accompany you over the coming days along the West Highland Way.

Accommodation in Ardlui

Hop across to Loch Lomond's eastern shores from Ardlui jetty. Now you can begin your first day of hiking on Scotland's most famous long-distance trail. As you walk through Glen Falloch, keep an eye out for red deer roaming the mountainsides. Pass through coniferous forests as you enter the Glen of Strath Fillan to reach the village of Crianlarich.

Accommodation in Crianlarich

Start with a gentle beginning through verdant Strath Fillan, where you walk in the footsteps of St Fillan, an Irish evangelist from the 8th century whose subsequent cult attracted Robert the Bruce as one of his followers. Pass through the ruins of his chapel and move through Dalrigh, King's Field, where legend says Robert the Bruce suffered defeat in 1306. Continue along the West Highland Way along the lower slopes of Munros Beinn Odhar and Beinn Dorain before descending to Bridge of Orchy.

Accommodation in Bridge of Orchy

After breakfast we recommend a short circular walk to Loch Tulla which rewards you with lovely views over the loch, Rannoch Moor and Black Mount. Then you board the West Highland Line again and travel across the wild moorland of Rannoch Moor. Lean back and enjoy the beautiful landscape from the train window. The train continues past Loch Treig into fertile territory, Glen Spean and The Great Glen. You get off at Spean Bridge.

Accommodation in Spean Bridge

Hike along forest trails from Spean Bridge to Fort William and keep an eye out for the elusive red squirrel darting across the path or scampering up a pine tree. Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis (1345m) dominates the horizon today as you approach Fort William. Trace its base as you enter the town, Scotland's outdoor capital, to complete the hike.

Accommodation in Fort William

Today you have the opportunity to climb Ben Nevis and reach the summit which offers magnificent views. A hike that takes 7-9 hours. If you prefer adventure at a lower level, you can do one of Scotland's most beautiful short hikes by following the rocky path through the Nevis gorge to the Steall Falls waterfall.

Accommodation in Fort William

Today you board the train from Fort William to Mallaig, one of the journey's highlights with the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The journey includes train with Scotrail, but you can also choose to book a seat on the famous The Jacobite, the steam train that featured in the Harry Potter films. The dramatic landscape continues as the train chugs and whistles its way through the mountain passes. You finally reach the rocky west coast and the harbor town of Mallaig where you disembark.

Accommodation in Mallaig

The journey ends after breakfast. The train journey back (not included) to Glasgow takes approximately 5-6 hours.