SCOTLands most picturesque train journeys.
One thing to
marvel at in Scotland is its railways. The abilities of Britain in rail
traveling are several hundred years old and have been perceived by the
world as something new and interesting. Rail travel in Scotland can take
you to some of the most remote - and the most scenic parts of the
country, in comfort and style, by the hard labour of volunteers, and by
the patient effort of certain sections of the Scottish people. The
following are our recommendations of the most picturesque train trips in
Scotland.
THE BELMOND ROYAL SCOTSMAN
Want
to travel in a classy and old-fashioned steam locomotive? This stunning
train could not be any better, as it is actually the Belmond train,
which used to be called the Orient Express. Providing something of a
hotel on wheels, its vintage, artdeco retro retreats move through the
countryside in ten specially built cars with private, en-suite cabins.
There is also luxury dining on the train car, and a spa, and any of its
four central journeys will transport you through the natural landscape
of Scotland, dramatic and beautiful, in the comfort of the train car.
You can even schedule trip excursions, tastings at local distilleries,
walks in the wilderness and local town and village visits. Good to do
the time in trains all over again.
THE WEST HIGHLAND LINE
There
is no more beautiful view of the highlands than that presented by a
journey between Glasgow and Mallaig. The line, proclaimed by many in the
know as the best train ride in Britain, stops at Fort William and then
proceeds to Mallaig which is the ferry port to the Isles of Skye, Muck,
Rum and Eigg. The trip takes you to some of the largest hitters in
Scottish history - the foot of Ben Nevis, Loch Lomond and the Falls of
Lora, all the whilst going along the Glenfinnan Aquiduct - most famous
as the main star of the Harry Potter movies. Field trips involve walking
the West Highland Way, a trip to the Staircase of Neptune and a trip to
Corrour, the highest mainline train station in Britain.
PERTH TO INVERNESS
A
train journey between Perth and Inverness perhaps lacks as dramatic a
skyline as some others, but it still takes a route along the legendary
Drumochter Pass. During the winter months, the pass is so blanketed with
snow that it resembles a movie of science fiction and the hewn rocks
under the pass combine to produce an amazing black and white scenery. A
good place to visit whilst on the trip is Blair Castle - its fine estate
has belonged to the Clan Murray centuries. When you spend money on a
first-class ticket, you can also eat all the delicious shortbread that
you like!
THE FAR NORTH LINE
This picturesque journey
along the North Sea Coast, through Inverness to Thurso to Wick, presents
some of the most intriguing excursions that will be welcomed by the
keenest traveller. Thurso, the Northernest train station in the whole of
Britain, practically a stone throw off John O'Groats, accessible by bus
as well. The trip also has a few seasonal or on-demand detachments,
especially local distilleries, golf and even castles. The same noble
line has inhabited Nearby Dunrobin Castle for more than 750 years and is
well worth a visit. You can take the ferry-service to the Isles of
Orkney at Wick, to see still more.
THE STRathspey Steam Rail way.
The
Strathspey Steam Railway is the best excursion to take you back in
time. Vintage rides on this restored train, fully equipped with dining
car and separate carriages being drawn by a steam locomotive. When the
route directs you between Aviemore and Boat of Garten to Broomhill (and
back) the round trip, a band of volunteers reintroduced these historic
trains to service in 1978, and since then, journeys have been made at
rigorously timetabled intervals through the Highlands. Look out, too,
for the native population of Ospreys - a rare bird, and in Britain just
250 breeding pairs.
THE ROYAL DEESIDE RAILWAY
In
length the line is not long, it being only about a mile, but in the
passage there is a beautiful fragment of Scotland in a standard gauge
steam engine. Spectacular scenery and nestled in the local hill canvass,
the best part of this trip is the visit to Milton of Crathes with its
winning Victorian train station. There is also the tearoom in one of the
railway carriages in the station, the local walking around the locality
and a restaurant, gallery and boutique shops within the complex. The
train is named after the River Dee, which it passes beside and on which
the Royal Family often took its rides along the wall to Balmoral until
1966.
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