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Britain's scenic railway lines compared
Six lines stand out for what you see from the window rather than how fast they get there. Here is how they differ, so you can choose one.
At a glance
| Line | Between | Length | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Settle–Carlisle | Settle and Carlisle | about 72 miles | Ribblehead Viaduct, Dales and Pennines |
| West Highland | Glasgow, Oban, Fort William, Mallaig | 331 km in total | Rannoch Moor, Glenfinnan Viaduct |
| Cambrian | Shrewsbury, Aberystwyth, Pwllheli | 80 and 117 miles | Mid Wales hills and Cardigan Bay coast |
| Heart of Wales | Craven Arms and Llanelli | 90 miles | Viaducts, spa towns, quiet countryside |
| Far North | Inverness, Thurso, Wick | 168 miles | Remote Flow Country, Dornoch Firth |
| Cumbrian Coast | Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness | about 85 miles | Irish Sea shore, cliffs, Ravenglass |
Lengths come from Wikipedia's pages on each line (Settle–Carlisle is given as 71.75 miles in one place and 73 in another).
For high mountains: the West Highland Line
This is the one most people have heard of. The line climbs onto Rannoch Moor, summits near Corrour at 1,347 feet (410 m), and passes remote stations such as Corrour, which cannot be reached by public road. The Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Mallaig branch appeared as the Hogwarts Express route in the Harry Potter films. In summer a steam train, the Jacobite, runs between Fort William and Mallaig, operated by West Coast Railways.
For engineering and open moors: Settle–Carlisle
If you prefer your scenery with a story, this is the line. It was nearly closed in the 1980s; the government refused consent for closure on 11 April 1989, and passenger numbers have risen since. Ais Gill summit, 1,169 feet (356 m), is the highest point reached by main-line trains in England.
For the sea: Cambrian and Cumbrian Coast
The Cambrian Coast section follows Cardigan Bay through Snowdonia National Park, while the Cumbrian Coast Line runs between cliffs and sea near Whitehaven. Both are slow lines. The Cumbrian line's older rolling stock is dictated by narrow overbridges between Maryport and Carlisle.
For quiet and for solitude: Heart of Wales and Far North
The Heart of Wales Line has just five or six trains a day each way and runs through almost empty farmland. The Far North Line takes about four hours twenty minutes from Inverness to Wick and passes Altnabreac, often listed among the most isolated stations in Britain.
Practical tips
- All six are mostly single track and slow; build in time and don't plan tight connections.
- Services on the Far North and Heart of Wales lines are infrequent. Check the timetable for the day you travel.
- Some intermediate stations are request stops: tell the guard where you want to get off.
- Operators and timetables change. Use National Rail Enquiries or the operator's website for live information.
Looking for the busy intercity routes instead? Start with the home page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most scenic train journey in Britain?
Opinions differ. Wanderlust readers voted the West Highland Line the top rail journey in the world in 2009. The Settle–Carlisle line is another favourite.
Which scenic line is the quietest?
The Heart of Wales Line, with about 5 to 6 trains each way a day off-peak, and the Far North Line are both very quiet.
Can I ride a steam train on any of these lines?
The Jacobite steam service runs between Fort William and Mallaig from May to October, operated by West Coast Railways. Check its own website for dates.