The West Highland Line: A Train & Hike Adventure Through the Heart of the Highlands

Combining the West Highland Way and Great Glen Way with one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys, Scotland’s West Highland Line offers an unforgettable adventure through the wild landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.

This historic route connects Glasgow with the coastal town of Mallaig, winding past mountains, through glens, and alongside lochs. Now, Hillwalk Tours is offering a new way to experience this breathtaking journey—The West Highland Line: Train & Hike, a unique adventure that blends scenic train travel with walks along two of Scotland’s finest trails.

The trip begins in Glasgow, where the train heads north, following the shores of Loch Lomond before reaching Ardlui. From here, walkers cross the loch by ferry and step onto the West Highland Way, Scotland’s most famous long-distance trail.

This path takes hikers through Strathfillan, past ancient battle sites, and beneath towering peaks before rejoining the railway line. A highlight of the journey is a day trip to Oban, known as Scotland’s seafood capital, before returning to the West Highland Line.

From there, the train crosses the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor, an untouched expanse where the tracks appear to float over the peat bog. A final walk along the Great Glen Way brings travelers into Fort William, the gateway to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom.

The adventure continues with a train ride along the Mallaig Line, passing through some of the most spectacular scenery Scotland has to offer. The train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films, before winding past deep lochs and rugged coastline. As the journey nears its end, travelers catch glimpses of the Isle of Skye—a fitting finale to this Highland experience.

Combining scenic rail travel with stunning hikes, The West Highland Line: Train & Hike offers an immersive way to explore Scotland’s landscapes and history. Find out more about this unforgettable journey here and start planning your unique Highland adventure today. Talk with Hillwalk Tours today and book your adventure!