West Highland Line, Glasgow to Mallaig, Scotland. Great Rail Journeys of the World.
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ม.ค. 2020
- Become a SteveMarsh Supporter at:
/ stevemarsh
It was a wet, miserable Saturday morning, so I drove to Glasgow early and hopped on a train. Not just any old train - this was The West Highland Line. A small inconspicuous Scotrail train between Glasgow and Mallaig with a big reputation - even voted the best rail journey in the world recently. But on this stormy day, would it be a complete washout? Join me onboard to find out!
Donate to future trip reports: paypal.me/stevemarshyoutube?l...
Hi, I’m Steve. I am a travel reviewer and post my trip reports here on TH-cam. I pay for my own travel and produce my own videos. If you have any questions about my journeys or travel advice in general, please drop me a comment - I do my best to respond to every single one. I’d also love to hear any recommendations you may have for future content, or why not challenge me to try something a little out of the ordinary! If you are looking to collaborate on any type of project, I’d love to hear from you - email me your ideas and hopefully we can work together in the future.
Music courtesy of epidemic sound.
#SteveMarsh
![เก่งแต่ลับหลัง (FINSTA) - ส้ม มารี (Zom Marie) Ft. Punch 4EVE [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/OOolBU2aC70/mqdefault.jpg)
One of my favourite things about Scottish scenery like this is that it generally looks even better when the weather is crap! It all just adds to the majesty and mysteriousness of it. Whenever I head up North I’m reminded of how lucky we are to live in the best wee country on earth.
So true- some of the colours are like nowhere else I've ever seen!
The ♥️
@@steve-marsh I have been to the Canadian Rockies and New Zealand , and yes Bonnie Scotland wins .
How cool is this! Discovering your old videos now after watching you for nearly 9 months
Zero 🧊 0:26
Interesting train journey but thanks for your video TH-cam
Went back to Scotland after years in Australia for 2 weeks. Dragged my daughter out to Crianlarich in the rain so I could relive my childhood watching the trains come in.
Haha I’m sure she thanked you for that! :) although I lived in Auckland for a few years, and it’s exactly the kind of thing I’d have done on my return :)
Love the most scenic journey to Mailaig along the west coast. My favourite beach in the world is the golden sands of Moira ❤Even when raining you still can see lovely waterfalls. Thank you Steve you bought back some lovely memories of a steam ride to Mailaig😅
steve i have recently discovered your videos and absolutely love them!! I currently take care of my elderly parents one of whom is bedbound and they live in my house and it has been quite the upheaval in my life especially at 62 but long ago I decided when all is said and done I am going to the highlands for some peace and quiet and to revive my old self and your videos are just giving me so much to enjoy until I can get there!! thanks so so much!!
Hope your wish comes true❤️There are discounts on train tickets recently, which may help you save money.
Hi I'm from Poland and I can tell your's how beauty Scotland is. You go on holiday to Spain ETC, and you don't know what beautiful country you have. All the best for everyone. XX.
MIGHTy- LTD dziekuje! Yes, like we say the grass is always greener on the other side :) cheers for the comment 👍🏼
I haven’t been here yet, but my friends say it’s beautiful. I hope I can go there soon while the train tickets are cheap.
Steve, thanks for such a good post and well done to Scotrail! For a 10 hour return journey travelling one of the most scenic routes in the world £41.20 is phenomenally good value! An equivalent, from here in Hereford to York, similar distance return is £100.70! Seriously, when this pandemic is over, I'm off to Glasgow to catch a train..............
Haha great, please do it! It truly is a wonderful journey and so easy to just turn up, buy a ticket and off you go :) I just hope you get better weather than I did, but in any conditions it’s still beautiful :) I will for sure be doing it again someday, but my long rail journeys will have to wait until face masks are a thing of the past, I couldn’t sit that long with a mask! Great options at destination as well for possible trip to Skye or the Small Isles, but also great to be able to do a day return too. All the best Jack and thanks for watching!
The 🈂️
@@steve-marsh well i guess its time to jump on the train again! I live in Glasgow but I’ve never truly visited anywhere outside of it until recently when i went to Edinburgh by train. I’ll have to give this a go. Thanks for the amazing content, it truly makes a difference being shown how easy it is to do!
You can get a railcard or take advantage of the latest discounts.
Scotland is so beautiful
Hi Steve the West highland line is gorgeous I did it in two half’s went up from Glasgow on the Caledonian sleeper to Fort William then got on the Jacobite up to Mallaige
think this will be the train i catch next year from fort Willam to Glasgow i am doing the west highland way and leaving my car at the finish and i think this journey will be one of the highlights of the trip cant wait
Ahoy matey! My new favorite video! :D Ye should become Scotland's face! The love you show through your vlogs is tremendous! Your home is amazing, hands down. Harry Potter Bridge is Glenfinnan Viaduct, now I know! :D Haha, Trainspotting too! XD And mentioning the kayak, I had an affair with the Lake Balaton police on one of my last days when they stopped me halfway and turned me back, saying my windsurf board is not a kayak. XD Captain of the good old Blackthorne
Your board is whatever you say it is! Thanks so much pal :)
There’s never a bad day when you are travelling up the west coast of Scotland, loved it all
Here here!
ditto
Nothing like a Steve Marsh video to get a person through a Saturday afternoon!
Great to hear it Frank, cheers!
Thank you so much great entertainment, last time I was in mallaig it rained that was 1969
I'm not sure it even stopped in-between?
Great chippie in Mallaig by the station! I loved taking the steam train from Fort William!
I was looking forward to visiting but it was closed when I was there!
Cheers Steve. Another dreich day in Scotland but I like to call it, liquid sunshine. Enjoy your videos a lot.
Phil G haha I like it! 🤣 cheers for watching!!
Another great video Steve.been to lots of these places with hubby. Going back fifty odd year ago as a child we stayed in a converted train called a camping coach atkinlochrannoch great holiday. We now have friends that stay in Kinlochewe just outside Aberfoyle there back garden is the forest its breathtaking. We are so lucky Scotland is an awesome place to stay and I'm proud to say I'm Scottish. Keep up the good work there so enjoyable. Xxshould read Kinlochard sorry.
Thanks so much Margaret! Ohhh it must be great to have friends like that :) I have never appreciated my own country enough, but in this last year I’ve really embraced it and opened my eyes to what a wonderful place it is - I am with you on the proud to be Scottish thing! I really hope my videos can help others from Scotland and elsewhere to make the discoveries I have in the past year. Cheers!
Despite the rain, the video turned out great. I love watching videos of train travel on raining days.
I’d love to repeat it, but a long journey in a mask! Thanks for watching!
So, decided to view one of your older videos and was rewarded with this atmospheric picture of the Highlands. ❤
We have just been to fort William and malaig,what a beautiful day another great memory great journey on scotrail view to die for,what a beautiful place in the world,why go abroad it’s all here.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴💋
So glad you've had the pleasure! It's some journey eh!
Thanks a lot Steve for sharing your wonderful journey to Mallaig. BEAUTIFUL SCOTLAND AND HIGHLAND
Cheers Harry! I'd love to repeat on a nicer day, or maybe in the white of winter!
I love that you can take the train and get these stunning views. Can’t wait to take this trip someday.
Britain on a Budget it’s stunning scenery, much better than I could capture on film, but I hope you get a nicer day :)
I must say travelling on the train in Scotland is so breathtaking and beautiful. Just like Wales and Northern England. Marvellous scenery 😍
I'd love to repeat this in winter!
The scenery along the train route is really nice, and I plan to take advantage of the recent discounts to go out more often.
My Great great grandfather lived at Mains Farm in Arisaig and emigrated to Canada in 1905. I had the pleasure of visiting his farmhouse and Mallaig in 2015. Thanks for the memories.
Rod Keays aww amazing! Thanks to you for watching :)
Rod Keays (and Arisaig is my favourite part of Scotland, just stunning!)
@@steve-marsh I have to return someday so I can sort out how my great grandad got to Arisaig. He was a Kerr and the Kerr lands were in the Midlands. The Kerr's had quite the holdings there at one time and they fought with Mary Queen of Scots. I have often wondered how he came to be in the Highlands and then to Canada.
Rod Keays that’s such a cool project to uncover the history! I wish you all the best, if you need me to check anything next time I’m in arisaig be sure to let me know!
@@steve-marsh You could always go by the farmhouse on Mains farm. It is only a short walk from the Arisaig museum. They can give you directions. There was a Dutch family living there at the time I visited. It is by the large smokestack.
Wonderful. Thanks so much for this from across the Atlantic in coastal Maine.
The words 'costal Maine' conjure up some wonderful images in my head of rugged coastlines and lighthouses, I am so desperate to go there!!! I've also wanted to visit the LL Bean store since I can remember, and STILL I haven't stepped foot in Maine - something that needs to change as soon as this lockdown is over. I've only seen your wonderful State from 35,000ft. When I went to Mystic Connecticut, I had originally planned to fly up but at the time the airfare was too expensive.
Cheers Steve.🍺🍺👍
Doesn't matter what the weather is like I love Scotland and your videos, well done Steve.
One day, one day I will get to Corrour. 🙏🤞
Thanks Steve, lovely to see - Have done the journey a few times and then on to Knoydart- the 5 hours fly by. Simply a stunningly beautiful journey. Thanks !
Duncan Lewis cheers for watching Duncan! Couldn’t agree more! Would love to spend some time on the Knoydart peninsula!
Dont forget if youre on the Glasgow bound train, jump off at Crianlarich and watch them tie the set up with the Oban southbound. Also they're now attaching a 153 to it, gives more bike spaces (and comfier seats). And if youre travelling with kuds, DO NOT buy theirs online or from a ticket machine, as the £1 return is only available from stations or onboard, 1 adult can take up to 4 kids for £1 anywhere in Scotland
ppppppppp🧿
Thanks for sharing,loved it...
Well done Steve, another excellent episode. Thank you.
Thanks so much George!
I still remember doing that train journey from Glasgow to Mallaig via Fort William in 1982 on train carriages that were a lot older (British rail then). Took the ferry to Armadale on Skye and up to Uig on the local school bus. I absolutely loved that trip and recommend it to anyone.
I DID IT NUMEROUS TIMES, THE BEST TIME WAS 1974 EVERY NATIONALITY FROM EUROPE TO NORTH AMERERICA CANADA,NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA WAS ON THAT TRAIN. GREAT DAY'S TO BE YOUNG AND STARTING OUT IN LIFE.
Thanks for the video!
Thanks for watching!
I'm from India been thier for a month n enjoy the journey from Glasgow to Edinburgh n back... so beautiful missing those days...Thanks for the Video
Thanks so much for coming along :)
Excellent...
I'd take that any day, nothing better than a slow train and good scenery.
Very true :)
We rode the Jacobite from Ft. William to Maillag. Great trip but it was absolutely pissing down rain, in Maillag. We got a take out of delicious fish and chips at a little place right by the station, to enjoy on the ride back.
eeeeeee🍇
Stunning scenery. Remember doing a train trip from Kyle of Localsh to Londo years ago.. was amazing twisting and riding through Scotland’s majestic countryside
Paul’s Travels it was lovely (despite the weather!) need to do it again on a sunny day! Cheers!
Paul’s Travel’s Recipes and Reviews cheers for watching :)
Breath taking views amazing 🤩
So very enjoyable!
Train looks spotless and fantasic
I love this place, great video!
Alessio 91 thanks so much for watching!
I live at the other terminus of the line, in Oban and it is the most scenic route we have in the country, probably the world! Only gone as far as Fort William on the Mallaig part of the route,though.
I was due to do the Oban leg, but then it was cancelled and I ended up on a coach (which was still lovely!)
like the video very much .Take care.
Thanks so much! You too!
This video really help me on my essay. I really hope to hop on this train journey some day! Thank you for sharing.
So glad I could be of help! Thanks for watching!
Steve another great vlog
David Tompkins cheers mate! 👍🏼
Fabulous journey, thoroughly enjoyed it. Many thanks Steve.
Thanks Peter!
All these trips on my doorstep. Only just discovered you and Loving your videos.
Andy Carr cheers Andy! Can’t wait til we can cross that doorstep again! Thanks so much for watching, really appreciated 👍🏼
Great video, it’s exactly what I was looking for👍🏽
Very enjoyable 👍
Stewart Campbell thanks Stewart! :)
that was great thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed it, thank you!
Views are really good!
Great little film Steve. Came across by chance. and have resolved to go to Mallaig I also liked/was impressed by your presentation style.
Frederick Plume thanks very much for watching and for the kind words! I’m hoping to add more Scotland trips as I develop the channel - after we’re all allowed out again! Cheers 👍🏼
Thank you for this video, Steve! I have traveled through the area a few times by automobile, but haven't been up to Mallaig. That route is definitely on my bucket list, regardless of the weather (it just adds to the charm!)
I tend to agree with you Dirk, the colours even on a bad day can be remarkable, but I'd also like to repeat on a nice sunny day :) Thanks so much for the comment!
I did this as far as Oban with my tiny girl to go see 'Balamory' about 20 yrs ago. I need to do it again. Great video.
Thanks for the video awesome viewing we get to see these places with you and they're is the lovely weather trains are really clean and looks good for the passengers
Cecil Wilson thanks again! 😊
Steve love the channel / content Dont change anything please well filmed great stuff
David Tompkins thanks very much David, your support is appreciated!! 👍🏼
I enjoyed that. Good to get out when your in lockdown . Thanks again Steve .
Cheers, thanks for coming along Grace!
Many years ago we did the stretch from Fort William to Mallaig and back with the Jacobite steamtrain. O.M.G. Fantastic. Thank you for this video.
Would LOVE to do this trip!
Found you today from Melbourne, Australia . Love the country, missed out on going right to the top from Inverness, caught a cold , it’s 26C here just waiting for a few 40c days. I will definitely be back & will catch this train trip in summer.
Spectacular journey. The West Highland line always a favourite. Even better behind a steam locomotive! Enjoyed your video, and thanks for posting. Cheers, and happy travels!
Kevin McChord and thanks to you for watching :) I’d LOVE to go by steam!!!!
@@steve-marsh Always better when hauled by steam! I rode the West Highland line in 1989 behind a 'Balck Five' on a brilliant July day. Ever considered having a go at the Ayr-Stranraer line? No steam, mind you (and, sadly, no ferry service any longer), but in my opinion that line is an overlooked scenic gem on the Scotrail network. Thanks for your excellent videos!
Hello Steve. Thanks for another enjoyable video. I think another trip should be scheduled, but for the summer.
mpop4eva cheers for the comment :) yeah, can’t wait to do it again in better weather - at least it can’t be booked last minute for the same fare so I’ll keep a close eye on the forecast next time 🤣
Thanks Steve for this spectacular footage. We took the Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh trip last year and the Mallaig line was on the list for our next visit. Your video has provided additional momentum! I understand that when built, Glenfinnan viaduct was the largest mass concrete structure in the world. Nice job Robert McAlpine!
Cheers for that stat - quite believe it! I’d like to repeat this too in more favourable weather!
finaly the line has new carriages. Enjoy your video! Cheers.
Thanks! Yeah, a bit of comfort now to watch the scenery!
It rains everywhere you go! 😆
Great video!!!
great british comment!
How did I just see this now :)
I love your channel I will be devouring all your content
Welcome aboard! Thank you so much for the kind comments!
Superb. When I see once inhabited buildings in the Highlands, I have the same reaction as you; impossible restoration desires.
Britt Unculus haha absolutely! Imagine the practicalities of actually doing it 🤣
@@steve-marsh Many have done it. When I drive around the Speyside region, I see quite a few renovated houses. There is one in particular which springs to mind. I have passed it a few times, (road to Tomintoul?, can't remember) obviously a former church, converted into a home with massive solar panels on the beautiful varnished wood roof.
Having sad that, when we were traveling up from Inverness on the A9 towards Thurso (after the road splits with A9 on the left, A99 on the right), to visit Wolfburn distillery, we were struck by all the derelict villages along the way. Whole rows of houses, abandoned and in a sorry state. (They looked like they had been abandoned no more than 20-30 years ago?). It was very depressing driving through. I have ever seen that in Scotland before.
(My dear wife thinks those abandoned villages weren't on the A9 but the A99, as we were coming back down towards Wick. She could be right).
Great senary thanks loved it
Thanks Ian :)
iiiiiiiiiii🖤
Loved watching this from SouthAustralia. My daughter lives in Edinburgh but has been camping near Mallaig this past week. It was good to see how she got there
Thanks so much for watching! All the best to you :)
Nice 😊
WOW! What a scenic place. Again, I am envious of those who have such great vistas and every place you have filmed seems very friendly and so clean.
Thanks Walter!
SHAME ! S N P will probably cause it to be CLOSED, they have WRECKED everything else. Knew they would get around to Scotlands Rail System sooner or later. (Ferries) ?
defo man tunes and a we smoke in the morning canny wait :)
The Caledonian Sleeper from Euston to Fort William has got to be the best way of experiencing the West Highland Line, at least as far as Fort William. I did it just over a month ago - it seems a lifetime now - and waking up as we travelled up the side of Gareloch was fantastic. Breakfast was taken as we crossed Rannoch Moor. I can’t think of a better place to have the Full Highland. Mind you, a cheeky little upgrade to one a Caledonian Double room may have helped 😁
egpx woah, you got an upgrade!? I’ve seen the prices of booking that double!!! Well done! Couldn’t agree more with you, thanks for watching 👍🏼
Great wee vid aidy from Kilmarnock
Cheers Aidy!
Lovely video. Never been out that way before by train. Will be sure to follow in your footsteps or rather tracks! Thanks from an Aberdonian
Cheers for watching! A really enjoyable trip, hope you get the chance to do it :)
Enjoying yer stuff, mate...First caught the Leith one and been working through..Great stuff, you come across really well, and seem like a sound bloke...All the best!
Thanks so much for the support Col! Really appreciate it :)
Thank you for this video. I have booked my ticket for exact same day trip. X
Awesome! I need to do a repeat soon too!
@@steve-marsh 9th August. Leave Queen St Glasgow at 8.21 arrive Mallaig at 13.40...Leave Mallaig again at 16.05 arrive back in Glasgow 21.30pm. Can't wait
Those captains at Calmac are wizards! What a seamanship to maneouvre their ships! One more great video Steve. Thank you very much.
I know what you mean! It goes unnoticed by most, but what a responsibility!
Blimey! Lovely video of the trip. I'll follow you, and will subscribe. This was so right!.
Thanks so much for the support! Welcome aboard! :)
We took that train a few years ago but went to Oban instead - my IRL last name is pretty common in Oban. Happened on a weekday with lovely weather - stunning views.
CanuckJim I wish I’d had better weather 🤷🏼♂️
Great blog and the WHL is a great journey. I have done it in its entirety once about 10 years ago with my nieces. Then same train back down to Glasgow. Is the most westerly mainland Britain station Arisaig by any chance, with it being the closest to Ardnamuchan Peninsula and Point.
Osezno Pardo spot on with Arisaig :) I cant wait to get out and try it again on a nicer day! Very enjoyable journey in any weather though :) thanks for watching!!!
that was fun, my cousins live right by the train in Anniesland ! I need to do this one next time I'm over, IF I ever get over again!
Ann McDermott yes you will!!!! 👍🏼😊
You really need a CANADIAN toque !! Ours are the REAL DEAL! 😉🍁🇨🇦
I love your country Kat :)
I'm hoping to visit Scotland for the first time with my mum from Caanda in May/June of 24. Just wondering what time of year this was taken? I'd really love to see more of the incredible greens if possible... thank you for sharing your journeys!
I reckon it was taken in winter. It's always windy and rainy then.
Hi Steve I think you need to re-do that trip with your better half as it is always sunny when you are both together.
Haha that's so true, she is my sunshine :)
An awesome journey, just beautiful. Last time I did it was aboard the 'Harry Potter' steam train.
Ouch - jealous!
Braw video, Steve. Sorry you had such a beastly, dreich day for your trip, although 'tis 'good Scottish weather'. Ach, what I would not gie for some Gregg's coffee and a pastry. Slàinte Mhath🏴
Cannae beat a Greggs!
Awesome video! Working for Scotrails sister company I get free travel on their services so will deffo give this line a try.
Oh please do! I need to repeat to and compare on a nice sunny day :) Nice perk of the job btw! :)
Steve Hi! Another journey back in time, forty years seems like yesterday that my late spouse and I visited ‘Mallaig’ on a couple of occasions from ‘Kingussie’ where we stayed every year at The ‘Duke of Gordon’ the thing I remember most was why is it always so blinking icy ❄️ cold and windy 🌬 in ‘Mallaig’ and why was the public toilet always locked when we decided to visit! thanks 😊 again for another memorable journey down that beautiful coast line 👌🤗
Haha those are the things that make a trip memorable though, and I’m exactly the same, I’ve rarely seen Mallaig in the sun :)
I'm sure the clocks run slower on the way out, and faster on the way back ;-)
It's really a spectacular journey no matter what the weather, good or bad bring out different aspects of the scenery. Really must go back and do it again soon.
Agree Rob! And we were back up filming there this weekend on a short stretch of it
Wonderful! Great quality video and relaxing to watch. Thank you, I've added this trip to my list. If you have a chance, could we see places to stay on any of Scotland's coasts or mountains?
Added to the list, great idea thank you!
The more I watch your videos the more I want to get a motorhome and just tour around the Highlands! Think I'll need one with screens to keep the midges out! X
Haha yes! And I’m not going to try to talk you out of that one :)
Done this in a Datsun stanza and a steam train and a class 37 wow before the bypass
A great day out. The day we went we were gutted the return journey was a replacement bus service 😫😫😫
NO WAY! Heartbreaking!!!!
A lot planned for this year, then I looked at the date 12 Jan 2020: the calm before the storm :(!!!
The toilets amused me. They are huge.
The GPO film unit put out a DVD that showcased the West Highland Line, John Gray's film from 1960. It was a double header with Night Mail, the famous video from 1936 that created The Documentary. Brilliant Vid to watch.
Thanks for the info!