What's the more scenic line?

[Bittern]

In terms of beauty and scenery, what's more beautiful? Crianlarich to Fort William as part of the main West Highland Line or the branch line from Crianlarich to Oban?

Also, out of Fort William and Oban, what's more worthwhile spending a good amount of time in? I'd be leaving Glasgow at 08:21 no matter what (both trains travel together to Crianlarich). If I choose Fort William, I'd arrive at 12:07 and leave again at 17:37. If I choose Oban, I'd arrive at 11:27 and leave at 18:11. Both extensive amounts of time but leave good time to enjoy a day out and to finally see what the West Highland Line (voted most beautiful railway journey in the world twice) has to offer.

Unfortunately, since I have to make it only a day out, the line to Mallaig isn't an option. This does sadden me as I'd *love* to do it. But apparently work takes priority over trains.

 

[CarterUSM]

In terms of beauty and scenery, what's more beautiful? Crianlarich to Fort William as part of the main West Highland Line or the branch line from Crianlarich to Oban?

Also, out of Fort William and Oban, what's more worthwhile spending a good amount of time in? I'd be leaving Glasgow at 08:21 no matter what (both trains travel together to Crianlarich). If I choose Fort William, I'd arrive at 12:07 and leave again at 17:37. If I choose Oban, I'd arrive at 11:27 and leave at 18:11. Both extensive amounts of time but leave good time to enjoy a day out and to finally see what the West Highland Line (voted most beautiful railway journey in the world twice) has to offer.

Unfortunately, since I have to make it only a day out, the line to Mallaig isn't an option. This does sadden me as I'd *love* to do it. But apparently work takes priority over trains.

Crianlarich to Fort William wins the scenery battle for me by quite a distance from the Oban run, but there is very little to do in the Fort for 5 hours. I think if you go to Mallaig however, you are returning after an hour or so anyway! If memory serves the 1737 from FTW is ex Mallaig ?

 

[Dave R]

If memory serves the 1737 from FTW is ex Mallaig ?

Indeed it is

http://www.scotrail.co.uk/timetables-routes/581/591/2011

http://www.scotrail.co.uk/timetables-routes/581/601/2011

 

[CarterUSM]

Indeed it is

http://www.scotrail.co.uk/timetables-routes/581/591/2011

http://www.scotrail.co.uk/timetables-routes/581/601/2011

Aye, i thought so, i really should know that though!! Bittern, i would advise going to Mallaig then, long day, but you will find it gratifying i'm sure.

 

[Bittern]

Out of the question. It just doesn't seem worthwhile doing all that traveling just to be in Mallaig for what is essentially 2 and a half hours (according to NRE). Do to Mallaig, I would preferably have an entire weekend.

 

[MCR247]

There isn't much in Fort William though..

 

[MidnightFlyer]

I'd do the full thing, i had about 45 mins in Fort William once on a railtour, I spent about 20 mins on the train! There is very little to do there, maybe an hour's worth of stuff or less. You'll be about 90 mins into your visit there and think 'Shouldda gone to Mallaig', I promise. Do the full West Highland line - you won't regret it.

 

[90019]

Out of the question. It just doesn't seem worthwhile doing all that traveling just to be in Mallaig for what is essentially 2 and a half hours (according to NRE). Do to Mallaig, I would preferably have an entire weekend.

There's not a lot to do in Oban or Fort William. Or Mallaig for that matter.
They're not places to spend hours in - 2 1/2 hours is easily enough time for Mallaig.

I'd advise either going all the way to Mallaig or if possible taking earlier trains back.


The line is scenic, the destinations aren't really.

 

[Saxonia]

Absolutely - if you are doing the West Highland line, then DO the West Highland line, friend. If you think that the scenery from Crianlarich-Fort William is great, this totally pales into insignificance when compared to the paradise that is Fort William-Mallaig.
One of the finest outings of my life so far was spent celebrating my 40th a few years ago, when the class 37's were still running the Sleeper service. I did the Sleeper both ways, Euston-Fort William, with breakfast/evening meal in the Fort, & a delightful lunch in Mallaig - a completely unforgettable day, to be sure.

 

[DaveNewcastle]

I do (reluctantly) agree that Fort William is something of a dump. Sadly, this is a consequence of unrestrained and unsympathetic development. However, there are some very special features and if just one of these might interest you, then it could add a unique benefit to a day in Ft.Will.

First, the obvious, the various views of the UK's tallest peak, seen from not much higher than sea level. Ben Nevis.
2nd, the Aluminium smelting works. Not interested? Just wait . . . They provide tours (in which you have to remove watches and other metal objects). The Aluminium vats are bubbling away with thousands of volts DC across them. The electric power is produced from a massive power station which takes its raw energy from the gravitational weight of the water in Loch Treig (which you pass on the train about 40 mins after leaving Ft.Will.). Unusually, these turbines generate DC. You can stand in the turbine room looking through the huge window at the mountainside above and the massive pipes running down towards you - much of the water will have flowed from Ben Nevis.
Link : http://visit-fortwilliam.co.uk/rio-tinto-alcan-aluminium-smelter-in-fort-william-at-rio-tinto-alcan-works
3rd. Neptunes Staircase. Near Banavie station (which is on the north western edge of Fort William is the longest series of canal locks in the UK and probs. anywhere else you're ever likely to see. Its quite a spectacle to watch canal boats being raised or dropped, one lock at a time through the distinctive black and white structures, its very impressive.
4th. Railway Swing Bridge. Just at the foot of Neptune's Staircase is a swing bridge over the canal which carries the steam train to Mallaig (and units).

Maybe not the best place to live, but there's a lot more to see than the truly awful shopping complexes and housing estates.

 

[yorkie]

I would go in June, when the nights are long, and include Mallaig. You can also do a circular route via the Isle of Skye (there is (or, at least, was) a local Scottish easement for tickets from Edinburgh to Kyle that allow you to do a circular route).

Failing that, do both Oban and Fort William by taking a bus to link the two.

I would also urge you to consider doing this on the sleeper (again, especially in June).

 

[matchmaker]

There isn't much in Fort William though..

To be fair to the Fort, it's a dump. Oban is a far better destination. However, the FW line is more scenic!

 

[BRX]

The truth is, Fort W isn't a very exciting place, especially if it's raining (which it often is).

I'd recommend just going right through to Mallaig.

Or you could think of taking the Mallaig train but getting off somewhere like Glenfinnan, with the famous viaduct and a railway museum (check opening times), or Arisaig which is a typical west highland village by the sea, or Morar where there are some great white sand beaches. On a sunny day, Arisaig or Morar would be nice places to lounge about a bit for a couple of hours.

Why not get the sleeper train up from Glasgow in the morning, instead of the 8.21? And/or the sleeper train on the way back? Much more civilised than a 156 or whatever they use on the WHL these days.

Don't forget there's the Jacobite steam train running from FTW-Mallaig in the summer too...

 

[Bittern]

I would also urge you to consider doing this on the sleeper (again, especially in June).

Why not get the sleeper train up from Glasgow in the morning, instead of the 8.21? And/or the sleeper train on the way back? Much more civilised than a 156 or whatever they use on the WHL these days.

Don't forget there's the Jacobite steam train running from FTW-Mallaig in the summer too...

Not possible as it has to be in a day, which is why I said that before and meeting the Sleeper at Westerton isn't possible either because it's too early and I can't get to Westerton in time.

As for the Jacobite, it leaves too early and will be gone by the time I arrive.

Again, one day is all I have.

 

[BRX]

You know there is a connecting train from Queen Street to Westerton to meet the sleeper, in both directions?

I realise that it's an early start (or late finish) but I reckon it's worth it. But fair enough if it doesn't fit with your requirements.

 

[MCR247]

He probably would need to get into Glasgow Q St to get that service though...

 

[Bittern]

You know there is a connecting train from Queen Street to Westerton to meet the sleeper, in both directions?

Yes I do but I can't get into the city that early.

 

[CarterUSM]

Out of the question. It just doesn't seem worthwhile doing all that traveling just to be in Mallaig for what is essentially 2 and a half hours (according to NRE). Do to Mallaig, I would preferably have an entire weekend.

Trust me mate, you won't regret it. I'd argue this is the best time of year to go, no foliage spoiling the view where it is in situ summertime. You will see deer galore, in fact you'll get bored of seeing them! I don't care much for the FTW - Mallaig portion, but you will regret kicking about the Fort for that length of time, or Oban for that matter!

 

[Zoe]

The WCML through the Lake District is very scenic. Unfortunately due to the design of the trains you may not get to see that much of it.

 

[ANorthernGuard]

The hope Valley line is very scenic, one of my favourite trips.

 

[Bittern]

The WCML through the Lake District is very scenic. Unfortunately due to the design of the trains you may not get to see that much of it.

The hope Valley line is very scenic, one of my favourite trips.

Appreciated, but I'm only doing one of the two parts of the West Highland Line.

 

[Zamracene749]

Out of the two, the line to Fort William is the nicest journey.

I'd be tempted to do as suggested earlier though- ride up to Fort William, then coach/bus to Oban ( a nicer town to spend time in) then back to Glasgow.

The coach/bus ride is a rather beautiful lochside journey worth doing in it's own right!

 

[ian959]

Having done both trips several times, the Fort William journey is by far the better scenic journey and thoroughly recommended. It is the one rail journey that I always repeat when visiting the UK. Sure the town is nothing special but Oban to be fair is even worse.