Favourite Mainline?

[godfreycomplex]

Probably the North WCML, although it helps that it’s the way home for me now. South WCML doesn’t even slightly compare, but at least you get through it quickly!

Other favourites include the SWML and the Pompey direct (although that’s got less of a claim as the mainline since COVID), and of course the HML. But Lune, Shap & Beattock can’t be beaten.

 

[yorksrob]

In the absence of the Whitby mainline, I have to go for the Midland mainline to Carlisle.

Quite interesting scenery all the way from St Pancras and many happy memories of luxurious IC125 travel on the Southern section from Leeds, plus many happy days out enjoying the scenery of the Northern section from Leeds.

 

[WestCoast]

As the username suggests, WCML north of Preston by far, although I do also enjoy the ECML north of Newcastle.

 

[A S Leib]

It's not my favourite and another not listed, but I'd like to nominate the South Humberside Main Line for its relatively unique mixture of very flat topography and industrial landmarks.

 

[E B]

West Coast. I live on the trent valley line. And the variety of rolling stock is great.

 

[contrex]

I also didn't vote - nothing Southern there!

Me neither. Specifically, the LSWR Main Line. And when did 'main line' become one word?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Jun 2025 ==

No love for the Bournemouth (BML) / Southwestern mainline it seems!

I thought the SW Main Line was Basingstoke to Exeter St Davids?

Personally, I still think of each pre-Grouping company having its own 'main line', but today the term seem applied by the marketing folks to just about any route they want to 'big up' .

 

[Railwaysceptic]

Surely the Great Central wins hands down. Purpose-built, no level crossings, beautifully engineered. (that should trigger a few people on here....)

It's a minor tragedy of British railway history that possibly the best laid out railway line is also the line which should not have been built.

 

[WilloughbyGC]

It's a minor tragedy of British railway history that possibly the best laid out railway line is also the line which should not have been built.

Very fair summary

 

[Some guy]

The WCML has almost 200 miles of stunning scenery, curved tracks which makes riding a pendolino a great experience. My highlight is passing lowgill viaduct!

 

[Rescars]

I know it's quite short, but doesn't anyone fancy a day trip to Brighton? And one of the finest viaducts in the country! If you could turn the clock back, there was even an electric all-Pullman non-stop option!

 

[godfreycomplex]

I know it's quite short, but doesn't anyone fancy a day trip to Brighton? And one of the finest viaducts in the country! If you could turn the clock back, there was even an electric all-Pullman non-stop option!

Busier than the ECML & GEML too!

 

[sharpener]

Berks and Hants section of the GWR gets my vote because you can look admiringly at its predecessor the K & A weaving its way on the same alignment and if you are quick take in all the wonders at Crofton.

Seawall section from Exeter to NA and then on to Totnes a close second for its tremendous variety of scenery.

 

[railfan99]

The western main line gets my vote due to interesting branchlines (Gunnislake, Looe among others) plus until recently, semaphore signalling at Truro, as well as the wonderful vista of traditional Victorian-era terrace (you call it 'terraced') housing as one rushes by near Plymouth. The scenery is also most pleasant, and the Bodmin and Wreford preserved railway is a great half day out.

Additionally, I like the Penzance terminus, which even has a hot shower available for sleeper passengers.

And how could one not enjoy the sea wall at Dawlish?

 

[MerlinRail 804]

Chiltern. I know it’s not on the list, and I’ve grown up around it so this is screaming bias, but the decent variety of service types (especially before COVID) and the way it blends a bit of everything, Not to mention the satisfying sound of diesels. Also the lovely views and little wins like the Celia announcements (yes I am aware of Northern!).

Picking one from the list though I’d go for West Coast. Variety, tilt, levels of traffic and speed, etc. Even if I don’t remember the last time I saw an Avanti train run on time for a whole journey, and Euston sucks out more joy than I ever thought it’s possible to have!

And how could one not enjoy the sea wall at Dawlish?

That is true. Certainly my fav section of that line!

 

[Tetragon213]

Out of the options provided, WCML.

But if we're counting all main lines, my choice would be the West of England Main Line

 

[Pyewipecarshed]

ECML, and the southern section at that (I'll get my coat!)
I like the vast skyscapes and the rolling countryside, there are a couple of sections around the Newark and Grantham area where the line is on a plateau and you get long views across the landscape.
Plenty of railway interest at Doncaster and Peterborough, some decent GNR architecture at various stations and all the flyovers and tunnels approaching Kings Cross... I even quite like the communist bus shelter- style buildings at Newark North Gate!
The poem "The Whitsun Weddings" by Philip Larkin is based on a journey from Hull to Kings Cross and sums up my fascination with the route.

 

[irish_rail]

Paddington to Penzance via the B and H (not Bristol!) in my view is second only to WCML north of Preston.