West Highland Line voted Top Rail Journey in the world

Scotland’s West Highland Line has been voted the Top Rail Journey in the world by the readers of Wanderlust Magazine, the bible for independent minded travellers.

It is the first time the magazine has included a rail category in the annual awards.

The line was the clear winner, beating a total of 400 other nominated rail journeys from around the world. It has long been recognised as one of the UK’s most scenic rail routes, linking the fishing port of Mallaig on the west coast of Scotland to Glasgow.

The triumphant Scottish rail journey was recognised for its breathtaking and varied scenery, skirting lochs and shaggy Highland cattle, and crossing a 21-arch viaduct at Glenfinnan before hitting the coast with views of the isles of Eigg, Muck and Rum.

ScotRail offer a range of tickets which enable customers to explore the award winning route.  Our Freedom of Scotland Travelpass offers unlimited travel on trains, ferries and a selection of coach services throughout Scotland and the Highland Rover offers unlimited travel throughout the West and North Highlands.

ScotRail also produce a scenic line guide which offers a window gazers view to the line, detailing the history and points of interest along the picturesque route, as well as ideas for things to do and see when you reach your destination. Click here to dowload our line guide in .pdf format.

In second and third place were two Peruvian rail journeys; the Cuzco to Puno line and the Cuzco to Macchu Picchu line. The mighty Trans-Siberian came in fourth just beating Eurostar into fifth place.

The awards attracted almost 3,000 readers’ votes in total.  Wanderlust editor-in-chief Lyn Hughes says: “We have had a terrific response to our new train journey category and it is obvious that the appetite for rail travel is ever increasing. Having a Scottish winner for this award is particularly exciting, and shows you don’t have to travel far for truly world-beating scenery.”