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The West Highland Main Line is one of the most romantic railway lines in Britain, linking the fishing port of Mallaig on the west coast to Glasgow. Passenger services on the line are operated by First ScotRail, primarily between Glasgow and Mallaig. However, a through sleeper train service operates from London Euston to Fort William.
The train journey takes significantly longer than the equivalent road journey, because the line takes a rather circuitous route, paradoxically coming into Fort William from the north. And it is fair to say that the train really only trundles along for most of its journey on the single track line.
Significant points on the journey include Crianlarich, an important Highland junction of both road and rail, and Tyndrum, which is probably the smallest place in the world to boast two railway stations. After Tyndrum, the line climbs onto the Moor of Rannoch. In winter, the moor is covered with snow, and through the windows you will see the deer running from the approaching train. The station at Corrour on the moor, is probably one of the most remote stations in Britain. Carrying on northwards, the final stop before Fort William is Spean Bridge.
The sleeper train terminates at Fort William, but the true glory of the West Highland Line is yet to come. "The Jacobite" is steam locomotive-hauled train that operates in summer months on the section between Fort William and Mallaig, passing over a magnificent viaduct at Glenfinnan, through Arisaig with its fine views of the Small Isles of Rhum, Eigg, Muck and Canna, and the sparkling white sands of Morar before coming to Mallaig itself.
The main towns along the route are listed below.
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