Exploring Scotland From the Train
Many of the best and most remote mountains in Scotland can be accessed from the Scottish Rail Network. Here are a series of articles from Tim Woods (Car Free Walks) which will hopefully inspire you to explore them from the luxury of the train:
Walking from the West Highland Line (Part 1)
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The West Highland Railway between Glasgow and Fort William was opend in 1894 and passes along the shores of Loch Lomond into the Highlands, across Rannoch Moor, before droping down to Fort William. It has been used since the 1920's by walkers and tourists alike and is one of the top railway journeys of the world. This first article describes ascents of Cruach Ardrain (from Crainlarich Station), Ben Lui [Beinn Laoigh] (from Tyndrum Station), Stob na Cruaiche (from Rannoch Station) and finaly Carn Dearg and Sgor Gaibhre (from Corrour Station).
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Walking from the West Highland Line (Part 2): The Iron Road to the Isles
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The most northerly section of the West Highland Railway runs from Fort William to Mallaig on the west coast. Leaving behind Scotland's highest mountain (Ben Nevis) the line heads west through one of Scotland's most stunning areas of dramatic mountain landscapes, ancient forests and rugged coastal scenery. This second article is more of an exploration of the whole area, including ascents of Sgurr nan Coireachan and Sgurr Thuilm (from Glenfinnan Station), a wandering around Arisaig's pathless Rhue Peninsular (from Morar Station) and a great trip into the Ardnish Peninsular (from Lochailort Station).
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Walking from the West Highland Line (Part 3): Corour to Fort William
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The hinterland to the east of Ben Nevis and the Grey Corries is a vast remote area which is most easily accessed from the West Highland Railway. This third article from Tim Woods takes a multi-day stomp around the Mamores, Stob Coire Easain and Nevis ranges, using the railway stations of Tulloch, Roy Bridge and Spean Bridge. Tim travels up from London on the Caledonian Sleeper to start his trip from Spean Bridge. The first day they pass through the spectacular Lairig Leacach - one of Scotland's great mountain passess - and take on Stob Ban. A night camping on the shores of Loch Trieg was followed by the Stob Coire Easain ridge including Stob a'Choire Mheadhoin. They finished the day traveling to Meannanach bothy. Day 3 and it was a long trek along the Mamore ridge ending in a wild camp near the West Highland Way. Day 4 was a walk out to Fort William on thelong distance route to catch the sleeper home.
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