Ever been to a dark abandoned railway tunnel? Where it’s pitch black, where all the other senses become heightened and you can hear every droplet of water, every little unusual sound. Well, an eerie adventure just like that can be found at Glenfarg Railway Tunnels about an hour’s drive from Glasgow.
Glenfarg Railway Tunnels is located South of Perth, offering a unique type of walk for curious train enthusiasts, thrill seekers or just regular adventurers. The two tunnels are quite dark and wet, as one would expect, and stretch out 500 meters. So, while people with claustrophobia should probably avoid this one, the rest are recommended to bring a good jacket and waterproof hiking boots for the mucky and wet paths. What is more, mystery seekers will need a good torch, especially for those planning to visit the North tunnel.
Up until the 1970s, the tunnels were used as part of the North British Railway Forth Railway Bridge as an active service to Perth and was built in 1890. The line was a direct link between Edinburgh and Perth, but it was extremely steep in the Glenfarg area. Eventually, the line was closed to allow the building of the M90.
How to find the Glenfarg Railway Tunnels?
Our advice would be to start with the North tunnel first to immediately indulge all the senses but one, as the walk does not offer any light at the end of the tunnel. Start at the Bein Inn Hotel at the junction of the A912/B996, where the South tunnel is close by near the river.
From the hotel walk north along the A912 for about 200 meters to a farm track on your left opposite a road signed for Binn Eco Park (a landfill site). Once you reach the railway viaduct, keep going along the track Northwards. After about 800 meters lies the entrance of the North tunnel which visitors will start to see as they keep walking.
After completing the first tunnel, now it’s time to tackle the next one. The South tunnel can be found by walking along the railway line for 600 meters until a quiet road is reached, and then turn left along the road. The South tunnel is just across from a farm track. The tunnel itself is straight and offers that hope and reassurance of the light at the end of the tunnel, yet still look out for uneven surfaces while walking.
Fife Walking has an in-detail description of the walk and a map which also can be useful.