Named the 4th best train journey on Earth, the West Highland Line is always a treat to travel on for its views, starting at Glasgow Queen Street Station. The route spans 164 miles, terminating at the coastal outpost of Mallaig. As the train moves north, it brushes past the shores of Loch Lomond and Loch Etive, cutting right through the heart of the Trossachs National Park.
The journey is, perhaps, most famous for its passage over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a structure now globally recognised for its starring role in the Harry Potter film franchise. Mickledore characterises the trip as a “living canvas,” noting that the route traverses over 100 bridges and offers fleeting, majestic glimpses of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles.
The West Highland Line planned closures
Network Rail has reminded passengers the West Highland Line closed for essential maintenance work between November 9 and 17, with bus replacements available for affected stations.
The closed period is set to allow workers to get things done quickly in one go without having to continuously disrupt people’s journeys, starting with repairing 4 kilometres of worn track betwen between Helensburgh and Mallaig, including near Arisaig, Corrour, in the Loch nan Uamh and Beasdale tunnels, at Arrochar & Tarbet station and on Gleann Mama Viaduct.
What is more, drainage improvements and culvert renewal are in the books between Glen Douglas and Arrochar & Tarbet, while the refurbishment of Fassfern Bridge near Spean Bridge and the removal of a redundant bridge near Loch Eil are also in the cards.
The works will also include clearing vegetation between Fort William and Arisaig to reduce the risk of disruption.
Which stations on the West Highland Line will be affected?
Buses will replace trains on all journeys between Crianlarich and Fort William / Mallaig from November 9 until November 17. As a result, passengers will need to check ahead before travelling, and can do so on the ScotRail website.
Gerry McQuade, capital delivery director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “This weekend marks the start of a significant programme of work across the West Highland Line, with our teams ready to deliver improvements at a number of locations along the route.
“By bringing this work together over nine days, we can renew track, improve drainage and carry out essential maintenance that will help make the railway more reliable and resilient for passengers.
“We know there’s never a good time to close the railway, and we’d like to thank passengers and local communities for their patience while we complete these important improvements.”
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “We know these works will mean changes to journeys for customers travelling on the West Highland Line, and we want to thank everyone for their patience while this important investment takes place.
“The improvements being delivered by Network Rail will help make the railway more reliable and resilient, helping to protect this vital route for the communities, businesses, and visitors who depend on it.
“We’ll be doing everything we can to keep people moving during the works with a robust rail replacement plan in place. This includes buses replacing trains between Crianlarich and Fort William and Mallaig from Monday until Tuesday, 17 November. Customers should plan ahead and check their journey before travelling.”
