I came across an interesting finding recently:
“Global Cool, a green lifestyle organisation, reports that over half of all holidaymakers are considering swapping air travel for train travel, with holidaymakers tired of the time wasted waiting and queuing in airports ahead of departure. ATOC, the Association of Train Operating Companies in the UK published a report that saw that in 2010, 27% of people travelling from London to Edinburgh opted to go by train compared with 17% in 2006. “
Lochaber, as with the West Highlands as a whole, is in a bit of a transport black spot mainly due to lack of investment in road infrastructure, but one means of getting here often overlooked as an alternative to driving is taking the train; it’s accessible, cheap and suits most everyone. We have a pretty good level of services that run to Fort William and Lochaber along the world famous and gloriously stunning West Highland Line. Indeed, the readers of Wanderlust Magazine voted for the West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig as the world’s best train journey. So with people looking to take more “traincations”, a wee visit up our neck of the woods is a must.
We boast a direct rail link with London in the shape of the Caledonian Sleeper – a service which runs overnight to and from London Euston every evening except Saturday, arriving around 10 AM in Fort William.
I’ve only got the sleeper once, but it was great. It’s as simple as getting on, chucking your stuff in the cabin, unwinding with some dinner and drinks in the lounge car and then falling asleep. You’re woken with a light breakfast delivered to your cabin and by the time you’re dressed that’s you right smack bang in at the foot of Ben Nevis ready for a smashing holiday. Sorted. Why would you ever put up with the queues, waiting and hassle of a fly-drive?
Scotrail runs four trains a day (2 on a Sunday) to and from Glasgow. The train also serves Oban and splits in Crianlarich. The only perceived downside is the pretty long 3 hours 45 minutes it takes this service to go from Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William. But, I’ve travelled on the train as many times as I can remember and never tire of the views; permanently changing with our weather but never any less awesome. It’s true by driving you can significantly cut the journey time but after a spell on the A82 you’re likely to be exhausted, frustrated and have knocked ten bells out of your car in the generous potholes – and maybe even need some replacement tyres if you corner like Jenson Button.
The service from Fort William to Mallaig also offers a cost-effective “Harry Potter Hogwarts Express” experience on what is arguably the best bit of the line over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, along the same route as the Jacobite Steam Train.
Scotrail have put together a really good virtual tour of the Caledonian sleeper train so you can examine the accommodation in great detail. On our site there’s also a map with details of all the railway stations in Lochaber along a route which does a pretty good job of serving the area as a whole, so you’ll probably find some great accommodation not far from a stop.
So crack on and book your Apex tickets, and when you get here there are plenty of car hire companies that will collect you from the station (some even offer discounts for Sleeper passengers!)
