Whether you have no car, are trying to minimise your impact on the environment, or are just looking to save the stress of driving and instead enjoy the comfort of relaxing on a train rather than face driving home with tired legs, Scotland’s railways can help you reach some truly superb walks in comfort. Following on from last year’s article, we’ve selected another ten great walks you can reach by train, scattered all around the country. This article is sponsored by ScotRail, Scotland’s national train operator.
Loch Faskally and the Salmon Ladder (Pitlochry)
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This enchanting walk makes a circuit around the shores of Loch Faskally from the heart of Pitlochry. The route is packed with interest, crossing a stunning metal suspension bridge over the river before passing the Festival Theatre and the famous fish ladder that enables salmon to bypass the hydro dam. The route then encircles beautiful Loch Faskally itself.
Get on track
Trains to Pitlochry are very convenient for day trips for those living in Perth or Inverness, but there are also direct trains from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling so why not plan a weekend? Our walk description begins from Ferry Road – this can be reached quickly from the station by turning right along the High Street and then right again, passing under the railway.
Sgòr Gaibhre and Càrn Dearg (Corrour)
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Corrour Station cannot be reached by public road – so a train journey becomes a necessity for this pair of Munros. The train takes you effortlessly to 400m elevation, providing a great start for this round of Sgòr Gaibhre and Càrn Dearg, set right at the heart of one of the remotest parts of the Highlands.
Get on track
The walk begins right from Corrour Station – made famous by the notorious speech delivered by Euan MacGregor in a scene in the film Trainspotting. You can’t drive here even if you wanted to – but why would you, given it’s part of the famously scenic West Highland Line between Glasgow and Fort William / Mallaig.
Ayrshire Coastal Path – Troon to Irvine (Troon)
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Stretching the entire length of the historic county, the Ayrshire Coastal Path sticks close to the sea and for much of its length runs along sandy beaches. Using the train makes tackling several stages of the linear long distance route a breeze. This stretch follows the promenade out of Troon before a long stretch along the sands of Irvine Bay. It visits a dramatic dragon sculpture before turning inland along the River Irvine from the harbour.
Get on track
The walk description begins from Troon marina – quickly reached by walking along Barassie Street from Troon Station. The route ends at Irvine Station; both stations are on the Glasgow Central to Ayr line.
Cow Hill circuit (Fort William)
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Most people associate Fort William with Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. However ‘The Ben’ isn’t actually in view from the town centre, as humble Cow Hill lies in between. The latter gives a much more moderate and quieter outing, with superb views of Ben Nevis, over the town and Loch Linnhe, and down lovely Glen Nevis.
Get on track
The walk begins from the northeast end of the High Street. From Fort William Station, simply walk out and through the subway under the main road and you’ll be right at the start.
John Muir Way – Linlithgow to Queensferry (Linlithgow)
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This longer walk has plenty of interest for a full day out. It crosses farmland from Linlithgow to reach the Firth of Forth at Bo’ness, passing historic Kinneil House along the way. It then follows the coastline, with a mix of woodland and industry, with good views along the way to reach the spectacular Blackness Castle – used as a location in Outlander. Hopetoun House is next on route and another coastal section before the imposing Forth bridges and South Queensferry are reached.
Get on track
Linlithgow Station can be quickly reached from either Edinburgh or Glasgow; to pick up the walk from the station, simply head out to the High Street and turn left. From the end of the walk description in Queensferry head up the Loan, then turn left along a footpath signed for Dalmeny Station. From here there are regular trains to Edinburgh.
Creag Bheag (Kingussie)
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Creag Bheag is a wonderful half day hillwalk from the the attractive town of Kingussie, capital of Badenoch. There are excellent views over the upper reaches of Strathspey, dividing the Cairngorm mountains from the rounded plateaux of the Monadh Liath. The return leads through pinewoods with a great chance to see red squirrels.
Get on track
Kingussie is easily reached by rail from Perth, with the hour and half journey passing through spectacular scenery and there are also through trains from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness to the north. The walk starts a couple of minutes walk from the station; bear right through the car park, then left to reach the High Street. Here turn right and then take the next left alongside the Duke of Gordon hotel to reach the start.
Ben Bhraggie (Golspie)
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The enormous statue of the Duke of Sutherland – locally known as ‘The Mannie’ – is a prominent landmark on this part of Scotland’s east coast. The Duke’s role in the Highland Clearances have led some to call for its removal, but for many it stands as an important reminder of this cruel episode in Scotland’s history. It’s well worth making the climb for extensive views up and down the coast.
Get on track
Golspie Station is on the Far North Line between Inverness and Wick / Thurso, so using the train to get here in comfort is the logical choice. Head to the main road from the station and turn right to head into the heart of the village. The walk begins up Fountain Road, on the left before the Co-op.
Three Lochs Way – Balloch to Helensburgh (Balloch)
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The Three Lochs Way is a great choice for long-distance walkers travelling by train, as there is a station at the start and end of each stage, except at the very end at Inveruglas which has a bus stop. This first stage is the most accessible, climbing an old coffin road over the moors from Balloch before continuing through the forests and on down to the lovely town of Helensburgh.
Get on track
Taking the train is a no-brainer for this one – the walk begins right outside Balloch Station, quickly reached by train from Glasgow. It ends at Helensburgh Upper Station, which is on the West Highland Line.
Dunbar cliff top trail (Dunbar)
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The East Lothian town of Dunbar was the childhood home of the father of the conservation movement – John Muir – and so a fitting place to head and explore a slice of the great outdoors. This easier walk is in two parts – the first explores the stunning red sandstone cliffs and clifftop golf courses stretching west of the town, and the second takes in the town’s bustling, historic high street and and harbours.
Get on track
Dunbar Station is on the main East Coast Line, with regular trains from Edinburgh. To reach the start of the walk, head along Station Road and then turn left and immediately right to reach the town’s High Street – the walk is described from the far end.
Dunnottar Castle coastal walk (Stonehaven)
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Dunnottar Castle is a Scottish icon, a ruined coastal fortresses perched on a gigantic rocky outcrop almost detached from the mainland. It is the highlight of this short coastal circuit which extends southwards from the harbour at Stonehaven. Either return back along the cliffs or via a quiet countryside lane and leave time for an ice cream or fish and chips at Stonehaven’s pretty harbour or beachfront.
Get on track
Stonehaven Station is on the main line between Dundee and Aberdeen, bringing the walk within easy reach of either city. To reach the start of the walk, head along Arduthie Road towards the centre, turning left along Evan Street and right along Allardice Street. A left along Arbuthnot Place leads to the harbour.