View source for West Highland Line

{{Short description|Railway line in Scotland}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2017}}
{{about|the present-day route|the company's historical development|West Highland Railway}}
{{Infobox rail line
| name                            = West Highland Line
| logo                            = 
| logo_width                      = 
| image                           = A Glasgow - Fort William train climbs onto Rannoch Moor - geograph.org.uk - 676941.jpg
| image_width                     = 270px
| caption                         = A [[First ScotRail]] train to {{rws|Fort William}} crossing [[Rannoch Moor]] in August 2007
| type                            = Rural Rail<ref name="Rail">{{cite web| url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/BusinessPlan2007/PDF/Route%2025%20Highlands.pdf| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001185619/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/BusinessPlan2007/PDF/Route%2025%20Highlands.pdf| archive-date=1 October 2012| title=Delivering for You - Route Plans 2007| author=Network Rail| access-date=2011-07-09}}</ref>
| system                          = [[National Rail]]
| status                          = Operational
| locale                          = {{ubl|[[Glasgow]]|[[Argyll and Bute]]|[[Highland (council area)|Highland]]}}
| start                           = {{rws|Glasgow Queen Street}}
| end                             = {{ubl|{{rws|Mallaig}}|{{rws|Oban}}}}
| stations                        = 33
| daily_ridership                 = 
| open                            = 
| close                           = 
| owner                           = [[Network Rail]]
| operator                        = {{ubl|[[Caledonian Sleeper]]|[[ScotRail]]|[[West Coast Railways]]}}
| stock                           = {{ubl|{{brc|153}}|{{brc|156}}|[[Caledonian Sleeper]] stock}}
| linelength                      = {{ulist|Glasgow Queen Street to Crianlarich: {{convert|59|mi|22|chain|km|1}}|Crianlarich to Oban: {{convert|41|mi|73|chain|km|1}}|Crianlarich to Fort William: {{convert|63|mi|14|chain|km|1}}|Fort William to Mallaig: {{convert|41|mi|28|chain|km|1}}|Total (including reversing at Fort William): {{convert|205|mi|57|chain|km|1}}}}
| tracks                          = [[Single-track railway|Single-track]]
| gauge                           = {{RailGauge|sg}}
| electrification                 = 
| speed                           = {{convert|70|mph|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} maximum<ref name="Rail"/>
| elevation                       = 
| map                             = [[File:West Highland Line.png|270px]]<br />([[:commons:File:West Highland Line.png|Click to expand]])
}}
{{West Highland Line}}
The '''West Highland Line''' ({{langx|gd|Rathad Iarainn nan Eilean}} – "Iron Road to the Isles") is a railway line linking the ports of [[Mallaig]] and [[Oban]] in the [[Scottish Highlands]] to [[Glasgow]] in Central [[Scotland]]. The line was voted the top rail journey in the world by readers of independent travel magazine ''Wanderlust'' in 2009, ahead of the notable [[Trans-Siberian Railway|Trans-Siberian line]] in Russia and the [[PeruRail#Cusco_-_Aguas_Calientes_.28Machu_Picchu.29|Cuzco to Machu Picchu line]] in Peru.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7874216.stm| title=Highland train line best in world| work=BBC News| date=2009-02-06| access-date=2009-02-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.wanderlust.co.uk/magazine/news/wanderlust-travel-awards-announced| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100801233901/http://www.wanderlust.co.uk/magazine/news/wanderlust-travel-awards-announced| archive-date=1 August 2010| title=Wanderlust Travel Awards announced| website=Wanderlust| date=2009-02-05| access-date=2009-02-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/highland-line-voted-world-s-most-scenic-train-journey-1.901949| title=Highland line voted world's most scenic train journey| first1=Brian| last1=Donnelly| first2=Marianne| last2=Taylor| website=The Herald| date=2009-02-06| access-date=2009-02-06| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926062922/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12379216.highland-line-voted-worlds-most-scenic-train-journey/| archive-date=26 September 2019}}</ref> The ScotRail website has since reported that the line has been voted the most scenic railway line in the world for the second year running.<ref>{{Cite web|title=West Highland Railway Line {{!}} Oban {{!}} Fort William {{!}} Mallaig {{!}} ScotRail|url=https://www.scotrail.co.uk/scotland-by-rail/great-scenic-rail-journeys/west-highland-line-glasgow-oban-and-fort-williammallaig|access-date=2021-02-23|website=www.scotrail.co.uk|language=en}}</ref>

The West Highland Line is one of two railway lines that access the remote and mountainous west coast of Scotland, the other being the [[Kyle of Lochalsh Line]] which connects [[Inverness]] with [[Kyle of Lochalsh]]. The line is the westernmost railway line in Great Britain.

At least in part, the West Highland Line is the same railway line as that referred to as the [[West Highland Railway]].

==History==
The route was built in several sections:
*Glasgow Queen Street to Cowlairs Junction - [[Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway]]
*Cowlairs Junction to Bowling - [[Glasgow, Dumbarton and Helensburgh Railway]] (later absorbed into the [[Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway]])
*Bowling to Dumbarton Central - [[Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire Railway]], operated by the [[Caledonian Railway]]
*Dumbarton Central to Dalreoch - [[Caledonian and Dumbartonshire Junction Railway]]
*Dalreoch to Craigendoran - [[Glasgow, Dumbarton and Helensburgh Railway]]
*Craigendoran to Fort William (opened 11 August 1894)<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/52168539/the-observer/| title=Opening of the West Highland Railway| newspaper=The Observer| location=London| date=12 August 1894| page=7| via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/52167485/the-bristol-mercury-and-daily-post/| title=A New Highland Railway| newspaper=The Bristol Mercury and Daily Post, Western Countries and South Wales Advertiser| location=Bristol, England| date=13 August 1894| page=5| via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/52167635/the-record/| title=Fling: Highland train| first=Mary Jane| last=Fine| newspaper=The Record| location=Hackensack, New Jersey| date=26 January 2003| page=145| via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref> - [[West Highland Railway]] sponsored by the [[North British Railway]]
*Crianlarich to Oban<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/52170094/the-courier-and-argus/| title=Railway Enterprise in the North - Railway extension in the West Highlands| newspaper=The Courier and Argus| location=Dundee, Scotland| date=15 August 1895| page=6| via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref> - [[Callander and Oban Railway]], operated by the [[Caledonian Railway]].

There is an additional section from Fort William (or a junction near Fort William) to Mallaig, built as the [[Mallaig Extension Railway]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/52167299/glasgow-herald/| title=The West Highland Railway (Mallaig Extension) Bill| newspaper=Glasgow Herald| date=28 April 1894| page=3| via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref> The West Highland Railway approved the construction of the line at their annual meeting in January 1895.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/52168299/glasgow-herald/| title=Railway Meetings - West Highland Railway| newspaper=Glasgow Herald| date=18 January 1895| page=10| via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref>

The line faced potential closure as part of the [[Beeching cuts]] in 1963<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/52168010/the-observer/| title=Lifeline in Jeopardy| first=Neal| last=Ascherson| newspaper=The Observer| location=London| date=13 January 1963| page=21| via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref> and again in 1995 due to reduced revenues.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/52166916/johnson-city-press/| title=Scottish rail ride faces closure| first=Maureen| last=Johnson| agency=Associated Press| newspaper=Johnson City Press| location=Johnson City, Tennessee| date=14 May 1995| page=44| via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/52168764/the-observer/| title=Deerstalker sees light at end of the tunnel| first=Lisa| last=O'Kelly| newspaper=The Observer| location=London| date=14 May 1995| page=7| via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref>

==Route description==
{{morefootnotes|section|date=October 2023}}

Shortly after leaving [[Glasgow Queen Street railway station|Glasgow Queen Street station]], and beyond Queen Street Tunnel, the line diverges from the main trunk route to {{rws|Edinburgh Waverley}} and {{rws|Perth|Scotland}} at {{rws|Cowlairs}} and follows a northwesterly course through the suburbs of [[Maryhill]] and [[Kelvindale]]. Between {{Stnlnk|Westerton}} and [[Dumbarton]], the route is shared with the [[North Clyde Line]] to {{rws|Helensburgh Central}} before branching northward at Craigendoran Junction towards {{Stnlnk|Garelochhead}}, the section where the West Highland Line itself is generally accepted to begin. It gives high-level views of the [[Gare Loch]] and [[Loch Long]] before emerging alongside the northwesterly shores of [[Loch Lomond]], then climbs Glen Falloch to {{rws|Crianlarich}}.

[[File:HelensburghUpperTS.jpeg|thumb|left|A Glasgow-bound train at [[Helensburgh Upper]] in 2020]]
The branch to Oban diverges at Crianlarich, an important Highland junction of both road and rail, and runs through Glen Lochy to {{Stnlnk|Dalmally}} and through the Pass of Brander to reach salt water at {{Stnlnk|Taynuilt}} and {{Stnlnk|Connel Ferry}} before a final climb over a hill to {{Stnlnk|Oban}}. About {{convert|3|mi|km|0|abbr=off|spell=on}} from Crianlarich, the Mallaig and Oban routes both pass through the village of [[Tyndrum]], but they are served by separate stations, making it the smallest settlement in the UK to be served by more than one railway station.

After {{rws|Bridge of Orchy}}, the line to Mallaig climbs onto [[Rannoch Moor]], past the former crossing point at [[Gorton railway station (Scotland)|Gorton Crossing]] to {{Stnlnk|Rannoch}} station. In winter, the moor is often covered with snow,{{refn|group=note|After a particularly heavy snowfall in January 1895, the snow was so heavy as to require {{convert|20|ft|m|0|adj=mid|-deep}} cuttings to allow passage on the line.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/52169047/sheffield-and-rotherham-independent/| title=The Weather - The snow blocks in Scotland - A passage cut through the West Highland Line| newspaper=Sheffield and Rotherham Independent| location=Sheffield, England| date=10 January 1895| page=5| via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/52169445/glasgow-herald/| title=(untitled)| newspaper=Glasgow Herald| date=8 February 1895| page=6| via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/52169901/aberdeen-journal-and-general/| title=The storm disasters| newspaper=Aberdeen Journal, and General Advertiser for the North of Scotland| date=9 January 1895| page=6| via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref>}} and deer may be seen running from the approaching train. The station at {{Stnlnk|Corrour}} on the moor is one of the most remote stations in Britain and is not accessible by any public road. This is the summit of the line at 1347 ft (410 m) above sea level. Carrying on northwards, the line descends above the shores of [[Loch Treig]] and through the narrow Monessie Gorge. The final stop before Fort William is {{Stnlnk|Spean Bridge}}. The section between Fort William and Mallaig passes over the [[Glenfinnan Viaduct]], through [[Arisaig]] with its views of the [[Small Isles]] of [[Rùm]], [[Eigg]], [[Muck, Scotland|Muck]] and [[Canna, Scotland|Canna]], and the white sands of [[Morar]] before coming to Mallaig itself.

With the exception of the route between Glasgow Queen Street and Helensburgh Upper, and the short section between Fort William Junction and [[Fort William railway station|Fort William station]], the railway is [[Railway signalling|signalled]] using the [[Radio Electronic Token Block]], controlled from the [[signal box]] at [[Banavie railway station|Banavie station]].

==Services==
Passenger services on the line are operated by [[ScotRail]] and [[Caledonian Sleeper]]. As of May 2021, the service pattern is as follows:

* 3tpd each way Mallaig - {{rws|Glasgow Queen Street}}
* 1tpd each way Mallaig - {{rws|Fort William}}
* 1tpd Oban - Dalmally
* 6tpd each way Oban - Glasgow Queen Street. Additionally, 1tpd Glasgow Queen Street - Oban (one way only)

All of the services from Glasgow Queen Street - Mallaig are combined with services to Oban, splitting at Crianlarich. Similarly, two of the return services combine at Crianlarich.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.scotrail.co.uk/sites/default/files/assets/download_ct/20210517/LGFnG7mu5UZezcXLltgOB74cAkM2NekKoWTaJUmMTIU/sr0041_west_highlands_may_2021.pdf |title=West Highlands Timetable May 2021 |date=May 2021 |website=Scotrail |access-date=17 June 2021 |archive-date=14 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614042442/https://www.scotrail.co.uk/sites/default/files/assets/download_ct/20210517/LGFnG7mu5UZezcXLltgOB74cAkM2NekKoWTaJUmMTIU/sr0041_west_highlands_may_2021.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

During the summer season from May until October a [[steam locomotive]]-hauled daily return service between Fort William and Mallaig known as ''[[The Jacobite (steam train)|The Jacobite]]'' is operated by [[West Coast Railways]]. There is one train a day in May, September and October, and two trains per day from June until the end of August.

Caledonian Sleeper operates a nightly service from Fort William to [[Euston railway station|London Euston]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sleeper.scot/timetable/london-fort-william/ |title=London to Fort William timetable |date=May 2021 |website=Caledonian Sleeper |access-date=17 June 2021}}</ref>

Onward ferry connections operated by [[Caledonian MacBrayne]] are available from Mallaig to the [[Isle of Skye]], to the small isles of [[Rùm]], [[Eigg]], [[Muck, Scotland|Muck]], and [[Canna, Scotland|Canna]], to [[South Uist]], and to [[Inverie]] on the [[Knoydart|Knoydart peninsula]]. From Oban ferries sail to the islands of [[Lismore, Scotland|Lismore]], [[Colonsay]], [[Coll]], [[Tiree]], [[Isle of Mull|Mull]] and [[Barra]].

As of 2021, there is a single regular freight operation on the line, consisting of alumina services from North Blyth to a smelter near Fort William.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-18|title=End of freight on Harry Potter line|url=https://www.railfreight.com/railfreight/2021/02/18/end-of-freight-on-harry-potter-line/|access-date=2021-02-28|website=RailFreight.com|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Munro|first=Alistair|title=End of the line? West Highland Line freight fears|url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/2862172/end-of-the-line-west-highland-line-freight-fears/|access-date=2021-02-28|website=Press and Journal|date=2 February 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Route timings==
Since improvements to Scottish [[trunk road]]s in the 1980s, a train journey can take significantly longer than the equivalent road journey. There are several reasons for this. The line is entirely [[Single track (rail)|single track]] once it leaves the North Clyde suburban network at {{rws|Craigendoran}} and trains must wait at stations with [[Passing loop|crossing loops]] for opposite direction trains to pass. Even when no crossing is timetabled, each train must pause at the various token exchange points whilst the driver contacts the main signalling centre at {{rws|Banavie}} to swap tokens electronically and obtain permission to proceed. Up to 15 minutes have to be allocated for trains to divide or combine at the junction station at {{rws|Crianlarich}}, whilst trains heading to/from Mallaig also have to reverse at Fort William & traverse the Banavie swing bridge at low speed. A further issue is finding suitable timetable paths for Oban & Mallaig trains on the busy North Clyde line, which carries an intensive local stopping service. As West Highland trains only stop at Dumbarton Central and Dalmuir on this stretch, it is not uncommon for them be delayed by a preceding local train and so recovery time has to be included in their schedules to reduce the possibility of a late arrival in Glasgow. 

Over much of the Rannoch Moor section the speed limit is {{convert|60|mph|km/h|round=5|abbr=on}} for the Sprinter and {{convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} on the approach to Rannoch station. The Caledonian Sleeper travels at {{convert|40|mph|km/h|round=5|abbr=on}} maximum, slowing down for a number of bridges on the route due to the heavy weight of the {{brc|67}} locomotive which hauled the train until the end of the old franchise in April 2015. The operator of the sleeper [[Serco]] has replaced these with refurbished {{brc|73|9}} electro-diesels since it took over, which have a lighter [[axle load]]; it is not yet clear whether the new locomotives will be cleared to run at higher speeds now they are in service.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.westhighlandline.org.uk/index.php/news/74-class-73s-for-sleeper-train| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827113704/http://www.westhighlandline.org.uk/index.php/news/74-class-73s-for-sleeper-train| archive-date=27 August 2016| title=Class 73s for sleeper train| website=Friends of the West Highland Line| access-date=26 August 2016}}</ref>

== Rolling stock ==
{| class="wikitable" style="clear:both;"
|+ Past, present and future rolling stock on the line
|-
! rowspan="2" |Class
! rowspan="2" |Image
! rowspan="2" |Operator
! rowspan="2" |Route
! colspan="2" |Maximum speed
! rowspan="2" |Builder/Built
! rowspan="2" |In service on the line
! rowspan="2" |Leased from
! rowspan="2" |Notes
|-
!mph
!km/h
|- 
! colspan="10" |Past rolling stock (from 1980)
|-
| rowspan="2" |{{brc|37}}
| rowspan="2" |[[File:The Royal Scotsman at County March Summit - geograph.org.uk - 772782.jpg|150px]]
|[[British Rail]] (Until 1983)<br>[[ScotRail (British Rail)|BR ScotRail]] (From 1983)
|{{rws|Glasgow Queen Street}} to {{rws|Oban}}/{{rws|Mallaig}} (Until 1989)<br>[[Euston railway station|London Euston]] to {{rws|Fort William}}<br>(Takes over from electric loco at Edinburgh)<br>Freight
|80
|130
| rowspan="2" |English Electric<br>1960-1965
|1981-1985
| rowspan="2" |N/A
|Class 37/0
|-
|BR ScotRail
|Glasgow Queen Street to Oban/Mallaig (Until 1989)<br>London Euston to Fort William<br>(Takes over from electric loco at Edinburgh)<br>Freight
|90
|145
|1985-2006
|Class 37/4
|-
|[[BR Standard Class 4 2-6-0]]
|[[File:76079 Castleton East Junction.jpg|150px]]
|rowspan="2" |[[West Coast Railways]]
|rowspan="2" |Fort William to Mallaig
|rowspan="2" |60
|rowspan="2" |96
|[[Horwich Works]] 1957
|
|
|rowspan="2" |''[[The Jacobite (steam train)|The Jacobite]]''
|-
|[[LNER Class K4]] 2-6-0
|[[File:61994 The Great Marquess in Blaenau Ffestiniog.jpg|150px]]
|[[Darlington Works]] 1938
|
|
|-
|[[British Rail Mark 1|Mark 1 Passenger Coach]]
|[[File:Mark 1 coach 6313 at Bristol Temple Meads 2006-03-01 05.jpg|150px]]
|British Rail (Until 1983)<br>BR ScotRail (From 1983)<br>[[Belmond Royal Scotsman|Royal Scotsman]] (1985 - 1989)
|Glasgow Queen Street to Oban or Mallaig
|100
|160
|1951-1963
|1961-1989
|N/A
|
|-
|[[British Rail Mark 2|Mark 2 Passenger Coach]]
|[[File:Caledonian Sleeper in Fort william.JPG|150px]]
|[[Caledonian Sleeper]]
|London Euston to Fort William
|100
|160
|BREL 1963-1975
|1964-2019
|
|It was replaced by the [[British Rail Mark 5|Mark 5]] passenger coach.
|-
|[[British Rail Mark 3|Mark 3 Sleeper Coach]]
|[[File:Caledonian Sleeper at Euston.jpg|150px]]
|[[Caledonian Sleeper]]
|London Euston to Fort William
|125
|200
|BREL 1979-1980
|1980-2019
|
|It was replaced by the [[British Rail Mark 5|Mark 5]] sleeping coach.
|-
! colspan="10" |Current fleet
|-
| rowspan="2" |{{brc|66}}
| rowspan="2" |[[File:Class 66 66708 GBRF Hatton 09-05-19 (47810954931).jpg|150px]]
|
[[GB Railfreight]]
|Freight
| rowspan="2" |75
| rowspan="2" |120
| rowspan="2" |Electro-Motive Diesel 1998-2015
| rowspan="2" |2000-
|N/A
| rowspan="2" |Class 66/7
|-
|[[Belmond Limited]]
|Special Passenger Workings<br>([[Belmond Royal Scotsman|Royal Scotsman]])
|GB Railfreight
|-
|{{brc|67}}
|[[File:67004Waverley.jpg|150px]]
| rowspan="2" |[[First ScotRail]] (Until 2015)<br>[[Caledonian Sleeper]]
| rowspan="2" |London Euston to Fort William<br>(Took over from electric loco at Edinburgh)
|125
|200
|[[Alstom]] 1999-2000
|2006-2016, 2023-
|[[DB Cargo UK]]
|
|-
|{{brc|73|9}}
|[[File:73966, Class 73 Electro-diesel in Caledonian Sleeper livery at Fort William Station.JPG|150px]]
|90
|145
|[[British Railways]] [[Eastleigh Works]] 1962<br>[[English Electric]] 1965-1967<br>Rebuilt 2014-2016
|2016-
|[[GB Railfreight]]
|Replaced Class 67 when their lease from DB Cargo UK Expired Class 73/9.
|-
|{{brc|153}}
|[[File:Exeter TCD - GWR 153377.JPG|150px]]
|[[ScotRail]] (2021-present)
| rowspan="2"|Glasgow Queen Street to Oban/Mallaig
| rowspan="2"|75
| rowspan="2"|120
|[[Leyland Bus]] 1987-1988 as {{brc|155|cs}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.traintesting.com/Class_155.htm |access-date=2 March 2014 |title=Class 155 Super Sprinter DMU |author=Dave Coxon |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103010722/http://www.traintesting.com/Class_155.htm |archive-date=3 November 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> <br /> Converted to Class 153 by [[Hunslet-Barclay]] 1991-1992<ref>{{cite web| title=Class 153 - Arriva Trains Wales, Great Western Railway, East Midlands Trains, Arriva Rail North| url=https://www.angeltrains.co.uk/Products-Services/Regional-Passenger-Trains/4| website=[[Angel Trains]]| access-date=24 January 2018| archive-date=25 January 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125193604/https://www.angeltrains.co.uk/Products-Services/Regional-Passenger-Trains/4| url-status=dead}}</ref>
|2021–
| rowspan="2"|N/A
|In service from 19 July
|-
|{{brc|156}}
|[[File:156 458 near Inverlochy Castle.jpg|150px]]	
|[[ScotRail (British Rail)|BR ScotRail]] (until 1997)<br>[[ScotRail (National Express)|National Express]] (1997-2004)<br>[[First ScotRail]] (2005-2015)<br>[[ScotRail]] (2015-present)
|[[Metro-Cammell]] 1987-1989		
|1989–	
|		
|-	
|[[LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0]]
|[[File:The Jacobite Express - geograph-3677281-by-Stuart-Wilding.jpg|150px]]
| rowspan="4" |[[West Coast Railways]]
| rowspan="4" |Fort William to Mallaig
|60
|96
| [[Armstrong Whitworth]] (45212 & 45407) 1935 & 1937
[[Crewe Works]] (44871) 1945
| -
|
| rowspan="4" |''[[The Jacobite (steam train)|The Jacobite]]''
|-
|[[LNER Thompson/Peppercorn Class K1|Peppercorn Class K1]]
|[[File:The Jacobite - geograph.org.uk - 902375.jpg|150px]]
|60
|96
| [[North British Locomotive Company]] 1949-1950
| -
|
|-
|[[British Rail Mark 1|Mark 1 Passenger coach]]
|[[File:West Coast Railways Mk1 SK 99712 (25893) at Taunton.JPG|150px]]
|100
|160
|Cravens 19511963
|
|
|-
|[[British Rail Mark 2|Mark 2 Passenger Coach]]
|[[File:Caledonian Sleeper in Fort william.JPG|150px]]
|100
|160
|BREL 1963–1975
|
|
|-
|[[Pullman (car or coach)|Pullman]] Mark 3 coach
|[[File:Dining car - geograph.org.uk - 892799.jpg|Dining car - geograph.org.uk - 892799|150px]]
|[[Belmond Limited]]
|Special Passenger Workings<br>([[Belmond Royal Scotsman|Royal Scotsman]])
|125
|200
|BREL 1979–1980
|
|
|
|-
|[[British Rail Mark 3|Mark 3 Sleeper Coach]]
|[[File:Caledonian Sleeper at Euston.jpg|150px]]
|[[Belmond Limited]]
|Special Passenger Workings<br>([[Belmond Royal Scotsman|Royal Scotsman]])
|125
|200
|BREL 1979–1980
|
|
|
|-
|[[British Rail Mark 5|Mark 5 Passenger Coach]]
| rowspan="2" |[[File:CAF mk5 sleeper coach.jpg|150px]]
| rowspan="2" |[[Caledonian Sleeper]]
| rowspan="2" |London Euston to Fort William
| rowspan="2" |100
| rowspan="2" |160
| rowspan="2" |CAF 2016–2018
| rowspan="2" |Oct 2019–
| rowspan="2" |Caledonian Sleeper Rail Leasing
|It replaced the [[British Rail Mark 2|Mark 2]] passenger coach.
|-
|[[British Rail Mark 5|Mark 5 Sleeper Coach]]
|It replaced the [[British Rail Mark 3|Mark 3]] sleeping coach.
|-
|}

In early 2018 it was widely reported that {{brc|158|cs}} would be used from Q3-Q4 2018 to replace the Class 156s. However, following investigation it was discovered that the line does not have sufficient gauge clearance for the class. {{As of|2018|August}} studies were still ongoing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://westhighlandline.org.uk/2018-agm/ | url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823210702/http://westhighlandline.org.uk/2018-agm/| archive-date=23 August 2018| access-date=23 August 2018 |title=2018 AGM Report| website=Friends of the West Highland Lines}}</ref>

==Notable railway-related features==
[[File:Glenfinnan Viaduct.jpg|thumb|[[Glenfinnan Viaduct]]]]
* The Horse Shoe Curve, between {{rws|Upper Tyndrum}} and {{rws|Bridge of Orchy}}
* The [[Corrour railway station|Cruach Rock snowshed]], between {{rws|Rannoch}} and {{rws|Corrour}}
* [[Glenfinnan Viaduct]], between {{rws|Locheilside}} and {{rws|Glenfinnan}}
* The [[Pass of Brander stone signals]], between {{rws|Dalmally}} and {{rws|Taynuilt}}
* {{rws|Arisaig}} is the most westerly railway station in [[Great Britain]]

The two branches of the line are described in detail by John Thomas in his two books (see {{section link||Sources}}).

==Route in detail==
{{West Highland Line}}
Places served along the route from Glasgow Queen Street are listed below. Sleeper services to Fort William start, however, at London Euston, calling at {{stn|Edinburgh Waverley}} and Queen Street Low Level (to pick up or set down depending on direction).

{|- class="wikitable" style="width:73%;" <!--setting the table width to 73% allows room for standard-size thumbnail images on the right-->
! scope="col" | Place
! scope="col" | Station
! scope="col" | [[Ordnance Survey National Grid|OS reference]]
! scope="col" style="width:35%;" | Notes<!--setting this column width to 35% allows space for the other columns and forces word wrapping if necessary-->
|-
! colspan="4" | Glasgow to Crianlarich
|-
! scope="row" | [[Glasgow]]
| {{Stnlnk|Glasgow Queen Street}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NS592655}}
| 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Dalmuir]]
| {{Stnlnk|Dalmuir}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NS484714}}
| 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Dumbarton]]
| {{Stnlnk|Dumbarton Central}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NS397755}}
| 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Helensburgh]]
| {{Stnlnk|Helensburgh Upper}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NS298833}}
| 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Garelochhead]]
| {{Stnlnk|Garelochhead}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NS242910}}
| 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Arrochar, Argyll|Arrochar]] and [[Tarbet, Argyll|Tarbet]]
| {{Stnlnk|Arrochar and Tarbet}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NN311045}}
| 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Ardlui]]
| {{Stnlnk|Ardlui}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NN317155}}
| Request stop for the Caledonian Sleeper.
|-
! scope="row" | [[Crianlarich]]
| {{Stnlnk|Crianlarich}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NN384250}}
| At Crianlarich the former [[West Highland Railway]] route to Fort William and Mallaig links to the remaining section of the former [[Callander and Oban Railway]] to Oban
|-
! colspan="4" | Crianlarich to Oban
|-
! scope="row" | [[Tyndrum]]
| {{Stnlnk|Tyndrum Lower}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NN327301}}
| 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Dalmally]]
| {{Stnlnk|Dalmally}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NN159271}}
| 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Loch Awe]]
| {{Stnlnk|Loch Awe}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NN124274}}
| 
|-
! scope="row" | Loch Awe
| {{Stnlnk|Falls of Cruachan}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NN079267}}
| Used mainly by hikers
|-
! scope="row" | [[Taynuilt]]
| {{Stnlnk|Taynuilt}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NN003312}}
| 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Connel]]
| {{Stnlnk|Connel Ferry}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NM916340}}
| 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Oban]]
| {{Stnlnk|Oban}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NM857298}}
| 
|-
! colspan="4" | Crianlarich to Fort William
|-
! scope="row" | [[Tyndrum]]
| {{Stnlnk|Upper Tyndrum}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NN333302}}
| 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Bridge of Orchy]]
| {{Stnlnk|Bridge of Orchy}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NN300394}}
| 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Rannoch]]
| {{Stnlnk|Rannoch}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NN422578}}
| 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Corrour Lodge|Corrour]]
| {{Stnlnk|Corrour}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NN356663}}
| Request stop for the Caledonian Sleeper
|-
! scope="row" | [[Tulloch, Highland|Tulloch]]
| {{Stnlnk|Tulloch}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NN354802}}
| 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Roybridge|Roy Bridge]]
| {{Stnlnk|Roy Bridge}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NN272810}}
| Request stop for the Caledonian Sleeper
|-
! scope="row" | [[Spean Bridge]]
| {{Stnlnk|Spean Bridge}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NN221814}}
| 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Fort William, Scotland|Fort William]]
| {{Stnlnk|Fort William}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NN105741}}
| Services from Glasgow reverse out of Fort William to continue to Mallaig.<br/>''[[The Jacobite (steam train)|The Jacobite]]'' runs from Fort William to Mallaig.
|-
! colspan="4" | Fort William and Mallaig route
|-
! scope="row" | [[Banavie]]
| {{Stnlnk|Banavie}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NN112767}}
| 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Corpach]]
| {{Stnlnk|Corpach}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NN096767}}
| 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Loch Eil]]
| {{Stnlnk|Loch Eil Outward Bound}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NN054783}}
| 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Loch Eil]]
| {{Stnlnk|Locheilside}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NM994786}}
| Request stop
|-
! scope="row" | [[Glenfinnan]]
| {{Stnlnk|Glenfinnan}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NM898810}}
| 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Lochailort]]
| {{Stnlnk|Lochailort}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NM768826}}
| Request stop
|-
! scope="row" | Beasdale
| {{Stnlnk|Beasdale}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NM709850}}
| Request stop
|-
! scope="row" | [[Arisaig]]
| {{Stnlnk|Arisaig}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NM663867}}
| 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Morar]]
| {{Stnlnk|Morar}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NM677929}}
| 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Mallaig]]
| {{Stnlnk|Mallaig}}
| {{gbmappingsmall|NM675970}}
| Ferries link Mallaig to [[Armadale, Skye|Armadale]], the [[Skye|Isle of Skye]], [[South Uist]] and the [[Small Isles]]
|}

== West Highland Line in film ==
[[File:Train crossing bridge at Banavie - geograph.org.uk - 1224706.jpg|thumb|220px|Train crossing bridge at [[Banavie]]]]
[[File:Corrour Summit - geograph.org.uk - 177748.jpg|thumb|The summit of the line just north of {{rws|Corrour}}]]

* [[Glenfinnan Viaduct]], on the line between Fort William and Mallaig, is a filming location for the [[Hogwarts Express]] in the [[Harry Potter (film series)|Harry Potter]] series of films.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/52167768/the-philadelphia-inquirer/| title=Slow train's rewards just outside window| first=Will| last=Hawkes| agency=Washington Post News Service| newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer| date=16 February 2020| page=H14| via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref>
* [[Eddie McConnell|Eddie McConnell's]] poetic documentary ''A Line for All Seasons'' (1970) showcases the line and its history set against the scenery of the western highlands as it changes through the seasons.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://ssa.nls.uk/film/4364| website=Scottish Screen Archive| title=Full record for 'LINE FOR ALL SEASONS, a'| access-date=2009-02-06| archive-date=13 May 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513023802/http://ssa.nls.uk/film/4364| url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{rws|Corrour}} features in ''[[Trainspotting (film)|Trainspotting]]'' (1996), directed by [[Danny Boyle]].

==Museum==
There is a museum dedicated to the history of the West Highland Line situated at [[Glenfinnan railway station|Glenfinnan station]].

== Future ==
In the [[Scottish Government]]'s National Transport Strategy, published in February 2020, it was stated that the line will not be electrified with [[Overhead line|overhead lines]]. Instead, an alternative to diesel traction will be found.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Shirres|first=David|title=Decarbonising Scotland's Railway|url=https://www.railengineer.co.uk/rail-engineer-may-june-2021-hs2s-largest-bridge-decarbonising-scotland-and-piccadilly-line-trains/|magazine=Rail Engineer|location=|publisher=|issue=190|pages=46–53|access-date=2021-07-03}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{reflist|group=note}}

==References==
===Footnotes===
{{Reflist}}

===Sources===
* {{cite book<!-- | author-link=John Thomas (author)-->|last=Thomas |first=John |year=1965 |title=The West Highland Railway |location=Newton Abbot |publisher=David and Charles (Publishers) Ltd. |isbn=0-7153-7281-5 }}
* {{Thomas-CandO}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book |title=Great Railway Journeys Through Time: West Highland Line |first=John |last=McGregor |publisher=Amberley Publishing |year=2013 |isbn=9781445613369 |oclc=839316369 }}
*{{cite magazine |title=Pearls beyond price |first=Peter |last=Kelly |pages=23–33 |date=September 1983 |magazine=[[RAIL (magazine)|Rail Enthusiast]] |publisher=EMAP National Publications |issn=0262-561X |oclc=49957965 }}
*{{cite magazine |title=Oban line |first=Eddie |last=Bellass |magazine=[[RAIL (magazine)|Rail Enthusiast]] |publisher=EMAP National Publications |date=June 1984 |pages=35–37, 39 |issn=0262-561X |oclc=49957965 }}

==External links==
{{Commons category|West Highland Line}}
{{Wikivoyage|West Highland Railway|West Highland Line}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G20ooYEBviw#t=1680 Video of entire journey from Glasgow Queen Street over Fort William to Mallaig]: filmed from the cab of the train.
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iygaGHqgdlA Video footage of Garelochhead railway station]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8nvTLt-ABI Lochailort railway station]
{{Railway lines in Scotland}}

[[Category:Transport in Argyll and Bute]]
[[Category:Transport in Highland (council area)]]
[[Category:Railway lines in Scotland]]
[[Category:Standard gauge railways in Scotland]]