Train travelling through the Drumochter Pass along the Highland Main Line.
Strathspey Railway train departs Aviemore
ScotRail Train travelling on the Horseshoe Viaduct along the Highland Line, Scotland
Highland Line

Image credit: Alexander Johnson

Pitlochry Railway Station along the Highland Line, Scotland.
Rainbow in the Scottish Highlands

Arts and culture

History and heritage

Outdoors and nature

Scenic views

Highland Main Line

Dunkeld & Birnam – Carrbridge

The Highland Main Line is considered to be one of the most scenic routes in Britain, travelling through beautiful Scottish landscapes, but there is so much more to explore too.

History & heritage

Discover the historic station and signal box at Dunkeld & Birnam, before heading to Birnam Arts, less than 10 mintes walk from the station. Here you can explore how Beatrix Potter’s childhood summers spent in Scotland, inspired her much loved work. You’ll also find a programme of exciting exhibitions held throughout the year, showcasing work by talented artists.

Further along the line you’ll reach Pitlochry. This beautiful and well-kept Victorian station is also home to Pitlochry station bookshop, selling pre-loved books to passengers and visitors with all proceeds going to six different chairities. The bookshop has raised over £420k for charity since opening in 2006.

Leave the train at Carrbridge to explore this historic Highland village and take a photograph of the impressive Old Pack Horse Bridge.

Keep travelling along the Highland Main Line and you’ll reach Blair Atholl. Blair Castle and Gardens is less than a 10 minute walk from the station. This fascinating castle has a rich history and has been expanded and adapted over 750 years.

Arts & culture

Scotland is famous for its whiskey distilleries. Uncover the interesting process of whisky-making at Dalwhinnie Distillery, home to the famous Highland Single Malt Whiskey. Choose from a range of different guided tours and enjoy seeing the distiling process up close.

Scenic views

The Highland Main Line offers impressive views from the train and is considered to be one of the most scenic routes in Britain, if not the world! Be sure to grab a window seat and have your camera ready as the journey takes you through the stunning Cairngorms National Park. Leave the train at Dalwhinnie and you’ll have reached the highest station on the line.

Outdoors & nature

Aviemore is a beautiful place to explore no matter what time of year you’re visiting. The area is classed as the place to be for active outdoor persuits in the Cairngorms National Park. Aviermore’s perfect winter conditions, make it a popular spot for snowsports but the summer months bring excellent walking, biking and climbing opportunities.

About this line

Route

Dunkeld & Birnam – Carrbridge

Journey time

1 hr 10

Cost

Off-peak return from £33.10

Distance

118 miles | 190 km

This line is supported by:

Stations on this line:

  • Dunkeld & Birnam
  • Pitlochry
  • Blair Atholl
  • Dalwhinnie
  • Newtonmore
  • Kingussie
  • Aviemore
  • Carrbridge

Nearby lines

Train travelling through lush Scottish landscapes, with green trees and house in background Borders Railway

Edinburgh – Tweedbank

See a snapshot of Scottish history as you travel along the Borders Railway.

East Coast Main Line

York – Edinburgh via Newcastle

The main line from London to York, Durham, Newcastle and Edinburgh, home of the Flying Scotsman, has some spectacular scenic highlights.

East Beach at North Berwick along the East Lothian Line

Edinburgh Waverley – North Berwick

Experience 25 miles of picturesque Scottish countryside as you travel along the East Lothian Line.

Train travelling along the Far North Line, Scotland

Fearn – Wick via Thurso

Explore north from Inverness, following the North Sea coast as you travel along the Far North Line.

Train on the West Highland Line with mountains in the background

Crianlarich – Mallaig via Fort William

Enjoy unparalleled panoramic views of lochs dominated by towering mountains and delve deep in the wilds of the West Highland Line.

Stunning scenery along the Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh line.

Inverness – Kyle of Lochalsh

Travel coast to coast across the Highlands, in the shadows of mountains and forests along the Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh.

An image of a lake with mountains in the background

Stirling – Perth via Dunblane

See the Scottish landscape like never before as you pass historic towns and pretty villages following the riverbanks of Allan Water along the Strathallan Line.

View from the New Bridge over the River Ayr towards the sea, over the piers of the former railway bridge.

Gretna Green – Stranraer via Dumfries, Kilmarnock, and Ayr

Travel through lush Scottish countryside as you journey along the South West Scotland Line.

You may also like

Family days out by rail

Experience new adventures when you enjoy greener days out by rail this autumn. Take a look at our suggestions here.

Station sign with rolling hills in the background

We're getting on board for Catch the Bus Month and bring you some suggestions on how you can explore further when you combine your adventure with trains and buses.

Train travelling along the Bentham Line through lush countryside

Leeds – Morecambe / Heysham Port via Skipton, Bentham & Lancaster

Explore the history of the Bentham Line, nestled in scenic Yorkshire & Lancashire countryside.