Five of the UK's Best Multi-Stop Rail Adventures

The UK is a perfect country to explore by train. Distances are short, the network reaches mountains, coasts and historic cities, and some routes rank among the most beautiful railway journeys in the world. Rather than a single ride, these five multi-stop rail adventures combine several lines and overnight stops into a trip of a few days to a week.

The rail adventures

1. The Scottish Highlands: Glasgow, Fort William and Mallaig

Ride the West Highland Line from Glasgow along Loch Lomond, across the wild Rannoch Moor and down to Fort William below Ben Nevis. Continue to Mallaig – in summer on the Jacobite steam train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films. From Mallaig, take the ferry to Skye, then return via the Kyle of Lochalsh line to Inverness. Book the Jacobite well in advance.

The train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, with Loch Shiel glittering below, and arrives at the sea with views of the islands.

2. Settle–Carlisle and the Lake District

The Settle–Carlisle line crosses the Yorkshire Dales and the 24-arch Ribblehead Viaduct – one of England's most dramatic railways. Start in Leeds, stop in Settle for walks, continue to Carlisle, then head south to Oxenholme and Windermere for the Lake District. Return via Lancaster or York.

The Ribblehead Viaduct strides across the moors, with stone walls, sheep and the Yorkshire peaks all around.

3. The Cornish Riviera

From London Paddington, the line to Penzance runs along the sea wall at Dawlish and over Brunel's Royal Albert Bridge into Cornwall. Use branch lines to reach St Ives, Falmouth and Looe, each a charming seaside town. Overnight on the Night Riviera sleeper for a classic start. See our active Cornwall guide.

The train runs along the sea wall at Dawlish, waves splashing below, then crosses the Tamar into Cornwall.

4. Wales: the Heart of Wales and Cambrian lines

The rural Heart of Wales Line from Swansea to Shrewsbury passes through quiet hills and spa towns. Continue on the Cambrian Line to the coast at Aberystwyth or along Cardigan Bay to Pwllheli, and ride a narrow-gauge heritage railway such as the Ffestiniog or the Welsh Highland into Snowdonia (Eryri).

Small stations, green hills and the coast of Cardigan Bay – slow, peaceful and beautiful.

5. The Far North: Inverness to Thurso and Kyle

From Inverness, the Far North Line runs to Thurso and Wick, close to John o' Groats and the ferry to Orkney. Combine it with the Kyle Line to the Kyle of Lochalsh for views of lochs and mountains. Reach Inverness on the Caledonian Sleeper from London for a memorable start.

Empty moors, deer and lochs – the line to Kyle of Lochalsh ends with views of Skye.

Planning your trip

6. Rail passes and tickets

• BritRail Pass: for overseas visitors, unlimited travel on set days.
• Railcards: UK residents save around a third on most fares.
• Spirit of Scotland: a pass covering Scottish trains and some ferries and buses.
• Advance tickets: cheapest for long-distance routes; book sleepers and steam trains early.

7. Tips

• Travel light: a backpack or small suitcase makes changes easy.
• Sit on the right side: for the West Highland Line, the left side heading north often has the best loch views – ask locals for tips.
• Allow slack: rural lines are infrequent, so check timetables and leave buffer time.
• More rail ideas: see our pick of Europe's best scenic rail journeys.