Best lines to drive/travel

[Peregrine 4903]

Swansea - Carmarthen is another one.

I don't ever see it mentioned but you get some spectacular views of the coast and sea around, Pembrey and Burry Port.

 

[387star]

Barnham to Horsham
Horsham to Leatherhead
Pretty much the whole GWR network aside Reading to London /Guildford

 

[Leeds1970]

although sadly no longer possible Gaerwen to Amlwch was a lovely route

 

[Spandau]

Do not discount Belfast to L/Derry

 

[Ianno87]

Manchester-Bolton perhaps for a not so typical choice. Good views across the Irwell Valley and the acceleration always feels quite impressive along there, more so since higher line speed and faster trains started.

The Class 331s make nipping from Bolton to Manchester near-effortless.

 

[steamybrian]

Having travelled over the whole of the National Rail Network my favorites are..

Cambrian Line- Shrewsbury- Pwlhelli
Perth- Inverness
Inverness- Kyle of Lochalsh
West Highland Line Craigendoran Jn - Fort William and Mallaig


other nice routes
Exeter- Plymouth
Central Wales Line Llanelli- Craven Arms
WCML- Carnforth- Carlisle
Settle and Carlisle Line

A bias view with a few nearer home
Folkestone- Dover
Brighton- Lewes
Tunbridge Wells- St.Leonards

 

[paul1609]

Scotland, West Highland Line
The North, Settle & Carlisle
Wales, Welsh Highland
The West, Looe & Newquay Branches
The East, Sheringham Branch
Main Line HS1 & Chiltern Line
Local, Marshlink
Urban, Lewisham to Charing Cross
All in all we're pretty lucky.

 

[Gathursty]

Far North Line
Cambrian Coast Line beyond Dovey Junction
My local favourite Liverpool to Manchester (via Earlestown) because it shows how far we have come as humanity since the Industrial Revolution and it all happened a short distance from my home town. Also love the run through the Brownlow Tunnels and the race with the M602.

 

[MrEd]

Far North Line
Cambrian Coast Line beyond Dovey Junction
My local favourite Liverpool to Manchester (via Earlestown) because it shows how far we have come as humanity since the Industrial Revolution and it all happened a short distance from my home town. Also love the run through the Brownlow Tunnels and the race with the M602.

I‘ve never done the Far North beyond Dingwall (where the Kyle line diverges). The Kyle line is probably my favourite, but is the Far North worth doing? I don’t have any particular reason to go to Wick, but would you say that it’s worth doing just for fun? I hear mixed things about it from travellers and train crew (some say it’s amazing, others say it‘s nice for the first couple of hours or so then becomes tedious). Obviously it’s a matter of taste to some extent. What would you say?

How spectacular is it compared with e.g. the West Highland, Kyle or Highland Main Line?

 

[Gathursty]

I‘ve never done the Far North beyond Dingwall (where the Kyle line diverges). The Kyle line is probably my favourite, but is the Far North worth doing? I don’t have any particular reason to go to Wick, but would you say that it’s worth doing just for fun? I hear mixed things about it from travellers and train crew (some say it’s amazing, others say it‘s nice for the first couple of hours or so then becomes tedious). Obviously it’s a matter of taste to some extent. What would you say?

How spectacular is it compared with e.g. the West Highland, Kyle or Highland Main Line?

The FNL isn't as pretty but there are moments where skirt along the sea at Brora where it is breathtaking. The feeling of having gone all the way to the end is the highlight of the line. You don't get it as much with Penzance because an 800 has took you there but with the FNL, you've definitely earned it when you've got to either Wick or Thurso.

 

[Bletchleyite]

The FNL isn't as pretty but there are moments where skirt along the sea at Brora where it is breathtaking. The feeling of having gone all the way to the end is the highlight of the line. You don't get it as much with Penzance because an 800 has took you there but with the FNL, you've definitely earned it when you've got to either Wick or Thurso.

I dunno, my backside would be a lot sorer on an 80x than one of those lovely Inverness 158s with Grammer IC3000s...my ears would be vibrating though!

(I've done both, though the FNL was about 17 years ago!)

 

[theironroad]

I‘ve never done the Far North beyond Dingwall (where the Kyle line diverges). The Kyle line is probably my favourite, but is the Far North worth doing? I don’t have any particular reason to go to Wick, but would you say that it’s worth doing just for fun? I hear mixed things about it from travellers and train crew (some say it’s amazing, others say it‘s nice for the first couple of hours or so then becomes tedious). Obviously it’s a matter of taste to some extent. What would you say?

How spectacular is it compared with e.g. the West Highland, Kyle or Highland Main Line?

The FNL isn't as pretty but there are moments where skirt along the sea at Brora where it is breathtaking. The feeling of having gone all the way to the end is the highlight of the line. You don't get it as much with Penzance because an 800 has took you there but with the FNL, you've definitely earned it when you've got to either Wick or Thurso.

Having done the FNL recently, I'd agree it's not as dramatic as the Kyle or WHL but definitely worth it. Yes it's a bit of a slog but has enough variety to be nice as it weaves inland and back and along the coast. Wouldn't do a return in a day, stay overnight in thurso or Wick and get to John o groats or Orkney as well.

 

[Ianno87]

The FNL isn't as pretty but there are moments where skirt along the sea at Brora where it is breathtaking. The feeling of having gone all the way to the end is the highlight of the line. You don't get it as much with Penzance because an 800 has took you there but with the FNL, you've definitely earned it when you've got to either Wick or Thurso.

The scenery once you get around County March summitt is barren and almost alien-like.

Agree about the Brora coastal stretch.

 

[al78]

Bits of the highland main line, e.g. from Blair Atholl to Aviemore.
The east coast mail line through Northumberland where the line hugs the coast and goes through Berwick.
The line from Crianlarich across Rannoch moor to Fort William.
Inverness to Kyle line, I've only done this as far as Loch Luichart but it must be superb scenery further along.
Far north line.
Trans-pennine route from Piccadilly to Leeds.
Mallaig to Fort William, haven't done this but may do it next summer.

 

[MrEd]

Bits of the highland main line, e.g. from Blair Atholl to Aviemore.
The east coast mail line through Northumberland where the line hugs the coast and goes through Berwick.
The line from Crianlarich across Rannoch moor to Fort William.
Inverness to Kyle line, I've only done this as far as Loch Luichart but it must be superb scenery further along.
Far north line.
Trans-pennine route from Piccadilly to Leeds.
Mallaig to Fort William, haven't done this but may do it next summer.

You’ve missed the best bits of the Kyle line. The bleak upland section round Achnasheen with the mountains towering above the lochs and moors is fantastic, then there’s beautiful wooded country around Achnashellach and then the truly amazing section west along Loch Carron with distant views of Skye and the rugged wester Ross hills towering above you.

I can definitely recommend Fort William to Mallaig too! That is fantastic all the way. Looks great on a moody day too. Definitely recommend doing it in either spring (April/early May) or autumn (mid September to mid November) as the colours of the landscapes are amazing at those times.

 

[al78]

You’ve missed the best bits of the Kyle line. The bleak upland section round Achnasheen with the mountains towering above the lochs and moors is fantastic, then there’s beautiful wooded country around Achnashellach and then the truly amazing section west along Loch Carron with distant views of Skye and the rugged wester Ross hills towering above you.

I can definitely recommend Fort William to Mallaig too! That is fantastic all the way. Looks great on a moody day too. Definitely recommend doing it in either spring (April/early May) or autumn (mid September to mid November) as the colours of the landscapes are amazing at those times.

I have travelled from Inverness to Poolewe by bus which follows the railway line as far as Achnasheen and I agree, the open moorland with hills is spectacular, it strikes me as an area you really don't want to get caught out by bad weather if you are out in it on foot.

 

[andythebrave]

Ayr to Stranraer.
I'd also rate the far north line as a league ahead of the WHL and recommend Thurso rather than Wick, a lovely town and, due to the timings, a comfortable day trip from Inverness with enough time to explore a little and grab a bacon sarnie at the nice cafe on the beach.
I reckon the WHL is overrated, especially as the road journey is far superior (thinking Glen Coe here).

 

[Iskra]

As I see it:

Champions League: West Highland Line Helensburgh-Oban/Fort William, Kyle Line
Premier League: WCML Lancaster-Glasgow, Settle Carlisle, Highland Mainline, Far North Line, Cumbrian Coast, ECML North of Morpeth to Aberdeen, Whitby Branch, GWML Exeter-Penzance, St Ives Branch, Kilmarnock-Carlisle
Championship: Bentham Line, The Marches, North Wales Coast, Aberdeen-Inverness, Tyne Valley, Huddersfield-Stalybridge, Hope Valley, Ayr-Stranraer, Scarborough-Hull, Chiltern Mainline, WCML South of Lancaster, Heart of Wales, Lowestoft-Ipswich, Durham Coast, ECML York-Morpeth, Newton Abbot-Paignton

I'm yet to travel the Cambrian, or the Marston Vale...

 

[Newshound Mutt]

Carnforth to Skipton for me via the Bentham line.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Carnforth to Skipton for me via the Bentham line.

Really? The Bentham Line seems just a bit average to me - generic rolling countryside you can see from a lot of rural lines (and indeed the south WCML). Not spectacular like the S&C or north TPE.

 

[Iskra]

Really? The Bentham Line seems just a bit average to me - generic rolling countryside you can see from a lot of rural lines (and indeed the south WCML). Not spectacular like the S&C or north TPE.

You do get some spectacular views of Ingleborough etc and the Trough of Bowland is beautiful and rightly recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. To me, it’s a perfect 17 miles of rural British railway. But, it doesn’t have that much of a pull because it’s overshadowed by its more interesting and longer mainline neighbours and how far is it worth travelling for a mere 17 miles of scenic beauty?

 

[SeanG]

As I see it:

Champions League: West Highland Line Helensburgh-Oban/Fort William, Kyle Line
Premier League: WCML Lancaster-Glasgow, Settle Carlisle, Highland Mainline, Far North Line, Cumbrian Coast, ECML North of Morpeth to Aberdeen, Whitby Branch, GWML Exeter-Penzance, St Ives Branch, Kilmarnock-Carlisle
Championship: Bentham Line, The Marches, North Wales Coast, Aberdeen-Inverness, Tyne Valley, Huddersfield-Stalybridge, Hope Valley, Ayr-Stranraer, Scarborough-Hull, Chiltern Mainline, WCML South of Lancaster, Heart of Wales, Lowestoft-Ipswich, Durham Coast, ECML York-Morpeth, Newton Abbot-Paignton

I'm yet to travel the Cambrian, or the Marston Vale...

Good call on Ayr - Stranraer, it is often overlooked.

By your reckoning, I would make the likes of the North London line definitely North West Counties League

Really? The Bentham Line seems just a bit average to me - generic rolling countryside you can see from a lot of rural lines (and indeed the south WCML). Not spectacular like the S&C or north TPE.

Great if travelling in a loop whilst doing S&C and either the WCML or Cumbrian Coast, but not sure if such a short line is worth travelling to in its own right

 

[steamybrian]

As I see it:

Champions League: West Highland Line Helensburgh-Oban/Fort William, Kyle Line
Premier League: WCML Lancaster-Glasgow, Settle Carlisle, Highland Mainline, Far North Line, Cumbrian Coast, ECML North of Morpeth to Aberdeen, Whitby Branch, GWML Exeter-Penzance, St Ives Branch, Kilmarnock-Carlisle
Championship: Bentham Line, The Marches, North Wales Coast, Aberdeen-Inverness, Tyne Valley, Huddersfield-Stalybridge, Hope Valley, Ayr-Stranraer, Scarborough-Hull, Chiltern Mainline, WCML South of Lancaster, Heart of Wales, Lowestoft-Ipswich, Durham Coast, ECML York-Morpeth, Newton Abbot-Paignton

I'm yet to travel the Cambrian, or the Marston Vale...

Nothing from the South East........????? Try Marshlink, Tonbridge- Hastings, Barnham- Horsham or the climb through the South Downs between Brighton- Lewes or between Folkestone- Dover under the White Cliffs overlooking the Channel
Some surprises- "WCML south of Lancaster" through Warrington, Wigan and Preston....!!!!!! Really..
Newton Abbot to Paignton-- only short scenic section between Torquay and Paignton beside the sea..
Chiltern Mainline is nice but boring....

 

[theironroad]

Poole to Wareham is nice around Poole harbour though quite a short stretch.

The bit between Basingstoke an Eastleigh has some pleasure to it on a sunny day across the Hampshire fields and glimpses of the river Itchen. Not exactly the WHL but pleasant enough.

 

[Iskra]

Nothing from the South East........????? Try Marshlink, Tonbridge- Hastings, Barnham- Horsham or the climb through the South Downs between Brighton- Lewes or between Folkestone- Dover under the White Cliffs overlooking the Channel
Some surprises- "WCML south of Lancaster" through Warrington, Wigan and Preston....!!!!!! Really..
Newton Abbot to Paignton-- only short scenic section between Torquay and Paignton beside the sea..
Chiltern Mainline is nice but boring....

Firstly, that's just my personal list. It's not definitive. Secondly, I haven't travelled every line in the country (although that is a long term objective).

I would have probably put some lines in Kent and parts of the SWML in my 'League 1' if I had continued. Kent and the South East have some leafy pleasant bits, but it's not known for scenic rail lines, is it? It then probably suffers furthermore from me as I'm generally not into 3rd rail and plastic units. Although the Javelin trains and lines do have a bit of interest for me. I have enjoyed 73's on the 3rd rail and 442's, but they aren't exactly abundant. When I think SE, I think spartan boring commuter units, the bleak Dungeness branch and HS1. It's simply uninspiring to travel compared to many of the other lines I've mentioned.

The WCML South is often quoted on here for its relative interest due to its engineering and rail interest. I personally enjoy flying around the corners full tilt betwixt canals and motorway on a Pendo. It's the most interesting of the mainline approaches to London, in my opinion.

I enjoy the Paignton line, as it's very much a holiday line for me, it's the route to the Dartmouth Steam Railway, which is undeniably stunning, it has quintessential GWR stations and it was until recently served by HST's. The thread is best lines to travel on, not necessarily best in terms of pure scenery.

Chiltern has 68's, even the units have nice interiors and I don't personally find it boring as it's a fairly unusual route for me, but it's a matter of opinion isn't it.

 

[387star]

Chandlers Ford to Romey is quite scenic leafy and lots of sheep fields

 

[MrEd]

Ayr to Stranraer.
I'd also rate the far north line as a league ahead of the WHL and recommend Thurso rather than Wick, a lovely town and, due to the timings, a comfortable day trip from Inverness with enough time to explore a little and grab a bacon sarnie at the nice cafe on the beach.
I reckon the WHL is overrated, especially as the road journey is far superior (thinking Glen Coe here).

The WHL (particularly north of Crianlarich) is fantastic in my view, but I must say that the thought of 5 and a half hours on a crowded 156 from Glasgow to Mallaig does not appeal to me. That’s not a nice travelling experience, and I’m sure affects people’s perceptions of the route. It was best experienced from the Mk2 lounge car (or a Mk2 droplight) on the sleeper, particularly on a crisp day in winter or early spring; sadly those days are gone. The sleeper was a good way to do it as you were asleep for the less interesting part through suburban Glasgow and Dumbarton, typically waking up round Arrochar when you were already in some fantastic scenery.

The Far North beyond Dingwall sounds great, I must try it. I find that the 158s used on the Far North and Kyle offer a far superior passenger environment, and certainly the Kyle trains that I’ve used in the past few years are far from crowded, even in August. The journey seems peaceful and relaxing in a way that the WHL isn’t. I can imagine the Far North is similar, as not so many folk know about it and there’s not so much hype surrounding it.

The Kyle line is another fantastic 10/10 day out from Inverness, though I would recommend to everyone getting off at either Plockton or Duirinish and spending most of the day there as there’s some lovely coastline and two truly idyllic villages to explore, with some fantastic places to eat.

 

[Newshound Mutt]

Really? The Bentham Line seems just a bit average to me - generic rolling countryside you can see from a lot of rural lines (and indeed the south WCML). Not spectacular like the S&C or north TPE.

I'm the same way with the S&C line. Can't see the fascination with it as most of it is just looking a big open spaces of grass and hills apart from Ribblehead - each to his own

 

[theironroad]

The WHL (particularly north of Crianlarich) is fantastic in my view, but I must say that the thought of 5 and a half hours on a crowded 156 from Glasgow to Mallaig does not appeal to me. That’s not a nice travelling experience, and I’m sure affects people’s perceptions of the route. It was best experienced from the Mk2 lounge car (or a Mk2 droplight) on the sleeper, particularly on a crisp day in winter or early spring; sadly those days are gone. The sleeper was a good way to do it as you were asleep for the less interesting part through suburban Glasgow and Dumbarton, typically waking up round Arrochar when you were already in some fantastic scenery.

The Far North beyond Dingwall sounds great, I must try it. I find that the 158s used on the Far North and Kyle offer a far superior passenger environment, and certainly the Kyle trains that I’ve used in the past few years are far from crowded, even in August. The journey seems peaceful and relaxing in a way that the WHL isn’t. I can imagine the Far North is similar, as not so many folk know about it and there’s not so much hype surrounding it.

The Kyle line is another fantastic 10/10 day out from Inverness, though I would recommend to everyone getting off at either Plockton or Duirinish and spending most of the day there as there’s some lovely coastline and two truly idyllic villages to explore, with some fantastic places to eat.

If you didn't wake until Arrochar then you've missed some great views along the Clyde and up from craigendoran along loch long before Lomond.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Great if travelling in a loop whilst doing S&C and either the WCML or Cumbrian Coast, but not sure if such a short line is worth travelling to in its own right

Yes, doing that loop is well worth it, but the Bentham Line isn't really a highlight. It's pleasant, but not amazing.