National Scenic Areas by Train
National Scenic Areas are Scotland’s equivalent of a National Park or National Landscape – landscapes of outstanding scenic value, protected from inappropriate development since 1978. Scotland has 40 of them, from the Skye Cuillins to Ben Nevis.
Click an area on the map, or sort the table below by distance.
8 National Scenic Areas to explore
Best connected by rail
The National Scenic Areas with the most stations within reach.
- Ben Nevis and Glen CoeIncluding Rannoch3 stations
- Loch LomondIncluding Ardlui3 stations
- Dornoch FirthIncluding Ardgay2 stations
- Morar, Moidart and ArdnamurchanIncluding Beasdale2 stations
- Eildon and LeaderfootIncluding Tweedbank, 0.3 miles away (about 0.4 miles on foot)1 station
- Loch ShielIncluding Glenfinnan1 station
- River Tay (Dunkeld)Including Dunkeld & Birnam1 station
- The Cairngorm MountainsIncluding Aviemore1 station
14 train stations
Best for walkers first: gold, silver and bronze rate the hills, landscape and trails near each.
- Arrochar & TarbetLoch LomondGold walking rating
- Bridge of OrchyBen Nevis and Glen Coe · 0.9 mi (about 1 mi on foot)Gold walking rating
- ArdluiLoch LomondGold walking rating
- Fort WilliamBen Nevis and Glen Coe · 0.6 mi (about 0.7 to 0.8 mi on foot)Gold walking rating
- GlenfinnanLoch ShielGold walking rating
- BeasdaleMorar, Moidart and ArdnamurchanSilver walking rating
- RannochBen Nevis and Glen CoeSilver walking rating
- BallochLoch Lomond · 1.0 mi (about 1 to 1.5 mi on foot)Silver walking rating
- AviemoreThe Cairngorm MountainsSilver walking rating
- ArisaigMorar, Moidart and Ardnamurchan · 0.9 mi (about 1 mi on foot)Silver walking rating
- TweedbankEildon and Leaderfoot · 0.3 mi (about 0.3 to 0.4 mi on foot)Silver walking rating
- Dunkeld & BirnamRiver Tay (Dunkeld)Silver walking rating
- ArdgayDornoch FirthSilver walking rating
- TainDornoch FirthBronze walking rating
Walking distances are estimates from the straight-line distance and the type of ground, not a measured route. Check a map before you set off.
Getting there by train
Can you get to Ben Nevis and Glen Coe by train?
Yes. 3 stations are within 1 mile of Ben Nevis and Glen Coe. Those with regular trains include Rannoch.
Can you get to Loch Lomond by train?
Yes. 3 stations are within 1 mile of Loch Lomond. Those with regular trains include Ardlui.
Can you get to Loch Tummel by train?
Not directly. No station lies within 1 mile of Loch Tummel. The nearest with regular trains is Blair Atholl, 1.1 miles away (about 1.5 miles on foot), so the last stretch needs a bus, taxi or a long walk.