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A UK city has been hailed as home to ‘one of the world’s most scenic winter train journeys’

A city in the UK has been hailed as the backdrop for “one of the world’s most scenic winter train journeys“. National Geographic experts have lauded the route as “breathtaking,” promising travellers an eyeful of unforgettable vistas. In their roundup of Europe’s top 10, they said: “The holiday season may be the best time to ride the rails on these iconic routes through Germany’s enchanted Black Forest, and Norway’s frozen waterfalls.”

But it’s Scotland that truly steals the show with its mist-shrouded hills, serpentine lochs, and stark winter landscapes. For those hunting for a festive or winter escape, this rail journey delivers an unrivalled experience.

So, where in Scotland can you find this picturesque railway journey?

Stretching around 180 miles from Glasgow to Mallaig via Fort William, the West Highland Line is your ticket to awe-inspiring scenery.

As the National Geographic expert elaborated: “Route: Glasgow to Mallaig. Often cited as one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, the West Highland Line serves up raw, haunting beauty.

“It slices through Rannoch Moor, a sprawling peat bog, skirts Loch Lomond, and soars over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, (a spectacle long before the Hogwarts Express catapulted it to Hollywood fame).”

They added: ” Edinburgh and Glasgow both boast unique Christmas festivities worth checking out. Edinburgh’s markets spill across Princes Street Gardens under the watchful eye of the castle, while Glasgow is set to light up with a Christmas lights trail this year.”

Glasgow’s Christmas market

The Winter Wonderland Christmas market at St Enoch Square is set to run from 6 November to 24 December, boasting family rides, an ice rink, local vendors, and live music. As reported by Secret Glasgow, the event will feature the world’s first solar-powered observation wheel and a fully licensed festive bar.

Glasgow is also set to host its largest beer hall yet, accommodating up to 700 guests with pub quizzes, live music, and festive beverages on offer. The venue will be adorned with fairy lights and fire pits, serving mulled wine and winter cocktails in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

In lieu of the traditional Christmas Lights Switch-On, which has been cancelled due to redevelopment works at George Square, the city will instead showcase a festive light trail.

Key attractions include dazzling art installations along Sauchiehall, Buchanan, and Argyle Streets, as well as a grand Christmas tree and crib at the Cathedral Precinct, providing a perfect backdrop for festive photos.

Top 10 scenic train routes in Europe, according to National Geographic

1. The Glacier Express (Switzerland)
2. Romantic Rhine Route (Germany)
3. Harz Narrow Gauge Railways (Germany)
4. The Bernina Express (Switzerland to Italy)
5. The West Highland Line (Scotland)
6. The Rauma Line (Norway)
7. The Semmering Railway (Austria)
8. The Schwarzwaldbahn (Germany)
9. The Arlberg Line (Switzerland–Austria)
10. Munich to Salzburg (Germany to Austria)

EVERYONE has heard of St Ives in Cornwall, but did you know there was another St Ives in the UK?

Around 350 miles away is the town of St Ives in Cambridgeshire.

The medieval market town lies on the Great Ouse river, with a number of pubs and shops overlooking it.

It was named one of the best places to live in the UK in 2022 by The Times,. citing it for being “all the lovelier for being off the tourist trail”.

One local told them: “As soon as the sun comes out, the river fills up with rowers and lots of the locals have boats. It’s such a lovely way of life.”

When it comes to attractions, there is the St Ives Bridge which you will spot in most pictures.

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Dating back to the 15th century, it is one of the last ones of its kind in the UK, and can be crossed by foot.

At the end is the St Ives chapel too, although this isn’t always open to the public.

One of the most popular pubs on the river is The Oliver Cromwell.

And there is a street market twice a week on Mondays and Fridays as well as Farmers Market on some Saturdays.

Make sure to find time for the art at VK Gallery as well as Norris Museum, showcasing the history of the region.

There is also a Holt Island Nature Reserve to go on wildlife spotting.

There is also a rather unusual way to travel through St Ives, with the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway.

The unique transport is the largest of its kind in the world, and is a mix of a bus and a train, with the bus running on a guided track.

And if you need somewhere to crash, there are a number of amazing hotels too.

The Dolphin Hotel is on the riverbank as well, with rooms from £60 a night,

Otherwise one of the highest rated is The Golden Lion Hotel, with rooms from £109.

So make sure not to confuse the St Ives town with the Cambridgeshire town – or you face a long six hour drive.

Otherwise we’ve also explained what you can do if visiting St Ives in Cornwall.