Breathtakingly beautiful: the most beautiful railway routes in the UK

Traveling is not only an opportunity to go to an interesting place for a vacation. During the trip itself, we can enjoy beautiful scenery, and this is largely true of rail travel.

According to The Sun, a British company that encourages students to travel the world and helps them do so has compiled a list of rail routes that run through the most picturesque places in the country. In addition, there is excellent train service that will make the journey extremely pleasant.

Vale of Rheidol railway

The Vale of Rheidol railway route runs between Aberystwyth and Pontarfynach (Devil's Bridge) in Mid Wales and offers magnificent views of open fields, forests, and mountainous landscapes. Traveling through these unspoiled lands, you can admire the birds of prey that soar over the valley – red kites and buzzards. The train that runs along this route uses historic railroad cars built between 1923 and 1938, and the narrow-gauge railroad runs through terrain with steep climbs and sharp turns.

Kyle Line

The Kyle Line runs through the Scottish countryside from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh and passes through mountains, forests, lochs, and even moorland. The train passes the shores of Loch Carron, where you can stop in the village of Plockton. It also enters Attadale, where you can explore the colorful local gardens. The descent between Loch Luichart and Garve is a great place for deer watching. On the last section of the track, passengers can enjoy incredible views of the Isle of Skye.

Settle-Carlisle Railway

The Settle-Carlisle Railway offers a scenic journey through the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines. A trip on this line usually takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. You can enjoy views of the Ribblehead Viaduct, the Eden Valley, and Dent Station, the highest mainline station in England.

Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway

The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway starts in Porthmadog Harbor and passes through the picturesque Snowdonia National Park with views of mountains, rivers, castles, coastlines, and ancient oak forests. It follows a unique route with horseshoe bends, a full spiral, and mountain tunnels. For those who seek natural beauty, there are places with an observation lounge and additional services such as tea parties and picnic baskets.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

This Cumbrian railway route is one of the oldest and longest surviving narrow-gauge railways in the world. It is known for its picturesque views of the Cumbrian coastline, where you can admire the rolling hills and distant mountains.

Brecon Mountain Railway

One of the best ways to admire the Brecon Beacons National Park is to take a trip on the Brecon Mountain Railway. The line starts from Pant, runs north of Merthyr Tydfil, to Torpantau, following part of the route of the original Brecon & Merthyr Railway, which closed in 1964. Some of the best views overlook the Bannau Bruheinio, including the Taff Fechan and Pontsticill Reservoirs.

Lynton and Barnstaple Railroad

This line runs through North Devon and is special for many reasons. It is the only steam railroad in the UK where passengers travel in Victorian carriages designed in the 1890s. They were built to provide the best views, and there is plenty to admire. The train passes through the Parracombe Valley and the West Linn. To get the best views, choose seats on the right-hand side.

Llangollen Railway

This historic railroad in Denbighshire, North Wales is run by volunteers. It runs between Llangollen and Corwen and passes through the Dee Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and offers views of the river and surrounding countryside.

Bala Lake Railway

The North Wales branch honors the heritage of the small railways that used to transport slate from quarries to docks. All of the trains used on the route are over 100 years old and were once actually used for the needs of the slate quarries. After Llanuwchllyn the line descends to  Dolfawr Bank, offering views of the lake, flooded meadows, and hillsides. Herons and buzzards nest right along the path.

Jacobite Steam Train

The Jacobite Steam Train makes a circular journey between Fort William and Mallaig in the Scottish Highlands. The train and the route were used in the Harry Potter films, giving the train its informal nickname, the Hogwarts Express. The route includes the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a stop at Arisaig, the westernmost British mainland railway station, and the highest mountain, shortest river, and deepest freshwater lake in the UK.

South Devon Railway

The South Devon Railway runs between Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside in Devon and along the River Dart, passing through some of the most beautiful countryside in Devon. The route also includes a stop in Staverton, a lively village with the best-preserved medieval bridge in the county. Again, it is better to buy tickets for the seats on the right.

West Somerset Railway

This is the longest independent historic standard gauge railway in the UK. Its length is approximately 36.5 km. The track runs from Bishops Lydeard, near Taunton, to the seaside town of Minehead. Passengers can enjoy views of the Quantock Hills and the Exmoor countryside, as well as the Bristol Channel.

Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.