BritRail, British Rail Pass

I and my friend took the train from Glasgow to Mallaig and then the ferry to Isle of Skye. It is a long journey but the show starts after about an hour. Then you are busy admiring the stunning landscape as the train moves at a comfortable speed between the hills and lakes. This is indeed a train journey to remember. A spectacular journey between small stations which proudly presents their awards for preserving them the way they were built on shining well polished brass signs. The train stops at small places surrounded by a wonderful landscape, abundant foliage, wild flowers and the ever present heather and willow herbs. Further north the landscape opens up and you can see people walking up and down the hills. The train stops at small stations to pick up or leave people well equipped for a tour on the hills. Finally, you reach Mallaig, wondering where all those hours went. You have made new friends with people from all over the globe on the train beacause the train from Mallaig to Glasgow simply is a lifetime experience never to be forgotten. It is a train journey where the focus is on the landscape that you pass, not on luxuries on the train. A journey that most people can afford through some of the most beautiful parts of Europe. A national treasure it is for sure! The only thing to ask for is a restaurant car with hot meals but you don´t feel hungry when there is so much too see all the time. In Mallaig you really feel that you are in Scotland after all you have ssen on your travel to Mallaig and you are well prepared for the rest of your trip. If you are going to Isle of Skye the train from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Mallaig is by far the best start of your journey. Rent a car on Isle of Skye and enjoy the wonderful island already full of experiences from the train journey, instead of having to drive all the way yourself. The Freedom of Scotland pass pays off for a trip Glasgow-Mallaig-Glasgow, the rest of the days on the pass are "free".

10 of 10 people found this review helpful.

Scotland is a fantastic country to visit, and enjoying it by train is the best way...I highly recommend the Glasgow-Mallaig and the Inverness-Kyle of Lochalsch railway lines. The ScotRail staff has always been very competent and professional, and I will for sure come back on holiday in Scotland, and explore the country by train.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Very praqctical and convenient. Saves you a lot of time queing for tickets

2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Scotland. From the instant I landed in Edinburgh Scotland welcomed me (the dour Scots, of which I am one). My rail experiences (and each other second) were so much more than I could have thought. I will share 3 that shine most extra-ordinarily: 1) Travelling from Inverness to Thurso to catch the ferry at Wick to Orkney mainland...no small feat! THE single best rail experience of the 2 weeks. To see the country that way is a never forgotten view. I became friends with a 79 year young gentleman and we travelled the entire route together and he is a forever friend, that one. 2) Returning from Stromness, again, ferry to bus to rail...not the most convenient endeavor, however! Euan MacKintosh was Stationmaster in place of , I believe, Gemma. He made sure the 6 hour wait was not a wasted time. He directed me to the harbor at the castle there, so I enjoyed Thurso! An unexpected addition to the day that seemed to me would be the worst. Again one of my fondest memories. 3) Pitlochry station on my last rail trip. I wondered if I had gotten good value for my Freedom of Scotland pass; I wanted to break down my use versus what I would have spent otherwise. I arrived at the Pitlochry station early on 10/22/12 and asked the Master there if he would humor me with my request. He told me it was "not possible because we Scots are a hairy, smelly lot and we don't have a sense of humor". In short, sorry, travelling Scotrail was the best decision I have made in many, many years. It allowed me to really, really meet Scotland and I will never travel there any other way. Thank you so much, and I have already won, no matter who gets the passes. xx

4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I had used the rail service before, about 14 years ago, and extolled the virtues to my husband, who had never before traveled on a train. The experience did not live up to my memories. Although the service between the cities was convenient and the views stunning (albeit viewed backwards), we were not very impressed with the rail service. We paid nearly $500 USD for a BritRail Freedom of Scotland pass (4 days within 8 days), but every time we used it, had difficulty finding a seat that was not already reserved. The majority of the time, even though there were only 2 of us, we could not even find seats together for 2+hr rides. Most of the trips were spent riding backwards as well because all the forward facing seats were "reserved." The travel was an uncomfortable, backwards ride and being told "those are our seats" in an unfriendly manner by locals on more than one occasion because we misinterpreted the "reserved" seats markings, cast a pall over our trip. We arrived for departure early every time, so that had no bearing on the situation. Be prepared that if the train has multiple stops, there will very likely be inadequate quantity of seats available to the day trip traveler and don't plan to sit with those you are traveling with. I know we could have reserved seats,but do not not feel it should have been necessary to pay more than we already had.

8 of 10 people found this review helpful.

I led a group of university students to Scotland in 2011 and in 2012, and both times the best transportation experience we had was via the rail system in Scotland!

One person liked this comment.

We have used a variety of BritRail passes over the last several years and will continue to do so. We love train travel and make every effort to travel as many routes as possible - especially in Scotland, taking photos of each of the station signs the trains stop at. There are still many signs of which we don't have photos, but, we're working on it.

I cannot say anything bad about my experience. The trains were comfortable and clean. Service was punctual. I spent 2 weeks travelling around Scotland and using my Freedom of Scotland pass made everything so easy and convenient.