Great British Railway Journeys with Railtrail Tours
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Railtrail - 14th November 2025Devon’s Dawlish Sea Wall Line
Few journeys capture the spirit of a seaside holiday quite like the Dawlish Sea Wall route along the South Devon coast. Once home to the legendary Cornish Riviera Express, this line between Exeter and Newton Abbot clings to the Exe Estuary before dramatically skimming the waves through Dawlish and Teignmouth.
It remains one of Britain’s most scenic railways — especially when enjoyed from the comfort of a steam train on one of our Devon or Cornwall tours:
The West Highland Line – Scotland’s Iconic ‘Harry Potter’ Journey
Few train rides are as magical as the West Highland Line. This world-famous route between Fort William and Mallaig features the instantly recognisable Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films.
Experience the spellbinding landscapes of the Scottish Highlands — shimmering lochs, towering peaks, and tranquil glens — on one of our scenic tours:
Kyle of Lochalsh – The Original ‘Great Railway Journey of the World’
When Michael Palin first filmed his Great Railway Journeys of the World series, this route to Kyle of Lochalsh was hailed as one of the most beautiful in existence — and it still is.
Climb high above the tree line through Achnasheen before descending past the shimmering waters of Loch Carron and into Plockton and Kyle, with stunning views across to the Isle of Skye.
You can enjoy this unforgettable route on several of our Scottish tours:
Welsh Highland Railway – Narrow Gauge Wonder
The Welsh Highland Railway is the newest of Britain’s great heritage routes. Stretching from Caernarfon through the Aberglaslyn Pass in Snowdonia National Park, this narrow-gauge line offers spectacular mountain and coastal views.
It’s the longest heritage railway in Britain and pairs perfectly with the Ffestiniog Railway — both featured in our Welsh steam adventures:
Did You Know?
The Dawlish Sea Wall is one of the few UK railway lines that runs directly above the sea — trains often get a gentle sea spray during high tide!
Frequently Asked Questions
Many travellers rank the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig as the most scenic — featured in our Highland Adventure tour.Which is the most scenic train journey in the UK?
Are Railtrail Tours fully escorted?
Yes, every Railtrail holiday includes the services of a friendly, experienced Tour Manager throughout.
Can I join tours from my local station?
Absolutely — we offer convenient joining points across the UK, making it easy to start your journey close to home.
Start Your Journey with Railtrail
From Cornish coasts to Highland glens, Britain’s railways connect landscapes steeped in history, romance, and engineering brilliance. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or ticking off your own Great British Railway Journeys bucket list, Railtrail Tours makes it effortless — with comfortable hotels, expertly planned itineraries, and the company of our friendly Tour Managers.