While the UK’s rail network sometimes faces criticism, one undeniable strength lies in its scenic routes. Across the country, numerous railway lines traverse some of Britain’s most picturesque landscapes, often accompanied by nearby walking trails that invite travelers to explore charming towns, rugged mountains, and coastal views.
These railway lines provide excellent opportunities for walkers, whether embarking on leisurely end-of-line strolls or planning hop-on-hop-off hiking adventures.
Heart of Wales Line, Wales
Connecting Swansea and Shrewsbury, the Heart of Wales Line, established in 1868, remains a slow-moving gateway to the tranquil Welsh Marches. Complementing the railway is the Heart of Wales Line Trail, a 227km walking route that weaves between stations, offering a deeper, immersive experience of the region.
Walkers can enjoy diverse scenery, from waterside paths near Llanelli and the Loughor Estuary to the Beacons-edge hiking terrain accessible from Llandovery and Llandeilo. Highlights include the impressive Cynghordy Viaduct, Powys’s spa towns, the Knucklas Viaduct, and sections of Offa’s Dyke before crossing into Shropshire.
The trail connects nearly all 29 railway stops, with additional link paths ensuring flexible access to various sections.
More information: heart-of-wales.co.uk
Accommodation suggestion: Station Cottage in Bucknell, from £282 for two nights – stationcottagebucknell.co.uk
West Highland Line, Scotland
Running from Glasgow to Mallaig via Fort William, the West Highland Line is widely regarded as the most scenic rail journey in Britain. It provides essential access to rugged landscapes, including parts of the West Highland Way.
Walkers can embark on routes starting at Ardlui, ferrying across Loch Lomond to hike sections toward Crianlarich and Bridge of Orchy. The line also crosses the vast Rannoch Moor, with opportunities to disembark at remote Corrour station for hillwalking. Spean Bridge offers forest trails leading into Fort William.
The route’s finale crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, famed for its appearance in the Harry Potter films, recently restored to its former glory.
More information: scotrail.co.uk
Guided walk: Macs Adventure offers an eight-day West Highland Line Rail Hike from £1,079pp – macsadventure.com
Heart of Wessex Line, Somerset, Wiltshire & Dorset
Stretching 140km from Bristol to Weymouth, the Heart of Wessex Line threads through the South West’s charming towns and countryside. Key stops include Bradford-on-Avon, known for its historic buildings and canal, with an extensive “walking wheel” network of 42 miles of marked routes.
The line also passes through Bruton, Yeovil (famous for the Yeo Valley), Dorchester’s Thomas Hardy country, and coastal areas near Weymouth.
The Wessex Wanderers, a local rambling group established in 1995, offers free guided walks from April to October, encouraging exploration along the route.
More information: southwessexcrp.org.uk, wessexrailwaywalks.org.uk
Accommodation suggestions: Broad Street Townhouse, Bath, doubles from £100 per night – butcombe.com/broad-street-townhouse-bath
The Chapel, Bruton, doubles from £145 per night – atthechapel.co.uk
East Suffolk Lines, Suffolk
The East Suffolk Lines connect the ports of Lowestoft and Felixstowe, opening access to nearly 260km of mapped walks across tranquil countryside. Routes highlight river estuaries, coastal heaths, market towns, and ancient sites.
Popular walks include the River Deben from Woodbridge to Melton, with an optional loop to the Anglo-Saxon burial site at Sutton Hoo. The Alde Valley walk from Wickham Market leads to Saxmundham or Framlingham, the latter inspiring Ed Sheeran’s “Castle on the Hill.” The route between Beccles and Oulton Broad offers marshland views with abundant birdlife.
More information: eastsuffolklines.co.uk/walks
Accommodation suggestion: Station Guesthouse, Woodbridge, doubles from £200 for two nights – stationguesthouse.co.uk
Settle to Carlisle Railway, North Yorkshire & Cumbria
A Victorian engineering marvel, the Settle to Carlisle Railway spans scenic landscapes through the Yorkshire Dales and Eden Valley. Its 14 tunnels and over 20 viaducts, including the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct, offer spectacular views.
The railway parallels the 157km Settle to Carlisle Way, a hiking trail visiting picturesque villages such as Appleby and Langwathby and providing vistas of the Yorkshire Three Peaks and the North Pennines.
More information: settle-carlisle.co.uk
Guided walk: Mickledore offers an eight-night Settle to Carlisle Way package from £927pp – mickledore.co.uk
Hope Valley Line & Derwent Valley Line, Derbyshire
The Derwent Valley Heritage Way, spanning 89km from Ladybower Reservoir to Derby, passes through rolling dales and industrial heritage sites, accessible by rail.
The Hope Valley Line serves Bamford and Hathersage, ideal for walks to Stanage Edge. From Hathersage, walkers can journey south through Chatsworth to Rowsley, connecting to Peak Rail steam services to Matlock. The Derwent Valley Line links Matlock and Derby, with highlights including Cromford Mills, a historic cotton spinning mill.
More information: derwentvalleytrust.org.uk/walk, derwentvalleyline.org.uk/walks
Accommodation suggestion: Old Station House, Rowsley, doubles from £170 for two nights – oldstationhousebandb.org.uk
Cotswold & Malvern Line, Worcestershire
Worcestershire’s rail lines, supported by the Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership, feature station-to-station walking trails with detailed guides.
Walkers can explore the Wyre Valley Line’s 48km route linking Kidderminster, Droitwich Spa, and the Midlands countryside, including canal paths and the historic Monarch’s Way. The Cotswold and Malvern Line runs 65km between the Malvern Hills and Vale of Evesham, known for its fruit orchards.
More information: wcrp.org.uk/rail-trails
Accommodation suggestion: Cardinal’s Hat, Worcester, doubles from £70 per night – the-cardinals-hat.co.uk
Cambrian Coast Line, Wales
The Cambrian Railway network connects Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and Pwllheli, running close to the Wales Coast Path for easy access to coastal walks.
The section between Aberystwyth and Pwllheli includes landmarks such as Harlech and Criccieth castles, the Italianate village of Portmeirion near Minffordd station, and Barmouth’s beach and viaduct, with views of Snowdonia and Cardigan Bay. Notably, many stations on this line are request stops.
These rail-linked walking routes highlight the UK’s blend of natural beauty and heritage, offering both train travelers and hikers an exceptional way to experience the countryside.
