Public Transport in the Scottish Highlands

In the Scottish Highlands, the journey is often just as beautiful as your destination with stunning mountains, lochs and waterfalls all passing you by as you drive. Of course there are safe places to stop along the way to get out, enjoy the view and take a quick snap, but what if we were to tell you that you could explore the Scottish Highlands by public transport?

Well it’s true.

The village of Spean Bridge is often referred to as the crossroads of the Highlands because of its central location to explore across the Highlands. Not only is it central but it is very well served by public transport with a number of bus routes passing through and a village train station.

Public Transport in the Scottish Highlands: Explore by Bus

Three Lochs in One Day

Spean Bridge has daily bus services along Loch Ness to Inverness with designated stops along the way for the villages of Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit and the stunning Urquhart Castle along the route – all worthy of a visit if you don’t fancy heading to the city.

The route itself is simply beautiful so you can enjoy the view as you travel along the length of three lochs – Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and finally Loch Ness – and are nestled among the hills. Make sure and have your camera handy as even photos taken through the bus window will look incredible with scenery as amazing as this.

Trail Walks at Nevis Range

Catch the bus from the village bus stop and head to Nevis Range.

Nevis Range is well known as the home of a winter ski resort and summer mountain bike hub. However, it is also home to some lovely woodland trail walks, both at ground level and up on the mountain accessed by the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola.

After your walk you will have earned a tea break for sure, so why not grab a cuppa and cake or light lunch in one of the cafes at Nevis Range before catching the bus outside the Pinemarten cafe and heading back to Spean Bridge.

Public Transport in the Scottish Highlands: Travel by Train

An Alternative to the Steam Train

When thinking about train journeys in the Scottish Highlands the one that first comes to mind is likely to be the Jacobite Steam Train which runs between Fort William and Mallaig and travels over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Now this is truly a magical experience and a wonderful day trip, but you can actually take the same trip on a regular train and it is much more cost effective.

The Scotrail service between Spean Bridge and Mallaig takes the exact same route as the Jacobite Steam Train. Now granted you won’t have the grandeur and sound of the steam engine pulling the carriages along but the scenery outside the windows is identical and the magic you feel as you travel over the Glenfinnan Viaduct will be the same.

This is also a more convenient option as you can take the short 15 minute walk to Spean Bridge train station, board the train then sit back, relax and take in the view until you arrive in Mallaig. The train is also likely to be less busy giving you more space and peace to enjoy the journey.

Visit the Highest Train Station in the Britain

Take the train from Spean Bridge to Corrour Station, the Highest train station in Britain at 408m above sea level. Remotely located among the most stunning Highland scenery, this true hidden gem is only accessible by foot or train.

On arrival at Corrour you have a number of options to explore this wilderness – and wilderness it is without a public road or pylon in sight! The area has some of the best walking and hiking that Scotland has to offer with over 20 Munros, Corbetts and Grahams all accessible on the Corrour Estate. .

For those who prefer a more leisurely stroll we recommend following the one mile route to Loch Ossian and take in the incredible views of unspoilt Scottish Highlands. You can walk around the loch should the mood take you.

Make sure and allow enough time to pop in to Station House, the UK’s most remote restaurant, serving lunches and evening meals.