For more than 100 years Le Petit Train de La Mure navigated the steep, narrow railway line that ran between the small mountain mining community of La Mure and the town of Saint-Georges-de-Commiers. What started as a coal train later became a dedicated tourist railway and the route through the Drac Valley and across the Matheysine Plateau was dubbed “the most beautiful train line in the Alps”.
From Wanderlust magazine and Channel 5 in Britain comes 6 great scenic railway journeys.
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| Indian Pacific - Australia |
Journey Beyond, which operates the Indian Pacific, is an epic 4,532km transcontinental crossing from Sydney to Perth via the vineyard city of Adelaide. It traverses mountain ranges, passes through arid deserts, goldfields, valleys and subtropical savannahs over four days and three nights.
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| Northern Belle - Wales |
The Northern Belle is as much about the journey itself as the destination, with guests being transported back in time to the golden age of travel – the 1930s era of opulence where train travel was truly glamorous. The seven lovingly restored carriages have been crafted by some of the UK’s top experts with every tiny detail being considered. This luxurious train operates day and weekend journeys around Britain from many departure points; guaranteeing guests exceptional fine dining and fabulous views.
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| Denali Star - Alaska |
Denali National Park is home to some of Alaska’s most famous sights
including the tallest mountain in North America – Denali (also known as Mt. McKinley), an unspoilt wilderness of glacial rivers and lots of
wildlife, including moose, bears and wolves. The Alaska Railroad’s
flagship train, the Denali Star departs Anchorage for the 356 mile
journey to Fairbanks making a stop in Denali National Park, and is truly
one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys.
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| Inlandsbanan - Sweden |
The Inland Line (in Swedish, Inlandsbanan) provides an exciting journey through Lapland wilderness, where you can connect with the magical landscapes and incredible views of inland and Arctic Sweden. Taking in salmon rivers, snow-capped mountains, heritage museums and lakes, this journey is very special indeed. In June and early July, passengers are also treated to the midnight sun. The train experience can be packaged up with a cruise along the Norwegian coastline which makes for a spectacular trip.
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| Far North Line - Scotland |
The Far North Line, the most northerly railway line in the UK, is a rural journey entirely within the Highland area of Scotland. From Inverness, the route traces the spectacular North Sea coast past distilleries and golf courses to Thurso, and then on to the once-mighty fishing port of Wick. The Inverness to Thurso leg takes about four hours and the full Inverness to Wick journey is approximately four and half hours. Look out of the window for views of Skibo Castle, Carbisdale Castle and Balblair Wood on the shores of Loch Fleet. For a true taste of Scotland on route, purchase The Great Scenic Tasting Box from Inverness Station before you travel and tuck into a selection of delicious local treats.
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| The Tornado - England-Scotland |
The Tornado looks like a steam locomotive from a bygone age, but was in fact completed in 2008. The York to Edinburgh route highlights stunning views including the North Sea, River Tweed, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and the cities of Durham and Newcastle.
