Scotland’s West Highland Line Faces Nine-Day Closure
Scotland’s West Highland Line will partly close for nine days in November while Network Rail carries out a £13 million upgrade. From 9 to 17 November 2026, trains between Crianlarich, Fort William and Mallaig will be replaced by buses. The work affects one of Scotland’s best-known scenic rail routes, including journeys towards Glenfinnan, Fort William and the west coast, so November itineraries will need adjusting.
What to Check Before Travelling
- Dates: 9–17 November 2026 inclusive.
- Affected route: Crianlarich–Fort William–Mallaig.
- Replacement transport: Buses will run between Crianlarich, Fort William and Mallaig.
- No service: Rannoch and Corrour will have neither trains nor replacement buses.
- Extra bus: Tulloch, Roy Bridge and Spean Bridge will connect with Fort William.
- Oban: Trains between Crianlarich and Oban will run normally.
- Before travelling: Recheck timings through ScotRail or National Rail.
Network Rail will renew more than 4km of worn track, improve drainage and culverts, refurbish Fassfern Bridge near Spean Bridge and remove a redundant bridge near Loch Eil. Work is also planned around Arisaig, Corrour, Arrochar & Tarbet, the Loch nan Uamh and Beasdale tunnels and Gleann Mama Viaduct. Vegetation between Fort William and Arisaig will also be cleared to reduce future disruption.
The closure matters most for anyone planning a scenic West Highland trip rather than simply travelling between major cities. Fort William remains a base for Ben Nevis, while Mallaig connects with ferries towards Skye and the Small Isles. Glenfinnan lies on the affected rail section too. Because buses take longer and cannot serve Rannoch or Corrour, accommodation and ferry connections should be checked before fixing November dates.
Anyone travelling during the works should allow extra time for the replacement bus and check the amended timetable before setting out. The biggest issue is Corrour and Rannoch: both are normally rail-dependent stops, and neither will have a replacement service during the closure. Travellers using the Caledonian Sleeper should also check separate service changes between 13 and 17 November.
