The UK’s highest train station at 1,300ft has some surprising star power

You might complain about waiting five minutes for the tube instead of two, but this remote railway station puts London transport into perspective. 

One of the most isolated stations in the UK is Corrour Railway Station, in the Scottish Highlands.

It has no roads leading to it, meaning it is only accessible by train, bike or a 10-mile walk along hill tracks from the nearest public road, the B846.

At 1,340ft above sea level, it’s also the highest mainline station in the UK, surrounded by rugged wilderness and snow-capped mountains.

But despite it’s remote location in the 57,000 acre Corrour Highland Estate, you might be wondering why it looks a little familiar.

The station actually plays a role in the 1996 cult classic film Trainspotting. It’s where Ewan McGregor’s Renton famously rants about his nationality, proclaiming: ‘It’s sh*te being Scottish!’

The station has existed since the late 19th century, designed as a stop along the line connecting Glasgow and Fort William. 

Today, it’s managed and operated by ScotRail and its two platforms serve irregular daily direct trains to Glasgow Queen Street (a three hour journey) and Fort William (47 minutes).

The station is unstaffed, so visitors will need to purchase tickets online or via a ticket conductor on the train. However, the secluded spot does offer some conveniences – such as free WiFi.

Whether due to its remote location or on-screen notoriety, it’s become somewhat of a tourist attraction.

The station’s old signal box has been converted into a B&B, offering three en-suite rooms and a sitting room in the old lookout tower with 360-degree views of the surrounding area. 

‘This unique hotel, right on the tracks, will appeal to lovers of remoteness, lovers of quirkiness and lovers of railways,’ its website says. 

Meanwhile, the Station House, dubbed the UK’s ‘most remote restaurant’, serves up local dishes and beers for visitors. 

Located near the Glen Nevis range, around an hour and a half’s walk away, Corrour serves as a gateway to some of Scotland’s most visited outdoor attractions, including Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain.

Corrour, meanwhile, boasts ‘magnificent views with little sign of modern life’, according to its website. 

The narrow Loch Ossian, around three miles long, can be circuited in a day from the railway station.