All photographs by Liam Anderstrem | Airborne Lens
Scotland boasts some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the world. So what better way to enjoy it than from the comfort of a train, while enjoying a fresh cup of tea and munching on tasty shortbread? A new short film from Scottish aerial filmmakers Airborne Lens showcases some of the famous routes and stunning eye candy that travelers can expect to see on these iconic journeys.
West Highland Line
A few years ago, the Wanderlust Travel Awards included a new category, Best Rail Journey. The winner was the beautiful West Highland line from Glasgow to Mallaig, via Fort William. A regular service runs along the route all year round, but during summer months the line comes alive as The Jacobite steam train takes visitors from Fort William to Mallaig.
At the foot of Ben Nevis, Fort William is the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’ and the main town in Lochaber. Visitors to the area can enjoy attractions such as Treasures of The Earth, enjoy the natural scenery and some of the best geology in the world at the Lochaber Geopark or visit one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland at Ben Nevis Distillery.
The steam train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous in the Harry Potter film series, and is one of the most photographed scenes in Scotland. As it reaches the end of the line and the beautiful harbour town of Mallaig (say hello to the seals!), it passes the sandy white beaches of Morar and with views out to the islands it is certainly breathtaking.
Forth Bridge
No article about rail travel in Scotland is complete without a mention of the Forth Rail Bridge, an engineering masterpiece. Construction of the bridge began in 1882 and it was opened on 4 March 1890. At the time it was the longest single cantilever bridge span in the world. In 2015, it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by United Nations body UNESCO.
Airborne Lens has filmed at the bridge many times (no surprise considering it is only 15 minutes from the office!), most recently for VisitScotland where drone cameras were used to capture the sheer scale of the bridge from the air. Excitement is high for this May (2016), when the world famous Flying Scotsman is due to cross the bridge for the first time in years following a decade-long restoration costing £4.2 million.
Borders Railway
The Borders Railway is the longest new domestic railway to be built in the UK for over 100 years, and sees passenger trains running from Edinburgh, through Midlothian and into the Scottish Borders for the first time in almost half a century.
The new line provides a strong and reliable transport connection between the country’s capital and the south east, allowing more opportunities for employment, leisure, tourism and business.
To celebrate the launch in 2015, Airborne Lens were commissioned to film the new line for an advertising campaign, focusing on the beauty of the rolling hills and historic towns and villages synonymous with the Scottish Borders region.
Strathspey Steam Railway
Check out more stunning images of the Spey Valley here
Following the majestic Cairngorm mountains, travellers ride in the comfort of a plush carriage on a trip along the Strathspey Steam Railway. The journey lasts 90 minutes round trip and connects Aviemore with Broomhill.
The area around the Cairngorm National Park features a wealth of things to do. Visitors can experience Scottish wildlife and see endangered animals of the world's mountain and tundra regions at the Highland Wildlife Park, or sample the adult refreshments after a tour of the Cairngorm Brewery Company. For the more adventurous, the Alvie Estate offers Zip Wire, Gorge Walking and Quad Bike tours, as well as offering courses in bushcraft skills and farm tours.
Whichever route you choose you’ll discover a land of colourful history and outstanding beauty, taking it all in from the relaxed comfort of the train for a truly unforgettable experience.
So check out this new 3 minute aerial film "Scenic Rail", shot with state-of-the-art drone cameras and capturing the scenery that awaits your next train journey in Scotland.
Enjoy.......
Airborne Lens is a digital media production company and CAA Approved drone camera operator serving Scotland and the North of England. We provide high quality and affordable short films, aerial filming & photography, 360-degree virtual tours, inspection and surveying services for industry, film and business.
www.airbornelens.com
