Callander and Oban Railway

Introduction

This line is partly open, the remaining portion runs between the West Highland Railway at Crianlarich and Oban. Trains from Glasgow Queen Street High Level run to Crianlarich where they split into Oban and Fort William portions.

The line opened between Callander and Glenoglehead Crossing (then called Killin station) until sufficient funds were found to extend it to Tyndrum. At Tyndrum there was a short continuation to lead mines. The next extension was to Dalmally. Finally enough money was raised to take the line on to Oban.

A branch took the company on to Ballachulish and other lines opened to Loch Tay and Comrie.

The line is signalled by RETB and controlled from Banavie, near Fort William. The line is notable for the Pass of Brander Stone Signals, an unusual set of semaphore signals which protect the line from rockfalls.

The line was a protege of the Caledonian Railway.

The remaining part of the line is supported by the Friends of the West Highland Lines who were formed in 1983 and have promoted the line ever since. The society publishes the excellent West Highland News Plus.

With the loss of the majority of the station buildings, the eastern half of the line and the Oban trainshed the line has lost much of its original character. However, the scenery remains spectacular and Oban Pier retains its atmosphere as ferries, fishing boats, tour boats, bikes, cars, caravans and trucks for the Western Isles and foot passengers and tourists abound.

Much of the closed eastern half and the Ballachulish branch remain as footpaths.

Why built

This railway was built to connect the lowlands of Scotland, and the Central Belt, to the West Coast and its fisheries. Oban was already a port and this was to be enhanced by the arrival of the railway.

Architecture

Of the open stations only Dalmally retains its station building, built in stone and with a glazed canopy. A signal box remains at Taynuilt. The distinctive timber station buildings of the line are gone.



Other highlights on the open line survive such as the Orchy Viaduct and the Pass of Brander Stone Signals.



Dates

  /  /1850Scottish Central Railway
New locomotive shed, Stirling Shed [CR], opened; stone built four road shed replacing timber shed. The shed was originally single ended with the tracks running to the north. The shed was used for freight locomotives and, later, the Callander and Oban Railway.
22/06/1864Callander and Oban Railway
First meeting of the Callander and Oban Railway Committee.
05/07/1865Callander and Oban Railway
Act receives Royal assent.
01/09/1865Callander and Oban Railway
Appointment of John Anderson as the company secretary.
27/06/1866Callander and Oban Railway
Contract for constructing the Callander to Glenoglehead section given to J McKay.
  /08/1868Callander and Oban Railway
With the line partly complete coal traffic begins. Coal begins to be worked by the contractor from Callander Callander and Oban Junction to Lochearnhead [1st].
  /  /1869Callander and Oban Railway
Terms of the working of the line by the Caledonian Railway agreed.
  /  /1870Callander and Oban Railway
Authorisation of Tyndrum [C&O] to Oban abandoned.
01/06/1870Callander and Oban Railway
Callander and Oban Junction through Callander Dreadnought to Killin [1st] (Glenoglehead) opened, operated by the Caledonian Railway. Stations opened Callander Dreadnought, Strathyre, Lochearnhead [1st], Killin [1st].
01/08/1870Callander and Oban Railway
North British Railway allowed access to Callander Dreadnought from Callander and Oban Junction. The company had access as far as the junction by means of running powers and paid to extend beyond that to Callander Dreadnought. The NB considered a branch from west of the station to Loch Katrine in the Trossachs.
01/08/1870Callander and Oban Railway
Caledonian Railway allowed access to Callander Dreadnought from Callander and Oban Junction, paying the smaller company for access.
21/06/1871Callander and Oban Railway
Kingshouse Halt opened following petitioning from local people.
01/08/1873Callander and Oban Railway
Killin [1st] to Tyndrum [1st] opened. (At Tyndrum the new line crosses the course of the former waggonway between the lead mines and smelter.)
  /  /1874Callander and Oban Railway
Tyndrum Goods Junction to Oban, Oban Goods line and branch to Oban Harbour, authorised.
  /11/1876Callander and Oban Railway
Special train run to Succoth Viaduct with invited guess to see Mrs Dinnie, the wife of the bridge contractor, fit the keystone. There was a temporary wooden platform for the occasion.
01/04/1877Callander and Oban Railway
Tyndrum Goods Junction to Dalmally opened for goods traffic.
01/05/1877Callander and Oban Railway
Tyndrum Goods Junction to Dalmally opened to passengers. Tyndrum [CandO] and Dalmally opened, Tyndrum [1st] becomes a goods depot. A single road stone shed, Dalmally Shed, opened to the south of Dalmally station with a 48ft turntable.
  /  /1878Callander and Oban Railway
New approach to Oban Bay with a seawall and Oban Pier and Oban station authorised. The planned branch to Oban Harbour is abandoned.
12/06/1880Callander and Oban Railway
Line opened from Dalmally to Oban for goods.
30/06/1880Callander and Oban Railway
Opening ceremony for whole Callander Dreadnought to Oban line. Banquet in Oban station.
01/07/1880Callander and Oban Railway
Dalmally Shed ceases to be a key shed when the line to Oban opens completely.
01/07/1880Callander and Oban Railway
Line opened from Dalmally to Oban for passengers. The whole line is now open to passengers. Additionally Lochavullin Goods (Oban High Level Goods) opens.
  /  /1881Callander and Oban Railway
Oban Goods Junction to Oban doubled.
20/06/1881Callander and Oban Railway
Steamers start running from Ach-na-Cloich up Loch Etive.
  /  /1882Callander and Oban Railway
Glenlochy Crossing opened.
27/06/1882Callander and Oban Railway
Large fence built to detect boulders which roll onto the trackbed in the Pass of Brander authorised. Pass of Brander Stone Signals.
  /11/1882Glasgow and North Western Railway
Glasgow and North Western Railway proposed, the Bill presented to Parliament to seek approval. The route was to have been a 167 mile long railway from Glasgow to Inverness via Fort William. Supported by the North British Railway and opposed by the Highland Railway, Caledonian Railway (part owners of the Callander and Oban Railway), Caledonian Canal, David MacBrayne and some landowners. The Bill was rejected in 1883. It was not built (a less ambitious variation of it, the West Highland Railway with an Act in 1889, did open).
  /  /1883Callander and Oban Railway
Bay platform for terminating trains added at the east end of Callander Dreadnought's westbound platform. A second bay, and sidings, were added at the west end of the same westbound platform. A pair of loops without platform access was laid around the north side of the station.
19/06/1885Callander and Oban Railway
Drishaig Junction installed for the branch to Ben Cruachan Quarry and the zig-zag lines.
01/04/1886Callander and Oban Railway
Killin [1st] station closed to public and becomes Glenoglehead crossing, having been replaced by Killin [2nd].
01/04/1886Killin Railway
Killin Junction to Loch Tay opened; stations at Killin Junction (on the Callander and Oban Railway), Killin [2nd] and Loch Tay.
13/09/1886Callander and Oban Railway
Falkirk to Oban excursion train derails near the Succoth Viaduct.
02/02/1889West Highland Railway
A blizzard covers Rannoch Moor and the party have to work their way through deep drifting to reach Tyndrum [CandO] station on the Callander and Oban Railway.
09/10/1890Callander and Oban Railway
Temporary box and sidings opened during work to lower the line onto a slightly different alignment at Glencruitten Summit.
  /  /1891Callander and Oban Railway
Siding opened near Crianlarich [C&O] for construction of the West Highland Railway.
27/07/1893Callander and Oban Railway
St Brides Crossing opened between Callander Dreadnought and Strathyre.
29/07/1893Callander and Oban Railway
Awe Crossing loop opened.
20/12/1894Callander and Oban Railway
Spur from Crianlarich station (West Highland Railway) to Crianlarich Junction [CandO] opened. New passing loop at Crianlarich Junction [CandO] allows removal of up platform and loop at Crianlarich [CandO] station.
  /  /1896Callander and Oban Railway
Bay platform added to east end of Callander Dreadnought's eastbound platform, between the north side of the main eastbound line platform and the two loops north of the station.
28/07/1896Callander and Oban Railway
Siding and loading bank opened at Tyndrum [CandO] to west of station, on the north side of line.
07/08/1896Ballachulish Branch (Callander and Oban Railway)
Callander and Oban Railway (Ballachulish Extension) Act passed. (Alternative date 1/4/1896).
  /  /1897Callander and Oban Railway
Expansion of Oban and Oban Station Pier authorised in connection with the opening of the Ballachulish Branch (Callander and Oban Railway). Alterations to sea wall authorised.
20/12/1897West Highland Railway
Connection to Callander and Oban Railway at Crianlarich, from Crianlarich Junction to Crianlarich Junction [CandO].
  /  /1900Callander and Oban Railway
Extension of time granted for expansion works at Oban.
  /  /1901Ballachulish Branch (Callander and Oban Railway)
Callander and Oban Railway granted more time to complete line.
  /  /1901Callander and Oban Railway
Electric lighting at Oban authorised.
  /  /1902Callander and Oban Railway
Caledonian Railway authorised to take over and run the new exchange station on the Callander and Oban Railway, Balquhidder [2nd] (replacing Balquhidder [1st], formerly Lochearnhead [1st]).
  /  /1902Lochearnhead, St Fillans and Comrie Railway
Authorisation for diversion by at Lochearnhead [1st], by the Callander and Oban Railway, in connection with the opening of the Lochearnhead, St Fillans and Comrie Railway.
02/11/1902Callander and Oban Railway
Dunblane, Doune and Callander Railway
Callander Dreadnought to Callander and Oban Junction doubled. Callander and Oban Junction signal box replaced and junction remodelled with headshunt and loop around box.
04/03/1903Callander and Oban Railway
Oban station enlargement authorised.
12/08/1903Callander and Oban Railway
Glencruitten Crossing opened at Glencruitten Summit. Opened in anticipation of the opening of the Ballachulish Branch (Callander and Oban Railway).
01/07/1904Callander and Oban Railway
Lochearnhead [1st] renamed Balquhidder [1st].
18/07/1904Lochearnhead, St Fillans and Comrie Railway
Opened to goods and minerals from St Fillans to new Balquhidder [2nd] station on the Callander and Oban Railway.
01/05/1905Lochearnhead, St Fillans and Comrie Railway
Line extended from Lochearnhead [2nd] to the new Balquhidder [2nd] station on the Callander and Oban Railway. (Balquhidder [1st] closed.)
07/07/1905Callander and Oban Railway
Introduction of C. & O. Hotel Express.
  /  /1906Callander and Oban Railway
Water columns installed on the platforms at Balquhidder [2nd].
31/07/1907Callander and Oban Railway
Retirement of John Anderson.
  /07/1908Callander and Oban Railway
Falls of Cruachan Halt appears in timetable.
01/07/1909Callander and Oban Railway
Charabanc operates over Connel Ferry Bridge; Benderloch and North Connel to Connel Ferry.
02/06/1913Callander and Oban Railway
Motor service introduced between Loch Awe and Inveraray.
  /  /1914Ballachulish Branch (Callander and Oban Railway)
Callander and Oban Railway company and council finally come to an agreement to allow cars, on payment of a toll, to cross the Connel Ferry Bridge when trains are not running.
22/06/1914Callander and Oban Railway
Connel Ferry Bridge altered for road vehicles and pedestrians.
03/08/1914Callander and Oban Railway
Maid of Morven observation car introduced.
  /02/1915Callander and Oban Railway
Maid of Morven observation car withdrawn.
  /  /1916Callander and Oban Railway
Ach-na-Cloich timber siding added.
  /05/1916Callander and Oban Railway
Ben Cruachan Quarry branch closed and Drishaig Junction taken out.
  /03/1919Callander and Oban Railway
Maid of Morven observation car re-introduced.
  /  /1923Callander and Oban Railway
Crunachy Siding opened.
01/01/1923Dundee and Newtyle Railway
Arbroath and Forfar Railway
Glasgow and Paisley Joint Railway
Caledonian Railway
Glasgow and South Western Railway
Callander and Oban Railway
Glasgow and Kilmarnock Joint Railway
Highland Railway
Cathcart District Railway
Killin Railway
Lanarkshire and Ayrshire Railway
Portpatrick and Wigtownshire Joint Committee
Brechin and Edzell District Railway
Dornoch Light Railway
Wick and Lybster Light Railway
Grouped into London, Midland and Scottish Railway.
  /  /1930Callander and Oban Railway
Dalmally Shed closed.
  /  /1938Callander and Oban Railway
Dalmally Shed still standing, but demolished at unknown date afterwards.
10/04/1938Callander and Oban Railway
Dunblane, Doune and Callander Railway
Callander and Oban Junction closed. The double track line to Callander Dreadnought becomes two single track lines with the former westbound line becoming access from Callander Dreadnought to Callander [1st] (goods) via the headshunt at the site of Callander and Oban Junction.
  /05/1940Callander and Oban Railway
Wartime sidings laid out at St Brides Crossing.
07/07/1940Callander and Oban Railway
Achaleven Sidings opened at Connel Ferry for the Admiralty.
  /  /1946Callander and Oban Railway
Crunachy Siding closed.
  /06/1948Callander and Oban Railway
Achaleven Sidings at Connel Ferry closed.
  /  /1950Callander and Oban Railway
Former Dalmally Shed siding removed?
  /03/1950Callander and Oban Railway
Wartime sidings at St Brides Crossing taken out.
  /  /1951Callander and Oban Railway
Glenoglehead sidings lifted.
23/09/1951Callander and Oban Railway
St Brides Crossing loop closed.
03/10/1951Callander and Oban Railway
Loading bank and siding at west end of Tyndrum Lower removed.
  /  /1953Callander and Oban Railway
Tyndrum [CandO] becomes Tyndrum Lower to make the distinction from Tyndrum [WHR] (renamed Tyndrum Upper) station.
  /  /1959Callander and Oban Railway
Concrete silo erected at Taynuilt station goods yard for the Cruachan hydro-electric scheme construction.
12/05/1962Callander and Oban Railway
Caledonian Railway No 123 and North British Railway No 256 visit Oban.
  /  /1964Callander and Oban Railway
Ach-na-Cloich siding removed.
17/09/1964Callander and Oban Railway
Closed to goods from Callander Dreadnought (excluded) to Luib (excluded). Goods traffic is re-routed via Crianlarich Upper.
  /  /1965Callander and Oban Railway
Dalmally closed to goods. Headshunt retained as siding.
27/09/1965Callander and Oban Railway
Landslide in Glen Ogle blocks railway; line closed between Callander and Crianlarich. (Glen Ogle Rockfall).
27/09/1965Killin Railway
Killin [2nd] to Killin Junction closed to passengers and completely. Due to the rockfall in Glen Ogle in the early hours the Callander and Oban Railway was closed and the branch service had no trains to meet. The final train from Killin [2nd] was hauled by 80093 with three carriages and 13 wagons - although this was too heavy and the wagons had to be left temporarily while the carriages were taken to Killin Junction before the locomotive returned for the wagons. Once re-combined the train, unusually, ran through to Crianlarich and then south to Glasgow. Loch Tay Shed facilities closed.
28/09/1965Callander and Oban Railway
Killin Railway
Due to the extent of the Glen Ogle Rockfall, Crianlarich Lower (excluded) to Callander (excluded) closed to all traffic.
01/11/1965Callander and Oban Railway
Crianlarich Lower to Callander Dreadnought officially closed to passengers (the Glen Ogle Rockfall closed the line on 28/09/65 and beyond Callander there was a replacement bus service until the end, trains continuing on the portion east of Callander). Following withdrawal of the bus service no public passenger service at all (bus or train) was available between Crianlarich and Killin [2nd]. Official closure of Callander Dreadnought, Strathyre, Kingshouse Platform, Lochearnhead, Killin Junction, Luib, Crianlarich Lower and Killin [2nd]. Crianlarich Lower to Luib remains open to goods.
01/11/1965Callander and Oban Railway
Loch Awe, Ach-na-Cloich closed.
  /  /1966Callander and Oban Railway
Tyndrum [1st] (the former terminus in use as a goods yard) to Tyndrum Goods Junction (a headshunt by this date) to Tyndrum Lower closed.
  /  /1966Callander and Oban Railway
Dismantling between Crianlarich Lower and Callander Dreadnought begins at Glen Ogle Rockfall.
16/02/1966Callander and Oban Railway
Crianlarich Lower (excluded) to Luib closed to goods.
07/05/1966Callander and Oban Railway
Glencruitten Crossing closed.
10/07/1966Callander and Oban Railway
Glenlochy Crossing closed.
02/10/1966Callander and Oban Railway
Loch Awe signal box closed and loop closed.
02/10/1966Callander and Oban Railway
Awe Crossing loop closed.
  /  /1967Callander and Oban Railway
Dismantling reaches the west end of Callander Dreadnought early in the year. It does not continue further east at this time.
08/01/1967Callander and Oban Railway
Connel Ferry east and west signal boxes closed. Main line loops and goods bypass line taken out. The remaining line, used for both directions, is the former branch platform line (originally the eastbound line before the branch opened).
26/02/1967Callander and Oban Railway
West Highland Railway
Crianlarich West and Crianlarich East signal boxes at Crianlarich Lower Junction closed, replaced by a ground frame.
  /  /1968Callander and Oban Railway
Connel Ferry oil siding and loop opened east of the station.
  /  /1969Callander and Oban Railway
Dismantling continues eastwards from Callander Dreadnought.
  /  /1969Callander and Oban Railway
Concrete silo removed from Taynuilt station. (Approximate date.)
04/05/1969Callander and Oban Railway
Oban to Oban Goods Junction becomes two single track lines on closure of Oban Goods Junction signal box. Oban Goods is now approached from Oban on the eastern of the two tracks with a headshunt at the former Oban Goods Junction.
12/10/1969Callander and Oban Railway
Tyndrum Lower signal box closed and westbound loop taken out.
02/08/1981West Highland Railway Callander and Oban Railway
A Class 55 'Deltic' visits Oban for the first time (55021 'Argyll and Sutherland Highlander') on a 'Merrymaker' excursion from Edinburgh Waverley to Oban.
23/08/1981West Highland Railway Callander and Oban Railway
Second visit of 'Deltic' 55021 to Oban on a 'Merrymaker' excursion from Edinburgh Waverley.
01/05/1985Callander and Oban Railway
Loch Awe re-opened to passengers.
23/01/1989Callander and Oban Railway
Sprinters introduced on line.
  /03/1990Callander and Oban Railway
Taynuilt signal box relocated from the west to the east end of the station.
05/04/1997Callander and Oban Railway
Railway blocked by a landslip at Loch Awe which derailed a Sprinter.
  /08/2000Callander and Oban Railway
Approval to convert Taynuilt's B listed station building into a Heritage Centre by Argyll Transport Trust.
  /09/2000Callander and Oban Railway
Repairs to Taynuilt station building, at a cost of £130,000m approved. Approval to convert the building into a Heritage Centre is withdrawn by Railtrack.
17/03/2003Callander and Oban Railway
Temporarily closed by bridge strike, no damage.
22/05/2006Callander and Oban Railway
New timber terminal at Crianlarich Lower proposed by Argyll Timber Transport Group, English, Welsh and Scottish Railway, Network Rail and Kronospan, taking 6,500 trucks off the road annually. (Not opened.)
07/03/2020West Highland Railway Callander and Oban Railway
Caledonian Sleeper temporarily diverted to Oban due to flooding at Monessie Gorge.

Route described

The railway ran west from Callander before turning north and climbing in the Pass of Leny and then running on the west side of Loch Lubnaig to reach Strathyre. From Strathyre it continued past the Kingshouse Inn to reach Balquhidder.



From Balquhidder a steady and steep climb was needed up Glen Ogle to reach the original terminus at Glenoglehead (optimistically named Killin, some three miles away).



Beyond Glenoglehead the line dropped through Killin Junction, for the branch to Killin, and the line turned west to run through Glen Dochart to reach Luib and Crianlarich. Beyond Crianlarich the line climbs to reach Tyndrum, the second terminus.



After Tyndrum a summit is crossed and Glen Lochy followed to Dalmally, the third terminus.



From Dalmally the line passes the northern end of Loch Awe, with its striking Kilchurn Castle, and the hydro power station within the southern slopes of Ben Cruachan to reach the steep sided Pass of Brander. At Taynuilt the sea is reached, Loch Etive, and the line follows the southern short of the loch to reach Connel Ferry with its large former railway bridge crossing the Falls of Lora. The line turns inland passing through Glen Cruitten to swing round and approach Oban from the south. A steep drop to the natural harbour twists and turns giving sight of the sea ahead. The line finishes on the ferry pier.


Portions of line and locations

This line is divided into a number of portions.


Callander to Killin (Glenoglehead)

Single track passenger and goods line from Callander and Oban Junction to Glenoglehead. This opened in 1870, connecting coaches continuing the journey west until the line was extended. Closed following the Glen Ogle Rockfall in 1965.

This was the junction between the Dunblane, Doune and Callander Railway and the Callander and Oban Railway which extended it to Oban. Callander [1st] was left on a short branch being replaced by Callander (Dreadnought) further west. The original signal box was to the north of the junction at the point of division of the lines.
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Dunblane, Doune and Callander Railway
View east about quarter of a mile east of Callander and Oban Junction showing the partly landscaped former railway. The line ran down the left side of ...
Ewan Crawford 24/08/2023
View east at Callander and Oban Junction where the Callander and Oban Railway (on the left) met the Dunblane, Doune and Callander Railway (right). The ...
Ewan Crawford 24/08/2023
View west at Callander and Oban Junction. This retaining wall held up the embankment on the right. The wall was probably built when the line from the ...
Ewan Crawford 24/08/2023
The railway entering Callander from the east can be seen bottom centre in this view, it is now a footpath. The site of the original terminus is now ...
Ewan Crawford 24/08/2023
4 of 4 images.


This ticket platform was east of Callander (Dreadnought) station, a little west of the start of the double track section at Callander and Oban Junction. It opened when the line between the junction and Dreadnought station was doubled. It was a long timber single platform on the south side of line (serving westbound trains arriving in Callander) and was built in timber with station signs ...

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Looking east from Bracklin Road bridge along the course of the Callander & Oban railway on 21 July 2015. To the right, beyond the new house, was the ...
Bill Roberton 21/07/2015
Not far from the former ticket platform in Callander is an interesting set of railway relics; Signal, E&G milepost and sign. Wow. ...
John Yellowlees 28/08/2017
2 of 2 images.


The original 1870 station here had two platforms, a loop and a timber building. It replaced the original Callander [1st] terminus in the east of the town. This station was on the northern edge of the town.
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This shows the Callander East signal box in October 1968. The lever frame had already
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Colin Miller /10/1968
Looking west under the Ancaster Road bridge to Callander station in October 1968.
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Colin Miller /10/1968
The only train in Callander today; the barrel train beside the toilets at the rear of the Dreadnought Hotel. The car park on the site of the station ...
John Yellowlees 28/08/2017
Black 5 45214 after arrival at Callander on 30th October 1965 with the Saturdays only 12.10pm from Stirling. This was the last day of passenger ...
Brian Haslehust 30/10/
4 of 35 images. more


This bowstring girder viaduct was west of Callander (Dreadnought), the line crossing from the north bank to the south bank of the Garbh Uisge. The east end had a single plate girder approach.
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Just west of Callander, near Bochastle, an old rail over road bridge has been demolished, no doubt to allow large modern farm vehicles access to the ...
Michael Gibb 12/05/2008
1 of 1 images.


This bowstring viaduct crossed over the Garbh Uisge in the Pass of Leny. For an Oban bound (westbound) train it crossed from the south to the north bank. The location was alongside the Falls of Leny. The viaduct was completed in 1867 by John Mackay.
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This bowstring viaduct crossed over the Garbh Uisge in the Pass of Leny. For an Oban bound (westbound) train it crossed from the east to the west bank. The viaduct was completed in 1867 by John Mackay.
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A Glasgow-Oban train climbs through the Pass of Leny, north of Callander, in 1957 headed by Black 5 No. 44954. The location is now a popular footpath. ...
Frank Spaven Collection (Courtesy David Spaven) //1957
1 of 1 images.


This was a passing loop, added in 1893 due to the increase in traffic. Little remains to be seen of the loop, the line itself is now a dirt road, except a bridge over a stream which clearly carried two tracks. John Anderson's proposal to open a public station here was rejected by the landowner.
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This postcard made its way to Argentina. An observation car (Maid of Morven perhaps?) can be seen on the rear of the Oban bound train, leaving the ...
Ewan Crawford Collection //
St Brides was one of a number of passing loops established along the Callander and Oban's single track as the traffic increased. This one was between ...
Ewan Crawford //1988
2 of 2 images.


This platform was for the use of railway staff and their families. It was a single platform built in timber alongside Rock Cottage. The platform was on the west side of the line.
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Cast Iron fence post still in situ, which also has manufacturer's name still readable. Picture was taken on a wee New Year's Day walk on the Rob Roy ...
Gordon Steel 01/01/2017
The stump of one of the rockfall signals, like their more famous counterparts in the Pass of Brander, seen at the side of Loch Lubnaig, Northbound on ...
Gordon Steel 01/01/2017
CR 123 about to run into a snowstorm near Craig-na-Cailleach platform on the shores of Loch Lubnaig between Callander and Strathyre. The date is 12 ...
John Robin 12/04/1963
3 of 3 images.


Early in the history of the Callander and Oban Railway trains could halt at the north end of Loch Lubnaig, by Laggan farm house, for fishermen. It was a request halt. There were probably no facilities.
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This single track girder viaduct was to the south Strathyre station, crossing the River Balvag a little north of Loch Lubnaig.
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Here is a view of the C&O before Sustrans was even invented. This missing bridge over the River Balvag required a detour in 1974. No doubt a new deck ...
Ken Strachan /05/1974
1 of 1 images.


This was a two platform station with a loop. It was originally a single platform station with a loop, possibly the second platform was added not long after opening. The station was noted for the ornate stork fountain of Cruachan granite, the choice of the stationmaster as a reward for many years of service. After station closure this was moved to the garden of a house in the village.
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Strathyre station showing the building in the 1950s-60s. This building, a replacement, was at an angle to the platform. ...
Ian Moir (courtesy of Alastair Moir) //
Strathyre showing a hut at the north end of the southbound platform. ...
Ian Moir (courtesy of Alastair Moir) //
Strathyre station showing the seldomn photographed passenger shelter on the Northbound platform. ...
Ian Moir (courtesy of Alastair Moir) //
Strathyre showing the road bridge at the north end of the station. ...
Ian Moir (courtesy of Alastair Moir) //
4 of 16 images. more


This was a request halt serving the nearby Kingshouse Hotel (just to the east) and road to Balquhidder Glen (to the west). The halt was built at the expense of the Kingshouse Hotel.
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This was the site of Kingshouse Halt in 2011. The Kingshouse Inn, for which it was named, is out of shot to the right. The single platform of the halt ...
Ewan Crawford 07/02/2011
1 of 1 images.


This was a three platform station where the Callander and Oban Railway met the branch east to St Fillans and Comrie. It replaced Balquhidder [1st].
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See also
Lochearnhead, St Fillans and Comrie Railway
Balquhidder station showing the steps from the road up to the northbound platform. ...
Ian Moir (courtesy of Alastair Moir) //
Looking back from Balquhidder goods yard towards the station. The St Fillans line was on the left and Oban line off to the right.
...
Ian Moir (courtesy of Alastair Moir) //
This view looks north from Balquhidder station, from the branch platform. The main Oban platforms are off to the left, out of the view, and the ...
Ian Moir (courtesy of Alastair Moir) //
Standing at the top of the entrance stairway at Balquhidder in 2008 looking south west across the A84. Following closure to all rail traffic in 1965 ...
John Furnevel 14/05/2008
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The original station here had a single platform with a timber building on a curve and a goods yard. The yard was to the north of the station, on the east side of the line.
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One of the new beams in a replacement rail bridge over the A84 at Balquhidder is lifted into place by a rail steam crane. The new bridge was removed ...
Ian Moir (courtesy of Alastair Moir) //
Two rail cranes, accompanied by a Caley 0-6-0, installing a replacement bridge over the old course of the A84 at Balquhidder. Health and safety ...
Ian Moir (courtesy of Alastair Moir) //
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This single track three arch masonry viaduct carried the Callander and Oban Railway over the Kendrum Burn west of Edinchip House. The viaduct was completed in 1869 by John Mackay.
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This 'B' listed cast iron accommodation footbridge with a wooden deck crosses the trackbed of the former Callander and Oban Railway just north of Edinchip Viaduct [C and O] and west of Edinchip House.
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This accommodation bridge crosses the trackbed of the former Callander and Oban Railway west of Edinchip House. ...
Ewan Crawford //1997
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A landslide which had occurred in the very early hours of the morning in Glen Ogle was discovered on Monday the 27th of September 1965. The site was south of the Glen Ogle Viaduct on a section where rockfalls had occurred many times over the life of the railway. Trains that day were cancelled and redirected.
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The site of the rockfall in Glen Ogle which blocked the line, leading to a premature closure. The location has been somewhat sanitised since my older ...
Ewan Crawford 19/08/2017
The site of the rock fall in Glen Ogle looking down to Balquhidder. Not much sign of further rock falls. See image 28647. ...
Ewan Crawford 19/08/2017
This is the rockfall which closed the Callander and Oban as it was in 1993. What? You can't see it? That's it, that small pile in the distant right. ...
Ewan Crawford //1993
Scene of the landslip that prematurely closed the Callander-Crianlarich section of the Callander & Oban line on 27th September 1965, photographed a ...
Frank Spaven Collection (Courtesy David Spaven) /12/1966
4 of 4 images.


This is a disused 3 arch viaduct just south of (and could be considered an extension of) the Glen Ogle Viaduct. It was built in 1869 by John Mackay.
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Just to the south east of the more famous viaduct in Glen Ogle is this smaller one. The view looks south east, and downhill, to Balquhidder. ...
Ewan Crawford 04/08/2022
1 of 1 images.


This is a disused 12 arch, 139 ft long overall, 44 ft high single track masonry viaduct in Glen Ogle running along the steep eastern hillside of Meall Reamhar and Scorrach Nuadh. It may just about have been possible for the line to have followed the hillside but would have involved very tight curves. The viaduct flies out from the hillside and then rejoins it. To the immediate south is a three ...

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Remains of Glen Ogle viaduct on the one-time Callander & Oban line, closed in 1965, seen from bus from Killin to Callander, on the afternoon of 13th ...
David Bosher 13/03/2019
Glen Ogle looking north west to Glenoglehead showing the main Glen Ogle Viaduct. This part of the former railway is a very popular walking and cycle ...
Ewan Crawford 04/08/2022
Remains of the C&O viaduct in Glen Ogle. Wide view looking west from alongside the A85 in 2008. The structure stood roughly midway between ...
John Furnevel 14/05/2008
A view looking south over Glen Ogle Viaduct in 1993, before restoration and conversion to a footpath. The rockfall site is in the distance. ...
Ewan Crawford //1993
4 of 18 images. more


This was the original terminus of the Callander and Oban Railway and located somewhat far away (3.5 miles by road) from its namesake the town of Killin which required a connecting stagecoach. Stagecoaches also continued the journey to other points west such as Tyndrum and Oban.
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The road south on the Callander and Oban Railway through Glenoglehead Crossing in the spring of 2008. View is towards Glen Ogle itself and the site of ...
John Furnevel 14/05/2008
Glenoglehead Crossing in a 1993 view looking to Killin Junction. The railway cottage survives as a private house but the late station building, which ...
Ewan Crawford //1993
View north over Glenoglehead Crossing. The view shows just how remote this location is, not an ideal spot for a temporary terminus being three and a ...
Ewan Crawford 17/08/2022
A hard working locomotive climbs Glen Ogle from the east with a train for Oban. ...
Roger Geach Collection //
4 of 21 images. more





Killin (Glenoglehead) to Tyndrum

Single track passenger and goods line from Glenoglehead to Tyndrum [1st]. This extension opened in 1873. Coaches extended the line west and even south, connecting with steamers. The eastern portion of this line closed in 1965 after the Glen Ogle Rockfall.

This was the original terminus of the Callander and Oban Railway and located somewhat far away (3.5 miles by road) from its namesake the town of Killin which required a connecting stagecoach. Stagecoaches also continued the journey to other points west such as Tyndrum and Oban.
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The road south on the Callander and Oban Railway through Glenoglehead Crossing in the spring of 2008. View is towards Glen Ogle itself and the site of ...
John Furnevel 14/05/2008
Glenoglehead Crossing in a 1993 view looking to Killin Junction. The railway cottage survives as a private house but the late station building, which ...
Ewan Crawford //1993
View north over Glenoglehead Crossing. The view shows just how remote this location is, not an ideal spot for a temporary terminus being three and a ...
Ewan Crawford 17/08/2022
A hard working locomotive climbs Glen Ogle from the east with a train for Oban. ...
Roger Geach Collection //
4 of 21 images. more


This was a three platform station with two platforms and a loop on the mainline, the up platform being an island the outer face of which chiefly served the Killin Railway and had a loop. Trains from the main line could access the branch platform line and loop from either end.
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See also
Killin Railway
Killin Junction in 1990. The platform was partly clear and the foundations of buildings could be found easily. ...
Ewan Crawford //1990
The main station building at Killin Junction stood on the southbound main and Killin branch island platform. This shows the south elevation of the ...
Ian Moir (courtesy of Alastair Moir) //
Killin Junction showing the signal seen on approach from Luib. ...
Ian Moir (courtesy of Alastair Moir) //
Killin Junction's main building as viewed from footbridge. The portion of the footbridge between the two platforms was for public use, the station ...
Ian Moir (courtesy of Alastair Moir) //
4 of 33 images. more


This is a disused masonry single track three arch viaduct just west of the former Killin Junction station crossing the Ardchyle Burn. The burn is very much lower than the surrounding ground making this a viaduct which is about the same height as it is in length.
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Ardchyle Viaduct, south side, crossing the Ardchyle Burn and showing the great height of the central span of the viaduct over the water course. ...
Ewan Crawford 20/04/2018
Ardchyle Viaduct, just west of Killin Junction, seen from the south. This is a very high bridge, the Ardchyle Burn is some way below. ...
Ewan Crawford 20/04/2018
The remains of Killin Junction west distant signal. ...
John Gray 23/07/2008
A view down Glen Dochart about a mile west of Killin junction. Trackbed leading to Luib on the left. ...
John Gray 23/07/2008
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Also known as Glen Dochart Viaduct. This is an out of use single track three arch viaduct above Ledcharrie Farm which is to the north. The arches are reinforced with rails.
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This is the underside of the eastern arch of Ledcharrie Viaduct. Looks like it had taken a beating. Those rods are fastened to old rails bolted to the ...
Ewan Crawford 20/04/2018
Ledcharrie Viaduct seen from the north east. ...
Ewan Crawford 20/04/2018
Ledcharrie Viaduct seen from the south. If it appears to be on a slight slope that's because it actually is. The ground rises to the right, the ...
Ewan Crawford 20/04/2018
View of the trackbed on the viaduct about halfway between Luib and Killin Junction. ...
John Gray 23/07/2008
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This was a single girder bridge above Edravinoch Farm, which is to the north. The former bridge is east of the former Luib station and west of Ledcharrie Viaduct.
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Approaching the Half way point and a platelayers hut still stands 43 years after the line closed. It is built from railway sleepers and one wall is ...
John Gray 23/07/2008
A detour is required at this spot as the original bridge has been removed for scrap. Crossing the river via stepping stones was easy today but, in ...
John Gray 23/07/2008
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This was a two platform station. The main station building was on the eastbound platform, the building being of the typical style of the extension of the Callander and Oban Railway from Glenoglehead to Tyndrum [1st].
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Luib station became a caravan site after closure in 1965 and hardly any railway features remain apart from this cattle creep, which was situated just ...
Mark Bartlett 30/05/2008
Satelite dishes attached to a culvert at the remains of Luib station now known as the Glen Dochart Caravan Park. From here the Line climbed to Killin ...
John Gray 23/07/2008
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This was a private platform at the east end of Loch Dochart, near Portnellan. The line ran along the south side of the loch. The platform was on the south side of the line next to the main road. This was a curling platform.
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This was a two platform station. The station building on the down platform was a typical later Callander and Oban Railway timber building but with a canopy along the length of the building.
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37408 has arrived at Crianlarich Lower, with the Oban to Mossend freight, on 20th July 1988. It will collect a number of timber wagons that were ...
Roger Geach 20/07/1988
When the timber sidings at Crianlarich Lower were lifted the rump of the C&O was cut back closer to the junction leaving a refuge siding. This ...
Ewan Crawford //1993
Crianlarich Lower in 1993 looking west to the junction and the West Highland's Fillan Viaduct not long after the timber depot at the lower station was ...
Ewan Crawford //1993
A view of the track as it was in 1979. The view looks west from the buffer stop installed to the east of the former station when it was retained as a ...
Doug Nicholls /01/1979
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This junction remains open - just. A short somewhat grassy siding runs east.
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See also
West Highland Railway
At Lower Crianlarich Junction the former C&O remains as a grassy siding, at least not much worse than 10 years ago see image 9831. The name of the ...
Ewan Crawford 29/07/2016
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Crianlarich Junction [CandO] had an elaborate layout. The Callander and Oban Railway was doubled from west of the junction through the junction and further east, and the West Highland Railway was also double on approach to the junction.
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This is level crossing between the Callander and Oban Railway and the access road to Inverhaggernie Farm, to the north. There is also an alternative directly to the west, a bridge over the road with limited clearance.
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An Oban to Glasgow service heads east over Inverhaggernie Level Crossing No 1, west of Crianlarich. The rear of the train is by the camera. ...
Ewan Crawford 05/05/2017
A Glasgow - Oban service between Crianlarich and Tyndrum. ...
Norman McNab //
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This three arch single track masonry viaduct crosses a minor burn. It was completed in 1872 by Easton Gibb.
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This single track four arch viaduct, crossing the River Cononish, is between Crianlarich and Tyndrum Lower on the 1873 extension of the line from Killin [1st] to Tyndrum [1st].
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An Oban bound Highland Explorer approaches Cononish Viaduct from the east in a near valley of trees. ...
Ewan Crawford 16/09/2022
Cononish viaduct in a view looking north. On the left can be seen an access road built for works on the viaduct and its foundations. ...
Ewan Crawford 16/09/2022
A westbound Sprinter approaches Tyndrum Lower from the east. The train is about to cross the Cononish Viaduct. ...
Ewan Crawford 05/03/2020
An eastbound ex-Oban train, seen about to cross the Cononish Viaduct, in March 2020. ...
Ewan Crawford 05/03/2020
4 of 4 images.


[This location name is somewhat artificial.] In 1877 the railway was extended west to Dalmally via a replacement Tyndrum station (now called Tyndrum Lower) and the original Tyndrum [1st] station became a goods yard and its signal box [1st box] closed. A new box was provided for the goods and passenger station [2nd box].
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This view looks north over the location where the Callander and Oban line to Tyndrum was extended west to Dalmally and Oban. Beyond the line in the ...
Ewan Crawford 19/12/2014
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This was the terminus at Tyndrum of the extension of the Callander and Oban Railway west from Killin [1st].
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The site of the original terminus at Tyndrum in 1994, the nearer part is now the site of a pair of houses. The view looks east. From here a tramway ...
Ewan Crawford 26/12/1994
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Tyndrum to Dalmally

Single track passenger and goods line from Tyndrum Goods Junction to Dalmally. This extension left the original Tyndrum station on a short branch, the original became a goods yard. The extension opened in 1877 and remains opened today.

[This location name is somewhat artificial.] In 1877 the railway was extended west to Dalmally via a replacement Tyndrum station (now called Tyndrum Lower) and the original Tyndrum [1st] station became a goods yard and its signal box [1st box] closed. A new box was provided for the goods and passenger station [2nd box].
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This view looks north over the location where the Callander and Oban line to Tyndrum was extended west to Dalmally and Oban. Beyond the line in the ...
Ewan Crawford 19/12/2014
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This is a single platform station. The platform is on the north side of the running line. There is a car park at the west end and an occupational crossing. The station is south of Tyndrum, a small settlement at the west end of Strath Fillan.
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Ex-works 37423, ex-works in sector livery and just recently named, takes me by surprise at Tyndrum Lower on the 1250 Oban to Glasgow service on 19 May ...
Roger Geach 19/05/1988
An additional summer only service to Oban running in 1989 pauses at Tyndrum Lower, hauled by 37403 ...
Ewan Crawford //1989
Tyndrum Lower, seen from the Glasgow train looking back towards Oban, on 14th September 2022. ...
David Bosher 14/09/2022
An Oban service calls at Tyndrum Lower on 1st November 2017. It's running late because of a delayed Up service and will in turn delay the next Up ...
David Panton 01/11/2017
4 of 18 images. more


This summit, of 840 ft, is west of Tyndrum Lower on the Oban portion of the West Highland Line, formerly the Callander and Oban Railway.
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This was a passing loop opened in 1882 to increase capacity of the line. It broke the single track section between Tyndrum Lower and Dalmally.
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37408 has the oil from Oban to Mossend yard in July 1988. This was a a regular flow at the time. The BP tanks would then be returned to Grangemouth. ...
Roger Geach 20/07/1988
View from an eastbound train at Glenlochy Crossing in August 1963. A BRCW Type 2 (later Class 27) heads in the opposite direction with a westbound ...
Brian Haslehust 27/08/1963
This is the stump of the up starter at Glenlochy Crossing seen in 1994. The view looks east. ...
Ewan Crawford //1994
This footbridge was the approach to the signal box and loop at Glenlochy Crossing (a former loop between Dalmally and Tyndrum). This was one of the ...
Ewan Crawford //1994
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This is a single track six arch masonry viaduct crossing the Eas a' Ghaill (tributary to the River Lochy) and two estate roads. It was finished in November 1876 by Mrs Dinnie, wife of the builder, setting the keystone at a ceremony. Invited guests arrived by train, the location could be considered a very short lived station which predates Dalmally!
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A Highland Explorer crosses the Succoth Viaduct in a view looking east. The roof of Succoth Lodge is just peeping out of the trees. ...
Ewan Crawford 16/09/2022
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This is a two platform station. The main station building is on the eastbound (up) platform and is a red stone built two storey house with single storey offices. Gables are crow-stepped. The building is fitted with a full length glass canopy over the platform. The very fine building is due to the use of the station by the Duke of Argyll. The original timber station building burned down in ...

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153380 leads 156445 on the 10:36 Glasgow Queen Street to Oban as it passes a waiting east bound service at Dalmally on 22 February 2023. ...
Malcolm Chattwood 22/02/2023
Dalmally is the most attractive architecturally of all the stations on the Oban branch, seen here from the ex-14.41 train from Oban to Glasgow Queen ...
David Bosher 14/09/2022
A view north over Dalmally where an Oban bound Sprinter has called. Recent tree felling has opened out the view. The locomotive shed stood closer to ...
Ewan Crawford 24/08/2022
Scene at Dalmally, thought to date from 1972, with a Class 27 on a service from Oban crossing a westbound Swindon DMU. ...
Brian Haslehust //1972
4 of 33 images. more


Remains of a buffer stop at the former long gone shed by Dalmally station. ...
Ewan Crawford 10/06/2013
Looking across the remains of the former shed at Dalmally in June 2013, with the station beyond. ...
Ewan Crawford 10/06/2013
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Dalmally to Oban

Single track passenger and goods line from Dalmally to Oban. This line opened in 1880 completing the main line of the Callander and Oban. Use of mass concrete was made and the line finished at a superb seaside station where connections to steamers could be made. A general goods yard was at a higher level in the town. The line remains open.

This is a two platform station. The main station building is on the eastbound (up) platform and is a red stone built two storey house with single storey offices. Gables are crow-stepped. The building is fitted with a full length glass canopy over the platform. The very fine building is due to the use of the station by the Duke of Argyll. The original timber station building burned down in ...

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153380 leads 156445 on the 10:36 Glasgow Queen Street to Oban as it passes a waiting east bound service at Dalmally on 22 February 2023. ...
Malcolm Chattwood 22/02/2023
Dalmally is the most attractive architecturally of all the stations on the Oban branch, seen here from the ex-14.41 train from Oban to Glasgow Queen ...
David Bosher 14/09/2022
A view north over Dalmally where an Oban bound Sprinter has called. Recent tree felling has opened out the view. The locomotive shed stood closer to ...
Ewan Crawford 24/08/2022
Scene at Dalmally, thought to date from 1972, with a Class 27 on a service from Oban crossing a westbound Swindon DMU. ...
Brian Haslehust //1972
4 of 33 images. more


This level crossing provides road access to Kilchurn Castle. The road is a dirt road crossing the line just east of the Orchy Viaduct.
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This is a seven single track span girder viaduct crossing the River Orchy. It is the longest viaduct on the Callander and Oban Railway route.
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Kilchurn Castle Loch Awe. Picture taken from the Afternoon Oban to Glasgow Queen Street sprinter. ...
Gordon Steel 11/10/2016
A 1992 view of a then new Sprinter crossing Orchy Viaduct eastbound. Kilchurn Castle can be seen, only just, at the west side under the viaduct deck. ...
Ewan Crawford //1992
This level crossing, just east of the Orchy Viaduct, was the route to Kilchurn Castle in 1992 (a second walking route under the viaduct was provided ...
Ewan Crawford //1992
A southbound Highland Explorer crosses the Orchy Viaduct in a view looking north east. The road bridge dates from about 1940 and cut out the long ...
Ewan Crawford 24/08/2022
4 of 6 images. more


This was the junction for the Ben Cruachan Granite Quarries. The branch opened in 1885, five years after the main line. Trains from the branch ran on to Loch Awe to use the goods yard there as exchange sidings. The junction was released using the tablet for the Loch Awe to Dalmally section on which the junction lay. The junction closed in 1916.
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See also
Ben Cruachan Quarries Branch (Callander and Oban Railway)
Looking down the quite steep Ben Cruachan Quarry branch to Drishaig Junction. With views of mountains, Kilchurn Castle and Loch Awe it must have been ...
Ewan Crawford 24/08/2022
A view south overlooking Kilchurn Castle and Drishaig Junction, where the Ben Cruachan Quarry line met the Callander and Oban Railway. The quarry line ...
Ewan Crawford 24/08/2022
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This is a single platform station alongside the north east shore of Loch Awe [Loch] with a footbridge over the line giving access to a pier, Loch Awe Pier. Only the former eastbound platform remains in use. High above is the Loch Awe Hotel which may be reached by a staircase up a cliff.
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An Oban bound train leaves Loch Awe passing the former 'Tea Train' and the hotel. ...
Ewan Crawford 16/09/2022
A very cold night at Loch Awe in 2012, looking east over the station. ...
Ewan Crawford 11/12/2012
1970 view from an Oban to Glasgow train running along the north shore of Loch Awe, not far short of Loch Awe station. The Loch Awe hotel can be ...
Robin McGregor 04/12/1970
An Oban to Glasgow Queen St service approaching Loch Awe station, passing the camping coach, on 3rd September 2019. ...
Alastair McLellan 03/09/2019
4 of 18 images. more


This is a small single platform near the Falls of Cruachan and Cruachan Hydro Electric Scheme visitor's centre.
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Engineers have removed over 200 tonnes of landslip material and installed a barrier system to protect the railway while more extensive work is carried ...
Network Rail 23/12/2022
View south of the landslip at Falls of Cruachan seen from the old Military Road above the railway. The slope between the old road and railway has ...
Ewan Crawford 22/12/2022
Close up view of the site of the landslip, buckled track and work to stabilise the hillside. ...
Network Rail 23/12/2022
A westbound Sprinter has just left Falls of Cruachan on 21st June 2019 and is heading west for Oban. Below and to the right is the Cruachan Power ...
Ewan Crawford 21/06/2019
4 of 22 images. more


This is a single track three arch mass concrete viaduct with castellated parapets. It crosses at the Falls of Cruachan where the Allt Cruachan drops into Loch Awe, just west of Falls of Cruachan station.
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This was a passing loop on the single track Callander and Oban Railway. The loop broke the section between Taynuilt, to the west, and Loch Awe to the east. Prior to the loop the single track length was 9.1 miles, broken into 4.5 miles to the west and 4.6 miles to the east).
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The site of Awe crossing is pretty much impossible to see. There's not much to be seen from the roadside below. Perhaps more can be seen from the ...
Ewan Crawford 21/06/2019
A westbound sprinter seen from the southern cliff tops in the Pass of Brander on 21st June 2019. ...
Ewan Crawford 21/06/2019
View west over the Pass of Brander to Loch Etive beyond. A sprinter makes its way along the tree lined track on 21st June 2019. ...
Ewan Crawford 21/06/2019
An Oban-Glasgow train in the Pass of Brander above the west arm of Loch Awe. It has passed the site of Awe Crossing (roughly the left centre of the ...
Ewan Crawford 21/06/2019
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A series of 17 stone signals over a length of 3.2 miles are controlled by a rock screen uphill from the railway. The hillside above, the lower slope of Ben Cruachan, is sheer and rockfalls are not uncommon. The hillside drops to Loch Awe to the south. The portion of protected railway is on the north bank of loch and includes Falls of Cruachan station and the site of the former [[Awe ...

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A Blue Pullman excursion from Lancaster to Oban passes the last in the series of stone signals in the Pass of Brander near Bridge of Awe on 2nd May ...
Malcolm Chattwood 02/05/2022
'Anderson's Piano', the Pass of Brander Stone Signals, in 1987.
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Bill Roberton //1987
Signals for rock fall warnings near Cruachan. ...
David Murray-Smith 20/03/1961
The stone signals in the Pass of Brander are usually described alongside photographs of a post holding two semaphore arms in the “off” ...
Malcolm Chattwood 07/04/2019
4 of 7 images. more


This was a siding with a loading bank. It was on the north side of the line and approached from the east. Nearby Cruinache was to the south of the line.
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Crunachy Siding looking east, in 1991, with the west end of Loch Awe off to the right. This loading bank was located between Taynuilt and Awe ...
Ewan Crawford //1991
1 of 1 images.


This is a high single track three span girder viaduct over the River Awe. The piers are masonry. The viaduct was completed in 1879 by W & T Adams.
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On the Oban line in December 1970, a BRCW Type 2 nears the end of the journey from Glasgow, climbing from Connel Ferry to the summit at Glencruitten. ...
Robin McGregor 04/12/1970
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Half a mile east of Taynuilt station this single track girder viaduct crosses the River Nant. It was completed in 1879 by W & T Adams.
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This is a two platform station which still has its 1921 signal box, although out of use. There is a small car park. The station has a passing loop and sidings. It opened on the 1880 extension of the Callander and Oban Railway from Dalmally to Oban.
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The signal box at Taynuilt, seen from a service from Oban to Glasgow Queen Street, on 14th September 2022. One of the better-used intermediate ...
David Bosher 14/09/2022
Taynuilt signal box in 1985.
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Bill Roberton //1985
Taynuilt station building in 1984. The structure has since destroyed by fire.
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Bill Roberton //1984
Taynuilt Signal Box in the snow. ...
John Yellowlees 12/01/2017
4 of 15 images. more


This was a single platform station with a station building. The building was a smaller style C&O building. The platform was on the north side of the line.
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An eastbound Sprinter passing Ach-na-Cloich. The pier can be seen and the station was in the trees. ...
Ewan Crawford 24/08/2022
A view up Loch Etive with an eastbound Sprinter about to round Rubha nan Càrn. Ben Cruachan is top right. ...
Ewan Crawford 24/08/2022
Ach-na-Cloich station in 1965, photographed from a passing Oban-Glasgow train. ...
Brian Haslehust 11/08/1965
Eastbound 37 hauled train at Ach-na-cloich. Station building now demolished. ...
Ewan Crawford //1988
4 of 5 images. more


Oil train running east from Connel Ferry with the Ballachulish Branch viaduct in the background left. ...
Ewan Crawford //1989
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This is a single platform station with a shelter. There is a car park on the north side of the station. At the east end of the station is a goods loop and oil siding (both out of use). The station was once far larger and a junction.
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See also
Ballachulish Branch (Callander and Oban Railway)
Connel Ferry station, seen from a Glasgow Queen Street service, looking back towards Oban, on 14th September 2022. Until 1966, when the branch ...
David Bosher 14/09/2022
A Swindon DMU calling at Connel Ferry in September 1964 with an Oban-Glasgow service. The Ballachulish branch service alongside, headed by Type 2 ...
Brian Haslehust 03/09/1964
A Ballachulish-Oban service at Connel Ferry on 26th March 1966, the final day of services on the Ballachulish branch. ...
Brian Haslehust 26/03/1966
The BRCW Type 2 on the 16 20 Ballachulish-Oban has run round its train at Connel Ferry, and will continue its journey once the approaching 5.35pm Oban ...
Brian Haslehust 11/08/1965
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This was an extensive set of Wartime sidings laid out at Connel Ferry station in 1940 for the Admiralty. The sidings ran south east from the west end of the station, making a trailing connection by the west box.
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This crossing was opened to break the single track section between Oban and Connel Ferry at Glencruitten Summit.
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An Oban to Glasgow train nearing the summit at Glencruitten, on a December day in 1970. The locomotive is a BRCW Type 2, later Class 27. ...
Robin McGregor 04/12/1970
Glencruitten Crossing looking to Oban in 2001 with its unique style of building to the right of the track combining signal box and accommodation. It ...
Ewan Crawford 04/01/2001
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Oban Goods Junction was south of Oban station and provided access to Oban's principal goods yard, Lochavullin Goods, and locomotive shed Oban Shed. Both opened with the Oban extension in 1880.
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37401 reversing an oil train into the siding from Oban Goods ground frame in the 1990s. The siding was 'taken out of use' in 2011 after a period of ...
Ewan Crawford Collection //
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This two road shed was south of Oban station and accessed from the junction for the Lochavullin Goods at Oban Goods Junction. Access to the goods yard was from the south and a reversal was necessary to reach the shed.
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A closed goods yard south of the passenger terminus in Oban. The location is also known as Oban Goods or Oban High Level Goods. There were a number of sidings here and the Oban Shed, of which the turntable pit remains. An oil siding remained in use here until the early 1990s.
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Oil tanks in the high level goods siding above Oban Bay looking south in 1990. Originally the Lochavullin goods yard was off to the left, this siding ...
Ewan Crawford //1990
View over the oil depot at Oban Goods on 5 July 1991. This siding was near the location of the turntable at Oban shed. ...
Bill Roberton 05/07/1991
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This ticket platform was on the west side of the line, the arrival line for Oban station, on the short double track section between Oban Goods Junction and Oban. It was a stone built platform with the signal box for the goods junction located at its southern end. The railway continued in a deep rock cutting north to drop down to Oban station and pier.
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This is a terminus at a ferry pier on Oban Bay. Oban is a major port for the islands with Caledonian MacBrayne operating services to Mull, Lismore and beyond.
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A Class 27 awaiting departure from Oban in 1972. ...
Brian Haslehust //1972
Ex CR Class 2P 55124 at Oban on train for Ballachulish. ...
David Murray-Smith 20/03/1961
37011 at the buffers, Oban, in 1985. The doomed train shed is on the right.
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Bill Roberton //1985
Cycle coach 153305 at the rear, with 156457 leading, waiting to depart from Oban with the 14.41 service to Glasgow Queen Street on Wednesday, ...
David Bosher 14/09/2022
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This pier is located in the south of Oban Bay, a large natural anchorage protected from the west by the island of Kerrera. It was opened in 1880 along with Oban station by the Callander and Oban Railway. With the opening of the extension from Dalmally and the pier the railway was able to connect with ferry services to the West Coast of Scotland and the fishing fleet. The opening ...

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See also
Piers, Slips and Staiths
MV 'Isle of Mull' nears Oban in 2002.
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Bill Roberton //2002
View looking across Oban Bay towards the ferry terminal from Corran Esplanade in June 2006, with two of the larger Calmac ferries seen at the berths ...
David Pesterfield 23/06/2006
King George V berthed at the Railway Pier, Oban. (Late 60s/early 70s?) ...
Aitken Scott //
Calmac Ferries 'MV Eigg' prepares to disembark its consist of cars and foot passengers as it runs into its berth at Oban following the crossing from ...
David Pesterfield 17/06/2013
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