7 . The United Kingdom (UK) is rightly celebrated as the birthplace of the railway. The UK’s rail network is not only a testament (证明) to engineering genius, but also the gateway to some of the most attractive landscapes to be found anywhere in the world.
The West Highland Line
Considered by some to be the most beautiful railway line in the scenery on the earth, this line takes passengers from the busy city of Glasgow through Scotland’s wild western highlands to the remote port of Mallaig. Built in stages through the 1890s, the line is a true wonder of late Victorian British engineering. The line passes through Corrour, the UK’s highest altitude train station.
The Caledonian Sleeper
Linking London with the Scottish Highlands, it has been taking travellers northward during the night along the West Coast Main Line since way back in 1873. Passengers can enjoy falling asleep to the rhythm of the train on leaving London, then waking up to the beauty of the Highlands at dawn right outside your window.
The Cambrian Line
Wales, with its dramatic landscapes and historic sites, offers some of the most scenic train journeys to be found in the UK. And perhaps the jewel in the Welsh crown is the Cambrian Line, which weaves its way through Mid Wales to the coast. The route begins in Shrewsbury in England and is famous for its scenery. Travellers will love the wonderful views of the Cambrian Mountains, a range of peaks.
The Settle-Carlisle Line
Opened in 1876, the 73-mile-long route takes travellers from Settle Junction in North Yorkshire to Carlisle in Cumbria. Rolling hills, beautiful valleys and picturesque villages along the way leave a deep impression on passengers. Threatened with closure in the 1980s, the line was saved thanks to the efforts of rail lovers, and passenger numbers have gone from strength to strength.
1. Which railway line is considered the most scenic by some across the globe?
| A．The West Highland Line. | B．The Caledonian Sleeper. |
| C．The Cambrian Line. | D．The Settle-Carlisle Line. |
2. What is special about the Caledonian Sleeper?
| A．It is the east-west line. | B．It offers overnight travel. |
| C．It is the oldest railway line. | D．It runs through the whole UK. |
3. What do the Cambrian Line and the Settle-Carlisle Line have in common?
| A．They run along the coast. | B．They appeared at the same time. |
| C．They own many historic sites. | D．They have amazing views. |
