Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig. This famous railway skirts the north bank of the Firth of Clyde, then climbs above the shores of Loch Lomond, through Glen Falloch and Strath Fillan to cross the desolately beautiful Rannoch Moor. At Corrour (Britain’s highest and most inaccessible rail station – used in the feature film ‘Trainspotting’) the line descends through the heart of the Highlands past Loch Treig, before following Glen Spean to the resort town of Fort William. You can take a break here, or carry on to Mallaig over the ‘West Highland Extension’ railway. After running alongside Loch Eil, the line climbs to Glenfinnan, crossing the famous curved viaduct (featured in the ‘Harry Potter’ movies – Sean Connery’s fantasy picture ‘Highlander’ was also filmed around here), giving views of the famous monument.

From Lochailort onwards there are tantalising glimpses of the dramatic North Western coast line. You will see the famous White Sands of Morar, where part of the film “Local Hero”, starring Burt Lancaster, was made. The islands of Eigg, Muck and Rum are glimpsed out to sea, before the train terminates at the picturesque fishing village of Mallaig. Wander along the quays, sample freshly caught fish, deep fried in batter, served with chips (french fries), or take a half-hour ferry crossing to Armadale on the Isle of Skye. In the summer months you can follow in Harry Potter’s footsteps and travel between Fort William and Mallaig by “The Jacobite” steam train. Advance booking on the ‘Jacobite’is necessary – to book call West Coast Railways on 011 44 1463 239026 (01463 239026 from within the UK) BritRail or Freedom of Scotland passes are not valid on this special service.

At Crianlarich there’s a branch line to the attractive port of Oban, with numerous ferry connections to outlying Islands.

• Train frequency: Glasgow-Fort William 3 return trips per weekday, 2 on Sundays
• Journey time 3 hrs 40 mins (one-way)
• Fort William-Mallaig 4 return trips per day, 2 on Sundays
• Journey time 1 hour 20 minutes (one-way)
• One overnight sleeper journey each way per day (except Saturday nights) between London Euston and Fort William