A 164-mile train journey through Scotland is said to be one of the most scenic routes in the UK.
Passengers are promised views of “breathtaking” landscapes and “diverse” scenery from the windows of their train carriages on the West Highland Line.
The route winds its way between Glasgow and either Oban or Mallaig, taking in the River Clyde, Loch Lomond, The Trossachs National Park and the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which featured in the Harry Potter films.
At Crianlarich, the line divides with the option to travel past Loch Awe to Oban or up to Rannoch Moor to Fort William and Mallaig.
Glasgow to Oban takes about three hours 20 minutes, while Glasgow to Fort William is around three hours 50 minutes and Glasgow to Mallaig about five and a half hours.
ScotRail recommends a number of points along the West Highland Line, including Ben Arthur, best known as The Cobbler, in the Southern Highlands.
Another highlight lies halfway between Crianlarich and Loch Awe on the Oban stretch of the line. Ben Lui is a “graceful” peak which Walkhighlands says is considered the Southern Highland’s finest munro.
Further spots to look out for are Monessie Gorge along the River Spean, which can be seen from the Mallaig line, and Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Tracking the northern shore of Loch Awe, the Oban line passes beneath Ben Cruachan and offers views of Kilchurn Castle, which was once a fortress base of the Campbells of Glenorchy, but now lies empty.
The northwards route to Mallaig takes in the wilds of Rannoch Moor and the UK’s highest altitude train station, Corrour, at 1,340ft above sea-level.
There are glimpses of the Isle of Skye on the final stretch to Mallaig, which can be reached via ferry from the port town that faces the island across the Sound of Sleat.
The original West Highland Line begins at Craigendoran, some 23 miles west of Glasgow, where journeys commence, according to Friends of the West Highland Lines.
Stops along the West Highland Line recommended by ScotRail include Ardlui at the tip of Loch Lomond as well as Arrochar and Tarbet for crusies on the water.
You might also like to join the West Highland Way at Crianlarich, Tyndrum or the Bridge of Orchy while Arisaig offers views of Rum and Eigg.
At the time of writing, a return ticket for one adult on the line from Glasgow to Oban cost £37.40. The same price applied for the same ticket from Glasgow to Fort William. An adult return ticket from Glasgow Queen Street to Mallaig cost £49.
