Scotland’s wild and wonderful rugged west coast is the star of the show when you take a trip on the West Highland Line, which splits at Crianlarich, 40 miles north of Glasgow (trains leave from Queen Street station).

There are two incredible trips on the West Highland Line, often included in 'great railway journeys of the world' lists: across to the west coast and Oban, or northwards to Fort William and Mallaig.

Once you’re on the move, the train quickly leaves behind the dense urban Glasgow area and speeds along the banks of the River Clyde to Gare Loch, Long Long and then towards the northern edges of Loch Lomond, Ben Lomond looming behind. At times you will find yourself almost in the water, so close does the line skirt the bonnie bonnie banks.

Here there are great views across the water as the train makes the short hop north east to Crianlarich where the line divides. So make sure you’re on the right bit of the train, although really, either way, you wouldn’t lose out.

1. Glasgow to Oban
Journey time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Passing through Glen Lochy, you’ll see the picturesque ruin of Kilchurn Castle as the train begins a stunning sweep along the northern shore of Loch Awe, defined by the imposing Ben Cruachan the ‘hollow mountain’ with its hydro-electric power station hidden deep within.

Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe
Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe

As you leave the loch behind, the tracks follow the banks of the River Awe, and towards Loch Etive, past the little town of Connel where you’ll catch a glimpse of the Falls of Lora where Loch Etive narrows. Just a few miles further on, is the pretty harbour town of Oban itself, where Cal-Mac ferries chug across to Mull, Colonsay and beyond.

2. Glasgow to Fort William/Mallaig
Journey time: 5 hours 30 minutes

This is the biggie, the journey that has train and travel buffs reaching for the superlatives. Catch it on a crisp winter day, frost below and blue sky above, and your heart will swell with pride at the extraordinary beauty of the Scottish landscape. Striking onwards and upwards from Crianlarich the remarkable Horseshoe Curve bends dramatically first to the east and then the west before continuing on northwards.

Summer sunlight illuminating the iconic arches of the Gelnfinnan Viaduct
Summer sunlight illuminating the iconic arches of the Gelnfinnan Viaduct

So far the line has pretty much followed the A82, but at Bridge of Orchy it veers off eastwards to cross the vast desolate wilderness of Rannoch Moor, with hills and mountains looming on all sides. This is home to the UK’s highest-altitude train station at Corrour (which you will remember for Ewan McGregor’s hilarious speech about Scotland in Trainspotting). From here there are fantastic views as the train hugs the shores of Loch Treig before turning sharply westwards, towards Fort William and Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles.

Here you have to change trains for Mallaig where you will tootle along the banks of Loch Eil for almost six and a half miles before bending around the iconic curve of the elegant Glenfinnan Viaduct, immortalised in the Harry Potter films as part of the magical journey to Hogwarts.

Jacobite steam engine on Glenfinnan Viaduct
Jacobite steam engine on Glenfinnan Viaduct

From here on, the train skirts stretches of still lochs and craggy coastline, taking in the dramatic beauty of Lochs Eilt, Ailort and Nan Uamh until it reaches Morar’s sandy shores where the beach scenes for Local Hero were filmed. And then you will arrive in Mallaig, admittedly not the bonniest fishing town, but offering gob-smacking views to Skye, Rum, Eigg and Muck. No wonder this is one of the great railway journeys of the world.

For more info visit Scotrail's website.