Described as “The greatest railway journey in the world”, this 84-mile round trip has been immortalised as the ‘Hogwarts Express’ in the Harry Potter series of films. Starting near the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis, it crosses the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct with its stunning views down Loch Sheil, before visiting Britain’s most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig and passing close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar.

On a clear summer’s day, you can see the “Small Isles” of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna and the southern tip of Skye. The train passes the silvery beaches of Morar, used in the films “Highlander” and “Local Hero,” before stopping in Mallaig for around 90 mins – an ideal period to take a short cruise for some dolphin spotting. This is a very popular trip and booking is essential.