Three Brethren (Scottish Borders)

West Coast Rail Line

September 2016's overnight outing is described as not just one of the most scenic railway journeys in the UK, but in the world, and it did not disappoint. There was barely a dull mile. The whole of the route from Glasgow Queen Street station to Mallaig was a succession of wonderful views that banished any thought of reading or iPad.

We travelled by diesel from Glasgow, up the west coast, along Loch Lomond and over Rannoch Moor, and - in the shadow of Ben Nevis - into Fort William, where we spent the night. Next morning we took the famous steam-hauled train, the Jacobite, to Mallaig, an 84-mile round trip around lochs and over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, returning to Glasgow the same day. It was only on the return journey that the weather turned against us, making for an altogether extraordinary and memorable excursion.