Scotland’s West Highland Line has been voted the Top Rail Journey in the world by the readers of Wanderlust Magazine, the bible for independent minded travellers.

The line was the clear winner, beating a total of 400 other nominated rail journeys from around the world. It has long been recognised as one of the UK’s most scenic rail routes, linking the fishing port of Mallaig on the west coast of Scotland to Glasgow.

The triumphant Scottish rail journey was recognised for its breathtaking and varied scenery, skirting lochs and shaggy Highland cattle, and crossing a 21-arch viaduct at Glenfinnan before hitting the coast with views of the isles of Eigg, Muck and Rum.

In second and third place were two Peruvian rail journeys; the Cuzco to Puno line and the Cuzco to Macchu Picchu line. The mighty Trans-Siberian came in fourth just beating Eurostar into fifth place.

The journey

When the whistle blows in Glasgow's glass-roofed Queen Street station and the train for Mallaig sets out, you are starting on a journey that is 164 miles long, and will leave an abundance of memories to treasure. On the way you'll see tiny villages, vast moors, towering mountains and historic glens. The first sod of earth on the route was cut with a silver spade in October 1889. In August 1894, the line between Glasgow and Fort William was opened to passenger traffic ...the greatest mileage of railway ever opened in one day in Britain. And in April 1901, the line to Mallaig was opened - the West Highland Railway was complete. Travel over it today and you'll come to understand why so many people have fallen in love with it since.

From Fort William to Mallaig 

During the summer you can also make this part of the journey on the "Jacobite" steam train. This 42 mile journey takes you past a list of impressive extremes. It starts near the highest mountain in Britain (Ben Nevis), visits Britain's most westerly mainland railway station (Arisaig), then passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain (Loch Morar), and the shortest river in Britain (River Morar) and finally arrives next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe - Loch Nevis. The train leaves Fort William at 10:20am and returns to Fort William at 4:00pm with an hour and a half in Mallaig.

At Banavie the line crosses part of the Caledonian Canal, Britain's longest inland waterway, which links Fort William with Inverness. To the right you'll see Neptune's Staircase, a remarkable series of canal locks.

Locheilside is home of the Clan Cameron. The breathtaking curve of the 100 feet high (35 metres) Glenfinnan Viaduct sweeps you past the head of Loch Shiel and the monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie, marking the spot where he landed and unfurled his standard in 1745 to commence his rebellion. The viaduct itself is a monument, being the first concrete viaduct ever built in Britain - by 'Concrete Bob McAlpine'. It has more recently become famous for it's scenes in the Harry Potter film "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets", with the blue Ford Anglia flying around the engine and the viaduct.

Beyond Glenfinnan station, Loch Eilt is studded with tiny islands bearing tall silver trees. Once again, you're down by the water.

Lochailort stands in a glorious setting and was the site of one of the largest camps of labourers during the line's construction - almost 2000 men lived here. After Loch Ailort comes Beasdale, then tunnels, Loch Dubh on the right, a viaduct framing Loch Nan Uamh.

At Arisaig look over Loch Nan Ceall and see the islands of Rum and Eigg with its distinctive flat top. Onwards to Morar and the silvery beaches used in the films "Highlander" and "Local Hero". On the right is Loch Morar, Britain's deepest loch at 1000 feet (333 metres) - and home to a monster - Morag! To the left you'll see the white sands of Morar.

And then you're in the fishing village of Mallaig. Take a stroll about the busy harbour. Absorb the views over to Skye, across Loch Nevis to Knoydart, and to Rum and Eigg.