The West Highland railway line has been voted the top rail journey in the world by readers of an independent travel magazine.
Wanderlust readers voted the Scottish rail line into top place ahead of two trips through Peru, as well as the Trans Siberian Express in Russia.
The line runs from Glasgow to Mallaig, and is 164 miles long. The journey through the Highlands runs by some of Scotland’s most picturesque lakes, including Loch Long, Loch Lomond, Loch Etive and Loch Eil.
The line also crosses the world’s first concrete rail viaduct at Glenfinnan, which was featured in the Harry Potter films. Passengers can also look forward to passing the silver sands of Morar and Britain’s most westerly station at Arisaig.
The line has been famously profiled on many programmes, including the BBC’s Great Railway Journeys of the world.
Steve Montgomery, acting manager director of ScotRail, told the BBC: “We are delighted that Wanderlust readers, who are so passionate about travel, have chosen the West Highland Line.
“It is a testament to our staff, our services – and the line, now the world’s top rail journey… We look forward to welcoming more visitors to savour the line’s delights.”
The award was chosen after close to 3,000 readers of the England-based magazine voted, and the West Highland line beat off competition from 400 other nominated railways from around the world.
Lyn Hughes, Wanderlust editor-in-chief, told the BBC: “We have had a terrific response and it is obvious that the appetite for rail travel is ever increasing.
“Having a Scottish winner for this award is particularly exciting, and shows you don’t have to travel far for truly world-beating scenery.”
