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Many rail journeys are nothing to write home about. They’re simply a way to get from A to B and when you look out the window all you get are dull views of industrial parks and dumpsites. But others can be spectacular experiences in themselves and give passengers unrivalled views of some of Earth’s most glorious landscapes.
Now, Travel + Leisure has revealed its pick of the 12 best-looking train journeys on the planet. In at number two, second only to the Pacific Surfliner in the United States, was The Jacobite in Scotland.
The steam train starts in Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis and chugs 84 miles through the rugged munros, moorlands, lakes and valleys of the West Highlands to Mallaig and back again. Most famously, it starred as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies and, just like Harry and co, passengers will glide over the grand 125-year-old Glenfinnan Viaduct.
The train briefly stops at Glenfinnan Station to give passengers a chance to stretch their legs (soon, there’ll be a new visitor centre to see) before setting off again to Mallaig, running along the same ground where Bonnie Prince Charles launched the last Jacobite Rising in 1745.
Once the Jacobite reaches Mallaig, passengers have around an hour and a half to explore the area before it begins the return journey to Fort William and you can admire the views all over again.
Did you see that a new travel pass offers unlimited travel in one of England’s most beautiful regions?
Plus: Three of the most beautiful cities in the world are in the UK.
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