The West Highland Lines
Fort William/Mallaig
Many might say that this route, between Glasgow Queen Street and Fort William, with onward travel to Mallaig, is one of the most beautiful in Europe. Popular with walkers, climbers and kayakers. Some walk up from Milngavie, just north of Glasgow, at the start of the West Highland Way, and take the train for short sectors, or just watch it from afar. The train line follows remote areas, often not easily accessible by vehicle. The scenery is breathtaking, and quite different to the road trip through Glencoe. The train does not pass through Glencoe. Going up by rail and back by bus shows two very different landscapes. The section from Fort William to Mallaig traverses the Glenfinnan viaduct, made famous through the Harry Potter films. During summer months, a steam train operates on that sector, privately run, and not valid on rail/rover/Britrail/Interail passes. Using the Freedom of Scotland pass, it can include the bus along Loch Lomond to Inverness, where you see the Great Glen, and passing Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. Using the Scottish Grand Tour pass you can pay for the CityLink bus through the Great Glen to Inverness or Isle of Skye, then pick the train again at Kyle of Lochalsh and Inverness to head back to Glasgow or Edinburgh. Ferries from the small fishing village of Mallaig will take you to Skye (Armadale - limited public transport on from Armadale), Eigg, Muck, Rum & Canna.
Oban
Trains run from Glasgow Queen Street, to Oban, up to 5 times per day, and follow lochs through Helensburgh, and alongside Loch Lomond. The ferry terminal at Oban is adjacent to the train station, both in the centre of the town. You can take ferries to Mull (For onward travel to Iona), Col, Tiree, and to Barra. There are no first class sections on these trains. A Trolley service is available. There is no Dining Car.
Fort William
Fort William is a base for all things outdoor activity wise.