Friends of the Rail Forum

On Saturday, my husband and I travelled from Helensburgh to Mallaig on the "World's Best Train Journey". I now know why it is so named.

The buffet car had run out of hot water so on arriving at Fort William I went to the cafe for some hot drinks.

Yes, you've guessed, with my husband still on the train, it departed without me. I had no idea what I was going to do until it returned.

But help was at hand.

Eilidh from the booking office enlisted her train driver husband, Alex, to drive me to catch the long gone train.

Meantime, my husband had got off the train, which the logically-thinking Alex guessed. He then re-routed, picked him up, and we boarded the train at the next request stop.

We could barely believe their kindness, and went on to enjoy our time in Mallaig.

Imagine our surprise when on our return at Fort William, Eilidh appeared with tea and coffee, "just in case I was thinking of getting off again"!

We had a right laugh, as did the other passengers.

What a lovely family, going all out for strangers. I can't praise them enough.

So heed my advice - treat yourself to this magnificent journey, but take a flask.

Ann and Dereck West, Helensburgh.