This romantic title is now applied to the Fort William to Mallaig road - its 45 miles (72km) one of Scotland's most scenic routes. It runs mostly on a single carriageway (two-lane highway) with only a short single track (single lane) section.

The journey to Mallaig can also be made by rail and, in summer, behind a steam locomotive - the Jacobite Steam Train. Whatever transport method is used, on the way the Glenfinnan Monument is the introduction to the Bonnie Prince Charlie associations for which the area is known. The National Trust for Scotland Visitor Centre at Glenfinnan tells the story of the Prince's rash adventure here. As well as the Monument, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is also a landmark in the story of concrete construction and has more recently been associated with scenes from Harry Potter films. There is also a Glenfinnan Railway Museum.

Beyond the attractive village of Arisaig - with its Land Sea and Islands Centre telling the story of the local area - views open out across the seaboard by the famous White Sands of Morar (as featured in the movie Local Hero). A short way from the road is Loch Morar, the deepest loch in Britain. Mallaig itself is the ferryport for Armadale (Skye) and has its own Heritage Centre and (opposite) the Mallaig Marine World featuring local sealife.

Mallaig also is one gateway to the remote Knoydart peninsula, for the ultimate in escapes to this rugged and roadless part of Scotland (main settlement - Inverie). The Small Isles can also be reached from Mallaig (and Arisaig). Rum is a national nature reserve and Canna is in the care of the National Trust for Scotland, and like Eigg and Rum, have some accommodation for visitors - though it is important to book in advance.

Day cruises also operate to the islands and there are also cruises on Loch Shiel and to Knoydart (from Mallaig). In short, this is a very varied and characterful area, combining magnificent hill scenery with (in places) remoteness and also an island experience.