While many travellers use trains as a means of getting from one destination to another, you don't have to be a rail enthusiast to appreciate a great train journey - be it for its scenery along the ride, its historic or nostalgic value or even as a feat of engineering.

Rail travel is an eco-friendly way of travelling, and it also beats driving as a way of getting around in some countries. It could cut travel time significantly; it could also access places inaccessible by four wheels, and best of all, there's no heed to worry about traffic or missing the last turn. All you need to do is sit, relax and enjoy the ride.

There are hundreds of other classic railway journeys around the world, including several long-distance rides that connect 2 - 3 continents, as well as hundreds more that tackle inaccessible landscapes to provide essential transport to the locals.

The rail journeys featured are selected for their ease of access and length of journey. Some are known for their splendid sceneries, while others are famous for their historical significance. For most of these routes, the railway lines provide a vital link to locations that are perfect for those who want to explore the great outdoors.

You can board this historic steam train after a ramble in the Highlands, and pass some historic sites along the way to the coastal town of Mallaig to board ferries to Scotland's remote outlying islands.

Traverse some of the most inaccessible and majestic mountains of the Swiss Alps to get to the ski slopes of St. Moritz, or climb over the Alps to get to the Italian town of Tirano.

Board local Spanish trains to access some of the most scenic locales of the Andalucian landscape. Experience Moorish history and ancient townships, or get off and explore the gorges of Sierra Nevada.

The best way to reach the cool hill station of Shimla for some great trekking in the Himalayan foothills is to take this UNESCO-listed mountain railway that traverses some awe-inspiring arch bridges.

Experience one of Japan's last steam train rides as it chugs through Shizuoka's lush tea estates. Continue the ride on Japan's only ABT railway up to the mountains for a refreshing hike and hot spring trip.

Ride through the amazing landscape of the Canadian Rockies. Hop off at either Jasper or Banff National Parks to experience the great Canadian wilderness on hiking trails or ski slopes (in winter).

Taking you from banana plantations to bamboo groves and alpine forests in Taiwan, it's the best access for great hikes up to some of the island's most scenic mountains for sunrise and sunset viewings.

Journey through the heart of Australia between Darwin and Adelaide, crossing some of the most inhospitable deserts of the Red Centre. Hop off at Alice Springs from some great hikes and outdoor adventure.

Europe: Railway lines criss-cross the entire continent, including Venice- Simplon Orient Express (London - Venice); the Jan Kiepura and the Moskva Express (Western Europe to Moscow).

South America: Perurail (Cusco - Machu Picchu) and several mountain railways in Peru and Chile.

North America: American Orient Express (Los Angeles - Washington, DC).

Asia: Trans-Siberian (Moscow - Beijing), Orient Express (Singapore - Chiangmai) and Deccan Odyssey (Mumbai - Goa).

Africa: Blue Train (Cape Town - Pretoria).