The Jacobite Steam Train

A Rail Journey from Fort William to Mallaig, Scotland

On a nonchalant Tuesday in the middle of September, my husband and I had booked a round-trip journey aboard The Jacobite steam train. We had been traveling throughout the Highlands for over a week and welcomed a leisurely day aboard.

An overview of our complete 10-Day Scottish Highlands Road Trip itinerary can be found here.

The Jacobite is operated by West Coast Railways, the same company who provided the steam engine and vintage carriages for the Harry Potter films. Even though I’m not a big Potter fan, it was fun knowing that some of the carriages used in the movie are used by The Jacobite.

Above photo: The Jacobite Steam Train

The draw for us was the scenic journey that passes over the Glenfinnan Viaduct and through the the beautiful villages of Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig.

Our morning journey started at the Fort William rail station, the same station that services all other trains coming in-and-out of Fort William. There wasn’t anything special about arriving at the station and finding the boarding platform, except of course, the train itself! If you arrive early, this is a great opportunity to snap photos of the steam engine and take a peek inside.

Above photos: The Jacobite Steam Train

I was keen to take photos, but was concerned about the quality of the images I would get through the train windows. Thankfully, there are a couple options. First, there is a window at every seat location that slides open. So, you can open your window and point your phone or camera out the opening. A lot of people were taking videos with their phone cameras this way.

The other option is to walk up to the windows that are by the doors on each carriage (also by the restrooms). There is a window on each side of the train that you can open if you have a larger camera or need a better angle. There were several more serious photographers taking turns sticking their uber-zoom lenses out the window and taking pictures. However, it is important to know that the train gets very close to vegetation, tree branches, and rocks. It’s a bit risky to stick your head or any expensive equipment out the window.

Above photos: Aboard the The Jacobite Steam Train

Just outside of Fort Wiliam, the train passes Neptune’s Staircase, part of the Caledonian Canal. The series of locks connects boats from the Great Glen to Loch Lochy.

Above photo: Neptune’s Staircase

The train stops at the Glenfinnan Station where everybody gets off the train for a short layover. During this break, passengers can tour that station and watch a track switching demonstration in the switch tower above the tracks.

Above photos: Glenfinnan Station

The highlight of the journey is crossing over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. There are also a lot of people who hike the Glenfinnan Viaduct walking trail and wait on the hillside for the train to pass. Our train slowed down a little so passengers and the hillside audience would have extra time to take photos and enjoy the moment.

Above photos: Glenfinnan Viaduct

If you miss your chance or aren’t happy with your photos, you will have another opportunity on the return trip to take photos from the opposite direction. Another thing to keep in mind is that passengers switch sides of the train on the way back so you have a view of the scenery on the opposite side of the train.

The entire route is full of beautiful views of the Western Highlands. The train passes lochs and mountains, and goes through a few tunnels, too!

Above photos: The Jacobite Steam Train trip through the Western Highlands

Passengers have about an hour and 45 minute layover in Mallaig before departing for the return trip back to Fort William. There are several ways to fill the time, such as a wildlife cruise from the harbor, shopping, sightseeing, or a leisurely lunch. We opted for lunch at The Cabin Restaurant.

Above photos: Mallaig

The return trip back to Fort William was more relaxing. There were a few other passengers that even dozed off for a nap. I pulled out my camera one last time to take pictures of us crossing over the viaduct from the other direction.

Above photo: Glenfinnan Viaduct

Back at the Fort William station, I was able to take a few more photos of the train before walking to High Street.

Above photos: The Jacobite Steam Train

Just a few steps away from the station, High Street is the pedestrianised area in Fort William, lined with shops and restaurants. Unfortunately, a lot of the shops had already closed up for the day with the exception of a few souvenir stores. It is a nice street to wander down after the train ride. I stopped in to see the lovely St. Andrew’s Church and then continued to walk down the street until reaching the Silly Goose Restaurant, where we had our dinner reservations.

Above photos: St. Andrew’s Church, Fort William

Above photo: High Street, Fort William

Above photo: The Silly Goose Restaurant at the Lime Tree Hotel

Next Up: Continue reading about our Highlands road trip as we drive through Glencoe and The Trossachs National Park for more hiking, waterfalls, lochs, and views.

To continue to Day 9: Glencoe & The Trossachs, click here.