Jacobite Steam Train

Dubbed one of the greatest steam railway journeys in the world, the Jacobite Steam Train (tour day 3) is an 84-mile round trip through some of the most scenic country in Scotland as we travel through the Western Highlands.

The Jacobite Steam in the Scottish Western Highlands

Our journey begins in Fort William at the base of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak, and ends at Mallaig, 41 miles away on the western coast near the deepest deep seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis.  In between, the train passes close to the deepest fresh water loch in Britain, Loch Morar, and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar…truly a journey of extremes!

The area around Fort William, known as Glen Nevis, has been featured in several movies including Braveheart, Rob Roy, Highlander, and the Harry Potter films.  The Quidditch match in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was filmed against the background of Glen Nevis.

As the train departs Fort William, it skirts the shores of Loch Eil.  On leaving the Banavie station, the train crosses the Caledonian Canal, and on the right, you can see Neptune’s Staircase, a series of locks to raise boats to a higher level.

Perhaps the Jacobite Steam Train is best known as the train Harry Potter and his friends ride to school, the Hogwarts Express.  Owner West Coast Railways allowed the Harry Potter movies to film the railway and several of the individual cars.

The Jacobite Steam Train subbed for the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies.

The highlight of the journey is when the train crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct where passengers get a stunning view toward the Glenfinnan Monument and Loch Shiel.  The crossing takes place at 10:54 a.m., according to the train’s timetable, and slows down as it passes over the viaduct.

Built by Robert McAlpine in 1901, it was one of the first rail viaducts to be built of concrete with over 21 arches supporting 416 yards of raised track. 

The curved viaduct is a recognizable feature in the Harry Potter films.  When Harry and Ron miss the train in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, they fly to Hogwarts in a car that zooms around and through some of the viaduct’s 100-foot high arches.

If possible, sit on the left side of the train leaving Fort William; you will have a better view of the viaduct rounding the curve and the engine passing over the viaduct.

The Jacobite makes a regular stop in the village of Glenfinnan along the shores of Loch Shiel where stands a monument to Bonnie Prince Charles who raised his standard here at the beginning of the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion.  The stop gives you time to stretch your legs and visit the museum in the station buildings.

Before the train reaches Glenfinnan, it travels through splendid scenery along the shores of Loch Eilt, possibly one of the most picturesque lakes along the route dotted with several tree covered islands where Hagrid (of the Harry Potter movies) is seen skimming stones across the lake. 

Here you will see the Eilt pines, an example of the ancient Caledonian pine forest.  The best views here are on the right side of the train.

Just after Glenfinnan and the Lochailort station, the train passes the Church of Our Lady of the Braes.  Church services here ceased in 1964, but the building was featured in the 1983 movie Local Hero.  [The full movie is available here. (1:51:29)]

At Arisaig and Morar, you can glimpse the sea on the left hand side of the train. Arisaig is Britain’s most westerly railway station.  Morar provides superb coastline views across a turquoise sea to the Isles of Eigg, Rum, and further north to Skye.

The train runs from Fort William to Mallaig on the coast.

The train departs Fort William at 10:15 a.m. and arrives in the fishing port of Mallaig at 12:25p.m.  Here we will have an hour and half for a leisurely lunch break to enjoy fresh fish and chips at a number of restaurants.  It is recommended to have lunch first and then take a stroll afterwards to see the sites including the 8-foot tall fisherman statue at the end of the harbor wall. 

Mallaig offers views of the western isles and provides ferry service to the Isle of Skye.  Some visitors have reported seeing seals in the harbor. The return from Mallaig departs at 2:10 p.m. arriving back in Fort William at 4 p.m.

Mallaig may be our destination, but traveling is as much a part of the experience as the destination, and there’s no better way to enjoy the Western Highlands of Scotland than this spectacular railway journey.

Enjoy these videos of this once in a lifetime journey by rail!

The Jacobite (The Greatest Steam Railway Journey in the World) (3:14)

“Jacobite” Highlights – The World Famous Steam-hauled Train to Fort William (6:30)