The Jacobite Steam Train
The Jacobite
Nicknamed the “Hogwarts Express,” this steam train runs between Fort William and Mallaig, passing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and is hailed as one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world.
The Jacobite steam train is operated by West Coast Railways. It runs from Fort William station to Mallaig, a one-way journey of about 84 km and 2 hours. Along the way it passes Ben Nevis, the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Loch Shiel and the silver sands of the Morar coast. The train stays about 1.5 hours in Mallaig before returning. Standard carriage tickets for the round trip cost about £60 to £70. First-class seats and vintage carriages with compartments cost more, and in peak season they often sell out months in advance. Sitting on the left side of the train on the outbound journey gives you a view of the locomotive as it rounds the bend on the viaduct. If you don’t want to ride, you can also watch the train cross the bridge from nearby.
Opening hours
Approx. April–October; departs Williamsburg around 10:15 a.m.; check official schedule
Nearby sights
- West Highland Museum
- Old Inverlochy Castle
- Neptune's Staircase
- Ben Nevis Distillery
- Ben Nevis
- Nevis Range Mountain Gondola
- Glen Nevis & Steall Falls
- Clachaig Inn