Jacobite Steam Train Itineraries
Whether you have a single day or a relaxed long weekend, there is an itinerary here to make the most of the Jacobite Steam Train and the extraordinary landscape it passes through.
One-Day Itinerary: The Classic Ride
This is the most popular option: ride the Jacobite from Fort William to Mallaig and return the same day.
Morning
Arrive at Fort William station by 09:45 to allow time to locate your carriage, load luggage, and settle in before departure. The station has basic facilities — toilets and a small waiting area.
The train departs at 10:15. Get a window seat on the left side of the carriage (facing the direction of travel west) for the best view of the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The first half hour runs along Loch Eil — beautiful, but relatively gentle. This is a good time to settle in, order a drink from the trolley, and enjoy the opening Highland scenery.
At approximately 11:07, the train slows for the Glenfinnan Viaduct crossing. This is the highlight of the entire journey. Look left and down into the valley — you may see the arches below you and the loch beyond. The Glenfinnan Monument is visible at the head of Loch Shiel. The crossing takes only a couple of minutes, so cameras should be ready.
After Glenfinnan, the line enters increasingly remote country. Loch Eilt glitters to your right, with its famous wooded island. The route passes through Lochailort, drops towards the coast, and the character of the landscape shifts as the sea comes into view near Arisaig.
Lunchtime — Mallaig (arrive 12:25)
Mallaig is a small but characterful fishing port. The smell of the harbour is unmistakable — salt, fish, diesel, and sea air. The main activity is to walk down to the harbour, watch the fishing boats, and have lunch. Mallaig is particularly famous for its seafood — fresh langoustines, crab, and smoked fish from the local smokehouse.
Recommended options: the fish and chip shops near the harbour offer excellent and affordable seafood. Sit on the harbour wall with your fish supper and watch the CalMac ferry to Skye come and go.
After lunch, walk up to the viewpoint above the village for views across to the Isle of Skye. On a clear day, the Cuillin mountains are spectacular.
Afternoon — Return to Fort William
Catch the return service from Mallaig (verify exact time with West Coast Railways — typically early-to-mid afternoon). The journey home retraces the outward route, offering a different perspective — views to the right that you missed going west.
Arrive back in Fort William in early-to-mid evening. If time and energy permit, a walk along the shore of Loch Linnhe or a meal in one of Fort William's restaurants is a pleasant way to finish the day.
Two-Day Itinerary: Train and Glenfinnan
Adding a second day allows you to explore Glenfinnan separately from the train, giving both experiences the time they deserve.
Day 1: Glenfinnan
Drive or take the train to Glenfinnan (17 miles from Fort William on the A830). Aim to arrive at the Glenfinnan car park by 10:30 to walk up to the upper hillside viewpoint in time for the 11:07 train. Allow 20 minutes for the walk up and some additional time to find a good spot.
After watching the train cross the viaduct, descend and visit the Glenfinnan Monument and NTS Visitor Centre. Spend an hour or more exploring the exhibition on the 1745 Rising and, if the tower is open, climb to the viewing platform for views down Loch Shiel.
Have lunch at the Glenfinnan House Hotel or the NTS café. In the afternoon, walk along the shore of Loch Shiel, take a boat trip if available, or simply sit and appreciate the view.
Return to Fort William in the late afternoon or evening.
Day 2: Ride the Jacobite
Follow the one-day itinerary above to ride the train. With the previous day's context from the Glenfinnan Monument and visitor centre, crossing the viaduct on the train takes on a deeper historical dimension — you will know that the train is crossing the valley where the last Jacobite Rising began, over a viaduct built 150 years after the Rising ended.
Family Itinerary
What Children Love
Children generally love the Jacobite because it is a real, working steam train — smoke, noise, smell, and all. The Harry Potter connection (many children know it as the Hogwarts Express) adds excitement before the journey. Key moments children respond to:
- The locomotive being made ready at Fort William — get there early to see steam being raised
- The Glenfinnan Viaduct crossing — build it up beforehand and make sure they are watching out the window
- Watching for wildlife along the route: red deer, herons, eagles (sightings not guaranteed but possible)
- Mallaig harbour — children enjoy watching fishing boats, seals, and the ferry
Family Packing List
- Waterproof jackets (the Highlands can turn wet quickly, even in summer)
- Waterproof trousers or at least a spare pair of dry trousers for children
- Sturdy shoes or wellies (especially if doing the Glenfinnan upper viewpoint walk)
- Midge repellent (essential June–August)
- Camera or phone with extra storage
- Snacks and a refillable water bottle
- Small rucksack
- A book or game for quieter stretches of the train journey (the route has some slower, less dramatic sections)
- First aid kit including plasters for young walkers
Family Tips
- Book seats at the same end of the carriage to make it easier to supervise children and move to the window for the viaduct crossing
- The train journey is long (2h10m each way) for younger children — factor in whether the full return is right for your family
- For very young children, consider watching the train at Glenfinnan rather than riding it — the viaduct crossing can be seen from outside for free and may be more memorable for toddlers than a long train ride
- If riding, bring the Harry Potter connection — whichever book or film they know best — and read or discuss it on the train