The Jacobite & West Highland Line

The Jacobite & the West Highland Line, Scotland

The Jacobite & the West Highland Line

Jake Davies

The steam train The Jacobite crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct. — The steam train The Jacobite crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a scene familiar to every viewer of the Harry Potter movies

The West Highland Railway Line in Scotland is generally considered to not only be one of the most scenic train rides in the UK but also on the whole planet.

Combined with a ride on what is almost certainly the most famous steam train in the world and you have a recipe for a trip of a lifetime.

The Jacobite

Named after the rebellion that took place in a part of the highlands of Scotland through which the train passes, the Jacobite has become an iconic steam train due to it being seen in the Harry Potter series of movies where it is known as the Hogwarts Express.

The Jacobite runs from Fort William to Mallaig, with a round trip of 82 miles. There are two return services on many of the days that the train runs, with a one-way journey time of about four and a half hours, plenty of time to take in the dramatic scenery.

The carriages used on the Jacobite are vintage, dating back to the 1960's, and have both first and standard class carriages. The standard class is open carriages with four seats sharing a table.

Inside the cab of the Jacobite steam train. — Inside the cab of the Jacobite steam train

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

Elegant seating in the first class sections hark back to a time when rail travel was more luxurious. — Elegant seating in the first class sections hark back to a time when rail travel was more luxurious

First Class has a similar layout although the seating is somewhat more spacious, comfortable and luxurious with one side of the aisle being for just a 2 seat arrangement. First Class also has some small compartments for four, seated around a table. First Class passengers receive a free tea or coffee on each leg of the journey.

The journey begins from Fort William, on the shore of Loch Linnhe and in the shadow of the highest point in the UK, Ben Nevis.

The first part heads west along the shore of Loch Eil before approaching the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Crossing the viaduct you catch sight of Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Monument marking the spot where the train's namesake, the Jacobite Rebellion, began.

At Glenfinnan the train stops for a break and passengers can get off and visit the small museum in the old station buildings dedicated to the construction of the railway line and viaduct.

Leaving Glenfinnan the train passes through mountains and then follows the coast of Loch Eilt before arriving at Lochafort and the first glimpse of the sea. The line follows the coast north, and at Arisaig, the westernmost station in mainland Britain, the smaller of the Western Isles can be seen off the coast before arriving at Mallaig with its stunning views of the Isle of Skye and from where the ferry departs.

For timetables, prices, etc please consult:
westcoastrailways.co.uk

The Jacobite Steam Train prepares to leave Fort William Station. — The Jacobite Steam Train prepares to leave Fort William Station

Scenic Loch Eil seen from the train. — Scenic Loch Eil seen from the train

West Highland Line

The section from Fort William to Mallaig was the last part of the West Highland Line to be completed and the first services to Mallaig began in 1901.

The first part of the line began at Craigendoran just west of Glasgow and ran to Fort William. It opened in 1894. It runs along the River Clyde through Dumbarton then turns north with views along Loch Gare, Loch Long, and into the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

At Crianralach a branch line heads to Oban on the west coast passing through Dalmally before skirting the top of Loch Awe and then following the southern shore of the saltwater Loch Etive before reaching Oban.

From Crianralach the main line heads north up into some of the wildest landscape in the UK. Rannoch Moor is desolate and wild and here the train passes the highest point on the line, 1,350 ft above sea level at Corrour.

Corrour Station is not accessible by any public roads and is one of the most remote stations in Britain. Rannoch Station, however, is quite accessible by road and is very popular with hikers and walkers and offers a tea room. It is considered one of the prettiest stations in the UK.

Heading down from the moor the line skirts Loch Tieg and at Tulloch heads West along the River Spean before turning southwest and into Fort William.

Approximate times for the various sections of the West Highland Line by regular service are:

Glasgow to Oban 3 hours, 20 minutes

Glasgow to Fort William 3 hours, 50 minutes

Glasgow to Mallaig 5 hours 30 minutes