Jacobite Steam Train

Scotland excels at scenic railway journeys, and the route taken by the Jacobite Steam Train along part of the West Highland Railway and the Mallaig Extension Railway is widely regarded as one of the finest. Recapturing a golden era of steam rail travel for a new generation of visitors and enthusiasts, the Jacobite Steam Train was introduced in 1984. Since the earliest days of the railway, powerful locomotives have been required to negotiate the demanding gradients presented by the Highland terrain.

Today, four beautifully restored steam locomotives take turns to make the eighty-two mile return trip from Fort William to Mallaig and back: the Lancashire Fusilier and its sister engine the North Briton; the Lord of the Isles, and the Sherwood Forester. These magnificent locomotives haul original British Rail First and Standard Class carriages which were originally in use in the 1960s and now bear a distinctive maroon livery. Our journey takes us from the town of Fort William along the shores of Loch Linnhe to Glenfinnan, the most scenic and dramatic section of the line, as the train crosses the 21 arches of the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Jacobite Steam Train operates every morning from Monday to Friday between May and October each year, with additional weekend and afternoon services added in Summer between June and August.

Our customers love our Jacobite Steam Train tours

Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands

18/Sep

Allan Zacher

“This was one of the most incredible tours I've been on, not just value for money, but the quality of the facilities where we stayed and most certainly the superb guide, William (Bill) Mackintosh! We saw a great many things, the Jacobite train viewing across the viaduct as well as...

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Highland Adventure

14/Sep

Paulette Compton

“We thoroughly enjoyed our Scottish Highlands 5-day tour. Very organized, lovely hotel in Inverness and the best tour guide, Sandra. There were no disappointments and we definitely would book another tour, hopefully soon!

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Edinburgh & the Highlands by Steam

13/Sep

Diane Hadley

“Had a lovely holiday on the steam trains, seeing some beautiful scenery and did a lot of travelling about on the coach. We could of done with a little more time in Pitlochry though. Hotels were good with delicious food.

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Lewis, Skye & the Highlands of Scotland

3/Sep

David

“Absolutely loved this visit. Such beautiful, breathtaking and varied scenery. Loved finding out about each area, such history and traditions. This was a "taster" we look forward to spending longer in Scotand the Isles.

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Loch Lomond & The Scottish Highlands

14/Jun

John

“Excellent escorted tour. Tour Manager was also excellent in every way. A well organised, good value for money, tour.

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Edinburgh, Fort William and The West Highlands

1/Aug

D Hewerdine

“Too much coach travel from Rannoch moor each day. Would have been better to have one night in Rannoch moor and then have three nights in Oban to cut down travelling back to Rannoch each day.

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A Journey of Outstanding Beauty

Despite its relatively short route, the Jacobite Steam Train presents passengers with an abundance of scenic highlights. The journey begins in Fort William, the largest town in the Highlands.

Fort William lies in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain, and the dramatic beauty of this region has resulted in its use in many films and television programmes.

The train follows the shore of scenic Loch Eil and begins its ascent toward the village of Glenfinnan. To get there, the train crosses the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct, built between 1897 and 1901. One of the first railway viaducts constructed entirely from concrete, it features twenty-one arches and rises up to thirty metres from the valley floor to provide superb views of Loch Shiel.

The sea, in the form of the Sound of Arisaig, is visible around the village of Arisaig which lays claim to the UK's westernmost railway station. Here, the rugged coastline and the shore of Loch nan Ceall, on which Arisaig is situated, afford further unforgettable views. Mallaig is a traditional and picturesque Scottish fishing port, and gateway by ferry to the islands of Skye, Muck Eigg and Rum. No visit to Mallaig can be considered complete without sampling the freshly-caught fish and seafood offered by the village's restaurants.

The historic Glenfinnan Viaduct featured in three of the Harry Potter films and is an extremely popular point on the journey at which to take photographs from the train; taking up an appropriate position at the window well in advance is recommended.

Jacobite Steam Train

6 results matching: Jacobite Steam Train

A Journey of Outstanding Beauty