ALL ABOARD
The Jacobite Steam Train
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Described as the greatest railway journey in the world, this 84 mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes. Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain's most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis!
The train stops en route to Mallaig at the village of Glenfinnan (see below). Beyond Glenfinnan are the beautiful villages of Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig. You may alight at Arisaig by request to the guard. From here, on a clear summer's day, you can see the "Small Isles" of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna and the southern tip of Skye. The train continues on from here passing Morar and the silvery beaches used in the films "Highlander" and "Local Hero".
Scene from Harry Potter
DESTINATION: MALLAIG
But as the travelling is as much a part of the experience as the arrival you will enjoy this spectacular railway journey, regarded as one of the greatest in the world.
FORT WILLIAM
Fort William, the largest town in the Highlands and situated at the southern end of the Great Glen, lies in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britains highest mountain. This area is a fine location to use as a base to discover the West Highlands.
GLENFINNAN
The train cross the 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct (a location made famous in the Harry Potter films) which overlooks Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument. The train may pause on the viaduct, time permitting, to allow you to take in the magnificent view. Once stopped in Glenfinnan station there will be time to stretch your legs and, if you wish, visit the West Highland Railway Museum located in the restored station building. The Jacobite may also stop at Arisaig by request to the guard.
ARISAIG
The village of Arisaig (the Safe Place) is centred on the sheltered shore of Loch nan Ceall (Loch of the Cells). From this very tranquil village it is possible to take the boat, The Sheerwater to the Small Isles (until mid September). The local Highland Games takes place here annually on the last Wednesday in July at Traigh Farm.
MALLAIG
The end of the line, Mallaig was founded during the 1840s when the owner of the North Morar Estate, Lord Lovat, divided up the farm on the coast here into a series of parcels of land and encouraged his tenants living around Loch Morar and Loch Nevis to resettle in what became Mallaig and establish a fishing village. Today Mallaig is a busy fishing port and ferry terminal with services to Skye and the Small Isles. Arriving in Mallaig you will have over an hour and a half to enjoy a walk round and take in the atmosphere: there are shops, bars, restaurants and plenty of fish and chips to be enjoyed during the lunchtime stopover.
West Coast Railway
TIMETABLE
Morning Service:
The Jacobite runs from Wednesday 15th July to Friday 23rd October 2020 (Monday to Friday). Saturday and Sunday from Saturday 18th July to Sunday 27th September 2020.
Afternoon Service:
The trip runs from Wednesday 15th July to Friday 25th September 2020 (Monday to Friday). Saturday and Sunday from Saturday 18th July to Sunday 27th September 2020.
West Coast Railway
CLASSES & CARRIAGES
First Class Open Carriage
The traditionally furnished First Class carriages allow you to travel in style. First Class Carriage A is an open compartment with private tables for 2 and tables for 4 at either side of the aisle. All tables include traditional table cloths and lamps and the upholstered seats are more luxurious with extra leg room. First Class passengers also receive a complimentary tea or coffee on each part of the journey.
First Class Compartment Carriage
First Class Carriage D the 'HP' Compartment Carriage (only available on the morning trip) is a vintage carriage with compartments that seat 6 passengers per compartment. These compartments have a door which leads onto a corridor that runs the full length of the carriage. This will appear on the booking menu as a First Class Compartment booking.
Standard Class Carriage
The Standard Class carriages offer the same train experience at exceptional value for money. All the standard class passengers travel in refurbished vintage Mark I or Mark II coaches and will be seated around tables for 4.
West Coast Railway
Jacobite Cream Teas
Allow me to set the scene if you will. You are sitting in the comfort of your beautifully upholstered seat, in a carefully restored Mark I or Mark II first class carriage. Ahead, your vintage steam engine takes you on the greatest railway journey in the world between Fort William and Mallaig in Scotland; surely it doesn't get better? Then along comes your delicious Jacobite Cream Tea.
Whether you have booked your place on this most historic journey or are still to do so, why not add the final touch?
(The Jacobite Cream Teas are only available to pre order and only to passengers travelling in the main first class carriage A. The Cream Teas are generally served around Glenfinnan on the Outward journey from Fort William on the morning trip and the afternoon trip.)
To book your wonderful journey, click here.