The Jacobite steam train and the Glenfinnan Viaduct

The Jacobite steam train makes an 84-mile (about 135 km) return journey between Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis, and the small harbour of Mallaig on the west coast. On the way it passes lochs and mountains of the western Highlands, then crosses the curving 21 arches of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, known worldwide from the Harry Potter films.

The train stops at Glenfinnan so you can step out and explore the station, then continues to Mallaig, where you have about an hour and a half by the harbour, with Skye on the horizon, before the return to Fort William in the evening.

At Glenfinnan stands the Glenfinnan Monument on the shore of Loch Shiel, marking the Jacobite rising of 1745. A short path from the visitor centre climbs to a viewpoint over the viaduct and the train.

The train runs seasonally; in 2026 from 1 June to 23 October, with one morning departure a day, and seats are limited. We book first class early, and can have your driver meet you at Mallaig if you want to continue to Skye by ferry.