The Jacobite Train
The Jacobite steam train (not the Harry potter train or Howarts Express) goes from Fort William to Mallaig early April until late October. The morning service leaves Fort William at 10.15 am. There is an additional afternoon service from late May until early September. Currently the afternoon services are supended information correct as of April 2024. Please see West Coast Railways website for more details.
The Jacobite steam train has been running on this line for since 1984 under various operators. The current operators are west coast railways. The train has come under major scrutiny since 2023 due to a dispute over the door locking system that saw its services suspended for a few weeks in 2023. The company took the train regulators to court but lost. Due to the ongoing issues with the doors the 2024 season was delayed. However a train with the correct locking mechanism was sourced and the jacobite was allowed to run. Although it currently has reduced capacity and there is no Harry Potter carriage at this time April 2024. Tr here is also currently no afternoon summer service due to the door issue.
Tickets can be hard to come buy and you need to book them as soon as they become available usually in Late November or early December for the up and coming season.
Harry Potter and the Hogwarts Express
The Jacobite train was already a world famous train service. However it became more famous in recent years due to the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of secrets. Remember that famous car flying scene when Dobby stopped Harry and Ron from getting to platform 9 3/4. The famous scene where they are following the track and going over the viaduct bridge? Well that was the Glenfinnan viaduct (not the Harry Potter bridge), which you pass over if you travel on the Jacobite to Mallaig. So if your a Potter fan you are going to love following in the footsteps of the trio (Hermione was on the train). Also on this ride you get a glimpse of Dumbledore Island. This is place that was Dumbledores final resting place in the films.
Just a little tip many locals hate it when the Jacobite train is called the Hogwarts express or the Harry Potter train. This is because its not the Hogwarts express its not even the same train or colour. Plus, the jacobite uprising is a very important part of Scottish history. Me personally even as a Big fan of Harry Potter it does annoy me at times. However I’ve come to the conclusion it shouldn’t matter what people call it or why they come. People should be allowed to experience and enjoy this fantastic journey their way no matter the reason for visiting.
First Class
As thiswas a special trip for JB birthday we decided to splash out on first class on a table for two. This carriage and seats are little more fancy and you get a cup of tea or coffee. We also received a box of snacks foe the journey.
Glenfinnan
You leave Fort William, and you’re immediately hit with the beauty of the area. After about 30 minutes you reach the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct and wow, what a sight. After this the train enters Glenfinnan station where there is a short stop of around 20 minutes. There is a gift shop, cafe and a small railway museum within the station. The train then carries on to Mallaig making a brief stop at Arisaig train station the most westerly station in uk
Mallaig
The small fishing village of Mallaig, not Hogwarts, is the destination for the jacobite train. The train stops here for just over 1 and half hours. This is enough time to go for a stroll and something to eat. There is also the option to do a cruise from here that gets you back in time for train. We didn’t do the cruise so cannot comment on if it was good or not. However, its qn option that I’d available.
Final notes
The Jacobite steam train is a world renowned train. The journey that it takes has fantastic views and it does so in old fashion carriages. However, the day we were on it, the train was a diesel train, not a steam train which was the whole reason for this trip for us as riding on a steam train was a bucket list item. That said it didn’t take away from our enjoyment of the day too much.
However, the reason given for it being a diesel one week into the season was highly suspicious since it was a steam train the next day. If I wanted to ride a diesel train I would have taken the scotrail train. I could have travelled with scotrail for 1/3 of what we paid for tickets. We still had a great day out and would highly recommend the trip. However, if you cannot get tickets for the steam train or they are too pricey the scotrail service does the exact same journey. The only difference is the style of train and carriage. It really is a great alternative option and if you don’t want to go all the way to Mallaig the train goes over the viaduct before Glenfinnan.
If you like my post about thes Jacobite train why not check outs some of my other posts Port Glasgow, Glasgow Cathedral, Fort william.
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