Jacobite Steam Train — Attraction in Great Britain

Really wanted to give more stars for this long awaited trip….but just can’t. So much could be improved to make this a great trip, not just a so-so trip.

This is an expensive trip - especially as we had forked out the extra dollars for “first class” - and is touted as one of the best so the bar is set high.

Our trip from beginning:

1. Poor signage at the station (none) to inform you that you are at the Jacobite train station and where you should wait. Turns out, it’s part of the standard rail station and the train came in late so couldn’t see it. Solution: put up pretty Jacobite train signs and have a uniformed Jacobite representative(s) to welcome you.

2. No one on the platform to greet you or welcome you onboard your carriage. Solution: as above

3. No commentary (written or vocal) at least not in the first class carriage we were in. Nothing on the history of the train, the Jacobites or what we were seeing. The lady steward yelled out something twice as we past something on the trip to Mallaig - couldn’t hear what she was pointing out. And the older gent pointed out Ben Nevis on the way back. nothing else. Solution: Have steward(s) who can share commentary in an engaging way, not just per-functionary.

4. dirty windows. This is touted as one of the most scenic rail trips in the world. Taking photos was almost pointless - lots of smears on the inside and dirt on the outside of the windows. Solution: clean the windows!

5. First class is currently not worth the extra price. It gets you a cup of tea /urn coffee and the same on the way back. Plus comfy seats and extra leg room. And a lamp on your table on half the return trip. I went into a coach carriage to see and the seats were very comfy with good space for legs. And they had tables too.

6. the extras. We purchased “whiskey tasting” at 40 pounds per person. We got a wee box with 4 little whiskies from Ben Nevis distillery and a plastic cup. Nothing or no one to explain the whiskies, no proper whiskey tasting glass. Solution- offer a proper whiskey tasting experience or call it what it is - a box of whiskey samples from the local distillery.

7. The souvenir shop /trolley was abysmal. Staffed by a sullen young women who did not want to be there - she rushed off the train at the end of the trip, with the tea cup clatterer, before we did. The souvenirs were poor. Where were the Jacobite souvenirs? Not even a key chain with Jacobite or the train on it. There was some Harry Potter tat for fans (which I saw very few people buy). Solution: stock some basic Jacobite/ train souvenirs. You will make even more $!

8. staff. The ladies serving tea and selling snacks from the trolley were gorgeous. Funny and engaging. Mostly the staff looked scruffy - tops had stains and dirt. And do you have to clean the train while we are still on it? The lady taking the tea/coffee cups onto the trolley- I’m surprised she didn’t break one as it sounded like she was chucking them on. Again we are paying for an experience. There is 1.5 hours at Mallaig when you can do this and after everyone has departed in Fort William. Solution: Keep your lovely tea trolley staff. but please give all your staff lovely Jacobite uniforms that they can proudly wear. And schedule cleaning at better times, clear cups with respect.

9. temperature It was so hot on board. No windows to open. Only air came from when one of the stewards opening a window/door? further up occasionally. Passengers tried to stand by the toilet area - where there was air - and got got told - sternly - to sit down (understand, it’s for safety reasons. Solution: on warm days, open something to let air come through.

10. the engine is a beauty. TIP for those wanting a photo with her. Do it before you leave Fort William. The engine is attached backwards - nose to carriage on the way back.

So the trip gets 3 stars for the scenery, the steam train and the lovely tea ladies. I would have applied 2.5 if I could have.

For the price, we were expecting more - You can do MUCH better Jacobite train.

Would I...

DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!!

I've been wanting to ride the Jacobite train for years and sadly, it did not live up to my expectations. Not even close.

I paid for the first class tickets, which are £100 each, because I wanted to experience the luxury vibes of an old steam train. But what they do not tell you is that there are different types of carriages for first class. In the photo I share featuring the seats, you can tell I was first put into the more modern looking carriage, but in the background you can see there are different carpets and seats in the next carriage.

You do end up changing carriages on the way back from Malliag so you get views from both sides of the train. And the seats in the second carriage were much more comfortable and give off the old-time steam train, first class vibes - which is part of what you're paying for when riding the Jacobite train.

THE WINDOWS DO NOT OPEN SO YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET A PHOTO WITHOUT REFLECTION OR SOME KIND OF OBSTRUCTION. The reason so many people book the Jacobite train is the experience the famous crossing of the Glenfinnan viaduct, where the train slows down or stops and allows people to hold their phones or cameras out the windows to take amazing photos. But with these new rules that were implemented in 2024, you will no longer get this photo/video. If I had known this, there's no way I would have booked a ticket (let alone a first class ticket). Instead, I would have driven my car along the route the train takes from Fort William to Mallaig. Or you could pay £20 for the regular train that goes the same route and is much faster.

I do want to say that I totally understand why they keep the windows shut and have this new rule about not opening/leaning out the windows. I am not angry about this new rule. It's definitely safer. However, I am annoyed at the fact they do not have this new rule displayed obviously on their website. Again, many people book this train since they've seen gorgeous photos of the viaduct crossing with unobstructed view, so to not note this change on their website is MISLEADING.

The fact you cannot select your seats (especially when you book first class tickets) is ridiculous. I booked these tickets months in advanced, setting an alarm for when they first became available. However, I was given seats that did not have the best view on either part of our trip. Going to Mallaig, I was in a seat that did not have a view of the viaduct crossing. And on the return, I was given a seat that faced away from it. The only way you can see the crossing is if you're in a seat next to a window that faces it. Or you'll have to stand up - which they'll yell at you for doing until it's too late to even get a decent photo.

You're also give complimentary tea and coffee if you book first class tickets. But what they don't tell you when booking is that you'll only get 2 cups (one each way) for a 4 hour train ride. . . Also, you feel rushed to finish because they come to collect the cups maybe 15 minutes after you finish.

Anyways, all this to say, I would NOT recommend riding the Jacobite steam train, especially first class. Even standard is £64 and I just don't feel like the experience is worth it. Honestly, if you have a rental car, just drive from Fort William to Mallaig and make some scenic stops along the way.

Or better yet, hike up the hill by the Glenfinnan Viaduct to witness the cross. It is a much better experience where you'll get amazing photos. Plus, it's free. Just be sure to check crossing times and arrive early to get parking and hike...

Amazing experience. Real luxury steam train, also known as the Hogwarts Express! You'll pass over the famous Glenfinnan viaduct, but that's not all it's about. Beautiful train and carriages, with stunning scenery throughout the journey, which will just have you in awe the whole way.

Two services per day, 7 days a week, between May and October. Morning Service: leaving at 10am return at 4 Afternoon Service: leaving at 2pm return at 6

You need to book in advance, especially in the summer as spaces can be sold out. The guard may have a limited number of seats available each day on a first come first served -‘Cash Only’ basis. However, these operate on a first come, first served basis and cannot be guaranteed. Travel First-class if you can. It's worth it. There is a minimum booking of two passengers in first class. Single passengers can travel in standard class.

Just so you know- you'll be able to see the viaduct from your seat window, but carriage doors will give a clear view. They will slow the train and announce a few minutes before passing, so you'll have plenty time to be ready and not miss it! Don't worry if you're sitting on the "wrong side" of the train- On the way to Mallaig, the view of the Viaduct is to the left, and so on the way back the view is to the right. Handy tip- mark the Glenfinnan viaduct on your GPS, and follow your blue dot location as you get towards it, you'll then be fully prepared to catch the perfect video/photo. [ If this is useful, please press button below !! ]

Aside from that, Probably one of the most stunning railway journeys 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 at the village of Glenfinnan, the beautiful villages of Lochailort, and Arisaig. You can 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 from here, passing Morar and the silvery beaches used in the films "Highlander" and "Local Hero". Finally reaching Mallaig.

The entire journey is beautiful, but there are quite a few amazing photo/video shots while on the train. Most of all, just relax and enjoy the spectacular Scottish scenery. If you're a Harry Potter fan, don't forget to video as you pass Dumbledors grave! (Video as it's too quick for photos). It's on the right going up to Mallaig and left coming back.

When in Mallaig, unless you're really hungry, just spend the time having a walk around the harbour and the bay. Both really nice relaxing views, and better than the mad rush of food in the...