'Jacobite' Steam Train
Jacobite Steam Train
From the start in 1984
When British Rail reintroduced steam to the line in 1984 it was
known as ‘The West Highlander’ which later became ‘The Lochaber’.
West Coast Railways took over the running of this service in 1995
and gave it the much loved title ‘The Jacobite’.
It is regarded as one of the Great Railway Journeys of the World and
was voted Top Railway Journey in the World 2009 by Wanderlust
Magazine, due mainly to the stunning scenery. The 84 mile round trip
will take you past Britain's highest mountain, deepest loch,
shortest river and most westerly station. Quite a journey indeed!
The train stops en route to Mallaig at the village of Glenfinnan
after crossing the world famous 21 arch concrete viaduct, (as
featured in the Harry Potter films) with its stunning views down
Loch Shiel and over the place where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his
Standard in 1745. The train stops in the station giving you time to
stretch your legs and visit the museum in the station buildings.
Beyond are the villages of Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig.
On a clear summer's day from Arisaig you can see the "Small Isles"
of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna and the southern tip of Skye. From there
the train passes Morar and the silvery beaches used in the films
"Highlander" and "Local Hero" before arriving at Mallaig.