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Jacobite Trail

Jacobite Train Itineraries

Practical day-by-day plans for seeing the Jacobite steam train — whether you have one day, two days, or you're travelling with children.

1

The One-Day Plan

Based in Fort William. See the westbound train at Glenfinnan in the morning, then drive to Mallaig for lunch and the return train in the afternoon.

08:30
Depart Fort William
Drive the A830 towards Glenfinnan. 25-minute drive. Stop at Banavie to see Neptune's Staircase on the Caledonian Canal.
09:00
Arrive Glenfinnan
Park at the NTS car park (PH37 4LT). Walk to the hill viewpoint — 15 minutes. Find your position early.
11:03
Westbound train passes
The Jacobite crosses the viaduct. You have approximately 45 seconds. The steam whistle echoes through the glen 2 minutes before it appears.
11:30
Explore Glenfinnan
Visit the NTS Visitor Centre and the Glenfinnan Monument. The station museum is free and worth 30 minutes.
12:30
Drive to Mallaig
Continue west on the A830. Stop at Arisaig for lunch — The Old Library Restaurant is excellent. 45-minute drive total.
14:10
Return train departs Mallaig
Watch from the harbour or the elevated viewpoint above the station. The train heads back east with Skye in the background.
16:00
Return to Fort William
Drive back on the A830. Stop at Loch nan Uamh layby for a final coastal view.
2

The Two-Day Plan

Overnight in Mallaig or Arisaig. Day 1 covers the western viewpoints; Day 2 covers Glenfinnan and the eastern section. Ideal for photographers wanting multiple shots.

1Day 1 — Western Section

09:00
Arisaig Road Crossing
Westbound train passes at ~11:52. Easy, relaxed start.
12:00
Morar River Bridge
White sand beaches and the river bridge. Lunch at Morar Hotel.
14:10
Mallaig Harbour
Watch the return train depart. Explore the harbour and seafood restaurants.
19:00
Overnight Arisaig
The Arisaig Hotel or self-catering. Book well in advance in summer.

2Day 2 — Glenfinnan & East

08:30
Loch nan Uamh Viaduct
Arrive early for the coastal viaduct. Quiet and spectacular.
10:30
Glenfinnan Hill Viewpoint
The classic shot. Arrive before 10:00 in peak season.
11:03
Train crosses viaduct
The main event. Then visit the station museum.
14:00
Drive back to Fort William
Stop at Polnish Chapel for a final quiet viewpoint.
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Family-Friendly Plan

Designed for families with children. Prioritises easy access, short walks, and viewpoints where the train passes slowly. Includes the station museum and beach stops.

09:30
Glenfinnan Station Museum
Free entry. Children love the old dining car museum. Arrive before the crowds. The tearoom opens at 10:00.
10:45
Station platform
Watch the train arrive and depart from the platform. Children can often see the locomotive being watered. Very close, very loud, very exciting.
11:30
Glenfinnan Monument
10-minute walk from the station. The monument is at the head of Loch Shiel — a beautiful picnic spot.
13:00
Drive to Arisaig
40-minute drive west. Stop at the Loch nan Uamh layby for a coastal view — no walking required.
13:30
Arisaig Beach
The white sand beaches at Camusdarach (near Arisaig) are extraordinary. Lunch on the beach.
15:30
Arisaig Road Crossing
The return train passes through Arisaig at approximately 15:52. The train moves slowly — perfect for children. The crew often wave.

Book Train Tickets

Planning to ride the train? Book early — it sells out weeks in advance in summer.

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