That is certainly a very famous train journey across the Scottish highlands. The train to Mallaig leaves the Fort William station every single day with passengers that come from all over the world to take an unforgettable journey at an authentic Jacobite steam train.
The journey from Fort William to the ferry port of Mallaig is a quiet of bit long one, with 41 miles (66 kilometers) of tracks throughout stunning mountains, valleys, and the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct.
The scenery is outbreathing indeed but unfortunately, I have picked the wrong day to do it and it rained all day long. Nevermind! It was still one of the best train journeys taken and I highly recommend it. But expect subtle changes in the weather in the area.
The Jacobite runs a distance of 41 miles between Fort William and Mallaig, passing through an area of great scenic beauty including alongside Loch Eil, Glenfinnan Viaduct and Arisaig. Trains cross with regular service trains at Glenfinnan station.
The route is also the same shown in the Harry Potter films. The company running the Jacobite service provided Warner Brothers with the train used as the Hogwarts Express in all of the movies and allowed them use of the Jacobite’s route for filming.
Despite the popularity because Harry Potter films, this train journey is far way more interesting than what a cinema blockbuster merchandised.
The Jacobite runs from May to October because of the weather conditions. There are only four trains a day and the standard ticket costs 34 pounds (adult). More information about the service can be found here.
When departing in Mallaig, be aware that there are several souvenir shops and cafés and restaurants to be visited but the size of the village makes the population (made of tourism) The Mallaig railway was used during the filming of the Harry Potter series of films, and the Hogwarts Express could often be seen in the summer during periods of filming. Many other local areas were used for location filming increase considerably. Expect queues even to buy simple fish and chips.
The Mallaig railway was used during the filming of the Harry Potter series of films, and the Hogwarts Express could often be seen in the summer during periods of filming. Many other local areas were used for location filming.
Source | Wikipedia Photos | Simone Ribeiro
Video made during my trip to Scotland in 2009:
Harry Potter scene at the Glenfinnan Viaduct:
