Bucket list experience:
Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Yes, this is the Harry Potter vintage steam train and it crosses the legendary 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct, made famous by the films.
The Jacobite’s route up the west coast of Scotland is one of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys, an 84-mile round trip from Fort William to the little fishing village of Mallaig.
Starting in the shadow of Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, other sights to tick off along the way include the mainland’s westernmost train station, the deepest loch and shortest river and glorious sweeps of sand that appeared in other cinematic gems, ‘Local Hero’ and ‘Highlander’.
Optional extras include pre-ordered Jacobite High teas served on the homeward leg, champagne and chocolates.
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Destination Guide >Fort William where the journey starts is a large coastal town. There’s a direct train service from Glasgow; the journey takes around 4 hours.
The Jacobite round-trip takes around six hours and is a full day’s experience.
The train runs a morning service every day from the beginning of April to the end of October. There is a second service in the afternoon from 1 May to the end of September.
Easter and the peak summer months will be the busiest. For a quieter journey opt for May or September and October.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[34.6 miles]
A romantic, yet family-friendly 16th-century hunting lodge, surrounded by spectacular landscapes. It’s an ideal base for exploring the incomparable Isle of Skye – and the in-house restaurant is outstanding.
Official star rating:
Fort William, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[35.6 miles]
Luxurious 19th-century castle hotel in stunning scenery offering an extensive range of traditional country pursuits.
Official star rating:
Glencoe, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[38.9 miles]
A grand Victorian mansion surrounded by heart-stopping scenery with a distinctive all-suite in-room dining concept, perfect for those seeking seclusion.
Official star rating:
Taynuilt, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[64.5 miles]
Romantic Scottish country house hotel, complete with four-posters on the edge of a dreamy loch. Every activity you could crave is on your doorstep, from deer stalking to wildlife photography.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (UK)
Magnificent mountain scenery slashed by silvery lochs and peppered with brooding castles: all laden with rich Scottish heritage, history and tradition.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Fort William, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[32.7 miles]
One of the world’s greatest scenic railway journeys – 165 miles (5 hours) through Scottish mountains, moors and lochs from Glasgow, Fort William and finally Mallaig.
Best for ages: 6+ | £15 | 4-5 hours
Fort William, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[39.5 miles]
The highest mountain in Britain, ‘The Ben’ is a challenging but rewarding Munro ‘to bag’.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | Full day
Ballachulish , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[40.7 miles]
A magnificent brooding glen that was the scene of Scotland’s bloodiest historic massacres – the slaying of the unarmed MacDonald Clan.
Best for ages: 13+ | £6
Dornie , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[44.8 miles]
The most photographed castle in Scotland – and arguably its most beautiful – perched on an island where three lochs meet.
Best for ages: 13+ | £10
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[15.6 miles]
Pronounced ‘cheerum’ this atmospheric, 13th-century ruined fortress on a tidal island in Loch Moidart in Lochaber on the west coast has been uninhabited for around two centuries. Closed to visitors due to the dangers of crumbling masonry you can still wander across the sandy causeway to marvel at its ancient exterior.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free
Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[34.6 miles]
This family-run, manor house hotel offers a combination of stylish comfort and warm hospitality from owner Isabel. If you don’t stay, then go for the outstanding gourmet food – using fresh local ingredients and traditional Highland recipes. There’s a whisky bar with over 120 different bottles.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[56 miles]
This famous pool, fed by the River Brittle that cascades in via a series of enchanting waterfalls, is a popular destination for walkers and wild swimmers (prepared to brave the cold). It’s a 2.5km, 40-minute return walk from the nearest car park through Glenbrittle Glen. You can also walk to it from Dunvegan Castle.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free
Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[64.1 miles]
This little shack up a bumpy track near Talisker Distillery is the place to go for freshly shucked oysters straight from the oyster farm in tidal Loch Harport. It’s rough and ready with a lean-to and picnic tables and a sea-loch-view to die for.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
Be it jaw-dropping scenery, a rich historical significance, the tradition and atmosphere of the train itself – or a combination of all three – here’s our round-up of the world’s best.
