Fort William Travel Forum

Hi

My friend and I will be in Fort William on September 12-14th. I have had a hard time reaching anyone by phone to make reservations for the train. Are reservations a must at this time of year, or should we be able to get a spot on the train once we arrive.

Thanks,
Jo Ann

The Jacobite Express runs from Fort William to the coastal town of Mallaig. Try www.steamtrain.info or go into Google and search on "Jacobite Express". At the moment the site is still showing 2005 prices. It's a pleasant rid (especially if you like steam trains) crossing the long, curving viaduct at Glenfinnan (seen in Harry Potter). On the outward journey, get seats on the left-hand side of the train for the best views and if you want seriously good photos/video film back along the train as it crosses the viaduct make sure you get to a carriage door window well before you start the crossing. They get taken up very quickly. You will also have views from the left-hand side of the train of the Glenfinnan Monument (where Bonny Prince Charlie raised his standard and rallied the clans for the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745 against the English) and Loch Shiel stretching away into the distance. You stay at Mallaig long enough to have lunch (try the local Cullen Skink, a fish soup made mainly with smoked haddock, potatoe and milk) and a look round the harbour (where you will perhaps see some harbour seals). The journey isn't particularly cheap, but it's a once-only day out. Overall, we 50-somethings enjoyed it.

The other possibility is that you rent a car and follow the steam-train, in fact it is quite slow and when you search one day ahead for perfect spots to take your pics of the steaming train & Glenfinnan Viaduct etc. (you will never get those pics from inside the train) you might even enjoy this more than the ride inside the train.

Thanks for the tips!