Jacobite Steam Train

The Jacobite runs on the West Highland Line extension between Fort William and Mallaig, sixty-eight kilometres of a route that opened in 1901 and is frequently described as among the most scenic railways in the world. It leaves from the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, runs past Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater body in Britain at over three hundred metres, crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and ends at Mallaig, the most westerly mainland railway station in Britain. Locomotives are usually LMS Black Fives or similar, and rolling stock is heritage carriages with compartments. The service has run since 1984 and operates from late spring into autumn, usually with two return trips a day in high season. It is separate from the ordinary ScotRail service on the same line, which is far cheaper.

What you actually see

• The Glenfinnan Viaduct - crossed slowly with the loch and monument below.
• Loch Morar - Britain's deepest freshwater loch, passed on the route.
• Mallaig - the most westerly mainland station, with Skye across the sound.
• The heritage stock - steam haulage and compartment carriages.

When to go

Late April to October; two return services run in high summer and one in shoulder season. Tickets sell out months ahead, particularly for the compartments on the viaduct side. The ordinary ScotRail train covers the same line year-round at a fraction of the price.

Honest expectations

Booking is essential and late availability is rare. The trip is long, with a layover in Mallaig rather than a quick turnaround. Views depend entirely on weather, which on this coast is unreliable. Steam services are occasionally replaced by diesel at short notice.

Nearby

Fort William and Ben Nevis are at the eastern end; Mallaig and the Skye ferry at the western.