The West Highland railway from Fort William to Mallaig is famous for its scenery. During the summer period, The Jacobite operates as a steam locomotive hauled service using old British Railways carriages. Being the rail enthusiast that I am, of course I couldn't resist. So today was all about riding The Jacobite. It was a wonderful journey that includes crossing the curved Glenfinnan Viaduct - made famous by the Harry Potter films (no, I didn't get a decent picture of it but I didn't expect to - you never can from the train).
The train was 8 carriages in length, mostly old British Rail open saloon cars reconfigured with table seating. The locomotive for the day was ex LNER The Great Marquess. It ran funnel first to Mallaig and then tender first on the return as there is no turning facilities.So we were able to see all of the scenery, we were booked facing forward on the right hand side of the train for the trip to Mallaig and on the other side facing backwards for the return.
Mallaig is a ferry and fishing port and is not really a tourist town. The shops and pubs do very well out of the train but I am sure the place goes back to sleep after the train leaves.
The train was 8 carriages in length, mostly old British Rail open saloon cars reconfigured with table seating. The locomotive for the day was ex LNER The Great Marquess. It ran funnel first to Mallaig and then tender first on the return as there is no turning facilities.So we were able to see all of the scenery, we were booked facing forward on the right hand side of the train for the trip to Mallaig and on the other side facing backwards for the return.
Mallaig is a ferry and fishing port and is not really a tourist town. The shops and pubs do very well out of the train but I am sure the place goes back to sleep after the train leaves.
The Great Marquess at the head of The Jacobite - Fort William
A view from the train on the way to Mallaig
The end of the line - Mallaig
Looking across Mallaig Harbour to the newer part of town
Mallaig Railway Station
Some views from the train on the return journey to Fort William
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