West Highlands & Jacobite Steam Train Day Trip from Glasgow

Summary

Steam train rides wild lochs seafood stops and Highland legends

You’ll ride through wild Scottish scenery on this day trip from Glasgow: lochs shimmering outside your window, dramatic Glen Coe peaks looming overhead, then steam along on the legendary Jacobite Train before tasting fresh seafood in Mallaig. Expect laughter with your local guide and moments where Scotland’s moodiness just sneaks up on you.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s pouring tea into a travel mug — that’s our guide, Morag, who’s already got us laughing before we even leave Glasgow. The bus smells faintly like rain-soaked jackets and coffee. We roll north, windows fogging as we pass Loch Lomond, the water all silver and shifting. Morag points out a stag in the distance (I squint, maybe it was just a rock?) and tells us about old clan feuds. I’m not sure if she’s making half of it up but honestly, I don’t mind.

By the time we hit Glen Coe, the clouds have dropped so low you feel like you could reach out and touch them. There’s this hush when everyone gets off — just boots crunching gravel and someone quietly swearing at how cold it is. The Three Sisters rise up ahead, brooding and weirdly magnetic. I try to take a photo but it never looks right; you kind of have to be there. Rannoch Moor comes next — endless peat and wind, nothing but wildness for miles.

The real reason most of us booked: the Jacobite Steam Train. It’s loud in a comforting way, all hissing valves and clattering wheels. Sitting by the window feels like slipping into another time (or yeah, maybe Hogwarts). The Glenfinnan Viaduct sweeps by so fast I almost miss it because I’m too busy watching sheep scatter below. At Mallaig, salt air hits you first — sharp and clean — then the smell of fried haddock from some chippy down the road. Lunch is whatever you can grab before piling back in with everyone swapping train stories.

On our way back to Glasgow we stop at Kilchurn Castle — ruins perched on Loch Awe that look like something out of a storybook if you squint past the drizzle. Inveraray is quieter than I expected; just a few locals waving from shop doors as we wander along Loch Fyne. Someone tries to pronounce “Rest and Be Thankful” in Gaelic (Morag nearly chokes laughing). I still think about that view over the valley — soft blue light settling over everything as if Scotland was trying to say sorry for all that rain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — West Highlands and Jacobite Steam Train

• Drive through Loch Lomond & Trossachs
• Traverse Rannoch Moor wilderness
• Stop at Glen Coe for views
• Ride Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William
• Disembark and explore Mallaig
• Enjoy seafood lunch in Mallaig
• Drive along Appin coast past Kilchurn Castle
• Visit Inveraray and walk Loch Fyne shores
• Stop at Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint
• Return to Glasgow by evening

Top questions

How long does the West Highlands & Jacobite Steam Train day trip take?

The tour lasts a full day, departing from Glasgow in the morning and returning by evening.

Is pickup included for this day trip from Glasgow?

No hotel pickup is provided; you'll need to get to the departure point yourself.

Does this tour include riding the Jacobite Steam Train?

Yes, a two-hour ride on the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig is included.

Are meals or lunch included during the tour?

No meals are included; you'll have free time in Mallaig to buy lunch (seafood recommended).

Is this tour suitable for children under 5 years old?

No, children under 5 (including infants) are not permitted on this tour.

Will we visit Glen Coe during this West Highlands day trip?

Yes, there is a stop at Glen Coe for views of its dramatic peaks including the Three Sisters.

Is there an audio guide available?

Yes, foreign language audio guides are available for download; bring your own headset.

What happens if the Jacobite Steam Train is cancelled?

The service may be altered or cancelled at short notice due to circumstances beyond control; check with your operator for updates.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by air-conditioned vehicle from Glasgow with a passionate local guide leading you through Loch Lomond’s shores, Glen Coe’s dramatic landscape, Rannoch Moor wilderness and Kilchurn Castle views. The highlight is your two-hour journey aboard the Jacobite Steam Train plus free time for lunch in Mallaig before returning via scenic stops along Loch Fyne.