The Railroad to Mallaig by Iron Horse

When the West Highland Line first opened in the 1890s it would have been normal for each train journey to Mallaig and back to Fort William, to have been pulled by a steam-powered locomotive train. The Victorian's made travelling by train in the Highlands possible when hundreds of miles of line were laid through Highland glens and along the side of our lochs and coastlines. "When the train came..." is something which people all around the world have said - when it changed their lives, brought goods and services, opened up wild and remote territory - whether on the American continent, or in the Scottish West Highlands.

Today, it is fitting, that people can still travel by train, pulled by a steam locomotive. The photos on this page above were mostly taken in in 2009 and we hope give you an impression of what you might expect if you decide to take the journey on The Jacobite Train to Mallaig.

We often wonder just how fabulous it would be if all the old railway routes in the Highlands had survived the cuts made to rail travel in the 1960s. In times gone bye, people travelled by steam-powered sea-going vessels and arrived at Fort William to be embarked on a train at Banavie to be taken to Fort Augustus, from where they could cruise Loch Ness on another paddle steamer... if only.

The Old Forge Public House
Listed as one of only 3 of “Scotland’s bloody good pubs by Peter Irvine “The Best Of Scotland 2007” and with no roads in or out, an 18 mile hike over munros or a 7 mile sea crossing, the pub is the remotest, on mainland Britain (aka... click for more details...
The Old Forge, Knoydart, Inverie, Mallaig, PH41 4PL Tel: 01687 462267

Glenuig Inn
Located on the shore of Loch Ailort on the way west into Ardnamurchan, Glenuig Inn is a good place to stop off at if coming out for an event at Glenuig Village Hall, or travelling around the peninsula. We are one of the few places to eat and drink... click for more details...
Glenuig, PH38 4NG Tel: 01687 470219

Lochailort Inn
The Lochailort Inn is a small hotel & bar set amidst the stunning scenery of the West Coast of Scotland. Clean, comfortable accommodation, locally sourced, freshly made cuisine and friendly staff will ensure that you have a most relaxing... click for more details...
The Lochailort Inn, on 'The Road to the Isles', Lochailort, PH38 4LZ Tel: 0044 (0) 1687 470208

Kilmartin Guesthouse
Our seaside Highland farmhouse at Arisaig provides a great place to stop over on the way to Mallaig for the Isle of Skye ferry. Kilmartin Guesthouse offers three very comfortable bed and breakfasts with a seaside location. We have two double... click for more details...
Kinloid Farm, Kilmartin, Arisaig, PH39 4NS Tel: 01687 450366

Glenfinnan House Hotel & Restaurant
Glenfinnan House Hotel stands just around the bay from the tall Bonnie Prince Charlie monument on Loch Shiel, with its lawn rolling down to the beach. The famous Glenfinnan viaduct railway bridge, used as a scene in several Harry Potter films, is... click for more details...
on the shore of Loch Shiel, Glenfinnan, PH37 4LT Tel: 0044 (0) 1397 722 235

Glenfinnan House Hotel Restaurant & Bar
The Glenfinnan House Hotel's restaurant and lounge bar have fantastic views looking over Loch Shiel and towards the Glenfinnan Monument and Ben Nevis. Our lochside location is amazing and very special. Our restaurant is open for fine dining... click for more details...
Glenfinnan, Tel: 0044 (0) 1397 722235

Kinloid Holiday Cottages, by the sea at Arisaig
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Inner Hebridean islands of Rum and Eigg, our summer holiday cottages at Arisaig are a perfect retreat for a peaceful, relaxing seaside holiday. Our two holiday cottages are available for weekly lets or short... click for more details...
Kinloid Farm, Kilmartin, Arisaig, PH39 4NS Tel: 01687 450366

Western Isles Bed and Breakfast
A very friendly and welcoming bed and breakfast in Mallaig, Western Isles provides ensuite rooms in the East Bay of Mallaig, only a few minutes from the Isle of Skye Ferry terminal in Mallaig Harbour. We have lots of parking, and offer a choice... click for more details...
East Bay, Mallaig, PH41 Tel:

The Old Library Lodge & Restaurant
Perfectly located by the sea in the village of Arisaig, The Old Library has a good reputation for comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation and excellent food from this family owned restaurant with rooms. For full details about the Old Library... click for more details...
Library Buildings, Arisaig, PH39 4NH Tel: 01687 450651

Kinloid Seaside Holiday Caravans
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Inner Hebridean islands of Rum and Eigg, our seaside holiday caravans at Arisaig are a perfect retreat for a peaceful, relaxing seaside holiday. We offer two modern, wide-bodied caravan/holiday homes on our... click for more details...
Kinloid Farm, Kilmartin, Arisaig, PH39 4NS Tel: 01687 450366