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The Enchanting Sligachan Bridge and the magical waters of Sligachan on Isle of Skye

The enchanting Sligachan Bridge Isle of Skye and the magical waters of Sligachan

On the foreground and very much at home below the wild, rugged Cuillin Mountains on the Isle of Skye is a quaint village called Sligachan but truth be told, it is not the village that people come here to see. A few steps away from the village sits an enchantingly picturesque three-arch old stone bridge simply known as the Sligachan Bridge.

The enchanting Sligachan Bridge is special. It is brought to life like many other scenic spots on the Isle of Skye by the stories and legends associated with it.

_{Sligachan, Isle of Skye | Image: georgina_daniel}

Many come here to test the spellbinding ancient legend associated with the magical waters of Sligachan that runs under the enchanting Sligachan bridge. The enchanted waters of Sligachan is said to deliver eternal beauty provided the brave souls can submerge and stick to the rules!

Glen Sligachan | Sligachan Bridge — _{backdrop of Cuillin Mountains and the small stream of Sligachan} _{| Image: georgina_daniel}

As well, people come here to see, capture the views of the mighty mountains that so often graces canvasses and television screens and to experience a slice of the wild Scotland.

What to expect from this article on the enchanting Sligachan Bridge Isle of Skye

This little paradise can be easily missed but it is worth a stop on your itinerary while visiting the Isle of Skye. Keep reading to learn more about the enchanting Sligachan Bridge, the legend of the magical waters of Sligachan and how you can unlock the secret to eternal beauty along with a little background on Sligachan Village. You will also find information about an important monument unveiled recently in 2020 and places to stay nearby. Finally, some information on how to reach this remarkable spot and the best time to visit the enchanting Sligachan Bridge.

Enchanting Sligachan Bridge on Isle of Skye

Planning a trip to Scotland?

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The enchanting Sligachan Bridge Isle of Skye

Just so you know, there are two bridges at Sligachan. A more recent bridge was constructed for vehicles and is part of the main road, A87 to Portree, the capital city of Skye. The original Sligachan Bridge is now a pedestrian and cyclists only bridge.

When was the enchanting Sligachan Bridge built?

The enchanting Sligachan Bridge was engineered by Thomas Telford between 1810 and 1818. This enchanting Old Sligachan Bridge is a single track bridge and has three uneven arches with a hump over the central arch. It sits really well with the unspoilt countryside and the Cuillins, bringing to life the time-old legend of the enchanted waters that runs beneath it.

The Enchanting Sligachan Bridge and the legend of magical waters of Sligachan

sligachan bridge stream flowing from the cuillins — _{the magical waters of Sligachan | Image: georgina_daniel}

The legend of magical waters of Sligachan begins with the story of Scotland’s famous warrior woman, Scáthach. She lived around 200 BC in a fortress on the Isle of Skye. A never-ending battle ensued between her and an Irish warrior…

The Warrior Woman

The warrior woman Scáthach, whose name in Gaelic means “Shadowy” is believed to have lived in Dunscaith Castle (known as Dún Scáith in Gaelic, which means “Castle of Shadows”). The Castle was located on the south of the island, in Tokavaig, the ruins of which can still be visited today. Scáthach was the greatest fighter in all of Scotland and news of her greatness travelled far and wide around the globe.

The Competitive Warrior

Soon, an Irish warrior, Cú Chulainn came to know of Scáthach’s might and he hopped across the ocean to Skye to defeat her. According to the legend, Cú Chulainn was half god, super strong and unbeaten. He was not a bad person but just very competitive. His aim was to crush Scáthach and prove his might to everyone in the world.

The Battle

A fierce battle between the two warriors raged for weeks. The warriors were so strong that their battle caused the earth to move and animals to flee Skye. The crushing blows created mountains and valleys. It was the greatest battle the land had ever witnessed. There seemed no end to the battle and only one resolution was inevitable – a battle to the death.

Scáthach’s daughter

Scáthach’s daughter was very upset. She couldn’t take the fighting anymore with the inevitable outcome of death and feared that her mother would lose the battle. She ran to the stream, Sligachan River where she cried and cried and cried…wishing out loud for someone would help stop the battle. Her cries were so passionate and her love for her mother so great that “someone” did hear her from the magical world.

The magical waters of Sligachan was, and still is, believed to be a portal to the faerie world and the faeries heard her heartbreaking cries. The faeries decided to help her and opened the portal. They instructed Scáthach’s daughter to submerge her face in the waters of the stream to discover what she could do to stop the fight. She did as she was told. She emerged from the waters enlightened as the faeries had blessed her with the knowledge of what to do.

The end of the battle

Armed with the knowledge, Scáthach’s daughter went all around Skye, gathering herbs, meats, nuts and everything delicious that Skye produced. She brought them home, and stewed them up into a hearty broth one could ever imagine. She fanned the smoke so it could fill the valleys. The scent of the broth was intensely incredible and travelled far across the Isle of Skye.

The fighting warriors smelt it. They continued the battle but could not go on for much longer. They had not eaten for several weeks and they were starved! Both warriors agreed to take a break to enjoy a feast. They made their way to Scáthach’s home where her daughter greeted them. They feasted together and ate as they have never eaten before.

It was this feast that would mark the end of the battle. By eating in Scáthach’s home, Cú Chulainn became a guest. As such, both warriors cannot hurt each other any more – you can’t really hurt someone who has hosted you right? The battle was over with neither losing to the other.

In pursuit of Eternal Beauty

Legend has it that the portal to the faeries world was forever ‘disturbed’ when they decided to help Scáthach’s daughter. Her passionate tears of love and her beauty opened the portal to the magical world and if anyone should be so brave as to submerge their face on the icy cold water of the magical stream, the faeries would grant them eternal beauty. The waters near to and under the Sligachan Bridge is said to be the portal to the other world.

However, seeking eternal beauty at the enchanting Sligachan Bridge is not really pleasant or a comfortable thing to do!

Unlocking the secret to eternal beauty at Sligachan Bridge Isle of Skye

In accordance with the legend, and to unlock the secret to eternal beauty at the enchanting Sligachan Bridge, you need to observe some rules 🙂

1 | You need to dip your face in the cold magical icy waters of Sligachan;

2 | Must keep your face submerged for a whole 7 seconds;

3 | You can’t stop half way or submerge half a face – if you do, your efforts will be worthless;

4 | You can’t bring the water to your face – it has to be a full face dip;

5 | After your 7 seconds dip, you need to let your face dry naturally.

For the faerie magic to work and for eternal beauty to take hold, you must follow the rules above. This means you may need to get to your hands and knees on the rocks, so your face can touch the magical waters of Sligachan.

You might want to consider bringing a large towel along so you could lay it on the rocks to protect your clothes from getting stained or wet. It might be a good idea to do this on a sunny day so the waters will dry off quickly. As for the icy waters of Sligachan itself, well…this is Scotland after all and I don’t think it will ever be warm!

Safety tips: Just be aware that the river might flow very fast in bad weather and the rocks might be slippery. Please take care when exploring.

Explore the surrounds of Sligachan Bridge Isle of Skye

When visiting the enchanting Sligachan Bridge, you may want to explore more of the picturesque area. You could stop by at Sligachan Village, a few steps away from the bridge and visit the monument dedicated to the Cuillin mountaineers.

About Sligachan Village

_{Sligachan Village Isle of Skye | Image: georgina_daniel}

Sligachan Village is a small settlement on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. The Village takes its name from the Gaelic word, ‘Sligeachan’ which means “shelly place”, after the shells found at River Sligachan.

This quaint village is located close to the Red and Black Cuillin Mountains with the Sligachan Glen between them. The Village and the old enchanting Sligachan Bridge which we had already visited above provides sweeping views of the Cuillin Mountains and the wild Scottish countryside. The scenery from the old enchanting Sligachan Bridge is amazing. There is also a path that leads to hiking the Cuillins.

A haven for mountaineers and hikers of Cuillin Mountains

Sligachan Village has long been a haven for mountaineers, ever since the 1800s when it was discovered that this part of Scotland had mountains with menacing crags and pinnacles draped in unnatural wisps of cloud. It conjured up the mysteries and excitements, alluring climbers to Skye.

You can find a monument dedicated to the renowned mountaineers of the Cuillin Mountains nearby.

Monument to Skye climbing pioneers of Cuillin Mountains

Mackenzie Collie monument Sligachan Isle of Skye | enchanting Sligachan Bridge — _{Mackenzie-Collie monument – pioneers of the Cuillin Mountains near the enchanting Sligachan Bridge Isle of Skye | Image: georgina_daniel}

In Septembeer 2020, a long-awaited tribute to two pioneering climbers of the Cuillin Mountains was unveiled. John Mackenzie and Norman Collie formed a partnership lasting fifty years during which time they climbed, mapped and named many of the Cuillin peaks as is known today.

This fitting tribute have the men gazing at their beloved mountains for all time.

Sligachan is the gateway to the Cuillin Mountains. If hiking or climbing is your preferred mode of discovery, you may find all the hiking info for the Cuillin Mountains including other hiking destinations on the Isle of Skye in the following resources:

South Skye and Cuillin Hills

The Cuillin, Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye Pathfinder

Skye Walks & Scrambles

North Skye Map

Skye Pocket Map

Where to Stay near the enchanting Sligachan Bridge Isle of Skye

Sligachan Village is an ideal base for mountaineers as well as for anyone who do not wish to climb the mountains. Explore the picturesque surrounds of the enchanting Sligachan Bridge and the unbeaten path of Skye at your own pace while enjoying the hospitality bestowed upon visitors to this village. Sligachan Village has accommodations for all budgets and suits families, couples, groups and climbers.

There is a campsite at the head of Loch Sligachan, within easy walk of the Sligachan Village. The Village offers a bunkhouse that sleeps 8 with self-catering facilities, ideal for shoestring travellers. There are two cottages that sleeps up to 8 each and a house sleeping up to 14. If you want to experience a little luxury, stay at the Sligachan Hotel.

The Sligachan Hotel was built in 1830 and is a classic Scottish hotel. It comes complete with a good restaurant, lounge and a very popular bar. The restaurant is well-known for its “hearty-meals” while the Seumas’ bar at the hotel boasts an impressive collection of over 400 malts!

Sligachan Hotel

Accommodations close to the enchanting Sligachan Bridge – Portree

Portree | Isle of Skye | Top 5 hotels to stay in Inverness City — _{Portree Isle of Skye | Image: georgina_daniel}

Sligachan is en-route to Portree, the main city on the Isle of Skye at just 15 minutes journey time. Portree is a popular destination for visitors as it is an ideal base to spend a few days while you explore Skye. Portree offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets along with eateries and bars. Below are some suggestions for a stay at this beautiful harbour town fringed by cliffs and lovely coloured houses.

1 | The Royal Hotel

The Royal Hotel offers stunning views over Portree Harbour with a number of rooms offering sea views. The restaurants specialises in local seafood and continental breakfast is served each day

2 | Skeabost House Hotel

Located in magnificent grounds with its own 9-hole golf course, the Skeabost is perfectly located for exploring the Isle of Skye as well as the Scottish Highlands. Some rooms offer views towards Loch Snizort and its salmon river, on which the hotel has seasonal fishing rights.

For more choices >> places to stay at Portree

Where is the enchanting Sligachan Bridge Isle of Skye

The enchanting Sligachan Bridge is located along the A87, that links Broadford to Portree. There is a small car park for visitors to Collie-Mackenzie monument and several lay-bys where you could park safely.

Parking is available at Sligachan Hotel but this is strictly limited to guests only. Perhaps, you could stop by at the bar for a taste of one of their 400 malts after exploring Sligachan Bridge?

Best time to Visit the enchanting Sligachan Bridge Isle of Skye

The enchanting Sligachan Bridge and the surrounding areas, are popular spots. Even more so now with the incredible monument dedicated to the mountaineers. As such, nearly all of the Isle of Skye tour groups stop here. Therefore, expect a crowd around mid-morning and late afternoons. If you want to beat the crowds, try visiting early in the morning, before 9:30 a.m. or at dusk. You may catch the sun setting over the Cuillins on a non-rainy day which is said to be a spectacular sight!

Note: If you decide to join a group tour, please ensure with the tour operators that they do stop at the enchanting Sligachan Bridge. Drivers have the flexibility to adjust their itinerary to suit and they may decide not to stop here if they are running late for their next destination on the itinerary. Having said that, many tour groups do stop here.

A word of caution though, as early mornings and dusk comes with other impediments too. The dreaded Scottish midge are generally found in swamps and marshy areas. They bite unsuspecting passers-by. The midge season is from mid-May to end of September. If you are worried about these insects affecting you, try Smidge, a midge repellent to keep them away.

Do you believe in faeries?

I do love a good story, be it legends or myths. Although there are a couple of versions to the enchanting Sligachan Bridge and the enchanted waters of Sligachan story, I like this one, related by a Scotsman and also because a little good magic never hurts anyone.

As well, it goes without saying that as with any legends, and Skye has many, that one should take it with a generous pinch of salt. While I was totally enchanted with the legend of the magical waters that run under the enchanting Sligachan Bridge, I did not dip my face in the icy cold waters of the stream. I did not, only because I did not want my clothes to be dirtied on the day. Hence, my suggestion above to bring a towel along to protect your clothing. I hope to do so on my next trip to Sligachan.

In the alternative, you may want to consider a large bin liner instead.

(Note: If you decide on the bin liner, please ensure to dispose it off responsibly after your trip)

Whether you believe in legends or not, the enchanting Sligachan Bridge is a good view point for the wild Scottish countryside and the captivating Cuillin Mountains.

Will you be giving it a go at unlocking the secret to eternal beauty at the enchanting Sligachan Bridge? Do let me know in comments.

Group Tours to consider when visiting the Isle of Skye

I find group tours to be immensely helpful as they give an overview of the destinations I visit. What I like most is the fact that my hands are free off the steering wheel and my eyes are free to roam the spectacular scenery that are sometimes missed when I drive. The Isle of Skye and the Scottish Highland are places where nothing should go amiss.

If you choose to experience a group tour to the Isle of Skye, perhaps the following suggestions may assist in your decision-making.

Day trip Group Tours to the Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye scenery tour with Fairy Pools

skye and eilean donan castle small group tour

Multi Day Group Tours to the Isle of Skye

From Edinburgh - Skye and Jacobite highland

From Edinburgh - Skye and Highlands Tour3 days

from Glasgow multi day trip to Isle of Skye and the Highlands

On a final note

There is always something magical about the Isle of Skye…awe-inspiring landscapes, grey skies, and cotton clouds that follows you wherever you are on Skye! What adds to the magical Skye are the stories. Stories of faeries. Some are true, they say and some are myths and legends that fits the landscape. Somehow, these stories bring to life the scenic beauty of Skye and makes a perfect backdrop to places visited.

I have so much more to share with you about my trips to Scotland. Be sure to subscribe to stay connected and not miss out on valuable travel guides.

Head over to the Ultimate Travel Guide on Scotland where you shall find all articles on this inspiring country.

Sincerely wish that this article has been helpful to you in planning your visit to the enchanting Sligachan Bridge on Isle of Skye. Plan ahead and book your accommodations, sign-up to guided tours and activities using the links in this article and related articles on Scotland. TTS earns a commission on qualifying purchases. Alternatively, you could support TTS in other ways also. As always your continued support is much appreciated.

Have a splendid time exploring Sligachan.

Georgina xoxo

Georgina in Scotland

Georgina_Highlands and Steam Train tours — ^{“Just as I board the West Highland and Jacobite Steam Train”}

“While in Scotland, I went on a number of small group guided tours. I find guided tours to be great value for money activities and an excellent tool to get the best overviews of a region.

With this overview, and time on my hands, I explored specific areas of interests for a more personal experience.

My trip to Scotland was self-funded, and none of the activities were sponsored in any way. All opinions, views and experiences are my own. I happily share them with you to inspire you to visit this magical land.

What to expect when being part of a tour group:

Safety precautions were in place. Guides are Scottish who have first hand knowledge of the regions I visited. They shared fascinating stories of legends and history of the Highland, both the bad and the ugly!

Quick facts on Scotland

__________

Population: Over 5.4 million (2020)

Common Language: English. Gaelic is spoken by 1.3% of the population mostly in the west and in the Highlands.

Currency: £ – Pound (GBP)

Capital City: Edinburgh. Home to the first fire brigade in the world, and is the second largest city in Scotland. The largest metropolis in Scotland is Glasgow.

High season: Summer (July – August)

Religion: Christianity – 40% Church of Scotland. 15% Roman Catholic and 6% other Christian denominations. Minorities include Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh with a quarter of the population has been recorded as having no religion.

Social courtesies: Handshaking is customary when introduced to someone for the first time. When visiting someone’s home, a small gift such as flowers or a box of chocolates is appreciated.

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The enchanting Sligachan Bridge Isle of Skye and the magical waters of Sligachan first published at timelesstravelsteps.com and is regularly updated.

The unique Collie-Mackenzie Monument at Skye’s celebrated Cuillin Mountains

The unique Collie-Mackenzie Monument at Skye’s celebrated Cuillin Mountains

Over a century ago, two men went on an adventure to reveal the thrills and exhilarations of the Black Cuillin Mountains in Scotland. They climbed, discovered and mapped their routes on one of the most challenging mountains in Britain, bringing the Cuillin within reach of the many mountaineers who followed in their footsteps. The Cuillin Mountains were climbed before but not most of the treacherous Black Cuillin. Its dark coarse, knife-sharp pinnacles were largely unknown territory until these were explored by the two renowned British mountaineers, Collie and Mackenzie. Today, there is a fitting tribute to these two remarkable men. The unmissable unique Collie-Mackenzie monument sits at the foot of Skye’s celebrated Cuillin Mountains in Sligachan.

About this post

This post gives an overview of the two remarkable mountaineers, and the alliance they formed to achieve many of the climbs at the Cuillin range. A fitting tribute to their courageous accomplishments is now placed in area they both loved at Sligachan, Isle of Skye.

About the two remarkable mountaineers — John Mackenzie and Norman Collie | The Collie-Mackenzie Monument

The Collie-Mackenzie memorial at Sligachan Cuillin Mountains Skye — _{Norman Collie and John Mackenzie – The Collie-Mackenzie Monument | Collie standing, Mackenzie sitting | Image: timelesstravelsteps}

John Morton Mackenzie (1856 – 1933)

John Morton Mackenzie was born in 1856 in Sconser, Isle of Skye. He began climbing at a young age. He conquered Sgurr nan Gillean when he was just 10 years old. In his teens, he worked at the Sligachan Hotel as a pony man.

At the age of 14, Mackenzie was part of the ascent to the Cuillin’s 973 metres (3,192ft) peak Sgurr a’ Ghreadaidh. Sgurr a’ Ghreadaidh is the highest summit on the northern half of the Black Cuillin ridge. At 18, Mackenzie accompanied another climber for the first ascent to Sgurr Dubh Mor, which is 944 metres (3,097ft). In 1887, he tackled the first ascent of Am Basteir at 934 metres (3064ft). There were a few more remarkable achievements by this intrepid explorer who went on to become the first professional mountain guide.

John Norman Collie (1859 – 1942)

John Norman Collie was born in Alderley Edge, Cheshire on September 10, 1859. He was commonly known as Norman Collie and by profession, was a scientist specialising in chemistry. Collie went on to embrace exploring and mountaineering.

In 1886, Collie and his brother were on a fishing trip to the Isle of Skye. The brothers stayed at the Sligachan Hotel and were inspired to climb the Cuillin Mountains. They were partly inspired by the views of men climbing the Cuillins observed from the windows of the hotel. The two brothers made an ascent of Sgùrr nan Gillean twice and were unsuccessful on both occasions. Afterwards, they enlisted the advice of John Mackenzie, who was a professional mountaineering guide by now. Mackenzie gave them the guide on the route for a successful climb.

The Collie — Mackenzie alliance

Collie returned to Skye regularly and climbed the Cuillin Mountains with Mackenzie. Both forged a remarkable friendship while exploring the range. Together they made many first ascents, overcoming some of the toughest climbing challenges.

During the course of their adventures, Collie sought to produce much better maps of the Cuillin Mountains while Mackenzie struck up new routes. They also named some of the mountains and rocks. The Sgurr Mhic Choinnich is named after Mackenzie.

Both Collie and Mackenzie are regarded as the greatest mountaineers of their time. They ventured into tough, uncharted territory with basic clothing, boots and rope in circumstances of no chance of rescue if they encountered difficulty.

Mackenzie died in 1933. He was a mountain guide for fifty years.

Collie retired in 1929 and spent most of his summers in Skye. During his final years, he became a permanent resident of the Sligachan Hotel. He often sat at a window with views of the Cuillin Mountains. That room is named after him and is known as Collie Lounge.

Collie passed away in Sligachan, on November 1, 1942, from pneumonia. In accordance with his wishes, he is buried next to his friend, John Mackenzie in an old graveyard at Struan, Loch Harport within sight of the Cuillin Mountains.

The Cuillin Mountain range | The Collie-Mackenzie Monument

the Cuillin Mountain Skye Collie-Mackenzie memorial — _{the Cuilin Mountain range | Collie-Mackenzie monument | Image: georgina_daniel}

The Cuillin Mountain range is one of the world’s infamous landscapes and has attracted geologists from around the world. The range can be categorised into two groups. The jagged ridges of the Black Cuillin contrasts sharply with the smooth red hills, known as the Red Cuillin. Both were formed deep in a volcano about 60 million years ago. The mountains seen today were gradually exposed both by geological uplift and intense weathering and erosion from above.

The exposed rocks of the Cuillin were sculpted by glaciers over the last million years or so, forming sharp ridges and U-shaped valleys that is seen today. The glaciers also moved huge blocks of rocks and these juts out from the mountain!

At 992 metres (3255 ft), Sgùrr Alasdair is the highest peak of the Cuillin Mountains as well as the highest peak on the Isle of Skye. The Cuillin has 12 Munros (mountains of more than 3000ft). With narrow ridges, pinnacles and rock buttresses, these Munros are acknowledged as the hardest to climb. In addition, the long scrambles over loose rocks before reaching an ascent has proven to be equally challenging.

One of the most challenging climb is the Inaccessible Pinnacle, commonly known as Pinn. The Pinn is a large rock of about 50 metres at the longest edge and sits atop Sgùrr Dearg. It is well-known as the most notorious of munros to climb at the Cuillin, a challenge that requires determination and a strong nerve.

The Collie-Mackenzie Monument

Collie-Mackenzie memorial sligachan isle of skye — _{Collie-Mackenzie monument at Glen Sligachan Isle of Skye | Image: georgina_daniel}

Both Professor Norman Collie and John Mackenzie were instrumental in exploring and mapping the Black Cuillin. Their pioneering climbs has set a route for others to follow and used by climbers today. To celebrate the men’s achievements as well as their friendship, a unique memorial to the two mountaineers was unveiled in September 2020 at Sligachan.

The Collie-Mackenzie monument at the foot of Cuillin Mountains in Sligachan, was funded by the tireless fundraising of Collie and Mackenzie Heritage Group. which spanned 17 years. The sculpture was designed by Stephen Tinney.

This unique artwork sits at the picturesque location that marks the route into Glen Sligachan, a path that was familiar to Mackenzie when he worked as a pony boy and later, as a professional mountain guide. The bronze sculpture of both men sits high on rocks, with Mackenzie sitting and Collie standing. The men gaze at their beloved Cuillin Mountains for all time.

the collie-mackenzie memorial on Isle of Skye — _{Collie-Mackenzie monument – both men gaze at their beloved Cuillin Mountains for all time | Image: georgina_daniel}

How to visit the Collie-Mackenzie Monument at Sligachan, Isle of Skye

The Sligachan area on Isle of Skye is a popular destination. Almost all tour groups stop here briefly en-route to Portree.

Sligachan is located along the A87, that links Broadford to Portree. There is a small car park for Collie-Mackenzie monument visitors and several lay-bys where you could park safely.

Parking is also available at the nearby Sligachan Hotel but this is strictly limited to guests only. Perhaps, you could stop by at Collie Lounge, sit by the window with views of the Cuillins just as Norman Collie did many years ago while sipping one of their 400 malts after exploring the monument and surrounds?

Alternatively, there are a number of group tours that might be of interest to you. One thing you may want to ensure is that the tour group you join will stop at Sligachan.

On a final note…

The Collie-Mackenzie monument marks a new tourist attraction amidst a splendid natural setting on the wild countryside of The Highland, Scotland. Regarded as the island of the faeries, the Isle of Skye boasts many myths and legends. Old bridges, castle ruins and waterfalls has a story that will captivate your imagination , right from the moment you cross into Skye. There is much to see, and experience here.

There is a dedicated page on Scotland where you will find all articles written on this beautiful country.

I look forward to sharing more with you. Stay connected with Timeless Travel Steps for stories on travel, culture and history. You may also receive exclusive readership offers to plan your travels ahead of time.

Subscribe!

I sincerely wish that this article has been helpful to you in planning your visit to the Collie-Mackenzie monument at Sligachan. Plan ahead and book your accommodations, sign-up to guided tours and activities using the links in this article and related articles on Scotland. TTS earns a commission on qualifying purchases, or you could support TTS in other ways also. As always your continued support is much appreciated.

Have a splendid time visiting the Collie-Mackenzie monument on Isle of Skye.

Georgina xoxo

Georgina in Scotland

“While in Scotland, I went on a number of small group guided tours. I find guided tours to be great value for money activities and an excellent tool to get the best overviews of a region.

With this overview, and time on my hands, I explored specific areas of interests for a more personal experience.

What to expect when being part of a tour group:

Quick facts on Scotland

__________

Population: Over 5.4 million (2020)

Common Language: English. Gaelic is spoken by 1.3% of the population mostly in the west and in the Highlands.

Currency: £ – Pound (GBP)

Capital City: Edinburgh. Home to the first fire brigade in the world, and is the second largest city in Scotland. The largest metropolis in Scotland is Glasgow.

High season: Summer (July – August)

Social courtesies: Handshaking is customary when introduced to someone for the first time. When visiting someone’s home, a small gift such as flowers or a box of chocolates is appreciated.

Scotland: Travel and Transport

Scotland: International Travel

UK Government: Foreign Travel Advice

UK Government: UK nationals travelling abroad

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Amsterdam

Geneva

London

Milan

Verona

Best on Resources

Travel Resources – All in One Place

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25 Tips for a Stress-free Vacation

10 Valuable Benefits of Package Holiday

Travel Insurance – A Complete Guide

Mallaig – 12 Very best Things To Do at the harbour town in West Coast of the Highlands Scotland

Mallaig – 12 Very best Things To Do at the pretty harbour town in West Coast of the Highlands Scotland

There are some amazing places in Scotland where the land meets the sea and it is on the coast that you will find some of the country’s most prettiest towns. With open space, dynamic views and that wonderful sea air, you will find the characteristic Mallaig, a pretty harbour town in West Coast of the Highlands Scotland a great place to relax and to explore.

If you have taken the Jacobite Steam Train ride from Fort William, you may have already visited Mallaig as it is the terminus for this scenic rail route. If you haven’t, I hope this easy guide will encourage you to do so.

Where is Mallaig in Scotland

Mallaig is a vibrant fishing port in Lochaber, located in the west coast of the Highlands, Scotland. It is linked to Fort William by the A830. The coordinates for this pretty harbour town is 57.0038° N, 5.8272° W

You can see the location of Mallaig from the map below – rather remote on the west coast of Scotland. Other places are included in the map which will be mentioned in this article to give you some destination inspiration to help design your itinerary.

How to use the map above: Click on + at the top left to open the drop-down list of places on the map. Click on the highlighted marker to learn a little about the destination.

About the historic harbour town, Mallaig

The word “Mallaig” is derived from the old Norse “Mel Vik” which means ‘a sand dune bay’ and is less than 2 centuries old. It began back in 1840 when the owner of the North Morar Estate, Lord Lovat divided his farmstead known as Mallaigvaig which had a population of just 23 into 17 plots of land. He encouraged his tenants from the more populated part of the estate, Loch Morar and Loch Nevis to resettle here and adopt fishing as a way of life. By 1851, the population had grown to 134. The population and economy grew rapidly in the 20th century and became a thriving fishing port thereafter.

As a fishing port, Mallaig grew to be the busiest herring port in Europe in the 1960s. However, Mallaig sees the highest catches of prawns in Europe these days. Nevertheless, it still prides itself for its oak smoked kippers, which you must absolutely try when visiting this pretty town. There is only one place in Mallaig who does it “the old way” these days.

How to get to Mallaig | Transport connections to Mallaig

There are several ways to get to Mallaig.

By Rail

The local railway station is the terminus for one the greatest scenic rail journeys in the world, the West Highland Line and the highly acclaimed journey from Fort William aboard the Hogwarts Express made famous by the Harry Potter series of movies.

There are train services all year round from Fort William to Mallaig operated by Scotrail. Check train times and ticket prices here.

By Road

This historic pretty harbour town is also linked to Fort William by the stunning A830, evocatively known as ‘Road to the Isles’.

Shiel buses operate many of the local routes between Fort William and Mallaig.

Ferry services

Overlooking the Sound of Sleat that separates the mainland from the Isle of Skye, Mallaig’s focus is its ferry services. There are daily services to the Isle of Skye, Small Isles, South Uist and to the Knoydart Peninsula. Caledonian MacBrayne and Bruce Watt Sea sail from Mallaig to Armadale on the Isle of Skye, Inverie in Knoydart and the isles of Rum, Eig, Muck and Canna.

How much time do you have in Mallaig?

What to see and do in Mallaig depends very much on how much time you have.

Most visitors do the round trip journey on the Jacobite Steam Train which means they have about 90 minutes to have lunch and to sightsee. Some stay overnight at this fishing village and immerse in the surroundings, taking a piece of Mallaig with them when they leave. Some others stay a little longer, a couple of days and use the harbour town as base to explore the Isles and other surrounding remote destinations. Depending on how much time you have in this picturesque town, you could select from this comprehensive list to create your itinerary.

Best 12 Things to See and Do at Mallaig

Rather remote in the west coast of the Highland is Mallaig, a pretty harbour town that offer 12 best things to see and do on your visit.

1 | Mallaig Heritage Centre

Just next to Mallaig Railway Station is a nice little spot, home to a treasure trove of stories on West Lochaber, its people and landscape. Mallaig Heritage Centre is a place to learn about the local history. The Centre tells the stories on the history of the fishing industry in Mallaig, the building of the West Highland Railways, and explains everything you need to know about this pretty harbour town. The Mallaig Heritage Centre has a multimedia display, film show, lifeboat exhibition, a model railway and a gift shop. It is worth visiting if you have about an hour or so.

Address: Station Rd, Mallaig PH41 4PY

Opening hours: From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Admission: Adults £2.50 : Senior Citizens £2.00 : Students £2.00 : Children free

Special rates are available for groups of 8 persons and over.

2 | St Columba’s Church of Scotland Mallaig

St Columba sits on a small hill overlooking the harbour of Mallaig, with spectacular views over the Small Isles. The church was built in 1903 and has one stained glass window. The window depicts Christ walking on water. A little further up, near the Manse, you have stunning views across the Sound of Sleat, and the Small Isles.

Address: Annies Brae, Mallaig, PH41 4QX

3 | Western Isles Cruises – Wildlife cruise

The Western Isle Cruise operate the Knoydart Ferry Service at Mallaig. They offer a one-hour wildlife cruise which is a great opportunity to spot some wildlife.

The boat travels past the isles of Skye, Rum & Eig on the right, crossing the entrance to Loch Nevis, onwards to Green Island in the Knoydart Peninsula. The waters here are visited by birds, seals, porpoises, dolphins, whales and basking sharks.

Tour details:

The tour is designed to fit in with the Jacobite Steam train and Scotrail arrival and departure times at Mallaig.

Tour departs the harbour at 12:45 p.m. and at 5:00 p.m. daily between April and October. Arriving back in time to catch your trains back to Fort William.

Dogs welcome. Fully licensed bar and toilets.

4 | Mallaig Circular Walk

Ideal if you wish to explore more of this picturesque village. A pleasant, short circular walk around the hills and village of Mallaig offer great views over the Isle of Skye and Small Isles.

Route:

i | Park by the harbour, at East bay car park;

ii | Head away from the village centre, towards your right, to a path signposted as Circular Walk;

iii| Head up the hill at the back of the houses and onto rough pasture. The path passes through a valley.

iv | Continue along the track, past the signpost to the top of the hill. There is a bench ideally placed for best views.

v | The path then heads towards the coast, joining a track, passing some houses to wards Mallaig Beag. On a clear day, you are rewarded with views over the Sleat Peninsula, Small Isles and Knoydart Peninsula.

vi | The track continues to the road. Turn left and return to Mallaig town centre.

**Every now and again, stop to look back at the views. Views of the coast, cliffs, birch and willow are spectacular. Look out also for marine life and coastal birds.

NOTE: This information on Mallaig Circular Walk is intended as an overview and provided in good faith. Walkers are responsible for their own safety, hiking responsibly by properly dressed, using appropriate footwear, have a map and/or compass as well as prior research on the route.

5 | Explore the harbour at Mallaig

_{harbour view of the fishing port of Mallaig The Highland} _{| Image: georgina_daniel}

Mallaig harbour is lovely. The view of fishing boats, calm waters, the generous curve of the land, sunlight and breeze – moments where no clock can measure. It’s a place to easily dream away your time while watching the boats come in with their catches.

6 | Morar Cross

Morar Cross is located near Mallaig Railway Station. If you can climb to the Morar Cross, you will be rewarded with some spectacular views of the bay. The climb is a little steep and there is a handrail in some parts.

There is a car park next to the train station. At the gate, look out for a sign that says ‘Steps to the Cross’. Takes about 5-7 minutes to reach the top.

7 | Visit Morar

Silver sands of Morar | Morar beach — soft, pristine and silvery beaches of Morar

Morar is located to the south of Mallaig, about 4.8 kilometres (3 miles). Morar is ideal for spectacular views. Watch the Steam trains go past on the West Highland line and stunning views of the Small Isles. The beaches of Morar are famous for its silvery sands where movies such as ‘Highlander’ and ‘Local Hero’ were filmed. Take a relaxing stroll along the wide shoreline of soft, pristine sand and crystal clear waters in what seems a paradise.

There are seafood restaurants nearby that offer fresh catches of the day. The Morar Hotel is worth looking into if you are looking for a place to stay in this picturesque area of Scotland.

8 | Loch Morar

Close by is Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater loch in Europe. It is 19 kilometres (12 miles) long and 300 metres (1000 feet) deep in some places. Here you can hire boats and canoes or try some fishing.

Hiking guide – Map on Loch Morar & Mallaig

8.1 | Morag

If you do decide to head out to the waters, be sure to have your cameras ready to capture a photo of Morag, a monster said to be a long time resident of the waters. Legend has it that the first sightings were in 1887. A reported incident in 1969 of a large creature of 25-30 feet long with three humps led to several surveys of the loch undertaken by the University of London in the 1970s. Three further sightings have been reported since but no one has been able to capture an image of her. Who knows, she may pop her head up when you are out there, so be sure to capture an image of her.

9 | Jacobite Steam Train

West Highland Jacobite Steam Train on Glenfinnan Viaduct — _{The Jacobite Steam Train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glenfinnan, The Highlands | Image: georgina_daniel}

If you plan to get to Mallaig by car or bus, then a journey aboard the Jacobite Steam Train from Mallaig to Fort William is highly recommended. Well-known as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, this ride goes over the 21 arch Glenfinnan Viaduct with extraordinary vistas, creating timeless memories. It does not matter if you are not a fan of the wizardry world of Harry Potter, but a ride on the famous Hogwarts Express is a bucket list experience for many travellers. I highly recommend that you give it a go.

Hiking guide – Map of Mallaig & Glenfinnan

10 | Shops

Haggard Alley Mallaig — _{“Harry Potter” Haggard Alley | Image: georgina_daniel}

Mallaig has several souvenir shops and a dedicated shop for Harry Potter fans. Also Mallaig Art Gallery and Mallaig Pool & Leisure. There’s a grocery store and a bank.

The Harry Potter shop is located at Haggard Alley, across from the Royal Bank of Scotland. It sells Harry Potter Official Merchandises.

11 | Festivals

There is an annual literary festival hosted here called “A Write Highland Hoolie” in mid November.

12 | Other attractions near Mallaig

You may wish to explore some of the surroundings at Mallaig.

12.1 | Arisaig

Mallaig - Arisaig The Highland — _{the calm and beautiful beach at Arisaig}

Arisaig is located about 13 kilometers (8 miles) south of Mallaig and is famous for its beaches and views of Small Isles.

12.2 | Loch Nan Uamh – Loch of the Caves

Located south east of Arisaig, this is where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed to start the Jacobite uprising in 1745. This is also the spot where he fled to France in 1746.

12.3 | Lochailort

Located halfway between Arisaig and Glenfinnan, Lochailort is home to Inverailort Castle that was the headquarters for 42 Commando during the Second World War.

12.4 | Glenfinnan

Glenfinnan Monument, Loch Shiel | Scotland — _{Glenfinnan Monument Loch Shiel | Image: georgina_daniel}

Glenfinnan is a hamlet located at the head of Loch Shiel. It was here that Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard to regain the throne for the Stuarts. A monument is erected here to commemorate the event.

Sitting in a tranquil spot, the Glenfinnan Monument is 18 meters high and you can climb to the top via a narrow spiral staircase for outstanding views. Surrounded by mountains and overlooking the shores of Loch Shiel, the Glenfinnan Monument is a Highland gem worth visiting.

The Monument is owned by National Trust Scotland. It is open from April to October. The site has a Visitor Centre, gift shop, restaurants and amenities.

Visit the Glenfinnan Railway Station that is home to Glenfinnan Station Museum and if your visit is in mid August, you could witness the Glenfinnan Highland Gathering (Highland Games).

Address: Glenfinnan Monument, Glenfinnan, PH37 4LT

Places to Eat at Mallaig

Mallaig offers varied choices of an abundance in fresh produce from land and sea. There are cafes, takeaways, restaurants and fine dining for all budgets along with panoramic sea and island views. My top 3 are as follows:

1 | Cornerstone

The Cornerstone Seafood Restaurant has a cosy atmosphere and offers elevated views of Mallaig harbour. I dined here and their fish & chips is the one to go for!

Address: Main Street, Mallaig, PH41 4PU

Check Tripadvisor Reviews on The Cornerstone Seafood Restaurant

2 | The Terrace Restaurant

The Terrace Restaurant has a range to offer – from light bites, soups, sandwiches to classic favourites and specialities. It ensures the freshest and locally available produce is used.

Address: Davies Brae, Mallaig, Inverness-shire, PH41 4QZ

Check Tripadvisor Reviews on The Terrace Restaurant

3 | The Fishmarket Restaurant

If you love seafood, the Fishmarket Restaurant is the place to be. Fish and shellfish are as fresh as they can be from the local boats! Ideally situated in the centre of town, with beautiful views of the harbour.

Address: Station Road, Mallaig, Inverness-shire, PH41 4QS

Check Tripadvisor Reviews on The Fishmarket Restaurant

4 | Jaffy’s

The one place in Mallaig that does Oak Smoked Kippers – Jaffy’s

Address: J.Lawrie & Sons ‘Jaffys’ , Station Road, Mallaig, PH41 4QD

Check Tripadvisor Reviews on Jaffy’s

Where to Stay in Mallaig

Mallaig has a number of good places to stay such as the West Highland Hotel but you could also do a search for best available to suit your needs

Booking.com

A final note on Mallaig

Mallaig is fascinating and it is different to other tourist destinations in The Highland. It is the harbour that is the centre point of activity rather than the town. Visitors soak up the atmosphere of a working fishing port while also relax in the untouched remoteness of this pretty harbour town. Due to its location, Mallaig is the gateway to the archipelago of islands on the west coast of Scotland. Definitely a perfect destination to spend some quality time and an escape to for some island views, seafood dining and sunsets.

Have a splendid time exploring Mallaig and The Highland.

Georgina xoxo

Georgina on Scotland

I love going on guided tours especially when I am on my first visit to a destination. I find guided tours to be great value for money activities and an excellent tool to get the best overviews of a region.

I went on a number of small group tours when I visited Scotland. Safety precautions were in place. Guides are Scottish who have first hand knowledge of the regions I visited. They shared fascinating stories of legends and history of the Highland, both the bad and the ugly! With this overview, and time on my hands, I explored specific areas of interests for a more personal experience.

Quick facts on Scotland

__________

Population: Over 5.4 million (2020)

Common Language: English. Gaelic is spoken by 1.3% of the population mostly in the west and in the Highlands.

Currency: £ – Pound (GBP)

Capital City: Edinburgh. Home to the first fire brigade in the world, and is the second largest city in Scotland. The largest metropolis in Scotland is Glasgow.

High season: Summer (July – August)

Social courtesies: Handshaking is customary when introduced to someone for the first time. When visiting someone’s home, a small gift such as flowers or a box of chocolates is appreciated.

Scotland: Travel and Transport

Scotland: International Travel

UK Government: Foreign Travel Advice

UK Government: UK nationals travelling abroad

Best European Cities

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2 Incredible Highland & Steam Train tours

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Mallaig – Very best 12 Things To Do at the pretty harbour town in West Coast of the Highlands Scotland first published at timelesstravelsteps.com

The Jacobite Steam Train Journey in the Highlands aka the ‘Harry Potter Train’ | Best 6 reasons why you should experience it

Best 6 reasons to go on a splendid Jacobite Steam Train Journey in the Scottish Highlands | aka the ‘Harry Potter Train’

Written by: Georgina | We may earn a commission from affiliate links | Updated January 24, 2022

When you travel by train, it is all about the journey…

…and a trip aboard the Jacobite Steam Train was one that I had long imagined. Travelling back in time as the train chug chug away with picture perfect scenery of mountainside and lush green trees covered landscape. A grand masterpiece of art from one moment to the next. Along with the wet steam, speck of grit emanating from the black engine and the evocative smell of the train just makes the journey aboard the West Highland Jacobite Steam Train from Mallaig to Fort William a timeless experience which I will forever cherish.

And then to top it off — there is the most beautiful breathtaking surreal sight of all — the curve of the Glenfinnan Viaduct!

With much elation, a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train in the Highlands over Glenfinnan Viaduct is now firmly crossed off my bucket list.

About this article on the Jacobite Steam Train Journey aka the Harry Potter train

The Jacobite Steam Train Journey aka the Harry Potter train from Fort William to Mallaig is an award winning line and considered to be one of the best scenic train journeys in the world. In this article, I share my best 6 reasons on why this incredibly splendid Jacobite steam train journey in the Scottish Highlands should be an experience not to miss by one and all. Also included are all the information you need on train timings, ticket prices and ways to experience this incredible journey. You could skip ahead to a particular section via the navigation tab below.

2 Incredible Highland & Steam Train Travel Tours

Best 6 reasons for the unmissable experience of the Jacobite Steam Train travel:

1 | The Highlands and Steam Train travel

fall colours scottish highlands - Jacobite steam train — _{fall colours in the Highlands}

The Scottish Highlands is an incredibly, jaw-dropping picturesqure region in northern Scotland. The many mountain ranges dominate the landscape, with some going back 750 million years! The unspoilt nature of the glittering lochs, dense woodland and miles and miles of sandy beaches offer many best trips to be taken. Some of these splendid views can only be experienced by a train journey.

A train journey is also perhaps, one of the most comfortable ways to experience the Scottish Highlands. There are a number of options in this respect such as the West Highland and the Jacobite Steam Train, Far North Line or the Kyle Line. However, in this article, you shall find all the information needed to experience the the Jacobite Steam Train from Mallaig to Fort William.

Info:

The West Highland and the Jacobite Steam Train > From Glasgow to Oban/Fort William > Mallaig;

The Far North Line > From Inverness > Thurso > Wick;

The Kyle Line > From Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh;

1.1 | A little about The West Highland and the Jacobite Steam Train

The West Highland and the Jacobite Steam Train is one of the most popular of steam train journeys in the Scottish Highlands. Regarded as one of UK’s scenic train journeys, it is a bucket list experience for most train-travel enthusiasts.

1.2 | The Route

The route begins in Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow. Delving towards the wild west coast, the journey takes you through a side of Scotland which can only be experienced on a train journey. An incredible ride takes you through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. The route splits at Crianlarich, with one to Oban and the other through remote wilderness to Fort William in the Highlands. The final stop is Mallaig, a thriving port in the north west coast.

1.3 | The distance

The distance from Glasgow to Mallaig is approximately 264 kilometres (164 miles) and takes about 5 hours 15 minutes.

2 | The Journey is a bucket list experience for many

_{Image: georgina_daniel |} _{The Jacobite Steam Train at Mallaig}

The Jacobite Steam Train Journey is often described as the greatest train journey in the world. Travellers are taken on a journey through misty lochs and sweeping glens with mountains in the backdrop. The route passes Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain and Glenfinnan Viaduct.

The Jacobite Steam Train Journey was also made infamous by the Harry Potter movies as “Hogwarts Express”, hence nicknamed “the Harry Potter train”. A ride aboard the Jacobite steam train is a bucket list experience for all Harry Potter fans!

As well, if you are an old romantic soul who takes pleasure in the chug, chug sounds of a train, with steam emanating from the funnel and the speck of grit – all culminating in the evocative experience of a train journey in a bygone era, then this is one ride you must experience!

Aside from these, train travel is therapeutic for some. Especially for those moments in life when you need to get away from it all. I strongly recommend a journey aboard the Jacobite steam train. You have ample time for relaxation and reflection till the end of your journey, along with impressive sights to soothe your mind and soul.

2 Incredible Highland & Steam Train Travel Tours

3 | The Unique Route of the Jacobite Steam Train aka the Harry Potter train

The Harry Potter Train route begins at either Fort William or Mallaig and ends at Mallaig or Fort William. The distance is 67.5 kilometres (42 miles) and takes just about two hours. Most travellers do the roundtrip from Fort William to Mallaig in the morning and take the afternoon train back to Fort William. This gives you about 90 minutes to explore the fishing town of Mallaig and to grab lunch.

3.1 | What’s unique about the Jacobite Steam Train Route

Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK is the backdrop to the highland town of Fort William, from whence you begin your roundtrip journey. More often than not, you will find the tip of the magnificent mountain covered in clouds, thus giving a dreamy look and a sight to behold.

The highlight of the journey is undoubtedly the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct. This architectural marvel was featured in the Harry Potter movies several times with the Hogwarts Express crossing over it.

The route takes you to the most westerly mainland railway station in Britain, Arisaig. It passes Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, as well as the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis. It passes close to the shortest river in Britain, River Morar. The silvery shores of Morar were used in the movies, “Highlander” and “Local Hero.”

4 | The Jacobite Steam Train locomotive is Special

the Jacobite Steam Train 44871 — The 44871 locomotive at Mallaig

The Jacobite Steam Train is Special! I was fortunate to experience the 44871 locomotive of LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0. The LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 No. 44871 is a preserved British steam locomotive. It was built at Crewe in 1945.

the 44871 Jacobite Steam Train at Fort William — _{the Jacobite Steam Train | Image: georgina_daniel}

The 44871 was one of the last locomotives to be withdrawn from service in 1968, the year when steam trains were withdrawn altogether from British Railways. She was purchased directly from British Railways for preservation, therefore, she was never restored from scrapyard condition. When the ban on operating steam trains was lifted in 1972, 44871 was used to operate trains to York. At some point during the 70s and 80s, she went by the name ‘Sovereign’.

These days, 44871 works the West Coast Railways Jacobite Train from Fort William to Mallaig alongside her sisters, 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier and 62005. Her history and her formidable performance over the years makes 44871 an incredibly special locomotive to experience. Indeed, a splendid journey awaits her passengers.

_{Image: georgina_daniel}

5 | A splendid Jacobite Steam Train Journey from Mallaig to Fort William

Jacobite Steam Train Mallaig to Fort William — _{The West Coast Railways Jacobite Steam Train at Mallaig}

The West Coast Railways with the steam locomotive is a popular experience and attracts many enthusiasts as well as day trippers. However, the carriage I was in was surprisingly spacious with very few passengers. I was able to pounce across to the other window whenever summoned by the scenic views and explored a few of the carriages.

train compartments on the Jacobite Steam Train — _{train compartments on the Harry Potter train}

The West Coast Railways compartments are by no means fancy. The rustic, weathered, old-skool style had a deliberate sense of flair, that speaks of joyful days of the many who may have enjoyed the timeless journey. Through the window, comes streams of lights and refreshing flow of air along with the backdrop of sounds. There are very few sounds that are emotive as the chug chug, clatter and whistle of the iconic 44871’s engine. All of these amidst the vistas and enthralling sights.

2 Incredible Highland & Steam Train Travel Tours

6 | The scenic views and the enthralling sight of the ‘Curve’

scenic sights while on the jacobite steam train journey — _{views of picturesque lochs and mountains viewed from the Jacobite steam train}

The views of The Highland while aboard this vintage steam train touches the spellbinding landscape of Scotland.

scenic views out of the window of Jacobite Steam Trail — _{stunning views along the journey – Mallaig to Fort William | Image: georgina_daniel}

Unique to this journey are some incredible sights. The train travels past the breathtaking sights of Ben Nevis, islands of Rum & Eig, Loch Morar, Loch Nevis and numerous loch en route. To top it all off, is the enthralling sight of the ‘curve’ – the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

IMG_7264 the curve of Glenfinnan Viaduct on journey from Mallaig to Fort William — _{The ‘Curve’ of Glenfinnan Viaduct | from Mallaig to Fort William | Image: georgina_daniel}

IMG_7263 view of the Glenfinnan viaduct from the harry potter train — _{the 21-arch of Glenfinnan Viaduct from a distance}

The 21-arch is visible from a distance but soon the train goes over the viaduct. It slows down a touch so you can savour the moment a little longer. Grab a moment to take in the magnificent views of Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument.

On the Glenfinnan Viaduct — _{on the Glenfinnan Viaduct | Image: georgina_daniel}

The multiple arches were as impressive close-up, viewed from the carriages as it was from below and from across.

Glenfinnan Train Station The Highlands — _{Glenfinnan Train Station The Highland | Image: georgina_daniel}

The train stops at beautiful village stations of Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar and Glenfinnan en route to Fort William.

It is hard to imagine a prettier journey than this, aboard the Jacobite Steam Train.

Georgina: The stop at Glenfinnan is a little longer than the rest of the village stations. It gives you time to stretch your legs, time to take more photos and to visit the West Highland Railway Museum, located in the station building. The train may also stop at Arisaig a little longer by request to the guard.

6.1 | Important tip!

To capture some of the best photos of the Glenfinnan Viaduct while aboard the Jacobite Steam Train from Mallaig to Fort William, you need to go to the back of the train and stand on the right. Put the window down, stick your head out a little, and let your hair dance in the wind. Ensure your camera is set, ready to click away.

Disclaimer: Leaning out of the window of a moving train is dangerous and much discouraged. Please do not do that. However, lower the window to a safe height, just enough room to balance your camera, and to experience the wind in your hair.

2 Incredible Highland & Steam Train Travel Tours

My thoughts on the journey from Mallaig to Fort William

My journey aboard the Jacobite Steam Train by the West Coast Railways was one-way, from Mallaig to Fort William and I couldn’t have been more content. I wanted to experience this splendid journey aboard the steam train in the Highlands and I did. It was comfortable and relaxing. The journey of about 2 hours was seamless, and through some incredible sights of loch vistas and mountains. The time flies past quickly like the picture perfect scenery through the window.

The day’s itinerary afforded me time for an overview of Mallaig and to return on a another occasion with plenty of time to explore the pretty town of Mallaig.

A little about the fishing port of Mallaig

Mallaig is a thriving port in Lochaber, situated on the north west coast of the Highland in Scotland.

The town is linked to Fort William by the West Coast Railways and by the A830 road evocatively known as ‘The Road to the Isles’. Mallaig is still a busy port with Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries that operates regular services to the Isle of Skye and the Small Isles. If you do not wish to explore the Isles, why not consider a boat tour. The boat tour companies will ensure you return in time to catch your Jacobite steam train. You could also explore the town, the shops and get a bite to eat. The fresh fish & chips is absolutely delicious at The Cornerstone.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

1 | The Jacobite Steam Train Journey in the Highlands aka the ‘Harry Potter Train’ – Train Times and Tickets

The Jacobite Steam Train service is seasonal! Generally, the service runs from late April to late October. Plan ahead to ensure that you do not miss this experience when visiting the Scottish Highlands.

1 | Morning Service: 2022

From Monday, April 4, to Friday 28 October 2022 – 7 days a week.

2 | Afternoon Service: 2022

From Monday, May 2 to Friday, September 30, 2022 – 7 days a week.

3 | The Jacobite Steam Train Timings

Timings
Sunday to Friday Service
	Morning Service	Afternoon Service
Dep. Fort William	10:15	12:45
Arr. Mallaig	12:26	15:01
Dep. Mallaig	14:10	16:45
Arr. Fort William	16:03	18:53

^{information from West Coast Railways}

Saturday Service
	Morning Service	Afternoon Service
Dep. Fort William	10:15	14:40
Arr. Mallaig	12:26	16:42
Dep. Mallaig	14:10	18:40
Arr. Fort William	16:03	20:32

^{information from West Coast Railways official site.}

4 | Ticket Prices for the Jacobite Steam Train – 2022

	1st Class	Standard
Adult Day Return	£79.50	£52
Child Day Return (16 or under)	£57	£30
Private Table For 2 Return	£180	N/A

^{Prices correct at time of update, 24 January 2022 | Information from West Coast Railways}

Prices above are per passenger, except for the Private Table For 2, which is the price for two passengers.

5 | Additional costs when booking directly with West Coast Railways

Fares are subject to a minimum £3.75 booking fee.

Also, there is a £15 Admin Fee when an amendment is made to a booking.

**All information as to train timings and prices are correct at time of update, January 2022

Recommended read: Ultimate Travel Guide to Scotland

2 | Ways to experience the Jacobite Steam Train Travel aka Harry Potter Train /Hogwarts Express

There are a number of ways to experience a journey aboard the Jacobite Steam Train / Harry Potter train / Hogwarts Express. You could do so either independently or by joining a guided group tour.

2.1| How to experience the Jacobite Steam Train / Hogwarts Express Independently

The town of Fort William is well-connected to major cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Inverness in the Highlands by road and rail. Wherever you are in mainland Britain, you can easily get to Fort William.

2.1.1 | By Car

To experience this train ride, you can easily access it by making your way to Mallaig or Fort William by car. In this instance , you will be doing a round trip on the Jacobite. Ensure you park in the designated car parks and pay for the duration of the day. Check for car parks on the Fort William official site here. Use this link as a guide to parking in Mallaig.

2.1.2 | By Train

From Edinburgh – Edinburgh Waverley to Fort William or get cheap tickets from Edinburgh Gateway to Fort William

From Glasgow – Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William or Glasgow to Mallaig

From London – there is a sleeper service from Euston to Fort William offered by Caledonian Sleeper. You can relax on board on this luxury service and arrive fresh well in time to connect to the Fort William – Mallaig service. Check journey time and ticket prices on Trainline.

From Inverness – Inverness to Fort William

2.2 | How to experience the Jacobite Steam Train / Hogwarts Express with a guided group tour

To experience the Jacobite Steam Train journey as part of a guided group tour includes a lot more than just the train journey. Tours depart from Edinburgh, Inverness and Glasgow and are very good value for money if you want to pack a lot into a day. Depending on the city of departure, the tour will cover the highlights of the Scottish Highlands including Fort William, Loch Ness, scenic The Road to the Isles and the unforgettable journey on the Steam Train.

If you are looking to experience the Highlands as well as an unforgettable journey on a steam train, then look no further than the Highlands and the Steam Train travel tour – this is the best tour for you. A huge plus of these tours is that the cost of the train tickets to ride the Jacobite Steam Train in included. Signing-up to these tours also means that you are assured of the timeless journey and not be disappointed with a sold-out season.

Georgina: I personally went on one of these guided tours and it was nothing less than an impressive experience. It was timely, professional, and informative. The tours are perfect overviews for a destination that has so much to offer when you don’t have a lot of days to sightsee. Of course, I would highly encourage spending a number of days here and slow-travel but sometimes, this may not be possible. In any case, the guided tours were perfect for me on my first visit, allowing a return visit to explore deeper.

Learn more > 2 Incredible Highland And Steam Train Travel Tours

On a final note

In short, the journey aboard the Jacobite Steam Train by the West Coast Railways from Mallaig to Fort William was nothing less than splendid and I highly recommend this experience. The guided tour I joined was so well planned that I saw the ‘Hogwarts Express’ pass through on the Glenfinnan Viaduct earlier in the day, presenting perfect photo opportunities (pictured above). The tour also organised my journey aboard the train in the afternoon. It was a good day!

Please note that this is not a collaborative post and is not affected by monetary compensation of sorts. I gladly share my experiences and my opinions are my own. I sincerely wish that my experiences and suggestions will support you in designing your timeless experiences in The Highland.

There are affiliate links embedded in this article, related articles and sprinkled throughout the site. These are available to facilitate you in your sightseeing experiences and to save you time and money. I do the research so you don’t have to. You can support TTS by using these links and in other ways also. TTS earns a commission if you choose to use these links but at no costs to you at all. As always, we appreciate your continued support to keep TTS going.

Have a super awesome time exploring the Scottish Highland.

Georgina xoxo

The Highland Tours

Scottish Highland Tours including Loch Ness and Glencoe from Edinburgh

Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle from Inverness

Georgina: I love going on guided tours especially when I am on my first visit to a destination. I find guided tours to be great value for money activities and an excellent tool to get the best overviews of a region.

Quick facts on Scotland

__________

Population: Over 5.4 million (2020)

Common Language: English. Gaelic is spoken by 1.3% of the population mostly in the west and in the Highlands.

Currency: £ – Pound (GBP)

Capital City: Edinburgh. Home to the first fire brigade in the world, and is the second largest city in Scotland. The largest metropolis in Scotland is Glasgow.

High season: Summer (July – August)

Social courtesies: Handshaking is customary when introduced to someone for the first time. When visiting someone’s home, a small gift such as flowers or a box of chocolates is appreciated.

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The Jacobite Steam Train Journey in the Highlands aka the ‘Harry Potter Train’ | Best 6 reasons why you should experience it! first published at timelesstravelsteps.com

Updated January 24, 2022

2 Incredible Highland and Steam Train Travel Tours

2 Incredible Highland and Steam Train Travel Tours

Recommended | Highland and Steam Train Tour

When you visit the Scottish Highland, there are some activities which you simply must experience! One of the best experiences awaits those who go on the Highland and Steam Train travel tours.

The Highland and Steam Train Travel Tours

^{West Highland and Jacobite Steam Train | © georgina_daniel}

The Highland and Steam Train travel tours depart from Inverness and Edinburgh. You could select your departure point to suit your itinerary.

Which ever departure point you select, your tour encompasses picturesque views of the Highland with several stops for photo opportunities. The magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct awaits where you could see the Jacobite Steam Train, made famous by the wizardry world of Harry Potter chugging away on the Viaduct. Itinerary for each tour differs as the route dictates what highlights are covered.

Glenfinnan Viaduct | The Highlands and Steam Train tours — ^{Glenfinnan Viaduct, The Highland, Scotland} ^{| © georgina_daniel}

The West Highland and the Jacobite Steam Train is undoubtedly one of Britain’s most scenic train journeys. The train ride take travellers on a nostalgic journey through misty lochs and sweeping glens with mountains in the backdrop. The route passes Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain and Glenfinnan Viaduct.

The trip between Fort William in the West Highland and Mallaig on Scotland’s west coast is 135 km (84-mile) round-trip. However, on this tour, it is a one-way journey, from Mallaig to Fort William.

if you are a Harry Potter fan or if your kids are, then this is a train ride that must be experienced. As for steam train enthusiasts, you know you want to be on this Highland and Steam Train tour as soon as you possibly can!

Ensure that you…

Read each itinerary before selecting what suits you best.

PLAN AHEAD: Train rides/tours available between May and October.

Georgina: I love going on guided tours especially when I am on my first visit to a destination. I find tours to be great value for money activities and an excellent tool to get the best overviews of a region.

I went on a number of small group tours when I visited Scotland. Safety precautions were in place. Guides are Scottish who have first hand knowledge of the regions I visited. They shared fascinating stories of legends and history of the Highland, both the bad and the ugly! With this overview, and time on my hands, I explored specific areas of interests for a more personal experience.

My trip to Scotland was self-funded, and none of the activities were sponsored in any way. All opinions, views and experiences are my own which I happily share with you to inspire you to visit this magical land.

For Independent Travellers seeking an Adventure

Travelling by train is one of the best ways to travel around Britain and UK. The UK has one of the best rail networks in the world. It is well connected from city to city and a swift journey along beautiful countryside is quite an experience to be had.
However, the train network is a little complex with 28 national train companies operating throughout the UK. To avoid confusion as to which train companies to select, it is best to focus on the route you want to travel on rather than the train company to travel with. For this reason I use Trainline in Britain and UK for all of my travels within the country. From local trips to cross-country adventures, I Trainline it! I use Trainline to book for Europe travels as well when not using an Interrail Pass.
Georgina – Trainline in UK

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Incredible Highland and Steam Train Travel Tours first published at timelesstravelsteps.com

Top 5 hotels in Inverness City Centre

Top 5 hotels in Inverness City Centre

The small city of Inverness in the northeast coast of Scotland, also known as the Capital of the Highlands is popularly visited because of its ideal location to exploring Loch Ness. Loch Ness is the most famous loch in the world for the legendary resident, the Loch Ness monster, Nessie. In addition, Inverness is at a central point and a gateway to the northeast coast offering opportunities to explore the breathtaking landscapes, the ancient sites and the wider region of the Highlands. As such, the city offers a number of accommodations to suit all budgets and lifestyle.

With so many choices, finding the most suitable place to stay can be time consuming. Therefore, in this article, there are carefully selected top 5 hotels to stay in Inverness city centre for you to peruse, select and book.

Why select a hotel in the heart of Inverness City centre | Top 5 hotels to stay in Inverness City Centre

The surrounds of Inverness city boasts breathtaking landscapes and makes the location a special place to be. Here are some reasons to select the city centre as your point of stay when exploring the Scottish Highlands.

1 | A compact city

Inverness is compact and is easy to walk around the city. The main attractions in the city are all within easy reach and public transportation is not really needed.

2 | Choices in entertainment and eateries

Top 5 hotels to stay in Inverness City Centre — ^{Traditional Scottish pub along River Ness}

The city is lively and offer great choices in entertainment in the evenings. As well there are a good selection of restaurants and eateries for you to try classic Scottish recipes. Visit one or more of the many Scottish pubs dotted around the city for the hospitality, ambience and a classic Scotch on the rocks, for a memorable experience.

As for places to eat, try the Castle Tavern which is popular amongst visitors to Inverness. Known for good service, it is said to serve the best haggis in town!

Address: 1 View Place, Inverness IV2 4SA Scotland

3 | Myriad of things to do during the day

There are so many things to do in and around Inverness during the day that you will not be bored!

Inverness Castle | Things to do in Inverness City | Top 5 hotels to stay in Inverness — ^{Inverness Castle, Inverness, Scotland}

For places to visit in Inverness city centre, I would highly recommend a visit to Inverness Castle. The red sandstone fortification sits on a cliff overlooking the River Ness. Although the Castle is used as a Court house and there is no public access into the castle, visitors can purchase a ticket to access the viewpoint at the Castle Tower. The Castle Tower offer 360° degree views over the city of Inverness and the Scottish Highlands.

For more recommended activities to do on your visit to Inverness City, the Complete Guide to the Capital of the Highlands offers 11 suggestions for you to experience in the city itself and further activities that you could do around Inverness. Includes day trip and multi-day trips options as well.

Attractions conveniently located within the Top 5 hotels in Inverness City Centre

Just so you know, all of the hotels listed below, Top 5 hotels in Inverness City are conveniently located to the following popular attractions:

Inverness Castle 0.3 miles
Caledonian Canal 0.4 miles
Inverness Floral Hall 0.9 miles
James Pringle Weavers 1.2 miles
Culloden Battelfield 4.8 miles

Do a value for money, small group one day guided tour of Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns

4 | Major transport hub | Air, Train and Road

Furthermore, accessibility to public transportation such as Inverness train station and the bus/coach station is convenient and located only within minutes of any the following centrally located hotels.

Top 5 hotels to stay in Inverness City centre

As you may know, my go-to place for booking accommodations is Booking dot com. Booking offers vast choices in accommodation style such as hotels, hostels and aparthotels to suit varying budgets. In addition Booking offers a choice of cancellation policies and depending on the properties you select, you could either pay in full upfront or pay later.

Here are the selected top 5 hotels in Inverness which I know is a great place to stay.

1 | Ness Walk | Top 5 hotels to stay in Inverness City Centre

Ness Walk is located in a beautiful setting along River Ness and is rated as superb with friendly staff and world-class service by customers. Within steps, you would be walking along River Ness and enjoy a stroll to Ness Island, watch the sunset over the city of Inverness or the adventure in you may lead you along the Caledonian Canal which is a stone’s throw away. Whatever you choose to do during your stay at Ness Walk, you are assured of a celebrity treatment.

The accommodation comes with free WiFi, continental breakfast daily and attractions within minutes of the property.

Peruse and book your stay at Ness Walk, Inverness

2 | Rocpool Reserve Hotel & Restaurant

Rocpool is a luxurious boutique hotel, bar and restaurant located in the heart of Inverness and offers nothing short of a world-class service.

This 5-star hotel, Rocpool Reserve boast numerous awards, including Conde Nest Johansens Most Excellent UK City Hotel 2008 and 2010.

Peruse and book your stay at Rocpool Reserve Hotel & Restaurant

Though not 5-star rated, the following three hotels provide good comfort, style and friendly service.

3 | Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa | Top 5 hotels to stay in Inverness City Centre

Top 5 hotels to stay in Inverness City Centre | Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa — ^{Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa | © timelesstravelsteps.com | georgina_daniel}

Located along the banks of River Ness, Inverness Palace Hotel offer direct views of Inverness Castle which looks glorious at sundown. The hotel offers swimming pool, leisure club, spa and free WiFi. Riverside restaurants and bars are within steps of the hotel. Train and coach stations are about 10 minutes walk – you need to take the bridge across River Ness.

Address: 8 Ness Walk, Inverness

Peruse and book your stay at Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa

4 | The Royal Highland Hotel Inverness | Top 5 hotels to stay in Inverness City Centre

The Royal Highland Hotel | Top 5 hotels to stay in Inverness City Centre — ^{The Royal Highland Hotel, Est 1856 | © timelesstravelsteps | georgina_daniel}

Literally just about 10 steps from the entrance/exit of Inverness train station is the The Royal Highland. One of the oldest in Scotland, The Royal Highland has been around for 160 years.

Grand staircase at the The Royal Highland Inverness | Top 5 hotels to stay in Inverness City Centre — ^{Grand staircase at The Royal Highland Inverness}

Boasting a grand staircase that was an inspiration for the very same in the movie “Titanic”, the decor is traditional, rich and warm. Dining here is an experience in itself – Ash is contemporarily styled and serves an à la carte menu. Food is sourced locally – fish comes from nearby lochs and rivers. Ash Restaurant is one of the best drinking and dining venues in Inverness.

Peruse and book your stay at The Royal Highland Inverness

5 | Mercure Inverness Hotel

Located at just 200 metres from Inverness train station, Mercure Inverness Hotel is best if you have to join guided tours or if you wish to explore surrounding areas by train. Guided tours usually drop you off at about 8 p.m. by which time you may just want to head straight to your hotel.

Mercure Inverness offers breakfast daily and free WiFi.

Peruse and book your stay at Mercure Inverness Hotel

Besides these top 5, there are many more in and around Inverness which you may want to research upon and select to suit.

Booking.com

Travelling to Inverness City | Top 5 hotels to stay in Inverness City Centre

Inverness is well-served by both train and air along with good ground transportation such as bus/coaches. Roads around Inverness are good, and it was nice to drive around. Just remember that in Scotland as is in the rest of United Kingdom, we have a right-hand drive but drive on the left side of the road.

1 | Train travel to Inverness City

Train services to Inverness is mainly served by ScotRail trains. There are frequent services from Aberdeen to Inverness (2 hours 12 minutes), Glasgow to Inverness (3 hours 13 minutes), and from Edinburgh to Inverness (3 hours 33 minutes).

If you are travelling from London to Inverness, the journey with no changes of trains takes about 8 hours.

Read: 8 Most Scenic Train Journey in UK

Georgina: I travelled to Inverness recently from London onboard the Azuma – it was a comfortable train ride. Long 8 hours but the comfort of the First Class carriages and the scenic route made the journey pleasant. If you are not driving to Inverness, Scotland, I would recommend a train journey.

2 | Travel by Air to Inverness

Inverness Airport is located in Dalcross, about 13 kilometres (8.1 miles) northeast of Inverness city. It is an international airport offering a range of flights daily to and from key destinations such as London, Amsterdam and Dublin. The Airport Terminal provides customers with a variety of cafes, restaurants, shops.

For great money savers to Inverness, look-up budget flights offered by Easy Jet, Jet2 and On the Beach . For a greater selection on air travel, Opodo is pretty good – link below.

By Car

Exploring Inverness and the Scottish Highlands by car is one of the best ways to see and experience the many dramatic vistas of this region. Car tours are specially useful if you have only a few days where you would like to maximise your time and cover lots of areas.

Pro tip

If you are considering travelling by train or by air to Inverness city and would like to explore more of the Scottish Highlands, then you may find the following suggestions helpful:

If you are considering travelling by train or by air to Inverness city and would like to explore more of the Scottish Highlands, then you may find the following suggestions helpful:

1 | Hire a car when you arrive in Inverness if you wish to explore at your leisure;

2 | Book day or multi-day guided tours with reputable sight-seeing providers so your booking is secure, refund is possible if you change your mind and tour guides are local as well as knowledgeable to maximise your experience.

Pro tip 1 | Combine a stay in Inverness and Explore the Scottish Highlands by Car

Isle of Skye.Complete Guide to the Capital of the City — ^{Quiraing, Isle of Skye, Highlands, Scotland | © timelesstravelsteps | georgina_daniel}

As a gateway to the Scottish Highlands, Inverness allows you to explore more than just the city and its immediate surrounds. It would of course depend very much on your time and what you plan to achieve when visiting Inverness. Taking a road trip to the Scottish Highlands allows you to explore at your leisure. You will experience more of the beautiful scenery and many Scottish heritage, castle ruins and dramatic coastlines. You will navigate through mountainous peaks, shimmering lochs and single track roads with friendly hairy Highland cows beckoning a stop for a photo-shoot. The unbelievable natural beauty will have you planning your next trip in no time.

Road trip to the Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is one of the most visited destinations in the Highlands. Skye can be visited from Inverness in one day and the journey is about 3 hours each way. Whilst this is possible, it is a lot of driving. To make the best of your visit to the Isle of Skye, I recommend either one or two overnight stays in Portree, a charming harbour town or any other place you would prefer.

The highlights on this road trip may include Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Eilean Donan Castle, Skye Bridge, Quiraing, Fairy Pools, Bridal Falls, Kilt Rock The Old Man of Storr, Lochalsh, Portree and so many more depending on how many stops you make.

Suppliers of good value for money combination of an All-in-One

For great value for money holidays to the Scottish Highlands travelling by air or by train, take a look at EasyJet for cheap flights and Travel Supermarket for unbiased information. Select what suits your itinerary and book in advance to avoid disappointment. Always check cancellation policies and fine prints before finalising your booking.

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On a final note…

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Route:

5 | Explore the harbour at Mallaig

6 | Morar Cross

7 | Visit Morar

8 | Loch Morar

8.1 | Morag

9 | Jacobite Steam Train

10 | Shops

11 | Festivals

12 | Other attractions near Mallaig

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12.3 | Lochailort

12.4 | Glenfinnan

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