Route  :  Fort William - Mallaig

The Fort William - Mallaig section of the West Highland Line is classed as one of the Great Journeys of the World. Although only 41 miles long the finest mountain and coastal scenery is to be found on this line.

The extension of the West Highland line is nearly 100 years old being completed in 1901. It was built to take advantage of Mallaig as a location to provide a major fishery harbour, which it still remains to this day. The North British Railway, realising that, with the completion of the Highland Railway's line to Kyle of Lochalsh in 1897, it stood to lose traffic to its rival. The company therefore embarked on the difficult task of threading a railway between the hills and sea, going round sea inlets and across fast flowing rivers.

The task was given to Robert MacAlpine. This name is still familiar in civil engineering work today. However, MacAlpine made much use of mass concrete in his bridges and viaducts for ease of construction and to reduce the costs because much less skilled masonry work would be required. This was the first time such extensive use was made of this technique which went on to become one of the major building techniques of the 20th century.

The success of the technique is exemplified in Glenfinnan Viaduct. A glimpse of the viaduct can be obtained before Glenfinnan station as the line curves out on to it. From the viaduct can be seen the monument marking the landing point of Charles Edward Stuart, the Young Pretender, who tried in vain to win back the independent crown and parliament for Scotland. His campaign ended in defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1745.

Glenfinnan station houses a museum recording much of the history of the line and the locality and is well worth visiting. Some trains stop sufficiently long at the station for a quick visit but a longer stay is recommended.

As the line heads west increasingly beautiful views (on a clear day) are revealed of the Atlantic Ocean and the Inner Hebrides including particularly good views of the Isles of Eigg and Rum. Between Arisaig and Morar watch out for the famous silver sands of Morar where 'Local Hero' was filmed.  There is an excellent view of the Isle of Skye on the final approaches to Mallaig. At Mallaig visit the harbour to see the fishing boats, the Heritage Centre and the Sealife Centre. If planned ahead, visit Skye using the Caledonian ferry to Armadale. There are several restaurants and hotels to provide for the thirsty and hungry.

On the return journey there are many more views of the scenic splendour of the West Highlands not seen on the outward journey. Watch for especially good views of Ben Nevis glowering over Fort William in the final stages of the journey, as the train slows to a crawl to cross the swing bridge over the Caledonian Canal at Banavie.

While ScotRail provide public service trains on this line, its most notable feature is the operation of the 'Jacobite' steam hauled heritage trains from mid June to Mid September. The current operator of this service is West Coast Railway Company based at Carnforth in Lancashire. Tickets are available by telephoning 01463 239026 or by booking in person at the Fort Willian station booking office. West Coast Railway Company may be contacted on 01524 732100 (fax : 01524 735518). It is advisable to book ahead of travel on this very popular train.