We booked first class and fortunately we were seated with some lovely people around us. We decided to go for the whole experience and order the high tea and champagne. As we shared a table with another couple it did feel a bit awkward as they hadn’t ordered anything and we happily shared our high tea. As a suggestion perhaps sit people who have ordered extras together. Travelling over the Glenfinnen Viaduct was very quick with a brief announcement made by a staff member. The trip is not cheap and whilst it’s a great experience I feel that there is minimal commentary and it would be so much more interestIng which local information and history of the area. Mallaig was a sweet little place but unfortunately most cafes were closed which doesn’t make sense when they know a train full of people would be arriving. The train was also a bit grotty. Overall a lovely experience but could be so much better.

Went on the Jacobite train this weekend. Done afternoon ride . Weather was perfect for the journey. Staff on the train were all so nice and welcoming. As we will only do the journey once we thought we would go first class and order cream tea. First class carriages were spotless but the cream tea!!! Total waste of money . Got delivered in a box! Not on cake stand . 4 tiny quarter sandwiches, 2 wee half cakes and a scone . So disappointed. Best advice is to take your own on with you . Views were stunning from the train and spent hour and half in mallaig which again was lovely to see.

It was a scorching hot day, the last of the hot spell early September. As others have said, we decided on 1st Class with cream tea, to celebrate this much anticipated experience. We also had a bottle of Prosecco. The cream tea was served in a box, but there was plenty of sarnies, cakes, scone with clotted cream etc. We really dug in and thoroughly enjoyed tootling along, watching the magnificent landscape unfold. The views were spectacular, especially of the Ben Nevis range. The viaduct was breathtaking, had to tell the granddaugters about the Harry Potter link. Did our cred no end of good! We managed to film the bend and the front of the train going round. We had a member of staff in our carriage at all times. They were very hot on not leaning out of the windows for photos. At one point the train driver stopped as there had been a 'violation'. We were told that passengers would be removed if they persistently broke the rules. Fair enough. Destination Mallaig is a typical tourist small town. Lots of cafes and souvenir shops. We found a pub up a side road, not too busy, and sampled the locally brewed beer. Very nice too. On the journey back it was really stifling. Sitting in a virtual tin can in 34 degrees was distinctly uncomfortable, but no one's fault. Crossed this off our bucket list.

We went on the train the other day, on the afternoon one, weather was clear on the way there and in Mallaig then rained on the way back. For reference we were in carriage F, seats F25/26 outbound and F27/28 inbound. We arrived handy, took photos of the front of the train before we left (recommended because you can’t take proper photos after that!) We had a clear view (as much as we could past the trees!) on the way there and on the way back the rain did alter that but we opened the small window and still got views over the viaduct. We actually had originally booked first class for back in May but my puppy came along and we had to cancel and re-book standard class, quite honestly I’m glad because the only difference I felt was in first class you have your own private table and a lamp (?) as you can order champagne etc to standard class. We shared a table with 2 lovely people so we were fine! Your seats are assigned to you when your tickets are emailed to you, you get to swap sides on the way back to experience both sides which was good, going over the viaduct and past Loch Shiel (Dumbledores grave) is very surreal ! The train is dated, yes. The space is quite limited also so in all honesty if you don’t have to bring your dog, don’t. I’m lucky I have a 6 month old puppy who fits on my knee and it was all fine but any bigger and no chance! There is no Harry Potter experience or anything special HP as such, only HP gifts on the trolley. Staff are also a delight, truly lovely people which made the trip also! Not a great deal to do in Mallaig but thankfully the weather was nice so we had a little walk around, there’s a lovely bench (Helen’s bench) looking out onto the water. There’s also some shops that sell HP merch. Truthfully though if anyone is strapped for cash and wants to get a HP experience, we also went to Glenfinnan viaduct for when the train crossed (we done this twice) and we also visited Loch Shiel ourselves, you could also do this when the train passes or even at Mallaig because although going on the train was amazing, I much preferred seeing it pass at Glenfinnan.

The views were amazing, the First class train carriages were good. The staff doing tea coffee on the trolley's were amazing, very polite. But, the blonde woman (Steward in her early 50’s) in the first class carriage on the 1st October 2023, totally spoilt our trip, she was talking disrespectfully to all passengers in the first class carriage when trying to take pictures of outside views. She would stand next to you like a policewoman / prison guard, felt like I was in prison visiting someone and had a guard stand over us. Even my 7 year old was scared to look at her. Amazing that the railway has employed this person. Totally ruined the experience for us.

The train ride was very nice. We had a couple stops along the way to pickup/drop off passengers. We started at Mallaig and ended at Ft Williams. We sat on the right side of the train (Carriage F, Seats 9B and 10B) and were able to get a couple good photos as we crossed the viaduct, don’t wear white because soot and bugs fly in. Also, have your camera ready when you are getting close to the viaduct since the train does not slow down. The only negative comment I would make is that there were no announcements when we were about to cross the viaduct or when we were approaching Dumbledore’s grave.

As I’m a Harry Potter fan did the Jacobite Express with afternoon tea. Brilliant experience on a steam train and we did the Fort William to Mallaig return journey. This crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct (the one seen in Harry Potter on the way to Hogwarts). Also saw Dumbledore’s resting place. Although not cheap, the experience was worth it!

All of the staff were really lovely, so polite and caring. Made intereting conversation with us. The Buffet Staff were delightful and kind. We bought an Afternoon Tea but honestly, its nothing special although its very well presented in a box. There are several wonderful eateries on arrival in Mallaig. The train journey is a lovely experience however you may be very interested in seeing the train travelling across the Viaduct which you cant fully appreciate on board the train from your window seat. No hanging out of windows nowadays-Adhered strictly to Health and Safety Policies. My next trip will be simply to Glenfinnan to enjoy the visitor centre and the view of the train travelling over the viaduct.

This was our second time on the Jacobite. It was my birthday present from my partner. Love the train. Why wouldn’t you it’s a steam train. My problem was the god awful afternoon tea. You got your hot drinks then a box (supposedly for 2 people) with equivalent of 2 slices of bread /sandwiches, 2 little cakes and scones at a charge of £27. Are you having a laugh. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY. Do the Train. Take your own snacks.

Fabulous train wonderful staff beautiful views. Enough time in millaig for lunch then a great journey back to fort william. A very special treat. Well done all concerned. Sheila & Wally Link.