From Glasgow: Jacobite Steam Train & The Highlands Tour

Discover Scotland’s Highlands and the Hogwarts Express: An Honest Look at the Glasgow Day Trip

If you’re dreaming of a day filled with sweeping landscapes, iconic train rides, and charming towns, this From Glasgow: Jacobite Steam Train & The Highlands Tour might just be what you’re after. We’ve looked into what makes this experience special — and where it might fall short — to help you decide if it fits your travel style.

What we like most? The 2-hour ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, famously known as the Hogwarts Express, and the stunning scenery along Loch Awe and Glen Coe. Both are unforgettable sights that give you a real taste of Scotland’s wild beauty. A potential drawback? The tour’s long duration — 13 hours — can be a lot for some travelers, especially if you prefer more relaxed days. Still, if you’re a fan of scenic adventures and don’t mind a full day on the go, this tour offers plenty of value.

This journey is well-suited for those who enjoy natural landscapes, historic towns, and train rides with a cinematic twist. It’s a solid pick for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of the Highlands without the hassle of planning multiple trips. It’s particularly good for those who appreciate knowledgeable guides and picturesque views, and who are okay with spending most of the day on a bus and train.

Key Points

• Stunning Scenery: The tour covers some of Scotland’s most famous landscapes, including Glen Coe and Loch Awe.
• Iconic Train Ride: The Jacobite Steam Train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct is a highlight that’s hard to beat.
• Expert Guides: Travelers consistently praise their guides for being enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and caring.
• Full-Day Experience: It’s a long trip, around 13 hours, ideal for those wanting an immersive day out.
• Cost-Effective for What You Get: For $254, you’re covering transport, a major train experience, and multiple sightseeing stops.
• Potential for Disappointment: Some reviews mention that the last stop was beautiful but lacked options to buy souvenirs or refreshments, which could be frustrating.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

When you step onto this tour from Glasgow, you’re in for an adventure that combines scenic drives with a truly special train journey. It all starts at Buchanan Street Bus Station, where you’ll meet your guide about 15 minutes early — no rushing, just making sure everyone’s settled. From there, the route takes you through some of Scotland’s most beloved landscapes.

The Drive Through Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park

Our journey begins with a scenic drive through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. This area offers picture-perfect views of lochs, forests, and rolling hills. It’s a gentle intro to the Highlands’ natural beauty and sets the tone for the day ahead. The driver often shares interesting tidbits about the region, and we loved the way the landscape slowly unfolds around us.

Rannoch Moor and Glencoe

Next, you’ll pass over Rannoch Moor, a vast expanse that’s as striking in its starkness as it is in its wildness. It’s a quiet, open landscape that feels like the edge of the world. The highlight here is definitely Glen Coe, known for its dramatic peaks and rugged terrain. The tour includes a quick 15-minute stop here, enough to snap a few photos and soak in the views. It’s one of those spots that sticks with you long after the day ends.

The Iconic Jacobite Steam Train

Now, the star of the show: the 2-hour ride on the Jacobite Steam Train. Departing from Fort William, this train is the real reason most people sign up. Made famous by the Harry Potter films as the Hogwarts Express, it crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which is instantly recognizable from the movies.

Boarding the train, you’ll find the experience charming and nostalgic. The steam engine chugs along, passing rugged hills and shimmering lochs. The train’s vintage look and the sound of the whistle add a magical touch. Though one review noted that the train couldn’t operate with steam that day due to fire issues, most find the experience still enchanting. Plus, the audio guide available in multiple languages helps you appreciate the scenery and history along the route.

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Mallaig and Local Seafood

After the train ride, you get about 1.5 hours of free time in Mallaig, a lively harbor town. Here, many choose to explore the area or grab a quick seafood lunch, often a highlight for visitors. The fresh seafood, especially local catches, is a real treat for those who enjoy good local food. While the tour doesn’t include a meal, the opportunity to sample fresh fish or simply walk around is a nice bonus.

Exploring Inveraray and Loch Awe

Next, the tour takes a scenic drive along Loch Awe, passing by the historic Kilchurn Castle, which sits on the water’s edge. The views here are postcard-perfect, and it’s a good spot to stretch your legs and take some photos.

Inveraray, a charming lakeside town, is next on the list. With about 30 minutes for sightseeing, you can stroll its streets, admire the architecture, or enjoy the peaceful views of Loch Fyne. Some travelers, like Elizabeth, mentioned wishing there were more options to buy souvenirs or refreshments, especially since the last stop was quite picturesque but had limited facilities.

Rest and Be Thankful Viewpoint

Before heading back to Glasgow, the bus stops at the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint. The vistas here are genuinely breathtaking, giving you a panoramic look over the surrounding hills and valleys. It’s a perfect spot to reflect on the day and snap some final photos.

Return Journey

The trip wraps up with the return to Buchanan Street in Glasgow, arriving in the evening. It’s a long day, but most travelers find the experience worth it, especially for the train ride and the scenic driving.

What Does This Tour Really Offer?

This is a well-rounded trip that offers much more than just ticking off a list of sights. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge make a big difference, turning a sightseeing bus tour into a story-rich experience. Multiple reviews highlighted guides like Nicky and Erin for their friendly, informative approach, which adds a lot of value.

The train ride is undoubtedly the centerpiece, providing a feeling of stepping into a storybook. The crossing of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, in particular, is a moment most will remember. Even with the minor disappointment that the train wasn’t operating with steam on one day, the experience still feels authentic and special.

The various stops, from Glen Coe to Inveraray, give a good balance of nature and history. The views are consistently praised as stunning, making it an ideal choice for landscape lovers. The drive along Loch Awe to Kilchurn Castle is a highlight, especially for photographers and those who enjoy dramatic water and mountain scenes.

However, the longer duration might be a consideration. While many reviews mention the guides’ care and the scenic stops, some note that facilities at certain locations can be limited. Elizabeth pointed out that the last stop was particularly beautiful but didn’t have shops or options for refreshments, which could leave some travelers feeling a bit stranded if they’re expecting more amenities.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $254 per person, this tour represents good value for the comprehensive experience it offers — especially considering the cost of the train ride alone could be much higher if booked separately. You get transportation, a guided commentary, and an iconic train journey, all packed into roughly 13 hours.

For those who love scenic drives, historic towns, and a bit of Harry Potter magic, this tour offers a lot. It’s a full day’s adventure, perfect for travelers who want to see a broad swath of the Highlands without the hassle of organizing each detail themselves.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy picturesque landscapes, engaging guides, and train journeys with a cinematic connection, this trip is a winner. It’s ideal for travelers with a full day to spare, those comfortable on long bus rides, and anyone eager to enjoy Scotland’s natural beauty.

Keep in mind, it’s not tailored for those seeking a leisurely or slow-paced experience. If you’re traveling with very young children or have mobility concerns, check the specifics — children must be at least 5 years old, and some stops are brief.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children must be at least 5 years old to join. It’s a full-day trip, so be prepared for a long duration on the bus and train.

What languages is the audio guide available in?
The audio guide can be accessed in Italian, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, and Mandarin, helping international travelers appreciate the scenery and history.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You might want to bring snacks or plan to buy food in Mallaig or Inveraray.

What should I bring?
Bring layers (the weather can change quickly), a camera, and some snacks, especially since facilities at some stops may be limited.

Is it a full-day tour?
Yes, it lasts approximately 13 hours, starting from Glasgow in the morning and returning in the evening.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the train ride operated with steam?
Most days the train operates with steam, but there was a note that on one occasion, fire issues prevented steam operation. It’s worth checking in advance if this matters to you.

Are pets allowed?
Pets are not permitted, but assistance dogs are allowed.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a solid mix of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes, a historic train ride, and charming towns packed into one full day. It’s especially appealing for those who love scenic drives paired with a touch of cinematic history—think Harry Potter fans—and for travelers who value knowledgeable guides to bring the scenery alive.

While the day can be long and some stops could benefit from more amenities, the overall experience is highly praised for its views, guide expertise, and the unforgettable train crossing. It’s best suited for those eager to see a broad slice of the Highlands in one go and who don’t mind a packed schedule.

If you’re looking for an immersive, picturesque day out of Glasgow that combines history, nature, and a touch of magic, this tour deserves a spot on your itinerary. Just remember to pack patience and an appetite for adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: