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Edinburgh to Fort William

Posted by (Port Angeles) on

I'm in the beginning stages of planning a three week trip to England and Scotland in 2023. We are starting in London and ending in Edinburgh and will have a car. We are not touring Scotland on this trip- only Edinburgh with a day trip to Fort William to ride the Jacobite train.

I'm tentatively planning 4 nights in Edinburgh (our last), and we can't do more without giving up York. I know it's about a three hour drive to Fort William. The Jacobite train departs at 10:15 and returns at 4pm. Is it reasonable to drive there early in the morning, ride the train, and then drive back to Edinburgh that same evening? I know there are tours out of Edinburgh that do this. Or would it be better to stay the night in Fort William? I don't really want to break up the Edinburgh stay, but... Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Posted by
1834 posts

That is going to be a very long day with a very early start... Only you can decide whether it is for you. I'd personally want to stop in Fort William the night before just to make sure there weren't any problems on the way that might make me late for the train!!!

Alos are you committed to taking the Jacobite train rather than the 'normal' Scots Rail train? They both run on the same route and the Scots Rail is a lot cheaper (but not steam hauled!).

Posted by
83 posts

Thanks, Wasleys. I agree, it's a very long day, probably too long. Another option would be to take the afternoon Jacobite train instead of the the morning one, which would give us more time to get there from Edinburgh. I would definitely want to stay the night in Fort William then.
Yes, this is a Harry Potter adventure for my niece, so the Jacobite is a high priority.

Posted by
1209 posts

I would choose to be either to be in lochaber either the night before the morning train
There's also a harry Potter connection to the stunning walk in upper glen nevis to
Steall waterfall.
Be really a great add-on to vist

Posted by
83 posts

Thanks, Richard, that's a great idea. I'm now leaning towards two nights in Fort William and including a hike to Steall Falls. Just have to add a day onto the whole trip- why not??

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