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Fort William to Mallaig train

We will be in Scotland next month and have two nights in the Glencoe/ Fort William area. On our last day, we'll drive to Mallaig to take the car ferry up to Skye (we have tickets). We plan to stop at the Glenfinnan Visitors Center/ hike up the hill to the viewpoint and see the steam train pass. My question: is it also worth booking tickets for the train? Are the views that different/ more amazing than what we'd see from our car on the drive and from the viaduct viewpoint?

We are big Harry Potter fans but also interested in beautiful scenery. We aren't interested in the Jacobite Train, would just be taking the ScotRail train since it's cheaper and runs the same track. Thanks for any suggestions!

Posted by
1306 posts

Based on what you've said I'd satisfy myself with the drive and a walk up to the viewpoint. The road and rail track run alongside each other for much of the route.

Posted by
2320 posts

If you look at a map, you will see the road and railway follow a very similar route, although sometimes go along the opposite side of the lochs . You don't need to do both - drive and take the train. The only advantage is the car driver may have more chance to admire the scenery!