2 Hours in Mallaig: A Quick Guide for Steam Train Day Trippers
Arriving in Mallaig on the Jacobite steam train stopover? You’ll have around two hours to enjoy this scenic harbour village before the return journey to Fort William. That’s just enough time to breathe in the sea air, enjoy a short walk or boat trip, and try some local food with a view.
This quick guide will help you make the most of your short stop in one of the West Coast’s most renowned fishing villages.
Plan the Perfect Stop in Mallaig on the Jacobite Train
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Things to Do in Mallaig after Jacobite Train
Join a Wildlife Cruise
Take an hour-long cruise to spot seals, seabirds and sometimes dolphins. Follow the signs for Western Isles Cruises and check the departure boards at the harbour when you arrive. Consider booking in advance.
Stroll along the Harbour
Mallaig is a working fishing port, and there’s always something happening by the water – fishing boats coming and going, the ferry loading for Skye. Look out for the resident seal over in the East Bay.
Follow the Mallaig Circular Walk
This is a bit of a climb to start but it’s worth it for stunning views over the harbour and out over Loch Nevis to Knoydart. Pick up some food in the village for a picnic at the top. See more here.
Pop into the Mallaig Heritage Centre
Right next to the train station, this small museum gives a fascinating insight into the area’s fishing history, wartime role, and links to the railways. It’s also a good choice on a rainy day.
Watch the Steam Engine being Prepared
Before departure, you can often see the Jacobite being turned and watered. It’s a great photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate the engineering up close.
Relax, Eat and Enjoy the View
Dine in at one of Mallaig’s great eateries. Alternatively, grab a takeaway from one of the cafés or fish and chip shops, or even a meal deal from the Co-op and find a bench overlooking the water. Mallaig Viewpoint is another good spot to do this. For where to eat, see the next section.
Go Shopping for Souvenirs and Locally-made Gifts
Mallaig has some excellent craft shops and galleries. Harry Potter fans are in for a treat too! See the section below for where to shop.
Where to Eat
Whether you want to spend the whole stop having a long, leisurely lunch or you want to grab a quick bite, there are several places serving delicious food.
- The Tea Garden – Varied menu including seafood, burgers, cakes, etc. Tip – You order and pay for all food and drink at the bar.
- Cornerstone – Award-winning sit-down meals with seafood specials, takeaway fish and chips available. Tip – book in advance.
- Bloom & Graze – Cute horsebox serving homemade sandwiches and cakes, coffee, etc. Tip – take a graze box for the train journey back.
- West Highland Tea Studio – locally-blended tea, coffees, bakes
- The Bakehouse – Takeaway sandwiches, pastries, cakes and good coffee
- Jaffy’s – Seafood deli and fish and chip shop with small tables and fresh produce. Tip – Order take-away.
- Jac-O-Bites cafe – Cafe serving sandwiches, light meals, cakes and drinks.
- The Marine Bar – licensed bar with light snacks.
- Chlachain Inn – dine-in and takeaway, licensed, varied menu, very popular
- The Terrace, West Highland Hotel – varied menu, dine-in only, licensed, views over Mallaig and the sea. Tip – book in advance.
- The Fish Market – seafood restaurant and deli, dine-in and takeaway, licensed.
- The Cabin Restaurant – seafood restaurant, dine-in and takeaway, licensed.
- The Crab & Creel – serving seafood and local meat, licensed.
Need groceries or snacks? The Co-op is the main food shop in Mallaig, just across from the station, and the nearby corner shop sells whippy ice-cream.
Where to Shop
If you’re looking for local gifts or mementoes:
- West Highland Tea Shop – locally-blended teas as well as lots of other goodies like honey, soaps and more.
- Haggard Alley – Unique crafts and coastal-inspired gifts
- The Highland Koo – for locally made handbags and cushions as well as other souvenirs.
- Mallaig Art Gallery – Prints and pottery from local artists
- The RNLI Shop – A small charity-run shop with postcards, gifts and souvenirs. Funds raised support the Royal National Lifeboat Institution
- Mallaig Community Hub – Full of local gifts and fresh produce
- The Waterside Collection – handmade glass jewellery with sand from local beaches, other gifts
- The Raven, The Cat and the Witch’s Hat – all things magic! Stocks crystals, gems, and handmade items like jewellery, herbs, etc.
I’ve rounded up more suggestions in this guide to local souvenirs from Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig: Souvenirs from Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig
Practical Info for your Mallaig Stopover
🐾 Dog-friendly: Mallaig is very dog-friendly—many shops and cafés welcome well-behaved dogs, and it’s a great place for a harbour front walk with your pup.
⏰ Train departure: Be back at the platform at least 15 minutes before the train leaves
🚻 Toilets: Located in the West Bay car park (a short walk from the station). These are paid toilets and accept both cash and card.
🧳 Luggage: Lockers are available at the new Mallaig Luggage Storage just opposite the station – ideal for backpacks and small bags.
🛒 Co-op: Just 30 seconds from the station for snacks, drinks, and other essentials. There’s also an ATM inside.
💊 Chemist: A few shops past the Tea Garden, on the hill – easy to reach for anything you might need.
💷 Money tips: Bring a little cash just in case, but a card is accepted almost everywhere. Cash is sometimes in short supply, so a card is more reliable, but ask if small businesses prefer cash.
🌦 Weather: It can be sunny, rainy, hot and cold all in the same day – wear/pack layers and bring a light waterproof just in case.
Suggested 2-Hour Mallaig Itineraries for Day-trippers
Not sure how to spend your short visit? Here are a few easy combinations based on your interests:
🦭 Wildlife and a Bite: Take the wildlife cruise, then enjoy fresh fish and chips by the harbour
🍽️ Lunch and Local Finds: Sit down for lunch at The Tea Garden or Chlachain Inn, then browse local shops and galleries
👣 Walk with a View: Pick up a picnic from Bloom & Graze or Mallaig Bakehouse and follow the Mallaig Circular Walk
⚓ History and Harbour: Visit the Heritage Centre, then take a slow wander around the village with a break to enjoy the view
🧙 Magical Moments: Browse Haggard Alley and The Raven, The Cat and The Witch’s Hat, then sip your potion or nibble a chocolate frog from Haggard Alley while watching the steam train being prepared
Final Thoughts on a Steam Train Stop in Mallaig
Even with only a short time in Mallaig on the Jacobite train journey, you can get a real flavour of this West Highland village. Whether you’re enjoying harbour views, tasting fresh seafood or strolling around the village with a whippy ice cream in hand, it’s a memorable add-on to your Jacobite journey.
If you’re planning a return visit, check out my guide on Things to Do in Mallaig.
You might also want to explore the nearby villages of Arisaig and Morar. Both offer beautiful beaches, walks and quieter spots for a longer stay, but you’ll usually need a car (or bike) to get there.
You can see lots more of the area across the website. Go here to start exploring. Arisaig and Morar make a great add-on to an extended steam train itinerary in the Scottish Highlands.
Mallaig also makes a great stop-off on the way to Skye, Canna, Eigg, Rum or Knoydart, just a ferry ride away.
