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Tuesday 30 Jun 2026

Stay off the tracks: Safety reminder for Jacobite Steam Train visitors at Glenfinnan

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Visitors heading to Glenfinnan are being reminded to put safety first while enjoying the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train and its spectacular journeys through the Highlands.

Operated by West Coast Railways and widely recognised for its appearance in the Harry Potter films, the train attracts thousands of people from around the world each year to watch it sweep across the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

With large crowds, Network Rail Scotland is asking visitors to enjoy the experience responsibly. People should follow local signage and keep well clear of the tracks and railway infrastructure at all times. The area around the viaduct offers dedicated paths and viewing points that allow visitors to capture photos and enjoy the moment without putting themselves and others at risk.

Neil Cook, route crime manager for Network Rail Scotland, said: “The Jacobite Steam Train’s journey over Glenfinnan Viaduct is a magical sight but it’s not worth risking your life for. Too often, we receive reports of dangerous behaviour, with people climbing fences, standing on the railway, or walking along the track to try to get closer. Trespassing on the railway is illegal and puts lives at serious risk. Trains can come from either direction, are quieter than people expect, and can’t stop quickly.

“The Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail offers dedicated viewing spots and most importantly, keep people a safe distance from the railway. We insist everyone visiting uses those areas and helps keep themselves and others out of harm’s way.”

Trespassing on the railway is a criminal offence and applies to tracks, the viaduct and surrounding railway land. Anyone caught can be removed, issued a fine and be prosecuted in court.

Chief Superintendent Lorna McEwan from the British Transport Police said: “The Jacobite’s journey is a wonderful event for many spectators, and we’re asking for everyone’s compliance to help make sure the event remains safe and enjoyable for all.

“Stepping on the tracks is never worth the risk – it’s illegal and puts lives in immediate danger. Every trespass incident not only risks serious injury or worse but also causes major disruption for passengers and freight across the network.

“We work closely with our partners at Network Rail to detect and deter trespass, as well as taking enforcement action for anyone who disregards the rules and places themselves or others in danger. Please follow the advice – stay off the tracks, follow the guidance, and enjoy the view safely.

Emily Bryce, the National Trust for Scotland's Operations Manager at Glenfinnan, added: "We welcome more than 600,000 visitors to Glenfinnan each year. In their enthusiasm to see the train, some visitors unfortunately venture beyond the paths and viewpoints to get close to the tracks. We urge people not to do this, as the results can be deadly. As well as the safety hazard, the landscape damage caused by such a high volume of people walking across sensitive hillside habitats is also substantial. Vegetation and soils simply don’t get a chance to recover, creating muddy conditions and impacting wildlife.

“We and the Glenfinnan community are working closely with Network Rail to both raise hazard awareness and provide the infrastructure visitors need to enjoy their time here safely, all while protecting the beautiful rural setting they have travelled so far to experience.”

Chris Taylor, VisitScotland Destination Development Director, said: “We want everyone to be able to experience the best of what Scotland offers in a safe and responsible way.

“With visitors drawn to the Glenfinnan Viaduct each year to catch a glimpse of the famous Jacobite steam train, we would encourage people to plan ahead, find out more about this historic site, and be mindful of guidance on where to safely view the tracks.

“Making use of the National Trust for Scotland’s dedicated viewpoints not only offers fantastic views but also helps protect the surrounding landscape. Sticking to marked pathways, using designated parking, showing consideration for the local community, or taking advantage of new price-capped public transport in the area are other ways visitors can ensure this special experience can be enjoyed for years to come.”

Anyone who witnesses trespassing on the railway is urged to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 999 in an emergency.