Enjoyable trip
3
3
Date of visit: May 2019
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
I use or have experience of: powerchair, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Average
The steam train goes from Fort William to Mallaig going over the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Disabled Access In and Around
Poor
You cannot get a wheelchair on the train. I was in a manual wheelchair but can walk short distances. The railway staff in the stations can assist you with a ramp to get on & off the train but my wheelchair was too wide to get through the door. I think this would be the situation with all wheelchairs as it is a very old train. My wheelchair was folded up and could be accommodated on the train. The journey was very scenic & I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Parking & Transport
Good
Disabled parking spaces at Fort William train station. Used our own car, & left it there while doing the train journey which lasts about 5 hours 45 minutes. You have 1hour 35 minutes in Mallaig.
Accessible Toilets
0Don’t know as I didn’t use the toilet on the train.
Staff
Excellent
Staff were very friendly and helpful both in the stations and on the train.
Additional Information
We went on the train as 1st class passengers & had afternoon tea which was very enjoyable. It’s a good idea to pay particular attention to your ticket & the carriage name/letter and seat number. We got on the correct carriage but had to walk along the length of the carriage to get to our seats. I looked on it as our mistake & it was good exercise for me ! But other people might find it too far. All staff were very pleasant & helpful. Mallaig is a small town on the West of Scotland. It seemed to be busy with tourists but was generally accessible. The town centre is easy to get to from the train station. It is a very special trip & I was so glad I was able to do it - strongly recommend it to anyone who is considering it.
