Have you ever ever dreamed of using the enduring Hogwarts Categorical, similar to Harry, Ron, and Hermione? Ever since I noticed that first puff of steam in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, I’ve been captivated by the concept of boarding the practice that takes you to Hogwarts. Effectively, right here’s the magic revealed: you’ll be able to! Whereas the precise Hogwarts Categorical could also be fictional, the Jacobite Steam Prepare is the REAL deal. The six hour journey on the Jacobite Steam Prepare from Fort William to Mallaig is an absolute bucket record exercise within the Scottish Highlands.
Working within the coronary heart of the Scottish Highlands, this practice serves because the real-life counterpart to the magical Hogwarts Categorical, and it presents a journey that’s straight out of the pages of Harry Potter books.
In case you’re planning your magical journey to trip the Jacobite Steam Prepare, this information will stroll you thru all the pieces it is advisable know: find out how to e-book tickets, what to anticipate in your journey, and find out how to witness the practice crossing the well-known Glenfinnan Viaduct.
And sure, you actually can “take the lot!” when the trolley comes by! Together with Harry Potter themed sweets and treats!
What Is The Jacobite Steam Prepare?
The Jacobite Steam Prepare is an old school practice run by West Coast Railways. And sure, it is beautiful and appears similar to the Hogwarts Categorical!
It is a steam-powered magnificence that takes passengers by means of some of the picturesque routes in Scotland, from Fort William to the coastal city of Mallaig. This 84-mile spherical journey is greater than only a scenic tour by means of the Scottish Highlands—it’s additionally the stand-in for the Hogwarts Categorical within the Harry Potter movies. That is the place you’ll be able to actually trip by means of the areas featured within the films, together with the enduring Glenfinnan Viaduct, which you’ve in all probability seen in numerous scenes of the Hogwarts Categorical chugging its solution to faculty.
Bear in mind when the blue Ford Anglia pushed by Ron and Harry rides over the viaduct because the practice passes? You may be there too!
However whereas the practice’s Hollywood fame is a significant attraction, the trip itself is a panoramic expertise. The route cuts by means of lush landscapes, rolling hills, and lochs, delivering postcard-perfect views each step of the way in which. It’s no marvel the Jacobite is commonly hailed as one of many best practice journeys on this planet!
Why Experience the Jacobite Steam Prepare?
There are such a lot of explanation why using the Jacobite must be on each Harry Potter fan’s bucket record, however even in the event you’re not a fan, the journey presents an unforgettable journey into the guts of the Scottish Highlands.
- A Magical Expertise: Whether or not you’re a Harry Potter aficionado or just somebody who loves steam practice, the Jacobite trip presents a nostalgic, immersive expertise. It is like stepping again in time (or into the Wizarding World), and the classic practice, full with old-world carriages and wood paneling, provides to the allure.
- Gorgeous Surroundings: The Scottish Highlands are really breathtaking. As you journey between Fort William and Mallaig, you’ll go by deep valleys, shimmering lochs, pristine waterfalls, and rugged mountains that make this journey some of the stunning practice rides on this planet.
- Harry Potter Movie Areas: Sure, that is the place you’ll be able to re-live a few of the most iconic scenes from the Harry Potter movies! The practice journey takes you over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the place you’ll really feel such as you’re heading straight for Hogwarts. You may additionally go by Dumbledore’s grave!
- Stops alongside the way in which! The practice stops in Glenfinnan the place there is a small museum. Then you definately’ll additionally cease within the city of Mallaig which is AWESOME for fish and chips and there are even Harry Potter themed outlets!
- Glenfinnan Viaduct: Apart from crossing it, some of the thrilling components of the journey is the prospect to observe the practice from the skin. Extra on that under!
The right way to E-book Tickets for the Jacobite Steam Prepare
Tickets for the Jacobite Steam Prepare might be booked by means of West Coast Railways’ official web site. Even when your Hogwarts letter hasn’t arrived, you’ll be able to nonetheless get to Hogwarts!
Briefly, you’d purchase tickets right here for the Jacobite Steam Prepare.
HOWEVER, if these are bought out you are able to do a bundle right here.
Listed below are some extra choices:
Right here’s a breakdown of what it is advisable know:
- Advance Reserving: Tickets promote out shortly, particularly in the summertime months when the climate is at its finest. I like to recommend reserving your tickets as early as attainable.
- Kinds of Tickets: There are a couple of choices relating to seating. You possibly can select between normal class, first-class, and in the event you’re feeling further magical, you’ll be able to e-book a personal compartment for a extra Harry Potter-esque expertise. Commonplace tickets price round £50 per individual, whereas first-class tickets will set you again round £72. Compartments, which maintain as much as six individuals, price about £180.Even in the event you’re on a funds, don’t fret—the expertise is magical irrespective of the place you are seated. Plus, all of the carriages have that charming classic really feel, so it’s not like Harry, Ron, and Hermione traveled to Hogwarts in top quality!
- Final-Minute Tickets: In case you’re somebody who likes to journey spontaneously, you’ll be able to attempt to purchase tickets on the day of the journey. It’s dangerous, as availability is proscribed, however in the event you’re close to Fort William, it’s value checking on the station for any cancellations. You should definitely deliver money, as these last-minute tickets are sometimes bought on a first-come, first-served foundation.
- You don’t get to choose your seats. However they really swap you on the return journey so you can look out BOTH sides if you journey!
*I personally booked the most cost effective tickets (£50) round and felt my journey was properly value it!
The practice journey itself follows the West Highland line from Fort William to Mallaig alongside the Nevis mountain vary.
How Lengthy is the Journey on the Jacobite Steam Prepare?
The total Jacobite Steam Prepare journey from Fort William to Mallaig covers 84 miles round-trip, with every leg taking about 2 hours. When you arrive in Mallaig, you’ll have a 2-hour layover to discover the city, seize some meals, or simply stretch your legs. That brings the entire time of your journey to roughly 6 hours—loads of time to soak within the beautiful Highland views!
A fast observe: the Jacobite solely presents round-trip tickets, so there’s no choice to e-book only a one-way journey. You’re in for the total expertise!
When Can You Experience the Jacobite Steam Prepare?
The Jacobite Steam Prepare operates from early April to late October, so in the event you’re planning a winter journey, you will must go for the common ScotRail service, which runs the identical scenic route throughout the low season. Notice: it is nice! Simply not the very same (ie, fairly) practice.
Throughout the season, the practice departs from Fort William twice each day. The morning practice runs all through all the season, whereas the afternoon service is out there from Might to September. Right here’s the schedule:
- Morning Service: Departs Fort William at 10:15 am, arrives in Mallaig at 12:26 pm. You’ll depart Mallaig at 2:10 pm, returning to Fort William by 4 pm.
- Afternoon Service: Leaves Fort William at 12:50 pm, arriving in Mallaig simply after 3 pm. The return practice departs at 5 pm, getting you again to Fort William by 7 pm.
Understand that the afternoon schedule is barely totally different on Saturdays, so at all times double-check the occasions when planning your magical journey!
What to Anticipate on the Journey
Now for the enjoyable half! The Jacobite departs from Fort William and travels alongside the West Highland Line to Mallaig, with every leg of the journey lasting about two hours. The practice additionally makes a brief cease in Glenfinnan, providing you with time to discover the world (or catch that good shot of the practice passing over the viaduct).
Key Highlights Alongside the Route:
- The Glenfinnan Viaduct: Essentially the most iconic a part of the journey. This magnificent 21-arch railway bridge curves elegantly by means of the panorama and is a must-see for any Harry Potter fan. Be certain that to have your digicam prepared—that is your probability to seize that traditional shot of the Hogwarts Categorical chugging alongside.
- Loch Eilt: This tranquil loch served as the situation for Dumbledore’s resting place in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. It’s additionally the place Hagrid skims stones in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
- Mallaig: The quaint fishing city of Mallaig is the tip of the road, and it’s the place you’ll have a few hours to discover earlier than boarding the practice on your return journey. Take a stroll, seize some fish and chips, or pop into an area pub for a well-deserved pint.
*Please observe* the practice may be very strict about sticking your hand and face out the window for security causes. Actually, a little bit of coal did get in our compartment from having the home windows open. Be certain that it does not get into your eye!
Arriving at Fort William Prepare Station
We arrived roughly 10 minutes earlier than departure. Don’t be like me. We RUSHED to get a BAP from the native cafe.
There is no such thing as a laborious and quick check-in time for the Jacobite Steam Prepare, however the practice gained’t await you if you’re late.
I like to recommend arriving on the practice station 20-Half-hour earlier than departure time to check-in and discover your seat. As well as, enable further time to seek out parking close to the practice station.
There’s very restricted parking on the practice station, however there are a number of long-stay automotive parks in Fort William. They’re situated at West Finish, the Transport Centre (reverse the Belford Hospital, and together with the Railway Station), An Aird No.1 (reverse the Nevis Centre) and An Aird No.2 (adjoining to the Shinty Membership).
West Coast Railways advises to not park on the Morrison automotive park by the station as that is just for grocery store prospects and never appropriate for lengthy stays.
The check-in desk for the Jacobite Steam Prepare is situated on the platform at Fort William practice station. The practice guard will meet you, examine your tickets and direct you to the appropriate carriage.
Fort William practice station has bathrooms and showers, a ready room and kiosk for snack. You possibly can examine all of the services right here. There are additionally baggage storage services on the station.
There’s a massive Morrison grocery store throughout the highway. We bought meal offers from right here after the journey.
Watching the Jacobite Steam Prepare from Glenfinnan Viaduct
In case you want watching the Hogwarts Categorical from a distance, don’t miss the chance to hike to the Glenfinnan Viaduct. It’s top-of-the-line spots to see the practice because it crosses the well-known bridge, and belief me, it’s pure magic to observe. Here is find out how to benefit from it:
- Attending to Glenfinnan: The best solution to attain Glenfinnan is by automotive. It’s a couple of 30-minute drive from Fort William. There’s parking obtainable on the Glenfinnan Customer Centre, however get there early throughout peak vacationer season, because it fills up quick.
- The Hike: From the Customer Centre, a comparatively straightforward, well-marked path leads you to the perfect viewing level. The hike takes about 10-20 minutes, and whereas it’s not too strenuous, you’ll need to put on respectable strolling sneakers. From the highest, you’ll have an unbeatable view of the practice passing over the viaduct. The practice usually crosses the viaduct round 10:45 AM and once more at 1:25 PM.
- Picture Ideas: For the perfect picture ops, head up the path early to safe your spot. The practice slows down barely because it crosses the viaduct, providing you with a bit of additional time to snap your photographs. Additionally, be ready for every kind of climate—it’s Scotland, in any case!
Different Harry Potter Filming Areas within the Highlands
Whereas the Jacobite practice trip is the principle attraction, the Scottish Highlands are house to a number of different Harry Potter filming areas which might be properly value exploring. See all my Harry Potter guides right here!
- Loch Shiel: One other well-known backdrop within the movies, Loch Shiel was used because the setting for Hogwarts’ Black Lake. You’ll acknowledge this from the Triwizard Match scenes in Goblet of Hearth and when Harry soars over the lake on Buckbeak in Prisoner of Azkaban.
- Rannoch Moor: This desolate, hauntingly stunning panorama served because the backdrop for a lot of photographs of the Hogwarts Categorical touring by means of the wilderness.
- Steall Falls: Positioned close to Fort William, this waterfall was used because the setting for the Triwizard Match in Goblet of Hearth. It’s a terrific climbing vacation spot if you wish to see extra of the Highlands after your practice journey.
- Glencoe: My FAVORITE space of Scotland with probably the most dramatic panorama. Additionally the scene of Hagrid’s hut! You will discover it in Clachaig, Glencoe.
The right way to Maximize Your Jacobite Steam Prepare Expertise
A journey on the Jacobite steam practice isn’t just a trip—it’s an journey! Listed below are a couple of ideas to make sure you benefit from your magical day:
- Pack Snacks and Leisure: Whereas there’s a meals trolley onboard, the journey is lengthy, and also you’ll need one thing to maintain you entertained. Carry snacks, a e-book, and even some video games to go the time. And in the event you’re a real Harry Potter fan, why not re-watch the films within the lead-up to your journey?
- Costume for the Climate: The Scottish Highlands are recognized for unpredictable climate, so make sure to pack layers and a water-resistant jacket, even when it seems sunny.
- Keep in Fort William: The journey begins early, so think about staying in Fort William the night time earlier than. It’s a captivating city with loads of cozy lodging and eating places to take pleasure in.
- Sure, the practice is canine pleasant! It is free on your canine to trip. Please needless to say it’s slightly small areas so big canines may need bother discovering area.
Driving the Jacobite steam practice isn’t just for die-hard Harry Potter followers—it is an expertise everybody ought to have a minimum of as soon as. From the beautiful Scottish Highlands to the enduring movie areas, each second on this journey is steeped in magic and historical past. Whether or not you’re using the practice or watching it go over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, it’s an unforgettable journey that you just’ll keep in mind!
Try my information to Scotland right here!
And Harry Potter guides right here!