Catching the Hogwarts Express in the Scottish Highlands
If you’re a fan of Harry Potter and on the lookout for the whimsical filming locations used in the franchise, definitely pay a visit to the Scottish Highlands. Among the number of scenes filmed in the area, one of the most recognisable backdrops is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, where in the Chamber of Secrets, Harry and Ron attempt to catch the Hogwarts Express in the iconic flying blue Ford Anglia.
Viewing the train pass along the viaduct has become an essential bucket list item for any superfan as it’s featured not only in the Chamber of Secrets but also in the Prisoner of Azkaban and the Half Blood Prince. As a bonus, the loch that the viaduct looks over is none other than the filming location for the Black Lake (Loch Shiel).
The incredible Jacobite Steam Train heading eastbound from Mallaig to Fort William from our favourite viewing area.
The Jacobite Steam Train
Although the classic steam train will always be the Hogwarts Express for HP fans, the real name of the train is the Jacobite Steam Train by West Coast Railways. Described as one of the best train journeys in the world, the steam train passes over the viaduct on it’s daily seasonal roundtrip journey to/from Mallaig from Fort William on Scotland’s West Coast.
Although this post aims to help you time when to see the train passing over the viaduct, there is the option to ride the train, which you’d catch on a return journey at Fort William Train Station. We definitely recommend the train journey, having experienced it a few years ago on a trip out west, and get a seat in the Compartment Carriage (especially if you’re wanting the full HP experience) or the First Class Carriage. See options here.
If you do opt for riding the train, the return journey gives you a few hours to explore the picturesque coastal port town of Mallaig, which has incredible views across the sea to the Isle of Skye and the small Isles. We recommend the Tea Garden for a spot of lunch on their outdoor patio, and then grab an ice cream and wander the Circular Trailhead or sit in the sun by the ferry terminal.
For superfans, the viaduct overlooks the picturesque Loch Shiel which is the setting of the Black Lake throughout the films. Most notably pictured in the Goblet of Fire, the lake is also pictured in several backdrops of Hogwarts from overhead.
getting here
Situated a 30 minute drive west of Fort William (17.5 miles), the easiest and most straightforward way to get to the viaduct is by car. Take the A830 road west from the Ben Nevis Distillery to Glenfinnan, and follow that road until you get to the Glenfinnan Visitors Centre.
Although they’ve expanded their carpark at the Glenfinnan Visitors Centre in recent years, we recommend getting there early so that you have time to find a space and walk up to your viewpoint of choice. The train can be +/- 10 minutes from the timetable, and the viaduct can get very busy in the height of the summer season, so it’s worth being a bit early to make sure you get a parking spot and are able to watch it pass.
Can I get there using public transport?
It is possible to get public transport to Glenfinnan if you don’t have a car or aren’t planning to hire one. Take the train into Fort William station, and get a Shiel Bus into Glenfinnan, where you’ll be able to walk up to the viewpoint and visitors centre. View the timetables for the Shiel Bus here.
If you are using this option, we recommend organising your to/from times well in advance, as there isn’t much in the way of accomodation out this way if you miss a bus or get caught out.
When to visit
Although multiple passenger trains use this route year-round, the Jacobite Steam Train only runs from April to October, so make sure to visit during this times to avoid disappointment. For 2023, the service runs from Fort William - Mallaig at the following times:
Morning Service:
Running from Monday 3rd April to Friday 27th October 2023 (seven days per week)
Afternoon Service:
Running from Monday 1st May to Friday 29th September 2023 (seven days per week)
From West Coast Railways Timetables:
When does the train pass over the viaduct?
As the train leaves the Fort William station at 10:15am for it’s morning service, you’ll see it passing over the viaduct between 10:45- 11am heading west. For the afternoon service, the train leaves Mallaig heading back east at 2:10pm, which will place the train passing the viaduct around 3pm on it’s return.
For it’s afternoon service, which has a shorter season, the train heading west departs Fort William around 12.50, meaning it will pass the viaduct around 1.25pm, and on it’s return from Mallaig, will pass the viaduct around 5.45pm. Since all of the above times are approximate, allow for 15 minutes on either side to avoid disappointment. If you are visiting on a Saturday, make sure to triple check the train timetables on the West Coast Railways site so you know you’re not missing it.
We recommend getting to the viaduct a half hour early if you’re wanting to see the train to give you time to park up at the Visitors Centre and walk down the path towards the viaduct to find your spot of choice for viewing. The viewpoints are all well marked down the paths from the visitors centre, so follow these signs towards the viaduct.
For a great spot to see the train that’s slightly less crowded than the traditional viewpoint , follow the path underneath the viaduct and head up the small hill beyond the livestock gate. This path is a bit less maintained than the normal viewpoint, so bring walking shoes that you don’t mind getting a bit muddy. A reminder to pack out what you pack in wherever you go in the Scottish outdoors!
Whether you’re a huge fan of Harry Potter or love train travel, visiting the Glenfinnan viaduct is an absolute must if you’re in the greater area.
Happy Travels,
Sam
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For adventure travellers looking for an off the beaten track experience, skiing and snowboarding in the Scottish Highlands can help you to make the most of the UK winters. For how to get to each resort and where to stay if you are planning a trip north, check out our guide.