Have you ever ever dreamed of using the long-lasting Hogwarts Specific, identical 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 prepare that takes you to Hogwarts. Nicely, right here’s the magic revealed: you possibly can! Whereas the precise Hogwarts Specific 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 checklist exercise within the Scottish Highlands.
Working within the coronary heart of the Scottish Highlands, this prepare serves because the real-life counterpart to the magical Hogwarts Specific, and it gives a journey that’s straight out of the pages of Harry Potter books.
Should you’re planning your magical journey to trip the Jacobite Steam Prepare, this information will stroll you thru all the things it is advisable know: tips on how to guide tickets, what to anticipate in your journey, and tips on how to witness the prepare 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 prepare run by West Coast Railways. And sure, it is beautiful and appears similar to the Hogwarts Specific!
It is a steam-powered magnificence that takes passengers by probably the most 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 the Scottish Highlands—it’s additionally the stand-in for the Hogwarts Specific within the Harry Potter movies. That is the place you possibly can actually trip by the places featured within the films, together with the long-lasting Glenfinnan Viaduct, which you’ve most likely seen in numerous scenes of the Hogwarts Specific chugging its method to college.
Keep in mind when the blue Ford Anglia pushed by Ron and Harry rides over the viaduct because the prepare passes? You may be there too!
However whereas the prepare’s Hollywood fame is a significant attraction, the trip itself is a wide ranging expertise. The route cuts by lush landscapes, rolling hills, and lochs, delivering postcard-perfect views each step of the way in which. It’s no marvel the Jacobite is usually hailed as one of many biggest prepare journeys on the planet!
Why Trip the Jacobite Steam Prepare?
There are such a lot of the reason why using the Jacobite ought to be on each Harry Potter fan’s bucket checklist, however even when you’re not a fan, the journey gives an unforgettable journey into the center of the Scottish Highlands.
- A Magical Expertise: Whether or not you’re a Harry Potter aficionado or just somebody who loves steam prepare, the Jacobite trip gives a nostalgic, immersive expertise. It is like stepping again in time (or into the Wizarding World), and the classic prepare, full with old-world carriages and picket paneling, provides to the attraction.
- Beautiful Surroundings: The Scottish Highlands are actually breathtaking. As you journey between Fort William and Mallaig, you’ll cross by deep valleys, shimmering lochs, pristine waterfalls, and rugged mountains that make this journey probably the most stunning prepare rides on the planet.
- Harry Potter Movie Areas: Sure, that is the place you possibly can re-live among the most iconic scenes from the Harry Potter movies! The prepare journey takes you over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the place you’ll really feel such as you’re heading straight for Hogwarts. You may additionally cross by Dumbledore’s grave!
- Stops alongside the way in which! The prepare stops in Glenfinnan the place there is a small museum. You then’ll additionally cease within the city of Mallaig which is AWESOME for fish and chips and there are even Harry Potter themed retailers!
- Glenfinnan Viaduct: Apart from crossing it, probably the most thrilling elements of the journey is the prospect to observe the prepare from the skin. Extra on that beneath!
The best way to Guide Tickets for the Jacobite Steam Prepare
Tickets for the Jacobite Steam Prepare may be booked by West Coast Railways’ official web site. Even when your Hogwarts letter hasn’t arrived, you possibly can nonetheless get to Hogwarts!
In brief, 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 here 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 greatest. I like to recommend reserving your tickets as early as attainable.
- Forms of Tickets: There are just a few choices in the case of seating. You may select between customary class, first-class, and when you’re feeling further magical, you possibly can guide a non-public compartment for a extra Harry Potter-esque expertise. Normal tickets value round £50 per particular person, whereas first-class tickets will set you again round £72. Compartments, which maintain as much as six folks, value about £180.Even when you’re on a price range, 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 first-class!
- Final-Minute Tickets: Should you’re somebody who likes to journey spontaneously, you possibly can attempt to purchase tickets on the day of the journey. It’s dangerous, as availability is restricted, however when you’re close to Fort William, it’s price checking on the station for any cancellations. Be sure you carry 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 once you journey!
*I personally booked the most cost effective tickets (£50) round and felt my journey was nicely price it!
The prepare 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 full time of your journey to roughly 6 hours—loads of time to soak within the beautiful Highland views!
A fast be aware: the Jacobite solely gives round-trip tickets, so there’s no choice to guide only a one-way journey. You’re in for the total expertise!
When Can You Trip the Jacobite Steam Prepare?
The Jacobite Steam Prepare operates from early April to late October, so when 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. Observe: it is nice! Simply not the very same (ie, fairly) prepare.
Through the season, the prepare departs from Fort William twice day by day. The morning prepare runs all through your complete season, whereas the afternoon service is out there from Could 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 prepare departs at 5 pm, getting you again to Fort William by 7 pm.
Take into account that the afternoon schedule is barely totally different on Saturdays, so all the time double-check the occasions when planning your magical journey!
What to Count on 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 prepare additionally makes a brief cease in Glenfinnan, providing you with time to discover the realm (or catch that excellent shot of the prepare passing over the viaduct).
Key Highlights Alongside the Route:
- The Glenfinnan Viaduct: Probably the most iconic a part of the journey. This magnificent 21-arch railway bridge curves elegantly by the panorama and is a must-see for any Harry Potter fan. Be sure that to have your digicam prepared—that is your likelihood to seize that basic shot of the Hogwarts Specific 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 top of the road, and it’s the place you’ll have a few hours to discover earlier than boarding the prepare in your return journey. Take a stroll, seize some fish and chips, or pop into an area pub for a well-deserved pint.
*Please be aware* the prepare 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 sure 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 isn’t any arduous and quick check-in time for the Jacobite Steam Prepare, however the prepare gained’t look forward to you if you’re late.
I like to recommend arriving on the prepare station 20-Half-hour earlier than departure time to check-in and discover your seat. As well as, enable further time to search out parking close to the prepare station.
There may be very restricted parking on the prepare station, however there are a number of long-stay automotive parks in Fort William. They’re positioned at West Finish, the Transport Centre (reverse the Belford Hospital, and along side 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 clients and never appropriate for lengthy stays.
The check-in desk for the Jacobite Steam Prepare is positioned on the platform at Fort William prepare station. The prepare guard will meet you, test your tickets and direct you to the correct carriage.
Fort William prepare station has bogs and showers, a ready room and kiosk for snack. You may test 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 acquired meal offers from right here after the journey.
Watching the Jacobite Steam Prepare from Glenfinnan Viaduct
Should you favor watching the Hogwarts Specific from a distance, don’t miss the chance to hike to the Glenfinnan Viaduct. It’s top-of-the-line spots to see the prepare because it crosses the well-known bridge, and belief me, it’s pure magic to observe. Here is tips on how to take advantage of it:
- Attending to Glenfinnan: The simplest method to attain Glenfinnan is by automotive. It’s a couple of 30-minute drive from Fort William. There’s parking out there 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 simple, well-marked path leads you to the most effective viewing level. The hike takes about 10-20 minutes, and whereas it’s not too strenuous, you’ll wish to put on respectable strolling sneakers. From the highest, you’ll have an unbeatable view of the prepare passing over the viaduct. The prepare usually crosses the viaduct round 10:45 AM and once more at 1:25 PM.
- Picture Ideas: For the most effective photograph ops, head up the path early to safe your spot. The prepare slows down barely because it crosses the viaduct, providing you with a bit of additional time to snap your photographs. Additionally, be ready for all types of climate—it’s Scotland, in spite of everything!
Different Harry Potter Filming Areas within the Highlands
Whereas the Jacobite prepare trip is the principle attraction, the Scottish Highlands are dwelling to a number of different Harry Potter filming places which might be nicely price 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 Specific touring by 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 an amazing mountain climbing vacation spot if you wish to see extra of the Highlands after your prepare 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 best way to Maximize Your Jacobite Steam Prepare Expertise
A journey on the Jacobite steam prepare isn’t just a trip—it’s an journey! Listed here are just a few ideas to make sure you take advantage of 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 guide, and even some video games to cross the time. And when you’re a real Harry Potter fan, why not re-watch the flicks within the lead-up to your journey?
- Gown for the Climate: The Scottish Highlands are identified for unpredictable climate, so remember to pack layers and a water-resistant jacket, even when it appears to be like sunny.
- Keep in Fort William: The journey begins early, so take into account staying in Fort William the evening earlier than. It’s an enthralling city with loads of cozy lodging and eating places to take pleasure in.
- Sure, the prepare is canine pleasant! It is free in your canine to trip. Please understand that it’s fairly small areas so enormous canines may need hassle discovering area.
Driving the Jacobite steam prepare isn’t just for die-hard Harry Potter followers—it is an expertise everybody ought to have not less than as soon as. From the beautiful Scottish Highlands to the long-lasting movie places, each second on this journey is steeped in magic and historical past. Whether or not you’re using the prepare or watching it cross over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, it’s an unforgettable journey that you simply’ll bear in mind!
Take a look at my information to Scotland right here!
And Harry Potter guides right here!