Have you ever ever dreamed of driving the long-lasting Hogwarts Specific, 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 prepare that takes you to Hogwarts. Nicely, right here’s the magic revealed: you’ll be able to! Whereas the precise Hogwarts Specific could also be fictional, the Jacobite Steam Practice is the REAL deal. The six hour journey on the Jacobite Steam Practice from Fort William to Mallaig is an absolute bucket listing 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 presents a journey that’s straight out of the pages of Harry Potter books.
When you’re planning your magical journey to journey the Jacobite Steam Practice, this information will stroll you thru every part that you must know: how you can e-book tickets, what to anticipate in your journey, and how you can 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 Practice?
The Jacobite Steam Practice is an old style 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 one 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 the Scottish Highlands—it’s additionally the stand-in for the Hogwarts Specific within the Harry Potter movies. That is the place you’ll be able to actually journey by the places featured within the films, together with the long-lasting Glenfinnan Viaduct, which you’ve in all probability seen in numerous scenes of the Hogwarts Specific chugging its solution 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 journey itself is a panoramic expertise. The route cuts by lush landscapes, rolling hills, and lochs, delivering postcard-perfect views each step of the best way. It’s no marvel the Jacobite is commonly hailed as one of many biggest prepare journeys on the earth!
Why Journey the Jacobite Steam Practice?
There are such a lot of the reason why driving the Jacobite needs to be on each Harry Potter fan’s bucket listing, however even if you happen to’re not a fan, the journey presents 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 an excellent steam prepare, the Jacobite journey presents 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 appeal.
- Beautiful Surroundings: The Scottish Highlands are really breathtaking. As you journey between Fort William and Mallaig, you’ll move by deep valleys, shimmering lochs, pristine waterfalls, and rugged mountains that make this journey one of the stunning prepare rides on the earth.
- Harry Potter Movie Places: 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 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 move by Dumbledore’s grave!
- Stops alongside the best way! The prepare 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: Moreover crossing it, one of the thrilling elements of the journey is the prospect to look at the prepare from the surface. Extra on that under!
Methods to E-book Tickets for the Jacobite Steam Practice
Tickets for the Jacobite Steam Practice may be booked by West Coast Railways’ official web site. Even when your Hogwarts letter hasn’t arrived, you’ll be able to nonetheless get to Hogwarts!
In brief, you’d purchase tickets right here for the Jacobite Steam Practice.
HOWEVER, if these are offered out you are able to do a package deal right here.
Listed here are some extra choices:
Right here’s a breakdown of what that you must 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 potential.
- Kinds of Tickets: There are a couple of choices relating to seating. You may select between customary class, first-class, and if you happen to’re feeling further magical, you’ll be able to e-book a non-public compartment for a extra Harry Potter-esque expertise. Normal tickets value round £50 per individual, whereas first-class tickets will set you again round £72. Compartments, which maintain as much as six individuals, value about £180.Even if you happen to’re on a funds, don’t be concerned—the expertise is magical regardless 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: When 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 if you happen to’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 offered on a first-come, first-served foundation.
- You don’t get to select your seats. However they really swap you on the return journey so you can look out BOTH sides while you journey!
*I personally booked the most affordable tickets (£50) round and felt my journey was nicely value 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 Practice?
The total Jacobite Steam Practice 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 overall 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 Journey the Jacobite Steam Practice?
The Jacobite Steam Practice operates from early April to late October, so if you happen to’re planning a winter journey, you may need to go for the common ScotRail service, which runs the identical scenic route throughout the low season. Be aware: 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 completely different on Saturdays, so all the time double-check the instances 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 prepare additionally makes a brief cease in Glenfinnan, providing you with time to discover the world (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 to have your digicam prepared—that is your probability to seize that traditional shot of the Hogwarts Specific chugging alongside.
- Loch Eilt: This tranquil loch served as the placement 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 prepare in your return journey. Take a stroll, seize some fish and chips, or pop into a neighborhood pub for a well-deserved pint.
*Please observe* 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 it would not get into your eye!
Arriving at Fort William Practice 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 onerous and quick check-in time for the Jacobite Steam Practice, however the prepare received’t look ahead 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, permit 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 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 clients and never appropriate for lengthy stays.
The check-in desk for the Jacobite Steam Practice is situated on the platform at Fort William prepare station. The prepare guard will meet you, verify your tickets and direct you to the precise carriage.
Fort William prepare station has bathrooms and showers, a ready room and kiosk for snack. You may verify all of the services right here. There are additionally baggage storage services on the station.
There’s a massive Morrison grocery store throughout the street. We obtained meal offers from right here after the journey.
Watching the Jacobite Steam Practice from Glenfinnan Viaduct
When you want watching the Hogwarts Specific from a distance, don’t miss the chance to hike to the Glenfinnan Viaduct. It’s the most effective spots to see the prepare because it crosses the well-known bridge, and belief me, it’s pure magic to look at. Here is how you can take advantage of it:
- Attending to Glenfinnan: The best solution to attain Glenfinnan is by automotive. It’s a few 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 one of the best viewing level. The hike takes about 10-20 minutes, and whereas it’s not too strenuous, you’ll wish to put on respectable strolling footwear. 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 one of the best 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 every kind of climate—it’s Scotland, in spite of everything!
Different Harry Potter Filming Places within the Highlands
Whereas the Jacobite prepare journey is the primary attraction, the Scottish Highlands are dwelling to a number of different Harry Potter filming places which can be nicely 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 Fireplace 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: Situated close to Fort William, this waterfall was used because the setting for the Triwizard Match in Goblet of Fireplace. It’s an important climbing vacation spot if you wish to see extra of the Highlands after your prepare journey.
- Glencoe: My FAVORITE space of Scotland with essentially the most dramatic panorama. Additionally the scene of Hagrid’s hut! Yow will discover it in Clachaig, Glencoe.
Methods to Maximize Your Jacobite Steam Practice Expertise
A journey on the Jacobite steam prepare is not only a journey—it’s an journey! Listed here are a couple of 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. Convey snacks, a e-book, and even some video games to move the time. And if you happen to’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 recognized for unpredictable climate, so you should definitely pack layers and a water-resistant jacket, even when it appears sunny.
- Keep in Fort William: The journey begins early, so take into account staying in Fort William the night time earlier than. It’s an enthralling city with loads of cozy lodging and eating places to get pleasure from.
- Sure, the prepare is canine pleasant! It is free in your canine to journey. Please understand that it’s relatively small areas so enormous canines may need bother discovering house.
Driving the Jacobite steam prepare is not only for die-hard Harry Potter followers—it is an expertise everybody ought to have at the least 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 driving the prepare or watching it move 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!
