Have you ever ever dreamed of driving the long-lasting Hogwarts Categorical, 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 thought of boarding the prepare 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 Practice is the REAL deal. The six hour journey on the Jacobite Steam Practice 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 prepare 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.

For those who’re planning your magical journey to journey the Jacobite Steam Practice, this information will stroll you thru all the pieces it’s good to know: find out how to guide tickets, what to anticipate in your journey, and find out 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 Practice?

The Jacobite Steam Practice is an old style prepare run by West Coast Railways. And sure, it is gorgeous and appears similar to the Hogwarts Categorical!

It is a steam-powered magnificence that takes passengers by way of one of the vital 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 way 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 journey by way of 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 Categorical chugging its option to faculty.

Keep in mind when the blue Ford Anglia pushed by Ron and Harry rides over the viaduct because the prepare passes? You will be there too!

However whereas the prepare’s Hollywood fame is a significant attraction, the journey itself is a wide ranging expertise. The route cuts by way of lush landscapes, rolling hills, and lochs, delivering postcard-perfect views each step of the way in which. It’s no surprise the Jacobite is commonly hailed as one of many biggest prepare journeys on the planet!

Why Experience the Jacobite Steam Practice?

There are such a lot of explanation why driving the Jacobite must be on each Harry Potter fan’s bucket record, however even in case 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 a very good 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 attraction.
• Gorgeous Surroundings: The Scottish Highlands are actually 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 vital lovely prepare rides on the planet.

• Harry Potter Movie Areas: Sure, that is the place you’ll be able to re-live a number 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 will additionally move by Dumbledore’s grave!

• Stops alongside the way in which! The prepare stops in Glenfinnan the place there is a small museum. Then you definitely’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: In addition to crossing it, one of the vital thrilling elements of the journey is the possibility to observe the prepare from the surface. Extra on that beneath!

The best way to Guide Tickets for the Jacobite Steam Practice

Tickets for the Jacobite Steam Practice could be booked by way of 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 below are some extra choices:

Right here’s a breakdown of what it’s good to know:

1. Advance Reserving: Tickets promote out rapidly, particularly in the summertime months when the climate is at its greatest. I like to recommend reserving your tickets as early as potential.
2. Varieties of Tickets: There are a couple of choices in the case of seating. You possibly can select between customary class, first-class, and in case you’re feeling additional magical, you’ll be able to guide a non-public compartment for a extra Harry Potter-esque expertise. Customary 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 in case 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 firstclass!
3. Final-Minute Tickets: For those who’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 restricted, however in case you’re close to Fort William, it’s price checking on the station for any cancellations. Be sure you convey money, as these last-minute tickets are sometimes offered on a first-come, first-served foundation.
4. 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 affordable tickets (£50) round and felt my journey was properly 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 Practice?

The complete 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 entire time of your journey to roughly 6 hours—loads of time to soak within the gorgeous Highland views!

A fast observe: the Jacobite solely presents 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 Experience the Jacobite Steam Practice?

The Jacobite Steam Practice operates from early April to late October, so in case you’re planning a winter journey, you will need to go for the common ScotRail service, which runs the identical scenic route in the course of the low season. Observe: it is nice! Simply not the very same (ie, fairly) prepare.

Throughout the season, the prepare departs from Fort William twice day by day. The morning prepare runs all through your entire 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.

Needless to say the afternoon schedule is barely totally different on Saturdays, so at all times double-check the instances 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, supplying you with time to discover the realm (or catch that good shot of the prepare passing over the viaduct).

Key Highlights Alongside the Route:

1. The Glenfinnan Viaduct: Probably the most iconic a part of the journey. This magnificent 21-arch railway bridge curves elegantly by way of 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 basic shot of the Hogwarts Categorical chugging alongside.
2. 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.
3. 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 a neighborhood pub for a well-deserved pint.

*Please observe* the prepare could 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 does 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 laborious and quick check-in time for the Jacobite Steam Practice, however the prepare received’t anticipate 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 additional time to seek out parking close to the prepare station.

There’s very restricted parking on the prepare station, however there are a number of long-stay automobile parks in Fort William. They’re situated at West Finish, the Transport Centre (reverse the Belford Hospital, and in conjunction 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 automobile 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, test your tickets and direct you to the best carriage.

Fort William prepare station has bogs and showers, a ready room and kiosk for snack. You possibly can 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 bought meal offers from right here after the journey.

Watching the Jacobite Steam Practice from Glenfinnan Viaduct

For those who desire 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 prepare because it crosses the well-known bridge, and belief me, it’s pure magic to observe. This is find out how to profit from it:

1. Attending to Glenfinnan: The simplest option to attain Glenfinnan is by automobile. It’s a few 30-minute drive from Fort William. There’s parking accessible on the Glenfinnan Customer Centre, however get there early throughout peak vacationer season, because it fills up quick.
2. The Hike: From the Customer Centre, a comparatively simple, well-marked path leads you to the very best 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 prepare passing over the viaduct. The prepare sometimes crosses the viaduct round 10:45 AM and once more at 1:25 PM.
3. Picture Suggestions: For the very best photograph ops, head up the path early to safe your spot. The prepare slows down barely because it crosses the viaduct, supplying you with a bit of additional time to snap your pictures. Additionally, be ready for every kind of climate—it’s Scotland, in spite of everything!

Different Harry Potter Filming Areas within the Highlands

Whereas the Jacobite prepare journey is the principle attraction, the Scottish Highlands are residence to a number of different Harry Potter filming places which might be properly price exploring. See all my Harry Potter guides right here!

1. 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 Event scenes in Goblet of Hearth and when Harry soars over the lake on Buckbeak in Prisoner of Azkaban.
2. Rannoch Moor: This desolate, hauntingly lovely panorama served because the backdrop for a lot of pictures of the Hogwarts Categorical touring by way of the wilderness.
3. Steall Falls: Situated close to Fort William, this waterfall was used because the setting for the Triwizard Event in Goblet of Hearth. It’s an important climbing vacation spot if you wish to see extra of the Highlands after your prepare journey.
4. Glencoe: My FAVORITE space of Scotland with essentially the most dramatic panorama. Additionally the scene of Hagrid’s hut! You’ll find it in Clachaig, Glencoe.

The best way to Maximize Your Jacobite Steam Practice Expertise

A journey on the Jacobite steam prepare isn’t just a journey—it’s an journey! Listed below are a couple of suggestions to make sure you profit 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. Deliver snacks, a guide, and even some video games to move the time. And in case you’re a real Harry Potter fan, why not re-watch the films 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-proof jacket, even when it appears to be like sunny.
• Keep in Fort William: The journey begins early, so contemplate 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 prepare is canine pleasant! It is free in your canine to journey. Please understand that it’s slightly small areas so big canines might need hassle discovering area.

Using the Jacobite steam prepare 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 gorgeous 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 simply’ll keep in mind!

Try my information to Scotland right here!

And Harry Potter guides right here!