Have you ever ever dreamed of using the long-lasting 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 thought of boarding the practice that takes you to Hogwarts. Nicely, 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 gives a journey that’s straight out of the pages of Harry Potter books.
In case you’re planning your magical journey to experience the Jacobite Steam Prepare, this information will stroll you thru every part you have to know: find out how to ebook 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 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 Categorical within the Harry Potter movies. That is the place you’ll be able to actually experience 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 Categorical chugging its approach 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 serious attraction, the experience itself is a panoramic 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 commonly hailed as one of many best practice journeys on this planet!
Why Trip the Jacobite Steam Prepare?
There are such a lot of explanation why using the Jacobite needs to be on each Harry Potter fan’s bucket record, however even for those who’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 a superb steam practice, the Jacobite experience gives 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 picket paneling, provides to the allure.
- Gorgeous Surroundings: The Scottish Highlands are really 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 one of the lovely practice rides on this planet.
- 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 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 cross by Dumbledore’s grave!
- Stops alongside the way in which! The practice 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, one of the thrilling components of the journey is the prospect to look at the practice from the surface. Extra on that beneath!
How you can Guide Tickets for the Jacobite Steam Prepare
Tickets for the Jacobite Steam Prepare will 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 Prepare.
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 you have to know:
- 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 doable.
- Sorts of Tickets: There are just a few choices relating to seating. You may select between customary class, first-class, and for those who’re feeling additional magical, you’ll be able to ebook a personal compartment for a extra Harry Potter-esque expertise. Normal 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 for those who’re on a finances, 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 top notch!
- 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 restricted, however for those who’re close to Fort William, it’s value checking on the station for any cancellations. You should definitely carry money, as these last-minute tickets are sometimes offered 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’ll 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 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 whole time of your journey to roughly 6 hours—loads of time to soak within the beautiful Highland views!
A fast word: the Jacobite solely gives round-trip tickets, so there’s no choice to ebook 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 for those who’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) practice.
In the course of the season, the practice departs from Fort William twice day by day. The morning practice runs all through the complete season, whereas the afternoon service is accessible 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 practice 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 all the time 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: 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 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 top of the road, and it’s the place you’ll have a few hours to discover earlier than boarding the practice in your return journey. Take a stroll, seize some fish and chips, or pop into an area pub for a well-deserved pint.
*Please word* the practice could be very strict about sticking your hand and face out the window for security causes. Truthfully, 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 isn’t any exhausting 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 additional 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 automobile parks in Fort William. They’re positioned at West Finish, the Transport Centre (reverse the Belford Hospital, and along 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 prospects and never appropriate for lengthy stays.
The check-in desk for the Jacobite Steam Prepare is positioned on the platform at Fort William practice station. The practice guard will meet you, test 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 may test all of the services right here. There are additionally baggage storage services on the station.
There’s a huge Morrison grocery store throughout the street. We obtained meal offers from right here after the journey.
Watching the Jacobite Steam Prepare from Glenfinnan Viaduct
In case you choose watching the Hogwarts Categorical from a distance, don’t miss the chance to hike to the Glenfinnan Viaduct. It’s probably the greatest spots to see the practice because it crosses the well-known bridge, and belief me, it’s pure magic to look at. This is find out how to benefit from it:
- Attending to Glenfinnan: The simplest approach 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.
- 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 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 one of the best 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 pictures. Additionally, be ready for all types of climate—it’s Scotland, in any case!
Different Harry Potter Filming Places within the Highlands
Whereas the Jacobite practice experience is the primary attraction, the Scottish Highlands are dwelling to a number of different Harry Potter filming places which might 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 lovely panorama served because the backdrop for a lot of pictures of the Hogwarts Categorical 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 awesome mountaineering vacation spot if you wish to see extra of the Highlands after your practice journey.
- Glencoe: My FAVORITE space of Scotland with essentially the most dramatic panorama. Additionally the scene of Hagrid’s hut! You will discover it in Clachaig, Glencoe.
How you can Maximize Your Jacobite Steam Prepare Expertise
A journey on the Jacobite steam practice is not only a experience—it’s an journey! Listed below are just a few 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. Convey snacks, a ebook, and even some video games to cross the time. And for those who’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 be sure you pack layers and a water-resistant jacket, even when it seems to be sunny.
- Keep in Fort William: The journey begins early, so take into account staying in Fort William the night time earlier than. It’s a captivating city with loads of cozy lodging and eating places to get pleasure from.
- Sure, the practice is canine pleasant! It is free in your canine to experience. Please needless to say it’s fairly small areas so big canine might need bother discovering house.
Using the Jacobite steam practice is not only for die-hard Harry Potter followers—it is an expertise everybody ought to have no 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 practice or watching it cross over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, it’s an unforgettable journey that you just’ll keep in mind!
Take a look at my information to Scotland right here!
And Harry Potter guides right here!