My train is just seconds away from Scotland’s famous “Harry Potter Viaduct”.
I know this because there is an automated announcement over the PA system: “Cameras ready, we’re going through the Harry Potter flight!”
An uplifting fanfare then plays as we drive past the Glenfinnan Viaduct (to use its official name), which now rivals the Tower of London and the Golden Gate Bridge in fame thanks to its appearance in three Harry Potter films.
And as I stare at the massive, 100ft, 100ft tall, arched structure through the muddy windows of a two-car ScotRail ‘Sprinter’ train – very different to the Hogwarts Express – it’s still utterly mesmerizing.
Watch the short video I shoot through the train window as the viaduct comes into view and you’ll hear me blurt out “Wow” – and the young girls in my group (my 5 year old and the daughters of the Friends I’m with journey) scream ‘We’re on, we’re on!’
The official name for the “Harry Potter Viaduct” (above) is Glenfinnan Viaduct
Left is the Harry Potter debut of the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the film The Chamber of Secrets. Right – Ted Thornhill’s view of the viaduct with his ScotRail ‘Sprinter’ train passing over it
On the Fort William to Mallaig route, the 400m long bridge understandably takes the spotlight, but there are plenty of other film landmarks along this 30-mile stretch – including other Harry Potter filming locations – making it one of the most branded railways. travel of the world.
Completed in 1901, the journey on the line begins with an eye-catcher: Ben Nevis. Britain’s highest mountain (1,345 m/4,412 ft) rises above Fort William and is visible as the train turns west.
Even if the peak is not visible in cloudy weather, its presence adds undeniable drama to the event.
A few minutes after the exit on the right is Neptune’s Staircase, the longest staircase in Scotland, rising 19 meters up the Caledonian Canal.
The train then travels along the eight-mile long Loch Eil, before the majestic Glenfinnan Viaduct, which crowns one side of the picturesque Loch Shiel.
The bridge was completed in 1901, but it wasn’t until 2002’s Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second film in the Harry Potter series, that the bridge became famous around the world.
In the film, we see Harry and his friend Ron Weasley being chased by the Hogwarts Express in a flying Ford Anglia car as it zooms over the viaduct.
The bridge returns in Harry Potter 3 – Prisoner of Azkaban – when the train stops on the bridge on a stormy night when the terrifying “Dementors” attack.
On the route from Fort William to Mallaig, the 1,500ft Glenfinnan Viaduct understandably takes the spotlight, but there are plenty of other film attractions along this 30-mile route, writes Ted.
On the way back, as we cross the bridge in the pouring rain, we are somewhat spoiled by this atmosphere.
When the viaduct appeared in the fourth part of Potter – The Goblet of Fire – it was a famous among concrete structures.
Stay past the viaduct, like I said, the goodies are coming.
Ben Nevis, rising above Fort William, makes a great start to the train journey to Mallaig
A few minutes after leaving Fort William, passengers are treated to the sight of Neptune’s Staircase, the longest staircase in Scotland, rising 19 meters up the Caledonian Canal.
The beautiful Loch Eilt, featured in two Harry Potter films – Prisoner of Azkaban and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2. The border between Fort William and Mallaig runs along the coast
The viaduct over the iconic Loch Nan Uamh, which is just south of Mallaig
The Glenfinnan Viaduct was completed in 1901, but it was 2002’s Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets that made the bridge famous around the world
As well as stunning rugged hills and mountains, there is lovely Glenfinnan Station, mainland Britain’s most westerly station – Arisaig – and beautiful Loch Eilt.
Harry Potter fans may recognize Eilet from the Prisoners of Azkaban – Hagrid slides over rocks and one of the islets, Eilean na Moine, is used as Dumbledore’s final resting place in the final Potter film, Deathly Hallows Part 2.
Passengers have a wide view of Eilt as the route follows the coast and the A380 – ‘The Road to the Isles’ – runs on the opposite shore.
Before Mallaig on the ‘Iron Road to the Islands’ look out for Lakes Ailort and Nan Uamh – they are also beautiful to the eye – and be prepared to be completely fascinated by the way the line and the A380 circle each other before arrival head for Mallaig, a few hundred yards from the harbour, to get a course.
Cameras ready – from the moment you leave, honestly…
“Prepare to be amazed as the line and A380 circle each other before coming together head to head at Mallaig (above), a few hundred yards from the harbour,” writes Ted
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
