Glens, Coasts & The Harry Potter Train

Name: Glens, Coasts & The Harry Potter Train

Short Description: Our Jacobite Steam Train tour from Glasgow kicks off bright and early as we hit the road through the stunning Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. From there, we travel through the wild and rugged Rannoch Moor, before making a stop at the iconic Glen Coe – the scenery here will seriously blow your mind. Next up is the legendary Hogwarts Express! Leaving from Fort William, the Jacobite Steam Train travels towards the jaw-dropping west coast, crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct as seen in the Harry Potter movies. Hop off in Mallaig, a quaint fishing town where you’ll have time to grab lunch and maybe try some of the fresh local seafood. After lunch, we continue our adventure along the scenic Appin coast, passing Kilchurn Castle along the shores of Loch Awe. We’ll then make our way to Inveraray, a historic town by the calm waters of Loch Fyne. After a quick explore, we’ll finish up the day with epic views of the Arrochar Alps as we traverse the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint, before heading back to Glasgow in the evening.

Description: Our Jacobite Steam Train tour from Glasgow kicks off bright and early as we hit the road through the stunning Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. From there, we travel through the wild and rugged Rannoch Moor, before making a stop at the iconic Glen Coe – the scenery here will seriously blow your mind. Next up is the legendary Hogwarts Express! Leaving from Fort William, the Jacobite Steam Train travels towards the jaw-dropping west coast, crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct as seen in the Harry Potter movies. Hop off in Mallaig, a quaint fishing town where you’ll have time to grab lunch and maybe try some of the fresh local seafood. After lunch, we continue our adventure along the scenic Appin coast, passing Kilchurn Castle along the shores of Loch Awe. We’ll then make our way to Inveraray, a historic town by the calm waters of Loch Fyne. After a quick explore, we’ll finish up the day with epic views of the Arrochar Alps as we traverse the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint, before heading back to Glasgow in the evening.

Highlights

• Rannoch Moor (Rannoch)
• Glen Coe(GC)
• Fort William(William)
• Hogwarts Express (Jacobite)
• Inveraray(Inveraray)

Inclusions

Item 1: Your Legendary Local HAGGiS Guide

Item 2: Scottish Stories & Live Commentary (in English)

Item 3: Two-hour ride on the Jacobite Steam Train

Item 4: Return Coach from Glasgow

Item 5: Foreign Language Audio Guide Available

Item 6: Audio guide links will be provided after booking. Please download over WiFi and bring your own headphones

Item 7: Full Refund if Cancelled More than 48 Hours in Advance

Name: Rannoch Moor

NameShort: Rannoch Moor

Rannoch Moor is 50 square miles of wildly gorgeous nothingness. Uninhabited wilderness is difficult to come by, and the Rannoch Moor is one of very few left in Europe. Road access is limited, so our adventure is on foot. Rannoch Moor is boggy, beautiful and completely off-the-beaten-track.

Rannoch Moor is vast and expansive. Witness spotlights of sunshine on one side, while the dark haze of a downpour dominates the sky in the distance. The wild landscape is scattered with lochans, peaty bogs, and heather patches. Rannoch Moor is uninhabitable thanks to the remote and unforgiving terrain, yet makes the perfect home for wee birds and creatures, including Roe deer. Road-trippers skirt the west of the moor, with Buachaille Etive Mòr and Glencoe nearby. On the other side, the West Highland Line passes through the isolated Rannoch Station; it was used as the filming location for Ewan McGregor’s hilarious rant in the Scottish cult classic Trainspotting. We get right in amongst it, as we trail the Old Military Road through the wilderness, and onwards to the mighty Glencoe. The Rannoch Moor is where we quite literally ‘get away from it all’.

Image Name: Rannoch Moor

Image Alt: Rannoch Moor

Name: Glen Coe

NameShort: Glen Coe

As far as Scottish scenery goes, you don’t get more dramatic than the mighty Glencoe. ‘Glen’ is Gaelic for valley, and this jaw-dropper was deeply carved into the landscape during the Ice Age. From the sprawling peaks to crystal-clear rivers, Glencoe is guaranteed to blow your wee socks off.

Glencoe translates as the ‘weeping glen’, and it certainly lives up to its name. Waterfalls run from misty peaks through the glen’s gorges and creases, and are particularly dramatic after a downpour of “liquid sunshine”. Glencoe’s name also reflects the sad history of the clan who once lived there. In 1692, the government redcoats murdered Clan MacDonald in their beds, as punishment for their Jacobite allegiance. This bloody and brutal betrayal of Highland hospitality is remembered in history as the Massacre of Glencoe. Glencoe is dominated by majestic mountains which completely contrast the vast and flat expanse of its neighbouring Rannoch Moor. Buachaille Etive Mòr, which overlooks the moor, is a bonnie brute of a mountain, and a fond favourite with photographers. We think that Glencoe is the most photogenic when the weather is moody and atmospheric.

Image Name: Glen Coe

Image Alt: Glen Coe

Name: Fort William

NameShort: Fort William

Fort William is the outdoor capital of the UK, and the gateway to awesome adventures! The popular tourist town sits on the banks of Loch Linnhe, and is home to the UK’s tallest mountain; the mighty Ben Nevis.

Fort William is the outdoor capital of the UK, and the gateway to awesome adventures! The popular tourist town sits on the banks of Loch Linnhe, and is home to the UK’s tallest mountain; the mighty Ben Nevis.

Image Name: Fort William

Image Alt: Views of Fort William

Name: Hogwarts Express

NameShort: Hogwarts Express

All aboard the Hogwarts Express! The Jacobite Steam Train between Fort William and Mallaig is said to be the greatest rail journey in the world. The train crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, and sweeps along the west coast, offering bonnie views of distant isles and white sand beaches.

All aboard the Hogwarts Express! The Jacobite Steam Train between Fort William and Mallaig is said to be the greatest rail journey in the world. The train crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, and sweeps along the west coast, offering bonnie views of distant isles and white sand beaches.

Image Name: Jacobite Steam Train

Image Alt: Jacobite Steam Train

Name: Inveraray

NameShort: Inveraray

Inveraray is a wee town with lots of character, from its awesome location on Loch Fyne to the pretty buildings with striking black and white architecture. Grab lunch from a local eatery and soak up the surrounding scenery!

Inveraray is a wee town with lots of character, from its awesome location on Loch Fyne to the pretty buildings with striking black and white architecture. Grab lunch from a local eatery and soak up the surrounding scenery!

Image Name: Inveraray on Loch Fyne, Scotland

Image Alt: Inveraray on Loch Fyne, Scotland