Isle of Skye & The Train Route to Hogwarts

Itinerary Item 1

Name: Edinburgh to Isle of Skye

Short Description: We hit the road early from Edinburgh, passing the iconic Forth Bridge and watching the landscape shift from city to countryside. Your guide will make sure you’ll feel right at home with tales of Scotland’s dramatic past and a first taste of local music. First stop is Dunkeld, the so-called “gateway to the Highlands.” Go for a wee stroll among its charming streets – it’s the perfect introduction to Highland life. Next, we head to the Commando Memorial, where, on a clear day, you can spot the peaks of Ben Nevis stretching into the sky. From there it’s on to legendary Loch Ness, with a stretch-your-legs stop at Fort Augustus and time to grab lunch if you fancy. We continue to the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre for a walk through ancient Caledonian Forest, learning about Trees For Life’s efforts to restore this incredible habitat. Before reaching Skye, we pause at Eilean Donan Castle. Located on a tiny island, it’s often called Scotland’s most photographed castle – so go ahead, snap that perfect shot and make it live up to the hype! Finally, we cross the Skye Bridge and arrive at our hostel in colourful Portree, our base for the next two nights.

Description: We hit the road early from Edinburgh, passing the iconic Forth Bridge and watching the landscape shift from city to countryside. Your guide will make sure you’ll feel right at home with tales of Scotland’s dramatic past and a first taste of local music. First stop is Dunkeld, the so-called “gateway to the Highlands.” Go for a wee stroll among its charming streets – it’s the perfect introduction to Highland life. Next, we head to the Commando Memorial, where, on a clear day, you can spot the peaks of Ben Nevis stretching into the sky. From there it’s on to legendary Loch Ness, with a stretch-your-legs stop at Fort Augustus and time to grab lunch if you fancy. We continue to the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre for a walk through ancient Caledonian Forest, learning about Trees For Life’s efforts to restore this incredible habitat. Before reaching Skye, we pause at Eilean Donan Castle. Located on a tiny island, it’s often called Scotland’s most photographed castle – so go ahead, snap that perfect shot and make it live up to the hype! Finally, we cross the Skye Bridge and arrive at our hostel in colourful Portree, our base for the next two nights.

Highlights

• Forth Bridges (Bridge)
• Picturesque Dunkeld(Dunkeld)
• Commando Memorial(Commando)
• Loch Ness(LN)
• Dundreggan Rewilding Centre(Dundreggan)
• Eilean Donan Castle(Eilean)
• Portree(Portee)

Itinerary Item 2

Name: Isle of Skye

Short Description: Today’s all about the jaw-dropping scenery of Skye. We start at Kilt Rock, a dramatic cliff face where waterfalls tumble into the sea. From there, it’s the Old Man of Storr. Weather and time permitting, we take a walk to this spiky pinnacle, surrounded by sweeping views across the island. Next up, Dunvegan Castle, the historic home of the MacLeod clan. Entry is optional, but if you’re chasing your ancestors’ roots or simply love a wee nosey into century-old castles, a visit is worth it. The evening is free to soak up Portree – pop into a cosy pub, check out the colourful harbour, or relax with newfound friends back at the hostel.

Description: Today’s all about the jaw-dropping scenery of Skye. We start at Kilt Rock, a dramatic cliff face where waterfalls tumble into the sea. From there, it’s the Old Man of Storr. Weather and time permitting, we take a walk to this spiky pinnacle, surrounded by sweeping views across the island. Next up, Dunvegan Castle, the historic home of the MacLeod clan. Entry is optional, but if you’re chasing your ancestors’ roots or simply love a wee nosey into century-old castles, a visit is worth it. The evening is free to soak up Portree – pop into a cosy pub, check out the colourful harbour, or relax with newfound friends back at the hostel.

Highlights

• Isle of Skye(Skye)
• Kilt Rock(Kilt)
• Old Man of Storr(Storr)
• Dunvegan Castle (Dunvegan)

Itinerary Item 3

Name: Isle of Skye to Edinburgh

Short Description: An early start sets the tone for our final day – and believe us, it’s worth it. We make our way to Mallaig and hop on the train* along the world-famous West Highland Line, tracing the route that featured the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. This is the moment you wonder why you haven’t done this sooner. Mountains, wild seashores, and the epic Harry Potter Bridge – AKA Glenfinnan Viaduct – roll past your window, making it one of the most scenic train journeys you’ll ever take. Reunited with you guide in Fort William, we jump back on the road and head to Glen Coe for photos of its misty valleys and peaks. A quick stop in the pretty village of Tyndrum gives time to stretch your legs or grab a snack. On the last leg back to Edinburgh, we pass Stirling and the Wallace Monument – a striking finale to a whirlwind Highland adventure. You arrive in Edinburgh in the early evening, tired, inspired, and ready to start planning your move to Scotland. *Please note this is not the Jacobite Steam Train. Find more info in the FAQs.

Description: An early start sets the tone for our final day – and believe us, it’s worth it. We make our way to Mallaig and hop on the train* along the world-famous West Highland Line, tracing the route that featured the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. This is the moment you wonder why you haven’t done this sooner. Mountains, wild seashores, and the epic Harry Potter Bridge – AKA Glenfinnan Viaduct – roll past your window, making it one of the most scenic train journeys you’ll ever take. Reunited with you guide in Fort William, we jump back on the road and head to Glen Coe for photos of its misty valleys and peaks. A quick stop in the pretty village of Tyndrum gives time to stretch your legs or grab a snack. On the last leg back to Edinburgh, we pass Stirling and the Wallace Monument – a striking finale to a whirlwind Highland adventure. You arrive in Edinburgh in the early evening, tired, inspired, and ready to start planning your move to Scotland. *Please note this is not the Jacobite Steam Train. Find more info in the FAQs.

Highlights

• West Highland Line(WestHighLi)
• Glen Coe(GC)
• Rannoch Moor (Rannoch)

Inclusions

Item 1: Your Legendary Local HAGGiS Guide

Item 2: 2 Nights Hostel Mixed-Gender Multi-Share Dorm Accommodation

Item 3: Train Ride over the ‘Harry Potter Bridge’ on the West Highland Line

Item 4: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre (Make Travel Matter® Experience

Item 5: All Transport and Ferries

Highlight 1

Name: Forth Bridges

NameShort: Forth Bridges

Three bonnie bridges over the Forth, each from a different century. The Queensferry Crossing opened in 2017, but the iconic railway bridge is our favourite. The Forth Bridge is an epic feat of engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Three bonnie bridges over the Forth, each from a different century. The Queensferry Crossing opened in 2017, but the iconic railway bridge is our favourite. The Forth Bridge is an epic feat of engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Image Name: Forth Bridges

Image Alt: Forth Bridges

Highlight 2

Name: Picturesque Dunkeld

NameShort: Picturesque Dunkeld

Dunkeld is a wee charmer! This pretty Perthshire town sits on the River Tay at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Rows of quaint 18th century houses lead towards Dunkeld Cathedral; a striking partial ruin with a history spanning hundreds of years.

Dunkeld is a wee charmer! This pretty Perthshire town sits on the River Tay at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Rows of quaint 18th century houses lead towards Dunkeld Cathedral; a striking partial ruin with a history spanning hundreds of years.

Image Name: Dunkeld

Image Alt: Dunkeld

Highlight 3

Name: Commando Memorial

NameShort: Commando Memorial

Looking out over the stunning Nevis Range is a bonnie bronze statue which pays tribute to the fallen British Commandos who fought in the Second World War, who and trained with live ammunition in the area near the memorial.

Looking out over the stunning Nevis Range is a bonnie bronze statue which pays tribute to the fallen British Commandos who fought in the Second World War, who and trained with live ammunition in the area near the memorial.

Image Name: Commando Memorial

Image Alt: Commando Memorial

Highlight 4

Name: Loch Ness

NameShort: Loch Ness

It’s time to tick Loch Ness off your Scotland bucket list, as we go in search of the infamous Loch Ness Monster. We promise you’ll get cool photos of Loch Ness and the surrounding scenery. A glimpse of ‘Nessie’ in the background is just an extra bonus!

Loch Ness is not the biggest or the deepest loch in Scotland, but it is definitely the most well-known. For this, we can thank the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. The first sighting of ‘Nessie’ was in 565AD by St Columba, when the monster reared its ugly head and launched an attack on his man servant. Much later, the ‘Surgeons Photograph’ from 1934 was considered the best and most famous capture of the beast, until it was later revealed to be a fake.! Of all Scotland’s lochs, Loch Ness has the highest volume of water. Glaciers carved the crazy-deep cavity of the loch, which holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales. The water is so full of peat from the surrounding hills, its depths are almost pitch-black. Perfect hiding place for a monster if you ask us!

Image Name: Loch Ness

Image Alt: Loch Ness tour

Highlight 5

Name: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

NameShort: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Did you know that today, only 1% of Scotland's native forests remain? At Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, you'll learn about Trees for Life's thrilling mission to rewild the Scottish Highlands. You'll not only meet lively experts who talk you through the secrets of the forest, but also witness their rewilding success during a lovely woodland walk.

Did you know that today, only 1% of Scotland's native forests remain? At Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, you'll learn about Trees for Life's thrilling mission to rewild the Scottish Highlands. You'll not only meet lively experts who talk you through the secrets of the forest, but also witness their rewilding success during a lovely woodland walk.

Image Name: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Image Alt: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Highlight 6

Name: Eilean Donan Castle

NameShort: Eilean Donan Castle

Don’t believe in love at first sight? Eilean Donan Castle will soon change that. A picturesque stone bridge winds out to the stunning structure. Set upon a wee tidal island, against a backdrop of mountains and lochs, it is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and romantic sights in Scotland.

Eilean Donan Castle is perfectly formed and instantly recognisable. From every angle the castle boasts a bonnie backdrop, from misty or snow-sprinkled peaks, to glassy-still lochs which mirror the sun and clouds. The castle sits in a unique position, at a point where three sea lochs meet. This was a deliberate defence strategy to protect the area from Viking raids, when the castle was fortified in the 13th century. Later in history, the castle was used as a garrison for Spanish troops, who supported the Jacobite cause during the 1719 uprising. They arrived with over 300 barrels of gunpowder, which they never got the chance to use. Instead, their military opponents gained access to the castle, and used the gunpowder to blow it up from the inside-out. Oh, the irony! The castle lay as a romantic ruin until it was restored to its former glory and reopened in 1932.

Link to Highlight resource:

Eilean Donan Castle)

Image Name: Eilean Donan Castle

Image Alt: Eilean Donan Castle

Highlight 7

Name: Portree

NameShort: Portree

Pretty Portree is Skye’s main settlement and tourist town. The picturesque harbour with its colourful facades is where Bonnie Prince Charlie finally escaped on a French ship after the Battle of Culloden; never to return to Scotland.

Pretty Portree is Skye’s main settlement and tourist town. The picturesque harbour with its colourful facades is where Bonnie Prince Charlie finally escaped on a French ship after the Battle of Culloden; never to return to Scotland.

Image Name: Portree Skye

Image Alt: Portree Skye

Highlight 8

Name: Isle of Skye

NameShort: Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is every bit as magical as it sounds. Our journey takes you around the coast and through the mists of time. In the shadow of the mighty mountains, we search for waterfalls, mischievous wee fairies, and remnants of a land long ago.

Skye is Scotland’s most popular isle, and you’ll quickly understand why. The iconic Skye Bridge transports you from the mainland into a whole new world of insane geology, beguiling mythology, and picturesque settlements; the colourful facades of pretty Portree make the perfect postcard. Rainbows plunge into peaty lochs, like waterfalls from the dramatic cliff tops. The Cuillin Mountains are an epic scale of awesome, carved by ancient volcanos and glaciers; for our viewing pleasure, of course. Skye has a rich cultural heritage, with a history coloured by rival clans, Viking settlers, and a fugitive Prince. Ruined castles hold secrets of the past, while Norse place names ensure that we don’t forget it. Even dinosaurs roamed the land, leaving footprints on the beach. Try a local beer or Talisker whisky, and don’t forget to toast the faeries! Skye is where the magic happens.

Image Name: The Isle of Skye

Image Alt: Isle of Skye tour

Highlight 9

Name: Kilt Rock

NameShort: Kilt Rock

Absolutely nothing to see here, it’s just a crinkle-cut sea cliff and an epic waterfall. No filters are required to make Kilt Rock look cool. Learn about how this insane coastline was formed. Geology or giants? You decide!

Absolutely nothing to see here, it’s just a crinkle-cut sea cliff and an epic waterfall. No filters are required to make Kilt Rock look cool. Learn about how this insane coastline was formed. Geology or giants? You decide!

Image Name: Kilt Rock

Image Alt: Kilt Rock

Highlight 10

Name: Old Man of Storr

NameShort: Old Man of Storr

When it comes to cool geology, this natural wonder is the absolute pinnacle. Standing tall on Skye’s ancient landslip, the Old Man of Storr is such a poser. Sometimes hidden by mist, this is a popular hangout for mischievous fairies!

When it comes to cool geology, this natural wonder is the absolute pinnacle. Standing tall on Skye’s ancient landslip, the Old Man of Storr is such a poser. Sometimes hidden by mist, this is a popular hangout for mischievous fairies!

Image Name: Old Man of Storr

Image Alt: Old Man of Storr

Highlight 11

Name: Dunvegan Castle

NameShort: Dunvegan Castle

A visit to the Isle of Skye is incomplete without learning the fascinating history and clan legend of Dunvegan Castle. Built during 13th and 14th centuries this Hebridean stronghold is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for the past 800 years.

A visit to the Isle of Skye is incomplete without learning the fascinating history and clan legend of Dunvegan Castle. Built during 13th and 14th centuries this Hebridean stronghold is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for the past 800 years.

Image Name: Dunvegan Castle

Image Alt: Dunvegan Castle

Highlight 12

Name: West Highland Line

NameShort: West Highland Line

Often called one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys – and for once, the hype actually holds up – the West Highland Line serves up lochs, mountains, and wild Highland views the whole way along. Jump on between Mallaig and Fort William and you’ll rumble across the Glenfinnan Viaduct – the Harry Potter Bridge from the movies. Keep your camera ready, it’s a goodie.

Often called one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys – and for once, the hype actually holds up – the West Highland Line serves up lochs, mountains, and wild Highland views the whole way along. Jump on between Mallaig and Fort William and you’ll rumble across the Glenfinnan Viaduct – the Harry Potter Bridge from the movies. Keep your camera ready, it’s a goodie.

Image Name: West Highland Line

Image Alt: West Highland Line

Highlight 13

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

Highlight 14

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