The Jacobite Steam Train: Day 34 – Scotland 2017
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9 May 2017
The day had finally arrived. I’d been waiting just over a month for this very day, and now it was upon us. That morning, at 10:15 AM, we would be boarding the Jacobite Steam Train. My Hogwarts dreams were about to come true!
The Jacobite Steam Train
If you’re at all familiar with the Harry Potter films, you’ll know the iconic scenes of the Hogwarts Express going over an incredible viaduct. It is heavily featured in the scenes where Ron and Harry are flying the Ford Anglia that belongs to Ron’s dad, and also when the dementors stop the train in The Prisoner of Azkaban. While these movies may have shot the steam train and viaduct into fame, it does have a longer history than just Harry Potter.
The Mallaig extension was added to the rail line in 1901, and steam trains chugged along this route until 1967 when steam locomotives were to be replaced with more efficient diesel ones. Steam service resumed in 1984 as a ploy to boost tourism while also making extra money for the rail line. It worked.
The Glenfinnan viaduct that we all recognize from the films, was built in 1897. It was completed in 1901 when the rail line opened, and just over 100 years later, it appeared on the silver screen in the Harry Potter films.
The steam train that you see in the films is none other than the Jacobite Steam Train itself. You can choose to ride the train through breathtaking scenery, including the viaduct, or you can see the viaduct in person from the ground and watch the train huff by.
Aboard The Hogwarts Express
If I was going to experience the Hogwarts Express, I wanted to do it right. We bought tickets for the train as soon as we knew the date we’d be there, as they sell out quickly. We also booked a first-class compartment carriage, like the ones you see in the films.
Our train didn’t leave till 10:15, but we got there plenty early to take tons of pictures and find our seats. We even had time to go to the little gift shop aboard the train. It was packed with Harry Potter memorabilia and I bought a few things for myself and for two of my HP friends back home. I don’t remember when, but we also got a butterbeer on the train, which was delicious. It had pop rocks in it, which made it all the more fun to drink.
Our carriage mates were very friendly and we had a great time chatting with them during our train ride. They were there for the ride, not for the Harry Potter stuff, so they gladly let us have the best seats in the house so we could view the viaduct more easily. We all talked and chatted, but we did so mostly while all staring out the window. Some of the scenery we passed was drop-dead gorgeous, and none of us could peel our eyes away for a second.
And then it happened. The train curved to the left and the viaduct appeared. From where we were on the train, we could just see the engine going across from our window. It was pure magic. We had that view going and coming, and it was one of the most memorable moments of our entire trip. My magic-loving heart was full to bursting.
Mallaig
The Jacobite Steam Train travels from Fort William to Mallaig and back again. Passengers can depart the train in Mallaig for roughly 2 hours or so. We, like many other passengers aboard the train, decided to have lunch in Mallaig. It was rather busy, but we had lunch at a nice little place that served delicious fish and chips. After eating, we walked around town for a short while and then reboarded for our trip back to Fort William. It’s a great way to spend the day and we had a splendid time. Once back in Fort William, Billy had to practically drag me off of the train and shove me in the car. I watched as the Jacobite Steam Train faded away, and then focused my attention on The George Hotel. This was another one of our splurge nights and I was much looking forward to it.
The George Hotel
The George Hotel began life as two separate houses. The third Duke of Argyll constructed them in 1770 as part of his planned town. In 1776, the ground floors served as temporary churches. In 1860, the Clark family combined the two structures and started The George Hotel. It is still in the ownership of the Clark family to this day, but the ground floor churches have long been converted into a public bar, front lounge, and church hall.
If you are looking for an old-world hotel, book a room at the George. The building is stunning, with flagstone floors, exposed overhead beams, and open log fires in the ground floor common areas. We were immediately taken by the ambiance of the place. The stairs to the second floor, the layout of our room, the atmosphere in the pub, it was all spectacular. If you’re looking for a fancy splurge, The George Hotel has you covered. We booked Room 8, just in case you’re interested in staying in this one! Also, the sticky toffee pudding there is amazing.
Cheers,
Lydia and Billy
