Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness
Description
Enjoy a full-day of stunning scenery and fresh Highland air, as we travel all the way around Loch Ness and along the idyllic West Coast. Our journey reveals ancient ruins, a poignant war memorial, beautiful beaches and gorgeous Scottish wilderness – with untamed mountains never far from sight. Embark on the the Jacobite Steam Train for a magical 2-hour ride along beautiful coastal scenery and over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Made famous by the Harry Potter films, and voted one of the world’s most scenic railways, this is a trip you’ll never forget!
Tour Options
Itinerary
We depart Inverness and begin our journey along the world-famous Loch Ness, stopping for photos above the ruins of Urquhart Castle.
We continue west, and visit the Commando Memorial which overlooks the Nevis Range; home to the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
Now is your chance to board the Jacobite Steam Train in Fort William, one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world. The train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands. The train ride is approximately 2.5 hrs and will take you to Mallaig where your guide will meet you.
Enjoy your lunch stop in the fishing village of Mallaig. We would suggest sampling some of the local seafood!
The beautiful scenery continues into the evening with a stop in Fort Augustus to see the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness up close.
Enjoy some unspoiled views on the less travelled road on the south side of Loch Ness.
Before we head back to Inverness, we visit Dores Beach on the banks of Loch Ness.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that the Jacobite Steam Train service may be subject to alterations and cancellations at short notice, outwith our control
- It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals.
- Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
- From 1st April 2025 the 7:30 am tour will return at 7:30 pm.
- It is not possible to upgrade your Standard steam train ticket to a First Class ticket
- Children under 5 years old, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted to travel. We are unable to accommodate any child under the age of 5.
- If downloading an audio guide, remember to bring your headset.
- The tour may operate with our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures.
- The order of the itinerary route is subject to change.
Reviews(1,931)
This is a fantastic but long day. They do give you plenty of time to shop, eat , and use the restroom. The views are stunning.
Tim was absolutely the best guide we have ever had! Very informative in a fun way, laid back and funny! Beautiful country!
Great experience! Our guide/driver Tim was amazing! Highly recommend!
Overall, we had a wonderful experience. Our driver and guide, Karen, was knowledgeable, and very friendly. She shared lots of interesting information throughout the tour, making the experience even more enjoyable. The Harry Potter train ride was fantastic and definitely worth experiencing. The itinerary was well organised, with just the right amount of time to enjoy everything without feeling rushed. It was a truly memorable experience, and we would highly recommend this tour.
Great tour even given the weather.
King Torquil of the highlands was an amazing guide. Super knowledgeable about the area with tons of facts, very patient with ignorant tourists, and overall a bundle of joy to be around. I would highly recommend this guide for this experience, and the experience itself was pretty magical (if you’re okay with traveling all day)
Nice one day trip which worth to do. Sometimes rainy sometimes shiny so raincoat with sunglasses together is a wise decision. Not all spots are feasable though. It depends highly on actual traffic and weather situation. Our driver Torquil was funny and kind. Not native English people might suffer from understanding everything. 😃
Torquil was very informative, talkative and funny. Take good care of us.
An excellent experience all around. Started the day with train ride from Fort William. I didn’t know they still operate coal powered steam engines. Then we made several nice stops around Loch Ness. Thanks Torquil.
This is Torquil- the right number of stops, safe and fun! What more can we ask for? Oh right, the really awesome steam train ride, it was definitely the highlight!
