The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a railway bridge which is on the west highland railway line, built from 1897 to 1901 it has been seen in many movies including one about 'the boy who lived?'
The rail bridge has become a fan favourite with tourists over the years with train enthusiasts and of course ‘Potter Heads’ as the Viaduct features in some of the movies included in the Harry Potter movie series.
Like Harry, during his time at Hogwarts, people have travelled to the far west coast to view and experience the views of Loch Shiel, the visitor centre and of course to marvel at the grand viaduct that stands proudly.
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For many years, I wanted to go and see the viaduct due my obsession with the Harry Potter books and movies. However, on my way there I was blown away by the views on my journey.
On my arrival to the station, I viewed the train taking me to the viaduct which was completed in 1901. The Class 156, multiple diesel engine coach sat there and looked like it could have been from 1901 which added to the experience.
I embarked on my quest to see the ‘Harry Potter Bridge’ from Glasgow Queen Street, very early on in the morning with the train leaving around 8am.
The train jostled to a start and before I knew it, the bustling streets of Glasgow were behind me, the River Clyde was widening by every minute going past and I was looking over at sea side villages such as Langbank, Greenock and Gourock.
Helensburgh was fast approaching and in no time at all my view of the River Clyde was at an end and very soon I was gazing upon the ‘bonny, bonny banks of Loch Lomond’ with Ben Lomond in the background.
It felt like the wonderful views of Loch Lomond would last forever and with many spectacles like Ben Vorlich and other mountains on either side of the train, I wish it didn’t have to end but…. many more sights were on the way.
The train from then on made its way through the marvellous views and regularly stopped off at stations; including Crianlarich and just before Fort William Station, the views of Binnein Mor and Ben Nevis flew by in a flash.
Loch Eil was the next loch to look down at and before I knew it I had went over the ever so famous viaduct and arrived at Glenfinnan station.
There are many things to do when you arrive at the very popular tourist attraction and that is a relief as you have a two hour wait for the next train going back to Glasgow.
I embarked on the upwards trail that took me to the viewpoint of the viaduct and wandered down under the bridge for an even more scenic view.
The Glenfinnan tourist centre is also on site but because it was a nice day I opted to explore the monument that has amazing views of Loch Shiel.
Loch Shiel is one of the Loch’s that features in the Harry Potter movies. You would recognise it from many scenes and especially from the fourth instalment of the Potter movie franchise, The Goblet of Fire. If you look closely enough you might be able to see Durmstrangs ship disappearing beneath the dark waters.
The total cost of the off-peak, return journey in total was £28.38 with a 16-25 Railcard on a ScotRail service. To Glenfinnan station it took around four and a half hours to get there with the return journey being the same.
If you are a Harry Potter or train fanatic this is the ultimate day out, that really is a full day out with amazing, momentously historic, Scottish view.
Phil Campbell, ScotRail Head of Customer Operations, said: “There’s no denying that the West Highland Line is one of the world’s great scenic rail journeys.
“Investment in recent years by ScotRail and Network Rail – in refurbished trains, dedicated cycle carriages, and upgraded signalling equipment– shows our commitment to the route.
“In the years to come, we’ll continue to work to support tourism, sustainability, and bring wider economic benefits along Scotland’s most scenic railways by replacing all our diesel trains with a low carbon alternative.”
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