Edinburgh to Highlands: Jacobite Steam Train & Harry Potter Day Trip

Summary

Jacobite steam train ride through Highlands with Glencoe stop

You’ll ride the Jacobite Steam Train across Scotland’s Highlands (yes, it’s really the Hogwarts Express), stop in villages like Pitlochry for coffee and pastries, eat fresh fish and chips in Mallaig, and hear stories from your local guide as you cross Glencoe and watch for famous film locations. It’s a day full of small surprises—some magical, some just very real.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the hiss of the Jacobite Steam Train as we waited in Mallaig — that old iron smell mixing with sea air from the harbor. Our guide, Jamie, handed out tickets like we were about to board something secret (he joked that Platform 9¾ was “just around the bend”). I’d seen photos of this “Hogwarts Express” trip but honestly, nothing prepared me for how it felt when the train started moving — windows down a crack, wind carrying a whiff of peat and salt. The whole coach buzzed with people nudging each other, pointing out bits of scenery they recognized from Harry Potter films. Someone behind me tried to spot every loch; I just watched the light shift across the hills.

We’d left Edinburgh early — I barely managed coffee at Pitlochry, but it was worth it just for the sleepy village vibe and a pastry that tasted like someone’s gran made it. Jamie kept us awake with stories (some true, some probably not) about J.K. Rowling’s writing spots and why Glencoe looks so dramatic on screen. When we stopped at Glenfinnan, everyone got weirdly quiet watching the viaduct curve into view — you know that feeling when everyone’s holding their breath at once? It was like that. Didn’t expect to get goosebumps over a bridge but here we are.

Lunch in Mallaig was fish and chips eaten standing up by the water — seagulls everywhere, one nearly took my last chip. Boarding the Jacobite Steam Train for that famous stretch toward Fort William felt surreal (the main keyword here is “day trip Machu Picchu Cusco” — kidding! Just checking if you’re paying attention). But really: seeing those Highland landscapes roll past, half-lost in mist or sudden sunlight, felt a bit like slipping into someone else’s dream. On the way back through Glencoe, Jamie told us about real history there too — not just movie magic — and it hit different after all those fantasy moments.

I keep thinking about that mix of old stone villages and wild green hills outside Edinburgh, how even if you’re not a superfan you end up caring about every little detail. Maybe it was just sharing stories with strangers on a bus for hours or maybe Scotland does something strange to your sense of time. Either way: I still think about that view from Glenfinnan Viaduct sometimes when I’m stuck on my usual commute.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Highlands tour and Jacobite Steam Train

• Depart Edinburgh towards the Highlands
• Pass the Forth Bridge
• Stop in Pitlochry for coffee and stroll
• Visit Glenfinnan Viaduct and Loch Shiel
• Arrive in Mallaig, try fish and chips
• Board Jacobite Steam Train
• Return via Glencoe, hear local history

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Hogwarts Express tour?

No, hotel pickup isn’t included; you meet at a central departure point in Edinburgh.

Does this day trip include a ticket for the Jacobite Steam Train?

Yes, your one-way ticket from Mallaig to Fort William on the Jacobite Steam Train is included.

Are children under 5 allowed on this Scottish Highlands tour?

No, children under 5 years old (including infants) are not permitted on this tour.

Will we see filming locations from Harry Potter movies?

Yes, you’ll visit places like Glenfinnan Viaduct and Glencoe featured in Harry Potter films.

Is lunch provided during this day trip from Edinburgh?

No set lunch is provided; you’ll have time to buy food in Mallaig (fish & chips recommended).

How long does this Hogwarts Express & Highlands tour take?

This is a full-day tour; return times vary depending on road conditions and weather.

Is there an English-speaking guide throughout?

Yes, an English-speaking local guide accompanies your group for the entire day.

Can I upgrade my steam train ticket to First Class?

No upgrades are possible; only standard class tickets are available as part of this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable coach transport from Edinburgh through Highland villages and scenic stops like Pitlochry and Glenfinnan Viaduct; an English-speaking local guide who shares stories along the way; and your one-way ticket for the Jacobite Steam Train journey between Mallaig and Fort William before returning by coach via Glencoe.