Inverness: Hogwarts Express & Highlands Day Trip by Train

Summary

Steam train journeys, lochs and wild Highland air from Inverness

You’ll travel from Inverness through wild Highland scenery, ride the Hogwarts Express steam train over Glenfinnan Viaduct, taste fresh seafood in Mallaig, and stand at Loch Ness’s edge with a local guide sharing stories all along the way. Expect moments you’ll want to pause for — even if just to breathe it all in.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if that famous train ride really feels as magical as it looks in the movies? I did too, so I booked this day trip from Inverness — and honestly, it’s still swirling around in my head. We started early, winding along Loch Ness while our guide (I think his name was Jamie?) pointed out Urquhart Castle peeking through the mist. There was this sharp smell of wet grass when we stopped for photos — like the whole landscape had just woken up before us.

The drive west felt almost unreal, especially when we pulled up at the Commando Memorial. It’s quiet there, except for wind and sometimes a stray laugh from someone on the bus. You can see Ben Nevis looming in the distance — bigger than I’d pictured. Then came Fort William and suddenly everyone was buzzing because it was time for the Jacobite Steam Train. The carriages rattled more than I expected (in a good way), and when we crossed Glenfinnan Viaduct, people actually gasped. Not just Harry Potter fans either — even Jamie grinned and said he never gets tired of that view.

Mallaig was our lunch stop — tiny fishing village smells: salt, fried fish, something sweet from a bakery I didn’t get to try. Tried to order seafood but my accent must’ve confused the waitress; she laughed and helped me out anyway. After that, back on the road towards Fort Augustus where you can walk right up to Loch Ness. The water looked almost black under heavy clouds — not scary exactly, but sort of ancient-feeling. I remember just standing there for a minute longer than everyone else.

On the way back we took this quieter road along the south side of Loch Ness. Less traffic, more sheep (so many sheep). Our last stop was Dores Beach — stones cold underfoot, sky finally clearing a bit. I kept thinking about how much ground we’d covered in one day and how every bit felt different from the last.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scenic Highlands and Jacobite Train

• Depart Inverness along Loch Ness
• Stop for photos at Urquhart Castle ruins
• Visit Commando Memorial near Nevis Range
• Board Jacobite Steam Train in Fort William
• Ride train over Glenfinnan Viaduct
• Arrive in Mallaig and meet guide
• Lunch stop in Mallaig fishing village
• Stop in Fort Augustus to see Caledonian Canal
• Drive along south side of Loch Ness
• Visit Dores Beach on Loch Ness
• Return to Inverness

Top questions

How long is the Hogwarts Express & Highlands day trip from Inverness?

The tour lasts a full day, typically departing early morning and returning in the evening.

Is pickup included for this day trip?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at a central point in Inverness.

Do you get to ride on the actual Jacobite Steam Train?

Yes, your ticket includes a one-way journey on the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig.

Are meals or lunch included?

No meals are included; you have free time to buy lunch in Mallaig where local seafood is recommended.

What are some stops on this tour?

You’ll stop at Urquhart Castle viewpoint, Commando Memorial, Mallaig for lunch, Fort Augustus by Loch Ness, and Dores Beach.

Can children join this tour?

No children under 5 years old are permitted on this tour.

Is there an audio guide available?

If you download an audio guide beforehand, remember to bring your own headset; it’s not provided onsite.

Does this tour operate year-round?

The Jacobite Steam Train runs seasonally; check availability before booking as schedules may change or be cancelled at short notice.

What’s included

Your day includes travel by air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking local guide throughout, plus a one-way ticket for the Jacobite Steam Train between Fort William and Mallaig. Stops include photo opportunities above Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness, visits to Commando Memorial and Fort Augustus by Caledonian Canal, time for lunch in Mallaig (at your own expense), unspoiled views along quieter Highland roads, and a final pause at Dores Beach before returning to Inverness in the evening.