🚐 Chasing Magic on the NC500
There’s something about the freedom of van life, cruising along Scotland’s rugged coastline, that makes adventures like this truly unforgettable. As part of our road trip along the famous North Coast 500 (NC500), visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct to catch a look at the Hogwarts Express was one of our most magical stops! If you’re a Harry Potter fan—or just love iconic landscapes—you’ll want to keep reading.
Why the Glenfinnan Viaduct is Worth the Stop
Tucked away in the Scottish Highlands, Glenfinnan Viaduct is the very bridge you’ve seen in the Harry Potter films as the Hogwarts Express glides towards the school of witchcraft and wizardry. It’s not just a movie set, though—this historic Glenfinnan Viaduct, built in 1897, is a marvel of engineering and the perfect excuse to stretch your legs on a scenic hike. Plus, seeing the steam train chug across it feels like stepping into a page of J.K. Rowling’s imagination.
🚐 From Van to Viewpoint – Our Journey
With our van packed, we left our campsite bright and early. We had read plenty about the popularity of this spot, so we wanted to arrive in time to snag the best viewpoint without jostling for space.
We parked at the Glenfinnan Community Project Car Park (supporting local communities while travelling is always a win in our book – even if the price is a little steep and only available as full day tickets) and took the short 20-minute hike up to the main viewpoint. The air was crisp, and the surrounding hills were bathed in golden morning light—a perfect backdrop for the magical scenes we were about to witness.
🚂 When to Catch the Hogwarts Express
The real-life version of the Hogwarts Express is the Jacobite Steam Train, which runs seasonally from April to October, 7 days a week. You’ll want to time your visit carefully to ensure you don’t miss it. Here’s what worked for us:
- Morning Train: Departs Fort William at 10:15 am, crossing the viaduct around 10:45–11:00 am.
- Afternoon Train: Departs at 12:50 pm, crossing the viaduct around 1:20–1:40 pm.
We aimed for the morning train, arriving at the Glenfinnan Viaduct by 9:30 am to beat the crowds. Pro tip: Arriving early not only ensures a good spot but also gives you time to soak in the serene surroundings before the excitement begins.
Be sure to check the West Coast Railways train schedule for the most up-to-date Jacobite train times. For convenience, I’ve listed the current schedule below.
Important: The listed arrival and departure times do not reflect when the train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Morning Service
- Departure from Fort William: 10:15 AM
- Arrival at Mallaig: 12:26 PM
- Departure from Mallaig: 2:10 PM
- Arrival at Fort William: 4:03 PM
Afternoon Service
- Departure from Fort William: 12:50 PM
- Arrival at Mallaig: 3:06 PM
- Departure from Mallaig: 5:00 PM
- Arrival at Fort William: 6:52 PM
The Jacobite train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct heading towards the viewpoint at the following approximate times:
Timings:
- Morning Departure from Fort William: 10:15 AM
- Viaduct Crossing: 10:45 – 10:55 AM (approximately 30 to 40 minutes after departure)
- Afternoon Departure from Fort William: 12:50 PM
- Viaduct Crossing: 1:20 – 1:30 PM (approximately 30 to 40 minutes after departure)
When I visited, the morning service typically arrived at the Glenfinnan Viaduct at 10:45 AM. If the train is running early (around 10:40 AM), it will often slow down, giving you time for photos. However, if it’s on time or delayed, it will pass at its usual speed.
Best Viewing Recommendation:
To capture the best photographs, plan to watch the train as it travels from Fort William to Mallaig, as it will be moving towards you at the viewpoint.
For a morning visit, aim to arrive at the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint no later than 10:40 AM to secure a good spot and prepare for an early crossing. Allow 45 to 60 minutes for parking and walking to the viewpoint.
Return Crossing (Mallaig to Fort William):
You can also see the train crossing the viaduct on its return from Mallaig:
- Afternoon Return Crossing: Between 3:10 – 3:25 PM
- Evening Return Crossing: Between 6:05 – 6:15 PM
However, during the return journey, the train will be moving away from you, which is less ideal for photography.
🚶 The Scenic Hike to the Viewpoint
The trail to the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint is well-marked and easy to follow. From the car park, we strolled along a gravel path, crossed a charming wooden bridge, heading under the viaduct, through the gate, and following the hill path. We made our way up a slight incline and the view that greeted us at the top? Absolutely worth the effort.
We found a space at the Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint (West), VHG7+8W, Glenfinnan PH37 4LT, United Kingdom.
It’s a popular location, so you can expect plenty of people dotted across the hill waiting for the train. Don’t worry, though—with the limited parking, the area is spacious enough for you to find a comfortable spot to settle in. The people around you won’t block your view or ruin your photos of the viaduct since the hill provides a natural elevation advantage. However, if you’re hoping to capture a shot of yourself with the train in the background, it might be tricky to avoid others creeping into the frame.
Once you’ve found your spot, you’ll need to wait patiently for the train, which could take up to 30 minutes. Bringing something to sit on is a good idea—it makes the wait much more pleasant!
Sitting on the hillside, we watched as the steam train rounded the bend, its whistle echoing through the valley. The iconic plume of smoke curling into the sky gave us all the feels—like we were students headed to our first year at Hogwarts. For passengers aboard the train, crossing the iconic 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct offers breathtaking views of Loch Shiel and the historic Jacobite Monument. If time allows, the train may briefly pause on the viaduct, giving you the chance to fully appreciate the stunning scenery.
🚂 Want to Ride the Hogwarts Express? Here’s How
If you’d prefer to wave to the crowds from inside the train, you can book a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig. For the ultimate Potter experience, consider booking a first-class compartment like Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Just don’t expect a Honeydukes trolley to roll by—although the onboard shop does sell Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans!
We couldn’t resist staying to watch the Jacobite steam train cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct more than once—it’s just that magical! The sound of the whistle, the rhythmic chug of the train, and the stunning backdrop made it an unforgettable experience. While waiting, we treated ourselves to a quick bite, as you can grab chips and snacks on-site, perfect for a relaxed break.
The area itself is a beautiful location to explore, with plenty to see beyond the viaduct. We wandered over to the Glenfinnan Monument, which stands proudly at the head of Loch Shiel, offering breathtaking views and a dose of history. The loch itself is serene and picture-perfect, making it a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll or a quiet moment to soak in the scenery. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or just love exploring Scotland’s iconic landmarks, Glenfinnan is a must-visit stop on the NC500 route!
Other Magical Stops on the NC500
Once we’d soaked up the Glenfinnan magic, we hit the road again, but not before exploring a few nearby gems:
- Glenfinnan Monument: Overlooking the stunning Loch Shiel, this historic site is a must-see for history buffs and photographers alike.
- Loch Shiel: A filming location for the Hogwarts lake scenes, this loch offers breathtaking views that rival any scene from the movies.
- Eilean na Moine (Dumbledore’s Grave): A short drive from Glenfinnan, this tiny island is where you’ll find one of the most emotional Harry Potter film locations.
Top Tips for Visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Plan Ahead: Check the Jacobite Steam Train schedule in advance and arrive early.
- Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, and sun protection (or rain gear—this is Scotland, after all).
- Stay Flexible: Be prepared for crowds, especially in summer.
- Stay Overnight: Consider camping nearby or booking a hotel in Fort William to make the most of your visit.
Final Thoughts on Our Magical Stop
Our visit to the Glenfinnan Viaduct wasn’t just a highlight of our NC500 road trip—it was an experience that reminded us of the magic waiting to be discovered when you venture off the beaten path. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan or just love Scotland’s dramatic landscapes, this stop is worth every step of the hike.
So, pack your wand (or camera), don your house scarf, and make your way to the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Trust us—you won’t regret it.
🚐✨ Ready to plan your own magical adventure? Follow our NC500 route and experience the freedom of van life along Scotland’s most stunning roads!
