Discover Glencoe, Fort Williams, Glenfinnan, and Mallaig: A Harry Potter Adventure in Scotland

Glencoe and the Three Sisters

Not far from Oban, we made a trip to Glencoe, home of the MacDonalds, the MacDonald’s massacre, and Hagrid’s Hut. This area is also the background for the quiddich matches in the Harry Potter movies.

A highland coo at the Glencoe visitors center

Recreated traditional house at the Glencoe Visitor’s Center.

The portion of darker trees is where Hagrid’s Hut was originally, but tourists blocking the road with their parked cars to hike up to it caused it to be moved to a less disruptive location.

Fort Williams

Right outside of Fort Williams is Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain.

Old Cannon from the remains of the old fort.

Many tourists come here specifically to climb the UK’s highest peak. Not me.

Award winning steak pie. It was delicious.

Glenfinnan

Rail Bridge. The jacobite steam train is scheduled at 10:30 and 3:30.

This is the valley and the railway that the famous train to Hogwarts takes. It comes through twice a day, and many people show up to capture pictures of it.

Unfortunately, it is experiencing problems with the locking system, and extra cars can’t be locked on. My tour was supposed to ride the train but couldn’t. So 😔.

The other side of the valley is also where Hogwart’s Castle was CGI inserted.

My guide was a little miffed that it’s known as the Harry Potter train because it takes away the historical significance of the area. I told him to think of it as the lure. Once people are there, then tell them the history. Besides, there was a battle once everywhere in Scotland.

Mallaig

The ferry catching happened at Mallaig. There is more than one ferry port to get to the Isle of Sky, but Mallaig was ours. I had a lot of time to kill since the train ride didn’t happen, and I visited every store. There were plenty of little restaurants, a co-op, and souvenir shops.

There was even another Harry Potter shop, Hagrid’s alley, and a Witchy store.

Hagrid’s Alley for all Harry Potter goodies

Waiting for the ferry. At least the weather was wonderful.

It takes about 20 minutes to get across, and our water was calm and easy.

Once on the Isle, I checked into the Broadford Hotel. It is the home of Drambuie, a liquor made of whiskey, honey mead, and herbs.

Bridge leading to the original distillery that made the Drambuie for the hotel.

The weather had been amazing so far, but was forcasted to change during the night. The rest of my stay is expected to be more typical of Scotland, lots of rain and cloudy skies.

Chasing Summer –