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- 1 Day Loch Ness, Mallaig & The Glenfinnan Viaduct
There’s something special about seeing the Glenfinnan Viaduct the way it was meant to be seen – by train. On this full-day adventure, you’ll travel across the world-famous ‘Harry Potter Bridge’ on the very line used by the Harry Potter film series’ Hogwarts Express. With sweeping Highland scenery, a relaxed pace, and a 1.5-hour rail journey between Fort William and Mallaig, the tour blends Scotland’s big landscapes with a magical bucket list experience.
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Tour Highlights
Glenfinnan Viaduct
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is known to many as the ‘Harry Potter Bridge’ after featuring in two of the famous films. The iconic bridge has twenty-one arches which curve around the dramatic Highland landscape, with views over the stunning Loch Shiel.
Mallaig
Mallaig is a charming wee place. Nestled on Scotland's northwest coast, this fishing village offers fresh seafood and local shops along its waterfront, while majestic mountains stand guard in the distance.
Loch Ness
Loch Ness is the most well-known loch in Scotland, thanks to tales of the Loch Ness Monster. Glaciers carved the deep cavity of the loch, which holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales.
Fort Augustus
The village of Fort Augustus sits at the southern tip of Loch Ness. Wander along one of the most picturesque sections of the Caledonian Canal and look down the length of the loch from the Loch Ness Viewpoint.
Commando Memorial
The Commando Memorial pays tribute to the elite Commando unit who bravely fought in World War II. The statue looks out across the stunning Nevis Range, and the area where the Commandos trained with live ammunition.
Inclusions
Passionate Local Guide
Live Commentary & Storytelling in English
Foreign Language Audio Guide Available
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Glenfinnan Viaduct tour departs from Inverness city centre. For departure details and pick-up location, visit our departure info page.
The tour is around 12 hours*, with plenty time to take a ride on the West Highland train line and go across Glenfinnan Viaduct, and explore Mallaig.
*Length of tour may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Yes! The Glenfinnan Viaduct is famously known by Harry Potter fans because it appears in the Hogwarts Express scenes in the films. While it’s an iconic photo spot, sightings of the train itself are not guaranteed.
The Jacobite Steam Train is operated by a third party, so we cannot guarantee you will see it crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct during your stop. This tour does not include a ride on the train.
While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.
Our guides are unable to assist with wheelchairs or provide physical assistance during boarding or disembarking from the coach. Passengers should be capable of boarding and disembarking independently using the access stairs or with the help of a traveling companion. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in our onboard luggage storage during travel.
Please note that some stops on our tours may involve rough terrain or only be accessible by steps.
It's important to be aware that your accommodation may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users. More info can be found on our Accessibility page.
Yes! Our routes include stops where you can grab a snack or recharge with a drink. Occasionally, we pause at shops offering local souvenirs as well. For precise details about timing and stops, don't hesitate to inquire with your guide.
Our itinerary (in tab 2, 'Itinerary & Departure') provides a helpful outline of what to expect on the day. We refrain from providing additional details beyond what's outlined there, as factors like weather, traffic, and the preferences of our driver guides may lead to slight deviations. We also believe that part of the excitement comes from the unexpected surprises along the way! Rest assured, your journey through Scotland will be unlike any other.
If you need to cancel your tour, you will need to inform us in writing by sending an email to info@highlandexplorertours.com. You can find our cancellation and refunds policy in section 3 in our Terms and Conditions.
Feel free to visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common queries, or reach out to us directly via our Contact Us page.
- Home
- Tours from Inverness
- 1 Day Loch Ness, Mallaig & The Glenfinnan Viaduct
Before we journey to Mallaig, we make a stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct - instantly recognisable from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. You’ll have time to grab a bite for lunch in Mallaig. Next, you’ll board the train* for a spectacular journey to Fort Augustus along the West Highland Line, which is the same one used by the Jacobite Steam Train AKA Hogwarts Express in the movies. This is where the day shifts up a gear. The train curves across the Glenfinnan Viaduct and passes lochs, open moorland and small Highland communities, with ever-changing views through the window. It’s a relaxed, scenic ride and a genuine highlight of the day.
You’ll disembark the train in Fort William, where your driver guide will pick you up and continue the rest of the journey by coach.
Watch as awe-inspiring scenery unfolds before you as we make our way to Invermoriston, stopping to admire the old stone bridge over the River Moriston. On our drive back towards Loch Ness, we get the chance to catch views above the iconic ruins of Urquhart Caste before arriving into Inverness in the evening.
*Please note this is not a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train.
1 Day Tour Itinerary & Map
Our Glenfinnan Viaduct tour departs from Inverness, starting with a journey along the world-famous Loch Ness and a stop at the Highland village of Fort Augustus. We continue south and visit the Commando Memorial which overlooks the Nevis Range; home to the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
Before we journey to Mallaig, we make a stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct - instantly recognisable from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. You’ll have time to grab a bite for lunch in Mallaig. Next, you’ll board the train* for a spectacular journey to Fort Augustus along the West Highland Line, which is the same one used by the Jacobite Steam Train AKA Hogwarts Express in the movies. This is where the day shifts up a gear. The train curves across the Glenfinnan Viaduct and passes lochs, open moorland and small Highland communities, with ever-changing views through the window. It’s a relaxed, scenic ride and a genuine highlight of the day.
You’ll disembark the train in Fort William, where your driver guide will pick you up and continue the rest of the journey by coach.
Watch as awe-inspiring scenery unfolds before you as we make our way to Invermoriston, stopping to admire the old stone bridge over the River Moriston. On our drive back towards Loch Ness, we get the chance to catch views above the iconic ruins of Urquhart Caste before arriving into Inverness in the evening.
*Please note this is not a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train.
Day Highlights
Departure Point
Inverness City Centre
15 Union St Inverness*, IV1 1PP *Across from the entrance to the Victorian Market. Look out for a blue or yellow coach bus. For parking, we recommend the Old Town Rose Street Multi-Storey – less than a 10-minute walk from our departure point.
Not sure how to get here? Find more info on our Departure Info page.
Departure & Return Time
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- 1 Day Loch Ness, Mallaig & The Glenfinnan Viaduct
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