Today was epic! In the world of Liz McLane, choosing a Harry Potter-based activity is always the right choice. Luckily, KDew (sorry, Trel, it’s a thing), knows me well and booked us seats of the Jacobite train from Fort Williams to Mallaig, aka, the Hogwarts Express!
Okay, think about the arial shots of the Hogwarts Express in the movie. Specifically, think about in the Chamber of Secrets, when Harry and Ron are flying in the car above the train as it speeds along the huge viaduct. THATS WHAT WE DID TODAY!! We rode the train along the Glenfinnan Viaduct and geeked out like crazy. Dunt is also a Harry Potter fan, so it’s not like I was alone here. It was just wonderful. The scenery along the way was also extraordinary. Green, sprawling mountains, lakes, fog settling along the ridge lines. Breathtaking.
The train drops you off in a little coastal town named Mallaig, where we had lunch, popped into a souvenier shop, and then, because it was raining, found a little cafe for a spot of tea before heading back.
On the way back, we also snapped a few photos of the filming location for Dumbledore’s final resting place. So basically, heaven.
After returning to Fort Williams, we grabbed some snacks from a weirdly fancy grocery store and headed out to Loch Ness. Yes--THE Loch Ness. I had no idea what we were in for. I was expecting something between Glen Arbor and Niagra Falls in terms of touristy situations.
We stopped at Loch Lochy (Lake Lakey!) for a quick photo op along the way. Here’s Katie, our fearless driver, with Seamus Finnigan, our trusty car! I mean, just look at this scenery!
Back on the road, Dudders took us to Urquhart Castle! It sits along Loch Ness and was the largest and most powerful castle in the area. Originally built in 400-something-AD, it changed hands multiple times as it was attacked, destroyed, rebuilt, remodeled, and eventually abandoned around the 1500s. That’s right. By the 1500s it had peaked and was no longer worth rebuilding. The ruins left today are fascinating, showing glimpses of what life in the medieval ages was like.
Also, in a model of God’s good glory, the rain stopped, the clouds parted, and the sun shined brightly! We were both left in awe, and I told Katie that I could stay there all day. (not to mention I totally found Nessie!)
Since we got there later in the day, there were very few other tourists, so we had the place nearly to ourselves. We’re both quite interested in history, so we appreciated having time to let the place sink in. Not to mention that Loch Ness in the evening light is incredible.
On the way home, we stopped at a pub in Fort Augustus for dinner and sat right along the canal to relax. It’s now about 10pm, we’re driving back to our travel pod, and the sun has yet to set. We’re so far north that we don’t get much darkness. I’m absolutely loving it!
Tomorrow, we head to the Isle of Skye. Rumor has it we won’t have much wi-fi, so y’all have a great weekend!
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