Harry Potter fans Top 5 must visit spots in Scotland

Calling all witches, wizards, muggles, and other creatures – planning a trip to Scotland AND a huge Harry Potter fan? Your visit to Scotland would not be complete without a visit to all the absolute best Harry Potter locations, as well as stretching your legs on one of our famous long walks.

If you love Harry Potter as much as we do – then read on as we share our Top 5 must-visit locations in Scotland, each one of them formed some part was of the movies and hold a special place in our hearts.

Grab your wands and scarves – Alohomora, and let’s go!!

The Glenfinnan Viaduct and Jacobite Steam Train

All aboard the Hogwarts Express. Featured in several of the movies, the now-iconic twenty-one arched Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Jacobite steam train are so popular, that train bookings in advance are highly advised.

The train runs only from April to October and departs morning and afternoon from Fort William to Mallaig return and takes about two and a half hours each way.

Fort William lies at the end of The West Highland Way and this would make the perfect reward for walkers who have just completed this 8-day walk.

The scenery from the train is utterly breathtaking and we highly recommend the trip. Find out more and book here.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is where JK Rowling wrote the bulk of the Harry Potter books (and the last book was written in the beautiful Balmoral Hotel, where she secreted herself away to focus without any outside distractions). PS – you can even stay in the JK Rowling Suite at the hotel if you so wish.

No Edinburgh trip would be complete without a visit to Victoria Street (or Diagon Alley as you may know it) and it looks pretty much like it does in the movies too! There are several Harry Potter-themed shops, so this is also a wonderful opportunity to stock up on some merchandise.

Of course, Greyfriars Kirkyard is also worth a visit, many of the names in the movies will pop out at you – and you can even visit the grave of Thomas Riddell (yes, he was an actual person in real life.)

Steall Falls, Ben Nevis

Although glimpsed very quickly in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Steall Falls are breathtaking in real life. Remember the bit when Harry is being chased by the Horntail during the Quidditch match?

The waterfall in the background is Steall Falls, which is the second-highest in Britain at 120 meters and can be walked to on its own or as part of The West Highland Way long walk.

Rannoch Moor, Lochaber

Considered one of the largest wilderness areas in Scotland, Rannoch Moor is where the Death Eaters stop the train while it is on the way to Hogwarts and raid the train to capture Harry in The Deathly Hallows Part 1.

You can also see this stunning moor, rugged mountains, and lakes from the Jacobite Steam Train (mentioned above). Hopefully, you will not see any Death Eaters though! 😉

Gorgeous Glencoe

Glencoe is said to be Scotland’s most famous and most scenic glen, and it has also been voted as Scotland’s most romantic glen.

Glencoe was a key location for the filming of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and played host to three different outdoor sets.

The mountains form the backdrop to Hagrid's hut, and the turreted gatehouse of Hogwarts as well as the Hogwarts bridge.

Glencoe is not only a great spot for hillwalking and mountaineering, but it also serves as an ideal point from which to explore the Highlands.

We hope that you can add some of these locations to your itinerary, we know that you will love visiting them – as much as you will enjoy your long walks here in scenic Scotland.

We cannot wait to see you soon – travel safe!!

The Walkers Club Team