Best of Highlands- 3 day Itinerary for a family trip
Third day- Road to Isles and The Jacobite Train, Isle of Skye and Eilan Donen Castle
For the last day in the Highlands, we saved the biggest and probably the most wonderful part of our journey to the end.
Road to Isles- This day would start with the famous "Road to Isles". This is a wonderful panoramic road and one of the best places in the world for a road trip. We are always accompanied by magnificent landscapes, from the immense green to the water of the various lakes, waterfalls, streams... If there were still few reasons to do this course, there is another magnificent to do so, and the reason is that this circuit is parallel to the route taken by the Jacobite Train, the famous train of Harry Potter, the "Hogwarts Express".
The Jacobite Train "Harry Potter Train" - One of the reasons we made our base at Fort William was because it was very central, but also because the starting point of the famous Hogwarts Express is there. This is the famous train in Harry Potter movies, with the real name Jacobite Train (find out more about its history here).When planning the trip at home, our first intention was to travel on the train, especially in the first carriages, which are those that continue with the original decoration and used in the filming, but which are also the most expensive.
If you are also interested, you can explore the prices here and the availability, but I advise you to make reservations in advance so that you do not run the risk of having no tickets on the dates you want.
Road to Isles and The Jacobite Train (Harry Potter Train)- Although we could not carry out our plan A (travel in the train), we moved on to Plan B which was also wonderful. And that plan was to be at Fort William Train Station and watch the train depart and follow its path along the way, taking great care to be in Glenfinnan as the train passes its famous viaduct.
The hour of departure was at 10:15 in the morning (see here the right times of your date) and, at 10 o'clock we were ready to admire the train. Needless to say we were amazed, especially our son, who had never seen anything like that.After the train departed, we also got in the car, and we were following the route, always next to the train that, by moving at low speed, it is easy to be waiting in places near the line to take our photos and wave to the machinists, that were extremely friendly.
Glenfinnan- After a little more than 25 kms, we arrived at Glenfinnan. There we can see the Glenfinnan Monument, in honor of Bonnie Prince Charlie. It is possible to climb this monument and admire the loch Shiel from its top, but our main reason for being here was to see the train passing by the Glenfinnan Viaduct, that was famous in the movie Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, in the flying car scene (see here) and we could not risk missing that moment.
Upon arrival, you have a car park by the road at a perfect place and distance to take your photos or just be amazed at the spectacle you are preparing to watch. It's a must-see for any Harry Potter fan, gorgeous.
Morar- After being dazzled by what we saw, we continued our journey down the Road to Isles and shortly before arriving at Mallaig, we stopped a bit in Morar to be amazed by the white sandy beaches, in a place we probably would not imagine finding.
Mallaig- The two-hour train journey ends in Mallaig and, at its train station you can focus on admiring the train beauty.The other reason we went to Mallaig was to catch the ferry that would take us to the Isle of Skye. It is possible to buy the ticket at the time but, to avoid not having place, you can make the reservation in advance, see it here.
While we waited for the time to catch the boat, we buy some delicious fish and ships and had lunch in the port. Just be careful with the seagulls who will want to share the meal with you.
Isle of Skye- The ferry goes towards Armadale and, after a short crossing, we set off our car towards Dunveagan Castle, getting dazzled by the natural beauty of the island. If the Highlands are already a place with a low population density, the Isle of Skye seems to be even less populated. It is difficult to travel without being always amazed by what we see and, in relation to this Island, we had the strong feeling that we need to stay longer, namely a few days to give the time that this island deserves.
Something we would very much like to have done and it is one of the reasons of fame of the island is the bird watching but it will have to be for a second visit. Along the way it is wonderful to see the traffic signs in two languages and see how to spell Gaelic. I must say that the reading is a bit complicated.
Dunveagan Castle- The journey to Dunveagan Castle is about 90 kms, which allows you to get a little idea of the beauty of Skye Island. This castle belongs to the Clan Macleod since the middle ages and is in a good state of repair, perhaps one of the best we saw on our trip. However, this castle is still used for private use, so there is only one part that you can visit, but just by walking through the gardens is worth the visit.
Eilean Donan Castle- Whoever saw the movie Highlander - 1986 (See here on Youtube) will remember that Clan Macleod is not in Dunveagan Castle, but in Eilean Donan Castle, as you can see at the beginning of the film (see here). This beginning of the film is memorable and, this is probably the most famous Castle in Scotland and the anxiety to see it was huge. To get to it, it was about 90 kms down the A87 road, passing by the Skye Bridge to get off the Island (no ferry this time).
The entry price is 7.5 pounds for adults, and 4 for children over 5 years, the younger ones don’t pay. Know more information about prices and schedules here.The Castle is right on the edge of the Lock Duich and is perfect. Besides being ideal for perfect photograph, it's beautiful. This 13th-century castle was restored in 1932 after having been ruined for almost 200 years and, thankfully, it was a perfect job. Enjoy this moment as much as you can, because is undoubtedly special.
After this spectacular visit, we followed a journey of about 100 kms to Fort William, our base, and made the most of it to be dazzled by the beauty of the Highlands as we approached the farewell. The journey is constantly carried out along spectacular lakes or mountains and, although we feel away from all the other people, the safety of the roads is great.
See here our full itinerary on Google Maps.
Next morning, we went to Glasgow, passing by the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Follow here our next day in Glasgow, the last of our adventure in Scotland.
For the last day in the Highlands, we saved the biggest and probably the most wonderful part of our journey to the end.
Road to Isles- This day would start with the famous "Road to Isles". This is a wonderful panoramic road and one of the best places in the world for a road trip. We are always accompanied by magnificent landscapes, from the immense green to the water of the various lakes, waterfalls, streams... If there were still few reasons to do this course, there is another magnificent to do so, and the reason is that this circuit is parallel to the route taken by the Jacobite Train, the famous train of Harry Potter, the "Hogwarts Express".
The Jacobite Train "Harry Potter Train" - One of the reasons we made our base at Fort William was because it was very central, but also because the starting point of the famous Hogwarts Express is there. This is the famous train in Harry Potter movies, with the real name Jacobite Train (find out more about its history here).When planning the trip at home, our first intention was to travel on the train, especially in the first carriages, which are those that continue with the original decoration and used in the filming, but which are also the most expensive.
If you are also interested, you can explore the prices here and the availability, but I advise you to make reservations in advance so that you do not run the risk of having no tickets on the dates you want.
Road to Isles and The Jacobite Train (Harry Potter Train)- Although we could not carry out our plan A (travel in the train), we moved on to Plan B which was also wonderful. And that plan was to be at Fort William Train Station and watch the train depart and follow its path along the way, taking great care to be in Glenfinnan as the train passes its famous viaduct.
The hour of departure was at 10:15 in the morning (see here the right times of your date) and, at 10 o'clock we were ready to admire the train. Needless to say we were amazed, especially our son, who had never seen anything like that.After the train departed, we also got in the car, and we were following the route, always next to the train that, by moving at low speed, it is easy to be waiting in places near the line to take our photos and wave to the machinists, that were extremely friendly.
Glenfinnan- After a little more than 25 kms, we arrived at Glenfinnan. There we can see the Glenfinnan Monument, in honor of Bonnie Prince Charlie. It is possible to climb this monument and admire the loch Shiel from its top, but our main reason for being here was to see the train passing by the Glenfinnan Viaduct, that was famous in the movie Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, in the flying car scene (see here) and we could not risk missing that moment.
Upon arrival, you have a car park by the road at a perfect place and distance to take your photos or just be amazed at the spectacle you are preparing to watch. It's a must-see for any Harry Potter fan, gorgeous.
Morar- After being dazzled by what we saw, we continued our journey down the Road to Isles and shortly before arriving at Mallaig, we stopped a bit in Morar to be amazed by the white sandy beaches, in a place we probably would not imagine finding.
Mallaig- The two-hour train journey ends in Mallaig and, at its train station you can focus on admiring the train beauty.The other reason we went to Mallaig was to catch the ferry that would take us to the Isle of Skye. It is possible to buy the ticket at the time but, to avoid not having place, you can make the reservation in advance, see it here.
While we waited for the time to catch the boat, we buy some delicious fish and ships and had lunch in the port. Just be careful with the seagulls who will want to share the meal with you.
Isle of Skye- The ferry goes towards Armadale and, after a short crossing, we set off our car towards Dunveagan Castle, getting dazzled by the natural beauty of the island. If the Highlands are already a place with a low population density, the Isle of Skye seems to be even less populated. It is difficult to travel without being always amazed by what we see and, in relation to this Island, we had the strong feeling that we need to stay longer, namely a few days to give the time that this island deserves.
Something we would very much like to have done and it is one of the reasons of fame of the island is the bird watching but it will have to be for a second visit. Along the way it is wonderful to see the traffic signs in two languages and see how to spell Gaelic. I must say that the reading is a bit complicated.
Eilean Donan Castle- Whoever saw the movie Highlander - 1986 (See here on Youtube) will remember that Clan Macleod is not in Dunveagan Castle, but in Eilean Donan Castle, as you can see at the beginning of the film (see here). This beginning of the film is memorable and, this is probably the most famous Castle in Scotland and the anxiety to see it was huge. To get to it, it was about 90 kms down the A87 road, passing by the Skye Bridge to get off the Island (no ferry this time).
The entry price is 7.5 pounds for adults, and 4 for children over 5 years, the younger ones don’t pay. Know more information about prices and schedules here.The Castle is right on the edge of the Lock Duich and is perfect. Besides being ideal for perfect photograph, it's beautiful. This 13th-century castle was restored in 1932 after having been ruined for almost 200 years and, thankfully, it was a perfect job. Enjoy this moment as much as you can, because is undoubtedly special.
After this spectacular visit, we followed a journey of about 100 kms to Fort William, our base, and made the most of it to be dazzled by the beauty of the Highlands as we approached the farewell. The journey is constantly carried out along spectacular lakes or mountains and, although we feel away from all the other people, the safety of the roads is great.
Next morning, we went to Glasgow, passing by the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Follow here our next day in Glasgow, the last of our adventure in Scotland.
Tags:
3 day itinerary
3 days in Highlands
Dunveagan Castle
Eilan Donen Castle
ferry
Glenfinnan
Harry Potter
Isle of Skye
Jacobite
Mallaig
morar
Road to Isles
The Jacobite Train
Train
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