Glenfinnan Viaduct

If you've just received your letter from Hogwarts then you'll soon be heading over this fabulous bridge on the way to start your wizarding lessons. This is of course the Glenfinnan Viaduct and probably achieved its notoriety from appearing in the Harry Potter films.

Built between 1897 and 1901, the Glenfinnan Viaduct was the brainchild of Sir Robert McAlpine, a prominent civil engineer of his time. Its primary purpose was to connect the remote areas of the Highlands by rail, opening up opportunities for a wee bit of trade and travel.

The viaduct's 21 arches gracefully span the breathtaking Glenfinnan area and its surrounding terrain making me wish this was my daily commute. I wanted to climb the hill in the background for a better view, but I was egregiously told "absolutely not!"

However I did have a little climb up the nearby bank (along with 300 other people) to get a better view of the viaduct. Absolutely spectacular.

We had checked the timetable and fingers crossed had timed it right for the train to cross over. As it was coming from the other way, I headed down and up the opposite bank. Just in time!

There were plenty of whoops from the throng of people on the hill as the Jacobite steam train emerged around the corner. We just caught a glimpse of Harry, Ron and Hermoine as it chuffed past.

It's a cracking piece of Victorian craftsmanship set in a sensationally spectacular location, but not very well hidden as the whole place was chocka with tourists, especially around the times when the train makes an appearance.

There are plenty of little paths for you to wander around at ground level, but definitely worth heading part way up some of the hills to get a better view.

There's lots of things to do nearby including the Glenfinnan Monument and even a wild swim in Loch Shiel.