🚂 Glenfinnan Viaduct – A Rainy Day Hogwarts Moment

Despite the Highland drizzle, our visit to the Glenfinnan Viaduct felt nothing short of magical. Nestled between misty hills and the shimmering waters of Loch Shiel, this iconic 21-arch railway bridge is instantly recognizable to Harry Potter fans — it’s where the Hogwarts Express chugs its way to school.

Built between 1897 and 1901, the viaduct is the longest concrete railway bridge in Scotland, stretching 380 meters (1,250 ft) across a dramatic valley. We arrived just in time to watch the Jacobite Steam Train cross at 10:45 AM, billowing smoke and whistles echoing through the glen — a perfect cinematic moment, even in the rain.

A must-see for fans and a stunning piece of engineering for everyone else.

⚙️ Neptune’s Staircase – A Hands-On Canal Adventure

Today we stopped at Neptune’s Staircase, an impressive series of eight canal locks on the Caledonian Canal near Fort William. Built in the early 1800s by engineer Thomas Telford, it’s the longest staircase lock in Britain, lifting boats 19 meters (62 feet) over a quarter mile.

We arrived just as a small fleet of boats was preparing to head upstream — and got to help! Pressing the levers to operate the gates felt like stepping into the rhythm of a centuries-old system. It was both fun and fascinating to see the mechanics in action and the teamwork involved in guiding the boats through. A perfect mix of history, engineering, and hands-on fun.