Top 10: A Harry Potter Fan’s Guide to Scotland

Top 10: A Harry Potter Fan’s Guide to Scotland

1. THE THREE SISTERS-GLEN COE, HIGHLANDS

“YOU! YOU FOUL, LOATHSOME, EVIL LITTLE COCKROACH!” -HERMIONE

Glen Coe is one of Scotland’s most spectacular sights even for muggles! The famous glen (valley) is surrounded by mountains and was formed by volcanic eruptions and glaciers. Visitors flock here for the the incredible views, hiking, climbing, and walking. It can be found right on the A82 (you’ll actually drive through it) about 16 miles south of Fort William and there are two large parking lots. Get there early if you plan to hike, they can fill up quick! Glen Coe is featured as a backdrop in several Harry Potter films, but is probably most memorable in the Prisoner of AzkabanCheck out the scene where Hermione punches Malfoy. 50 points for Gryffindor!

2. GLENFINNAN VIADUCT – GLENFINNAN, INVERNESS-SHIRE

“RON, I SHOULD TELL YOU…MOST MUGGLES AREN’T ACCUSTOMED TO SEEING A FLYING CAR!” -HARRY

Even if you aren’t a Harry Potter fan, (gasp) you probably still recognize the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The Jacobite Steam Train (used for the Hogwarts Express in the films) crosses the 21 arches of the viaduct twice a day on a journey from Fort William to Mallaig. You can purchase tickets in advance and ride the train, or walk up on the Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail to view the steam train passing through Glenfinnan. Glenfinnan is about a 30 minute drive from Fort William and there are two car parks available near the visitor center where the trail begins, across from the Glenfinnan Monument and Loch Shiel. Give yourself enough time to drive, park, and walk up to one of the two viewing locations. If you arrive arrive by 10:30am for the first train and by 3:00pm for the second, you’ll have plenty of time to get in position to watch the Hogwarts Express pass through right before your eyes. It is truly magical.

(p.s. I cried)

3. LOCH SHIEL, GLENFINNAN, INVERNESS-SHIRE

“YOU NEED US, HARRY.” -HERMIONE

When you stop to park your car at the Glenfinnan Visitor Center, you can walk across the street to see the Glenfinnan Monument. Glenfinnan Monument, at the head of Loch Shiel, was erected, in 1815, as tribute to the Jacobite clansmen who fought and died in the cause of Prince Charles Edward Stuart. The beautiful Loch Shiel can be seen throughout the Harry Potter Films as it was used for Hogwarts lake in certain scenes, where Buckbeak flies over in Prisoner of Azkaban and in Half-Blood Prince, in the background of the flying car scene, and where Harry, Hermione, and Ron discuss how they will work together to find the horcruxes at the end of Half-Blood PrinceGet there early before the other tourists arrive and you’ll have the whole beach on the loch to yourself.

4. LOCH EILT, LOCHABER, HIGHLAND

“THE OWNER OF THE ELDER WAND MUST ALWAYS FEAR ATTACK,” SAID OLLIVANDER, “BUT THE IDEA OF THE DARK LORD IN POSSESSION OF THE DEATHSTICK IS, I MUST ADMINT…FORMIDABLE.” -MR. OLLIVANDER

This eerie island is most famously known as the spot where Voldemort stands over Dumbledore’s grave and steals the elder wand in the final scene of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. Go back a few books and you might remember seeing Hagrid knee deep, solemnly skipping stones (rocks in his case) across the water in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The island sits on Loch Eilt and can be found along the A830 between Glenfinnan and Mallaig on the Road to the Isles. Once you leave Glenfinnan and head towards Mallaig, it is about a 30-45 minute drive from the Glenfinnan Visitor Center and you will see it on your left. There is a small space to pull over and park on the left side of the road and you can walk out to get a view of the island.

 *photo taken from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elAVNTbBh9s

5. STEALL FALLS, FORT WILLIAM

“THE KEY IS TO CONCENTRATE.  AFTER THAT YOU JUST HAVE TO…” -HERMIONE

“BATTLE A DRAGON.” -HARRY

When Harry battles the Hungarian Horntail dragon in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the majestic Steall Falls can be seen in the background between two glens when the dragon breaks free and chases him out of the Quidditch stadium. This picture perfect backdrop is also featured in various scenes during Quidditch matches. Steall Falls is closest to Ft. William and part of Glen Nevis. The Steall Falls trail is a low level, 2.25 mile enchanting walk through rocky mountainsides along the gorge that opens up to a large, grassy meadow where the falls take the stage. The trail head can be accessed by car via a single lane road that ends at the trail head parking lot. You can hike there and back in about 2 hours, or you can pack a lunch, bring a blanket, and spend the afternoon amongst the wildflowers.

6. LOCH ETIVE, ARGYLL AND BUTE

“HE KNOWS. YOU-KNOW-WHO. HE KNOWS WE BROKE INTO GRINGOTTS, HE KNOWS WHAT WE TOOK, AND HE KNOWS WE’RE HUNTING HORCRUXES.” -HARRY

Scotland is filled with lochs (lakes). When driving the curvy backroads, there’s a good chance you’ll see one, if not many along the way. This almost 20 mile long loch can be accessed at various points from it’s southern most tip near Connel to it’s northern tip near Gualachulain. The spot that is featured in the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 when Harry, Ron, and Hermione are on the hunt for horcruxes is at the northern point by Glen Etive. In Part 1, it can be seen in the background when Hermione ties her scarf to the tree by their camp after Harry and Ron argue. In Part 2, it can be seen when Harry, Ron, and Hermione fall into the loch after their risky trip to Gringotts. If you are up for it, hike the Beinn Trilleachan trail for a spectacular view of the loch. The trail is a strenuous 5.5 miles and can be dangerous if the weather conditions aren’t favorable, but the views are totally worth it even if you don’t make it all the way to the top.

*photo taken from http://pynki.tumblr.com/post/39052443508/http-weaselette-com *

7. THE ELEPHANT HOUSE CAFE, EDINBURGH

“AND THE IDEA OF JUST WANDERING OFF TO A CAFE WITH A NOTEBOOK AND WRITING AND SEEING WHERE THAT TAKES ME FOR AWHILE IS JUST BLISS.” -J.K. ROWLING

Edinburgh is FULL of magical places that were inspiration for the entire Harry Potter series, but The Elephant House was first on my to-do list. It is considered the birthplace of Harry Potter because J.K. Rowling wrote parts of the first book here, and in many cafes throughout the city. The Elephant House sits in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic area with views of Edinburgh Castle. Even though this is a major tourist destination and most always has a line, the wait is worth it. The food is incredible, the atmosphere is cozy, and the J.K. Rowling love is everywhere. From the fan graffiti in the bathrooms to the pictures of her on the walls, you’ll feel right at home as a Harry Potter fan.

8. VICTORIA STREET, EDINBURGH

“WELCOME, HARRY, TO DIAGON ALLEY.” -HAGRID

After you’ve cozied up at The Elephant House for a bit, take a walk down Victoria Street. This vibrant, historic street is said to be J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley. It is filled with small, quirky shops much like those featured in the boo. In fact, in the the early 90s there was a bank and a stationary store in the same spots that Gringotts and Flourish and Blotts are in the movies. It’s easy to see why Rowling was inspired by this street. The bustle of the city, the rooftops, the cobblestone… it’s truly magical.

9. VICTORIA STREET, EDINBURGH

“WHY DON’T WE GO AND HAVE A BUTTERBEER IN THE THREE BROOMSTICKS, IT’S A BIT COLD, ISN’T IT?” -HERMIONE

So, we’ve all wondered what butterbeer tastes like since we first read about it in the Prisoner of Azkaban. I know I did. Was it alcoholic? Did it actually taste like butter, or was it more like a butterscotch candy, or was it more like a beer? Well…I got to find out. The Dog House is a quirky pub near the University of Edinburgh and The Meadows that’s a bit of a walk from the old town, but worth it when you can relax on a couch with a big, frosty mug of butterbeer. Which by the way does, in fact taste like butterscotch. Don’t drink too much though, I think The Dog House’s butterbeer is a bit more alcoholic than what they were serving to students in Hogsmeade. The vibe is eclectic, the drinks are cheap, and yes it’s pet friendly. Cheers to that!

10. EDINBURGH CASTLE

“WHETHER YOU COME BACK BY PAGE OR BY THE BIG SCREEN, HOGWARTS WILL ALWAYS BE THERE TO WELCOME YOU HOME.” -J.K. ROWLING

A visit to Edinburgh must include a stop at Edinburgh Castle. It is easy to see why this castle is said to be Rowling’s inspiration for Hogwarts. Sitting atop Castle Rock in the heart of the city, Edinburgh Castle is hard to miss. You can see parts of it from almost anywhere in the city. The castle is a major historical site in the UK and parts of the fortress were built as far back as the 12th century. It is, of course, a major tourist attraction for muggles too, so plan for long lines and big crowds. You can walk around the castle grounds and gardens for free, or buy a ticket to take a tour. Whichever you choose, take a minute while you are admiring it to stop and say “Hogwarts is my home!” (in your best Harry Potter voice).

Just Go….

***all photos are mine unless stated otherwise***

Windy Gap Trail, Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry

Windy Gap Trail, Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry

WE ALL HAVE THOSE MOMENTS. THOSE MOMENTS WHEN WE CAN’T BELIEVE WE ARE EXPERIENCING SOMETHING BECAUSE IT SEEMS SO SURREAL.  THESE MOMENTS CAN BE INCREDIBLE, OR THEY CAN BE DEVASTATING.  THE THING IS…WHETHER THEY ARE GOOD OR BAD, THEY HAVE A WAY OF CHANGING YOU.  NO MATTER WHAT…THEY CHANGE YOU.

I remember laying in bed on nights that I had a long day at work and dreaming of Ireland. I can remember telling my husband, Jacob, how we’d hike mountains and see green for miles. I can remember feeling like I would walk out of the airport and be consumed with the fresh, cool, Irish air. All of those things I day dreamed about were real and they actually happened…..to me.

For me, the time spent waiting for a vacation to come is almost just as fun as the trip. I’m one of those people who reads blog after blog, review after review, and comment sections galore before making a decision on purchases, but especially on travel options (that’s where the Type A Traveler comes in). The second we book, I’m on it. It drives my husband absolutely crazy, so he just let’s me take over and plan everything. Sure, some days….well, most days actually…I get antsy and time feels like it takes forever, but I get to consume my thoughts with what I’ll pack, or where we will go, what we’ll do, and all the little spots we’ll enjoy a local beer, or a cup of coffee. I’ll make lists and lay things out, but most of all..I’ll day dream incessantly about those surreal feelings I’ll have and all the new experiences I will be able to call memories.

I can remember it so perfectly….my first daydream come true…the smell of the fresh, Irish air. We woke up just in time to have breakfast on flight and when I saw we’d be landing in about an hour, I could feel the excitement swelling up inside me quickly. As soon I could see exit doors at Shannon Airport, I left my luggage with Jacob and had  to walk outside. I was right. I felt like I had been transported. Transported to a place that was beautiful even on a cloudy, dreary day. That  was Ireland. Grey skies, cool fresh air, and the slightest smell of moisture in the air.

So, you’re probably wondering why this post is called “The Windy Gap” when I’m over here gushing over feelings, and daydreams, and all that mushy travel stuff you see in the movies. Well…this is why…

WE ALL HAVE THOSE MOMENTS. THOSE MOMENTS WHEN WE CAN’T BELIEVE WE ARE EXPERIENCING SOMETHING BECAUSE IT SEEMS SO SURREAL.  THESE MOMENTS CAN BE INCREDIBLE, OR THEY CAN BE DEVASTATING.  THE THING IS…WHETHER THEY ARE GOOD OR BAD, THEY HAVE A WAY OF CHANGING YOU.  NO MATTER WHAT…THEY CHANGE YOU.

It was this day

6. 9. 16

We woke up at our bed and breakfast, Carrigane House, in Limerick. We were treated to a full Irish breakfast complete with french press coffee, black pudding, bacon, eggs, and Irish brown bread all made from scratch by the owner, Maura. Before we left, I had been researching trails in Ireland that were somewhere along our planned route and I stumbled upon one that looked absolutely breathtaking. It was a bit out of our way and not in our itinerary (SO not like me), but we had to hike it. 

We changed plans last-minute after breakfast and headed towards Glenbeigh. Just like the day before, we were stunned by Ireland’s beauty. Just driving through small towns, along the coast, past farms, and down tiny roads is enough to make you wonder if anything in this world is as beautiful.

When we arrived in Glenbeigh (from N70), we parked across the street from the gas station in the centre of town and loaded up our packs. Note: you can park in the parking lot across from the gas station, next to the Towers Hotel, or you can take the risk and drive up to the trailhead where there are two parking spots. If they are taken, there’s really nowhere else to park once you are up there. I would recommend parking in town because the road up to the trailhead is quite lovely and it eliminates the risk of not having a place to park (type a people like me always think it’s better safe than sorry). Also, looking back, I feel our car was safer parked in town and the trail doesn’t end at the trailhead anyway. So, you either have to park two cars (not typically an option for most people) or park in town and just walk back through town on N70 to your car.

On the way up ↓↓↓

Once we got to the trailhead, we realized we had our work cut out for us. The first leg is a fairly steep incline up to the actual windy gap. I’m not going to lie…we were out of breath. We had a tough time getting up that hill to the gap after hiking up the road. If you can bring trekking poles, DO IT! Looking back, they would have been really helpful for all of our hiking in Ireland. Take your time on this hike. It is considered moderate grade and is 6 miles long round trip. It is recommended to allot 3 hours for this 6 mile hike, but I would give yourself more  time to take pictures and just sit and enjoy the views. It might take up most of your day, but let it. Take it in, breathe it in, soak it up. Trust me. I would give anything to be in this moment again. We couldn’t help but to stop multiple times along the way and just smile at each other with exuding happiness. We kept saying to each other over and over again, “Babe, can you believe this? We are here. We are actually here. We made it.” Everything we had ever imagined about Ireland was real and happening…to us.

My second daydream come true…seeing green for miles. ↓↓↓

When we finally arrived at the top of the windy gap, I felt completely surrounded by beauty. The bay’s calm waters resting under a light blanket of fog, the small cottages amidst the sloping farmland, the mountain sheep scattered across the hills, and the rush of wind consuming every part of me that still needed to just let go. I thought of one of my favorite books and said to myself…

“AND IN THAT MOMENT I SWEAR WE WERE INFINITE”

The Perks of Being a Wallflower, pg. 39, Stephen Chbosky

Ireland changed me. The decision to do this hike changed me. This moment changed me.

Travel is not a just a luxury for those who can afford it. Travel is for the ones who daydream incessantly of places that seem too beautiful in their imagination to actually exist. It is for the ones who want to feel as though nothing else in the world is happening except what is before their eyes in a single moment. It is for the small town girls who know they are meant to experience something greater in this life. It is for all of the people out there that fill their head with excuses about why they can’t go. It doesn’t have to be 3,000 miles away. Get in the car for a drive on a Saturday, take a weekend trip with your best friend, find a small town and go to antique shops, go for a bike ride, find a local brewery/winery, go for a day hike.

Just.Go.

What to bring:
  • Hiking Boots
  • Trekking Poles(optional, but recommended)
  • Raincoat (this is just a must for Ireland.Period.No matter what you are doing)
  • Small hiking backpack for snacks and water (5L with hydration bladder is perfect )
  • Camera(all of these photos were taken with my iPhone)

 

Way to go: 

MAP: OS of Ireland 1:50,000 Discovery 78; downloadable map/instructions at http://tcs.ireland.ie/ dataland/TCSAttachments/ 341_TheKerryWay.pdf

TRAVEL: N70 from Tralee or N72 from Killarney to Killorglin; N70 to Glenbeigh. For two-car walkers, park one car neatly up side road off N70, a quarter mile west of Caragh Bridge, and drive other car on for three-quarters of a mile into Glenbeigh. Park near Towers Hotel in Main Street.

WALK DIRECTIONS: By Towers Hotel turn up road past church (Kerry Way/KW ‘walking man’ waymark post). In one third of a mile take first lane on left (KW). Follow KW to end of tarmac, then up track to cross Windy Gap and descend to 3-way fingerpost. Keep ahead (‘Scenic Route’) to reach road and follow it down to N70 and return car near Caragh Bridge.

LENGTH: 6 miles: allow 3 hours

GRADE: Moderate

CONDITIONS: Good tracks and country roads

http://www.independent.ie/life/travel/ireland/walk-of-the-week-windy-gap-co-kerry-26569883.html

http://walksireland.com/?page_id=527