The Jacobite steam train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Inverness-shire

© The Escape of Malee/Shutterstoc

Next stop, Hogwarts. Glenfinnan Viaduct

The Glenfinnan Viaduct set the scene for the journey to Hogwarts in the first Harry Potter film, which premiered 20 years ago. The movie adaptation of JK Rowling’s books filmed here at the top of Loch Shiel in the West Highlands, to recreate the Hogwarts Express's journey to the magical boarding school. It wasn’t the first time this curved bridge lit up the big screen, but for generations of fans, it put this area firmly on the map of Potter-themed places to visit.

In real life, the Hogwarts Express is the Jacobite steam train, which casts its own spell on passengers as it carries them across the towering viaduct on an enchanting 84-mile round-trip through some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery, passing Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, in the summer months. Now that’s magic.