The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a 19th-century railway bridge. It was famous for its 21 arches. Today however, it is better known for its appearance in the Harry Potter films as the bridge crossed by the Hogwarts express.
The rail line provides regular rail service between Fort William and Mallaig.
Originally referred to as the Jacobite Steam Train, the engine travels over the Glenfinnan Viaduct twice daily (each way) during the summer season (April-October).
The image below shows the viaduct spanning the glenn in the highlands.
Glenfinnan Viaduct Spanning the Glenn
This is where the trains scenes in the movies were filmed. As such, it is a huge tourist draw from people all over the world. While I was hiking up to the viewpoint, I recognized languages from Italy, Germany, Spain, India, Japan, China, and several others I did not recognize.
Hogwarts Express Crossing the Viaduct
I wanted to stay and take a few more photos when the train passed in the early evening. I did climb back up to the viewing area, which is simply a trail along a hillside. Then I descended down to a position I liked. The plan was to get a lower position and a more direct head-on shot.
The midges were thick in the air. I had waited 30 minutes and had another 30 to go. Midges as a small biting insect that travels in swarms. I had a cloud of them around me.
That in itself was very annoying. I kept telling myself the more upset I get, the more heat I’ll radiate. I tried to calm myself to cool down… literally.
I took all I could. I had to leave. I’ll return when there is a slight breeze. They do not come out when there is a breeze.
Thankfully, the nice blue sky had been overcome with clouds. The lighting was flat. That is the official reason for not getting the photo I wanted. The midges had nothing to do with it! haha
Still, I was rewarded for my decision. As I walked back to the rental car, I spotted a Red Deer grazing in a field on the other side of the stream.
Red Deer
That was yesterday. Today, every piece of exposed skin has little red dots; slightly smaller than measles, but they itch way more!