Run Britain Days 124 and 125: Acharacle to Fort William

Day 124 was a tough one, dominated by a long stretch of dangerous A-road which I had to run along into a headwind. But it finished at Glenfinnan Viaduct, which is a fascinating place. 

Glenfinnan Viaduct was used in the filming of Harry Potter. The trainline which runs over the viaduct is the one that the Hogwarts Express travels along and the viaduct features prominently in the scene where Harry and Ron fly a car to school.

I can see why this location was chosen for filming. It is very beautiful, and with the mountains behind, it is also very clearly Scotland (which is where Hogwarts is meant to be). 

But what is fascinating about Glenfinnan is not that it was used in a film, it is what has happened since the film. Because on a cold, wet Wednesday in February, the car park adjacent to the viaduct was absolutely heaving. 

I don’t think I am exaggerating when I say I saw more people in the car park than I have done in the whole of the rest of Scotland so far (excluding my day in Glasgow). And it’s not like at King’s Cross, where Harry Potter fans can go and see platform 9 and ¾ as part of a day out in London - there is nothing else in Glenfinnan. And all these people are willing to pay £8 for the car park. Plus whatever Harry Potter trinkets they have bought in the gift shop. 

I never cease to be blown away by the power of Harry Potter. How, nearly 30 years after the first book’s publication, one of its filming locations can still be beckoning such huge volumes of tourists. 

Returning to the viaduct on the start of day 125 was great. The sun was shining and the car park was far emptier. If you’re after a picture in front of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, I recommend visiting nice and early. It seems that Harry Potter tourists are not early risers.