The Harry Potter Connection
When you think about Harry Potter many names come to mind such as Ron, Hermione, Muggles, Quidditch and Hogwart’s, but who thinks of Glen Nevis?
Glen Nevis, which comes from the Gaelic Gleann Nibheis, is a spectacular and popular glen situated in Lochaber, in the Highlands of Scotland. Fort William is at the foot of the Glen, and the Mamore range borders it to the south. To the north are the highest mountains in the British Isles, namely Ben Nevis, Càrn Mor Dearg, Aonach Mòr, and Aonach Beag.
The magnificent glen is home to one of the three highest waterfalls in Scotland, Steall Falls, where the Allt Coire a'Mhail joins the Water of Nevis. Below the waterfall is a steeply walled and impressive gorge.
The Highland Council have ensured that travelling into Glen Nevis, there is a car park at the entrance to the path that runs along the gorge. There is a rather steep climb up the path, and it leads into the peaceful glen. A wire bridge leads across to the base of the waterfall. There is a sign at the car park that warns it is potentially lethal, but the council, as it has eased access and reduced soil erosion, an unfortunate effect of many interested walkers, has improved it from time to time.
The actors involved in the filming did not, unfortunately, travel to Glen Nevis. Daniel Radcliffe and his fellow artistes were too involved in filming at the studios to come to Scotland. Despite this lack of an actual appearance in the Highlands of Scotland, the scenery was filmed from different angles and then incorporated into the game of Quidditch.
Pupils were recruited from the local schools in Fort William and used for distance shots, with body doubles being used for the closer shots. Yet the glen has a special ambience appearance that shows through and adds to the magic that is Harry Potter.
