All aboard! A family travelling in the Scottish highlands recently received a rescue fit for a witch or wizard. When Jon and Helen Cluett of Stirling, Scotland found themselves stranded with their four young children after their canoe was swept away by an unruly river, they called the police for help. The Scottish police and mountain rescue acted quickly, sending the Jacobite steam train to make an unscheduled stop to pick up the family. The Jacobite steam train goes by another, more famous name — The Hogwarts Express.
Since the walk back to the family’s car was over three miles through uncertain terrain, the train was the only safe option to transport the Cluetts. The family quickly packed up their things and made it to the train station where they were greeted by the same train that took Harry, Hermione. and Ron to Hogwarts every year. While the official train used in the Harry Potter movies is actually in London at Warner Bros., the other Jacobite steam trains are identical and still run on a line between Fort William and Mallaig in Scotland. The line travels over 41 miles of scenic countryside, including the Glenfinnan Viaduct that is also featured in the Harry Potter films.
BBC reports that when the police told Jon and Helen what would be picking them up they said, “ your kids are going to love it.” They certainly weren’t wrong! The kids all had big smiles on their faces once they saw the Hogwarts Express coming down the railroad tracks. The train picked them up and dropped them off at the next stop where Jon was then able to hitch a ride to his car. Although he is upset that he lost his 16-foot red canoe, it was definitely an adventure the family won’t forget anytime soon. We just hope they were able to buy some Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans from the trolley witch while they were on the train.
Related: This Magic Candle Will Tell You Which Hogwarts House You Belong to
