It's National Cream Tea Day! To celebrate this delightful day on the calendar, I thought I'd give you a glimpse into one of Scotland's funnest afternoon teas that I experienced last month. And yes, while I realise there's a slight difference in cream tea and afternoon tea, I wanted to showcase this magical day out so you can perhaps plan a future trip or bare this in mind as a gift for someone. Let's get to it- tickets please...
The afternoon tea experience I'm talking about is of course The Jacobite (The Hogwarts Express or simply 'the Harry Potter train' to you Muggles). This iconic steam train journey starts in Fort William under Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and takes its passengers on an 84 mile round trip through; that breathtaking backdrop (and famous Hazza P movie spot) of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the beautiful village of Arisaig (home to Britain's most westerly mainland railway station), the silvery sands of Morar (also home to Britain's deepest freshwater loch) before stopping at Mallaig, a picturesque working port.
We set off at 12.45 with afternoon tea served at 2pm, giving you plenty of time to take in the stunning scenery. From your window snow capped mountains dominate the skyline with glistening lochs and little lambs leeping on the pastures below. (Too fairytale-ish? Well the view beats the Carrick Hills that's for sure.)
Along the way you'll pass over the infamous Glenfinnan Viaduct, with the train slowing down to allow passengers to snap photos and videos.
Before afternoon tea is served, tea, coffee and water are complimentary with soft drinks and other snacks a small added fee. A Fanta Lemon and crisps cost us just £2. (I wonder if a Fredo would actually cost 10p).
After taking in the picturesque views, hearing the noises of the train and watching the steam pass overhead, (which feels like a scene from The Railway Children) it was time for afternoon tea to be served.
I'll be honest I didn't have high hopes of an afternoon tea served in a box (how uncouth darling) as half the magic for me is in the set up of patterned china plates with matching tea sets of cups and saucers- but this boxed version far exceeded those expectations.
For savoury we had three sarnies made up of; cheese and pickle, egg mayo and rocket, and ham and tomato. What can I say, I inhaled them.
For sweets we had; a brownie- which was delicious and tasted almost hazlenutty- (it also looked drier than it tasted which is better than the other way about as nobody likes a dry brownie), a slice of carrot cake and the surprise star of the show- a classic Victoria sponge cake.
Now I know what you're thinking, a boring old Vic sponge? Really Abi. But this cake was seriously tasty! A moist sponge oozing with strawberry jam and fresh cream, topped with a healthy dusting of icing sugar- sometimes you can't beat the classics. Fortunately no Dementors came aboard to attempt to pinch my slice as they'd be on the receiving end of a cheeky Patronus charm or a swift throat punch... Whatever I could manage first.
To finish, was the all important scone, of course. We received two scones EACH (one fruit and one plain) with jam, butter and clotted cream. Now, in my opinion the right way to scone is jam topped with clotted cream (butter optional but always placed first before jam) but my weirdo fiance did cream first topped with jam?! Reader debate: what way do you eat a scone?
After enjoying our belly-busting lunch, (afternoon teas are deceivingly filling) we sat back and enjoyed more stunning scenes. Passing the silvery beaches of Morar were absolutely beautiful and I wish we had time to explore there, but that just gives us another reason to come back.
Not long after Morar, the train pulled into Mallaig where we stopped for one hour 45 mins. Mallaig was a picturesque port with shops, cafes and a couple of pubs. We enjoyed a crisp pint outside in a beer garden before wandering around the shops and heading back to get some photos of the train.
We also checked out the onboard shop which had plenty of Harry Potter gifts including wands and tasty jelly snakes (I dunno how we managed to fit in more food either).
This afternoon tea experience really was magical; from the old fashioned steam train with its comfy seats and quaint interior, to the panorama views (have I mentioned the views?) to the delicious boxed afternoon tea itself- this is definitely one trip worth taking. All aboard!
Speak soon,
Wee Eb
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