Hogwarts (was Re: Changes I would make.)

[Geoff Bannister]

No: HPFGUIDX 177538

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Steve" <bboyminn at ...> wrote:

bboyminn:

> As to the locations of Hogwarts, check my maps -
 
> 'Where in the World is Hogwarts?'
> http://www.homestead.com/BlueMoonMarket/Files/Hogwarts/hogwarts1.htm
> 
> On the first image, I will give you coordinates for
> areas 1a) and area 3).
> 
> Area 1a)
> 
> 57d 45m 00s N
> 04d 35m 00s W
> 
> Area 3)
> 
> 57d 02m 00s N
> 03d 42m 00s W
> 
> I chose these locations based on Rail Lines, Roads, 
> and village locations, as well as geographic 
> descriptions.
> 

Geoff:
Putting aside astronomical considerations, I wrote back in message 
83994 (posted 02/11/03) putting forward my judgement that 
Hogwarts could be possibly on Rannoch Moor or on the Knoydart 
peninsula because of their remoteness.

Looking at the maps, I also posted message 83968 on the same date 
pointing out that Peebles (with an 's') has had no railway connection 
since 1967.

Bearing in mind that the Hogwarts Express is a Wizarding World train, 
I did also suggest in those posts that Hogsmeade does not match up 
to any of the existing railway termini in the Highlands and is possibly 
a magical branch line hidden to Muggle eyes.

Even if it follows real main lines until into Scotland, the route is odd. 
If Hogwarts, as I suggest is in the West Highlands, the logical route 
would be to follow the West Coast Main Line from Euston (which is 
about half a mile from King's Cross) directly up to Glasgow. Going up 
the East Coast Main Line from KX takes you stright into Edinburgh and 
you then have to head west into Glasgow to take you in the right 
direction. It is not easy to avoid going through Glasgow or Edinburgh; 
the only route is to leave the WCML at Motherwell, not far north of 
Lockerbie (of Pan Am 104 notoriety) and then travel through Carstairs 
into Stirling - which is really too far east.

It is probably not connected with these considerations, but in the 
'medium which dare not speak its name', the Hogwarts Express is 
frequently shown crossing Glenfinnan viaduct on the West Highland 
line from Fort Wiliam to Mallaig.