From the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct to the chilly waters of Loch Shiel, our guide explores Glenfinnan’s top sites for a magical Scottish Highlands trip
Though it runs to just a handful of residents, Glenfinnan must be one of the most remarkable hamlets in Britain. Not only does it contain two iconic wonders of architecture – a mighty monument with dark origins and an extraordinary railway viaduct – it sports its own walking trail and can even be reached by steam train.
The spectacular Glenfinnan Monument is one of many historic places cared for by National Trust for Scotland, a Boundless Plus partner. With Boundless Plus membership, you can enjoy unlimited access to over incredible 100 National Trust for Scotland places – plus free admission for up to six children per visit and free car parking. Find out more about Boundless membership benefits and discover how they can help you to make the most of Scotland’s historic sites.
There’s so much to see and do that even the tiny railway station has its own museum. And, if you’re a fan of the Harry Potter films, a visit brings its own special magic as you find yourself following in the on-screen footsteps of your favourite boy wizard. There truly is something for all ages.
Genfinnan Monument. Credit: Getty Images
As if this wasn’t enough, Glenfinnan has also played its own rebellious part in Scottish history. It was here that the 1745 Jacobite Uprising began – and then, 150 years later, the hamlet’s River Finnan did its best to scupper the plans of those building the West Highland Line, ‘The Iron Road to the Isles’.
Famous attractions in Glenfinnan
Glenfinnan Viaduct
he solution to crossing the Finnan and its steep-sided valley has become one of Scotland’s greatest landmarks: the stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct. Completed in 1901 by Robert McAlpine Jr, it carries two railway tracks 30 metres above the River Finnan in an artistic curve. The 380-metre, 21-arch viaduct is Scotland's longest concrete bridge and had a starring role in two Harry Potter films. However, those aren’t its only screen credits. The viaduct also appeared in Charlotte Gray and Ring of Bright Water, and the television series The Crown, Monarch of the Glen and others besides. It even took pride of place on a Bank of Scotland £10 note. Introduced in 2007 but sadly, the note was withdrawn after a decade in circulation.The best way to experience the full majesty of the Glenfinnan Viaduct is to hit the family-friendly Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail. You can pick up a guide from the station museum that includes an easy-to-follow map as well as tips on what animals and plants you can see on your way. Or, if you’d prefer to use your phone, you can download the Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail Guide. As you walk the trail, the app displays images accompanied by audio messages to enrich your knowledge of the local history, landscape and wildlife.
Glenfinnan Station Museum
Before you head out, spend some time in the Glenfinnan Station Museum. There you can hear the dramatic story of the building of the West Highland Line and learn about the unsung heroes who swung the pick axes to bring it into being. There’s a beautifully restored signal box with its own heritage film studio, and a toy chest in the booking office to keep young minds amused. If you’re feeling peckish you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in a lovingly restored dining car.
The Jacobite – Hogwarts Express
The Jacobite Express on Glenfinnan Viaduct. Credit: Getty Images
If you want to be one of those lucky people on the steam train as it trundles over the viaduct, simply buy a ticket for The Jacobite. Nowadays, following the train’s celebrated role in the Harry Potter films, it’s better known as the Hogwarts Express. It still uses some of the carriages that transported Daniel Ratcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, so you can really get in touch with your inner Harry, Hermione or Ron. Chugging between Fort William and Mallaig on the West Highland Line, the high point of the journey (in more ways than one) is of course the crossing of the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Loch Shiel
Credit: Getty Images
The viaduct overlooks the head of Loch Shiel, most of whose 18-mile length is hidden from view. If this piques your curiosity, you can explore it by joining a tour with Loch Shiel Cruises. Hop on board the M.V. Sileas and, while you enjoy a drink or a snack from the bar, the crew will entertain you with stories of the history of the loch while pointing out any golden eagles, white-tailed eagles, hen harriers or other birds that happen to be patrolling the skies of this pleasingly remote corner.
Glenfinnan Monument
Right at the head of Loch Shiel stands the slender Glenfinnan Monument with its lone Highlander on top. The monument was built in 1815 on the spot where 1,200 Highlanders pledged allegiance to Bonnie Prince Charlie, thus sparking the 1745 Jacobite Uprising, and stands as a memorial to those who fought and perished in the rebellion. Nowadays, the monument also sheds a light on the iniquities of the slave trade, since its construction was partly financed by the proceeds from Jamaican slave plantations. There’s a visitor centre and café, but do book online if you want to climb the monument.
Don’t forget as a Boundless Plus member you can park at the Glenfinnan Monument for free, plus gain unlimited access to all National Trust for Scotland places, including free admission for one adult guest per visit and up to six children.
Loch Eilt – the film star
Credit: Getty Images
Just to the west of Glenfinnan lies the sinuous Loch Eilt, home to a smattering of small islands. One of which – Eilean na Moine – is the fictional last resting place of the sage headmaster of Hogwarts, Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, as seen in the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1). That isn’t the only time the loch’s played a starring role on celluloid. Youngsters can keep their eyes peeled for it in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, while more senior film buffs may recognise it from the much loved Bill Forsyth film Local Hero.
Glenfinnan's best views
For such a small place, Glenfinnan has a wonderful array of photogenic views. Visitors arriving by rail will be able to enjoy a sumptuous vista of the Glenfinnan Monument and the head of Loch Shiel (try to nab a seat on the left going north and the right going south). Although it’s generally agreed that the best views of Glenfinnan Viaduct are from the Glenfinnan Trail, it’s also inspiring to look up at it from the shores of Loch Shiel. And, of course, for views down the loch, you can’t beat a climb to the top of Glenfinnan Monument.So, for the full Glenfinnan experience you really need to arrive on The Jacobite steam train; mosey around the station museum; do the viaduct trail; climb the monument; sail around Loch Shiel; and admire the film star looks of Loch Eilt. But even then you wouldn’t have done it all because there’s one last thing: a Catholic church designed in the Gothic style by the renowned architect E Welby Pugin. St Mary and St Finnan’s was built in memory of the MacDonalds of Glenaladale, who hosted Bonnie Prince Charlie when he came to Glenfinnan to raise his army in 1745. Set on the hillside, the church offers yet another spectacular angle from which to view Loch Shiel and the hills that cradle it.
Travel and accommodation – what you need to know
There’s no getting around it: parking is a problem in Glenfinnan, with both car parks quickly running out of space, especially in summer. Therefore the most relaxed – and yet exciting – way to get to Glenfinnan is to go by train. There’s a regular Muggle service run by Scotrail, or for a real treat you can arrive on The Jacobite steam train, or take one of the popular day-trip coach tours from Edinburgh. There are plenty of options in the locality if you fancy staying overnight, from a stylish country house hotel and a magnificent villa to tiny eco homes and even a restored railway sleeping carriage.
Do more with Boundless
If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus.
With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to the Ramblers' extensive group walks and routes, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by LV= Britannia Rescue.
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