Glenfinnan Guide West Highlands Scotland

Glenfinnan, Scotland

Guide to Glenfinnan, West Highlands

Jake Davies

The Jacobite steam train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct. — The Jacobite steam train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, an iconic view thanks to the Harry Potter movies

Glenfinnan is a small community in the West Highlands at the head of picturesque Loch Shiel. It is a stop on the West Highland Railway Line that runs from Fort William to Mallaig.

Glenfinnan Station on the Jacobite Steam Train. — Glenfinnan Station a stop on the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig

Glenfinnan Viaduct

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is now probably the most well known of the local attractions. Carrying the rail line across the Finnan River before it empties into the loch, the 1000 foot long bridge curves gracefully almost 180 degrees across the valley and passengers on the trains enjoy great views of the loch.

The heritage stream train the Jacobite passes over during the summer months, and this is what now draws visitors for the photo opportunity, though for many the train is known as the Hogwarts Express as the train and the viaduct has featured in several of the Harry Potter movies.

From Glenfinnan Station a trail climbs along the hillside and offers several locations to view the steam train as it crosses the valley.

The station has now been turned into a museum dedicated to not only the building of the impressive viaduct but also the building of the branch line from Fort William to Mallaig as well as nostalgic displays that will appeal to railway buffs of all ages.

Glenfinnan Station Museum of the West Highland Line. — Glenfinnan Station Museum filled with nostalgic railway paraphernalia and documenting the construction of the West Highland Line

The viaduct was finished in 1898 and is built out of concrete by Robert McAlpine, known by the nickname "Concrete Bob".

It is 100 feet above the river below and is composed of 21 semicircular spans of 50 feet. At the station the traditional signal box is open to the public and the museum has several heritage carriages, the dining car being used as a cafe and a sleeping car converted into overnight accommodations.

Station Road, Glenfinnan
Scotland PH37 4LT
Tel: 01397 722 295

Open 9 am to 5 pm every day except Sundays 10 am to 5 pm

The Dining Car at Glenfinnan Station. Delicious snacks and drinks with great views

The Glenfinnan Monument

Less than a mile from the station, on the shores of Loch Shiel is a monument built long before the railway came to the area.

The Glenfinnan Monument was built in 1815 to commemorate the spot where in 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his family standard and began the ill-fated Jacobite Uprising, the last of several that took place in the early 18th century.

Topped with a statue of lone, kilted highlander, the column is 18 meters high and can be climbed by an internal staircase. From the top there are magnificent views of the loch and surrounding mountains as well as a distant view of the viaduct.

Now operated by National Trust Scotland, a new visitor center has exhibitions and displays about the uprising and Bonnie Prince Charlie in both English and Gaelic.

Open 9 am to 6 pm everyday. Entry 4 GBP for adults, 10 GBP for a family.

Tel: 01397 722 250

The elegant curve of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland, UK. — The elegant curve of the Glenfinnan Viaduct

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

St. Mary & St. Finnan Catholic Church on the shore of Loch Shiel in Glenfinnan. — St. Mary & St. Finnan Catholic Church on the shore of Loch Shiel in Glenfinnan

Access - Getting There

Loch Shiel stretches 28 kilometers and is the 4th longest loch in Scotland. During the summer there are boat tours on the loch and the surrounding mountains are great for hiking. St. Mary & St. Finnan Church is worth a visit.

There are numerous hotels, guest houses, B&B's, and holiday cottages in the area. Some recommendations include the 3-star The Prince's House Hotel, close to Loch Shiel, the 4-star Glenfinnan House Hotel with a restaurant, free private parking and a bar and The Armoury, a 2-bedroom villa with living room and fireplace.

See a selection of accommodation options in Glenfinnan.