There was once a time when the Glenfinnan Viaduct was simply a scenic adjunct to some glorious Highland countryside – a place from which, on the train up to Mallaig, you could gaze contentedly down at the tall column of the Glenfinnan Monument and the end of Loch Shiel beyond.
A certain boy wizard changed all that. It’s likely to be some time before the viaduct shrugs off the mantle of being ‘The one from the Harry Potter films’.
- Where was Harry Potter filmed? Our guide to the Harry Potter film locations
- Glenfinnan walk
- Guide to Scotland's North-West Highlands: where to stay, places to visit and great walks
Where is Glenfinnan Viaduct?
Glenfinnan Viaduct is situated at the top of Loch Shiel on the West Highland Line
Where is the best view of the Glenfinnan Viaduct?
The best view for taking photos of the Glenfinnan Viaduct is a little hummock on the lower slopes of Tom na h-Aire, just to the west of the viaduct.
This is easily reached from Glenfinnan Station by following a path parallel to the railway line. Credit: Getty
If starting from the viaduct car park, head along a path beside the River Finnan, pass underneath one of the towering arches
Alternatively, the 360° view from Glenfinnan Monument takes in the viaduct and an expanse of Loch Shiel, and offers a truly breathtaking view.
The column commemorates the raising of the royal standard in Glenfinnan in 1745, when 1,200 Highlanders pledged ill-fated allegiance to Bonnie Prince Charlie.
You'll need to purchase a ticket from the visitor centre to climb to the top. For opening times, visit the website.
When does Hogwarts Express cross Glenfinnan Viaduct?
If you want to see and photograph the steam train on the viaduct head there for 10.45am and 3pm
When was Glenfinnan Viaduct built?
Completed in 1901 among a tight clutch of mountains, the viaduct took four years to build and passes 30m over the River Finnan.
How big is Glenfinnan Viaduct?
Its 381m-long curve encompasses 21 statuesque arches and is a masterclass in elegance.
The achievement is all the greater because the viaduct is constructed from that often hard-to-love material, concrete (technically, it’s called mass concrete).
Tours and trips to Glenfinnan Viaduct
Glenfinnan Viaduct & The Great Glen Private Tour from Inverness
A chance to take in the sites over the course of a day - from Loch Ness to Ben Nevis with the Viaduct on the way. From £750 per group with a max of three people.
The Jacobite Steam Train Trip
A chance to experience the 'greatest railway journey in the world', which will take you on an 84 mile round-trip from Ben Nevis to Loch Nevis.
Glenaladale Cruise - Great for wizard spotting!
A cruise on Loch Shiel which takes in the viaduct, as well as giving you chance to spot golden eagles, red deer and black throated divers, among other wildlife. From £30 per adult.
Where to stay near Glenfinnan Viaduct
Kilcamb Lodge Hotel & Restaurant
13.6 miles away from the Viaduct, this cosy boutique is a four star hotel located on the picturesque shores of Loch Sunart.
A861, Strontian PH36 4HY. kilcambldoge.co.uk
Travelodge Fort William
Just over 14 miles away, this budget chain of hotels offers value and good deals.
High Street, Fort William PH33 6DX. travelodge.co.uk
Holly Tree Hotel
This hotel is beside the sea, just 16.6 miles from the Glenfinnan Viaduct and features a swimming pool and hot tub.
Kentallen Pier, Kentallen PA38 4BY. hollytreehotel.co.uk
