Visiting Glenfinnan Viaduct and Loch Shiel, Scotland
Are you a harry potter fan? Even if you’re not, you will have seen the beautiful architecture of the Glenfinnan Viaduct
The viaduct was popular way before it was used in the Harry Potter films, and with Loch Shiel just next door, it is a perfect stop-off when visiting the highlands of Scotland whether on a few days trip or a road trip.
What is the Glenfinnan Viaduct?
The viaduct opened in 1901 with 21 spans across. The viaduct was famous before it was used as a Harry Potter film location for being vast and large but became so much more famous after being used in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
It was used as the backdrop of when Ron and Harry are driving the flying car and they catch up with the train where harry nearly falls out.
My favourite quote of the film happens here of when Harry is hanging out of the car and he replies to Ron ‘I can’t, your hands all sweaty’
Wanting to see more of Scotland and take the slow road? We love the Take the Slow Road books by Martin Dorey. Still browse through them on a regular basis looking for more inspiration
What is Loch Shiel?
I suppose the subheading is ‘what is’ Loch Shiel however it should be, why is Loch Shiel famous? Loch Shiel was featured on Harry Potter as the black lake and was used in the Goblet of Fire for the 2nd challenge
At the front of the Loch, there is the Glenfinnan monument which is a remembrance for the Jacobite uprising in 1745. You can go to the top of the monument but I believe have to get tickets from the visitor's centre.
Where is the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Loch Shiel?
The viaduct and loch are 30-minute drive west from Fort William in the highlands of Scotland. You can get here by driving along the A830. The 500 bus from fort William bus station also travels directly to the viaduct which takes 40 minutes.
Jacobite Steam Train Across Glenfinnan Viaduct
The viaduct is extremely popular with tourists, largely due to the Hogwarts express however at numerous times during the day, a steam train called the Jacobite drives across the viaduct with enthusiastic Harry Potter fans aboard
To ride the Jacobite but book far in advance as it is very popular and becomes sold out very easily
If you are not wanting to ride the train but rather get those amazing shots of the Jacobite steam train on the viaduct, it passes at 10:45am and 3pm. But beware! This is a well-known thing and I don’t want you to underestimate how busy to actually becomes
Parking at the Glenfinnan Viaduct
Before 10:45am and 3pm the car parks become extremely busy for a good reason. Seeing a steam training passing across the viaduct is an iconic picture for anyone to take. But everyone has this same idea
The viaduct does have a visitor centre with its own car park, but this is soon full long before the train passes over. There are 2 other small car parks down the road which require about 10 minutes of walking and if it's been raining, in extremely muddy conditions.
But don’t park like a dickhead. We drove into one car park knowing we weren’t going to get to see the train on time but we weren’t too bothered. But driving our small campervan some people were parked so badly in an entrance to a car park that we could barely get in.
By pushing in the mirrors of both vehicles, leaving a nice note on the car in question, and nice directing from Ed as I tried to get past, we eventually parked!
The second time we visited to see the train, we arrived 1.5 hours before the train was due to cross and the car park was already pretty full. However we did managed to get a space at the visitors centre
Viewing Points of the Glenfinnan Viaduct
To fly a drone in the area there is a number to ring which is advertised along the walks to the view points. I believe this is due to the land being privately owned, but not entirely necessary. But should be done to be respectful
When its very busy, and drones are used more and more, you also don’t want numerous drones all flying in the sky with the potential to crash into one another. It could get very dangerous in a very populated area
View Point 1
If you go off to the right past the visitors centre there is a small walk up a winding hill to the top which only takes a few minutes. Here you have amazing views of the viaduct and also Loch Shiel. If you’re visiting for the Jacobite passing, I would suggest you arrive at least half an hour early if not more
View Point 2
If you leave the car park and turn right along the road and then take the first right. It takes you to the view point on the opposite side of the viaduct. It is flat most of the way and takes you to a grassy/rocky area which has more space for spectators
Visiting Loch Shiel
Although you can see amazing views from the viewing points for the viaduct, of course you want to go to the shore of Loch Shiel. This only requires crossing the road!
Loch Shiel is a beautiful Loch which is vast with multiple mountains either side. Just like it is on Harry Potter, which although obvious, is also strange!
Visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Loch Shiel is important for any Harry Potter fan and so easily accessible! Just try and be considerate where you park, and if you’re wanting to see the Jacobite, arrive early! And if you’re wanting to ride the Jacobite, book early!
