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Glenfinnan is a village in the Western Highlands of Scotland, between Fort William and Mallaig. Standing at the head of Loch Shiel, it's famous as the place where "Bonnie Prince Charlie" launched his 1745 Jacobite rebellion. The railway to Mallaig here sweeps over the valley on the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct, used as a location in several films and TV series. The viaduct also features on the Bank of Scotland (2007 & 2017 series) £10 note. In 2011 the village population was 139.
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Small museum in the former station building and the former signal box.
Magnificent 21-arched concrete railway viaduct, opened 1901, curling round the valley at the head of the loch. There is a viewing platform above the car park at the visitor centre which can be reached by a 550-yard walk. For a better view use the free car park further up the route, then a 20- to 30-min walk takes you under then behind the viaduct, giving a nice close-up. Both paths are mapped out on signs in front of the visitor centre as are times of the passing steam trains. Films that have used this location include Ring of Bright Water, Charlotte Gray, Monarch of the Glen, Stone of Destiny and (endlessly) the Harry Potter series. But they don't include Stand by Me so please do not walk onto the viaduct! It's an active railway line, you're trespassing and you might get squished. There's a legend that a horse and cart tumbled into one of the pylons during construction and became entombed. Investigations failed to detect it, but in 2001 it was found in Loch nam Uamh viaduct 15 miles west near Arisaig.
This is part of the NTS visitor centre and has light bites at lunchtime.
This is part of the Station Museum, with sandwiches, soup and home baking.
Elegant hotel on the shores of the loch, built in 1755. The scenery and ambience mean it's often booked up for weddings in summer.
formerly The Prince’s House Hotel
Nine-room B&B built in 1658 as a coaching inn, great reviews for comfort. Located 5 minutes from the local railway station and bus stop. Free parking available across the road. Note that whilst some sites still reference the former restaurant at the hotel this has now closed.
Built in 1958, this British Railways Mk1 coach has many of its original features. It was used as the area engineer's lodging from 1978 to 1989, but takes up a 1930s tradition of "camping coaches" parked in sidings around the network to encourage budget travel. It now has 10 beds in four compartments, dining area, lounge with TV and bathroom. Bikes are available for hire.
By road
Glenfinnan stands on the "Road to the Isles" A830. Fort William (junction with A82) is 17 miles east, Mallaig is 25 miles west.
By bus
Shiel Buses 500, 502, 505 and 534 run from Fort William three times M-F and once on Saturday, taking 30 min, and continuing to Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig.
Glenfinnan is a small village and it is possible to walk everywhere. There is a track that runs from the top of the village to the bottom, named the back track.
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