Glenfinnan is a destination for railway enthusiasts, tales from the past, home-cooked local produce, and heartstring-tugging Highland vistas.
There is so much more to this Highland hamlet than the Jacobite Steam Train and ‘Harry Potter’ claims to fame: majestic scenery, Jacobite history, friendly locals and the charming Glenfinnan Station where you can eat and sleep in vintage railway carriages and visit the heritage museum right on the station platform.
These are my top tips for making the most of your visit; avoiding the crowds, supporting local businesses, and really getting to know Glenfinnan.
Important Jacobite Steam Train update: due to health & safety concerns, the steam train has been operating at reduced capacity in 2024. You can still travel the same route on the standard ScotRail service, visit the viaduct and discover what else Glenfinnan has to offer.
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Lonely glens and looming mountains, strips and patches claimed by shadows, not quite within the light of the sun; fading, hiding and brightening once again, like a dimmer switch with a mind of its own.
Two Golden Eagles perform a courtship dance in the sky; a mesmerising display of their impressive wingspan and powerful grace.
A spring day on Loch Shiel Cruises from Glenfinnan
WHERE IS GLENFINNAN STATION?
Glenfinnan is a hamlet in the West Highlands on the scenic ‘Road to the Isles’ between Fort William and Mallaig.
The journey from Fort William to Glenfinnan takes 25 minutes by car or 30 minutes by train. If you’re wondering why the train takes longer than driving, the track winds through the rugged terrain and the train slows down as it crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
GLENFINNAN: A WEE HISTORY
Glenfinnan is incredibly historically significant. It was on the shores of Loch Shiel in Glenfinnan that Bonnie Prince Charlie arrived on the 19 August 1745 to meet the Highland clans. As he raised the royal standard (flag), this signalled the start of what would be the final Jacobite uprising, known as the ’45.
Grandson of the King James VII and II, who was forced to abdicated from the throne in 1688, Charlie was in Scotland for one reason alone; to reclaim the throne for the Stuart bloodline.
His ill-fated quest came to a brutal end at the Battle of Culloden on the 16th April 1746; the aftermath of which changed the Highland way of life forever. Glenfinnan is symbolic of this turbulent period in history and the fall of the Highland clans.
Glenfinnan STATION: TOP TIPS FOR VISITING
1) TRAVEL TO GLENFINNAN BY TRAIN
Glenfinnan sits on the world-famous West Highland Line, voted one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world.
The train journey is a wish-list experience in itself; travelling through the wilds of Rannoch Moor, tracing the shores of Loch Linnhe with views of Ben Nevis (on a clear day), then across the iconic arches of the Glenfinnan Viaduct before stepping onto the platform at the picturesque Glenfinnan Station.
During the surge of tourism in peak season, arriving by train also contributes to less traffic, congestion and parking issues in this popular place. It’s a win win!
Search for advanced priced train fares 12 weeks in advance to save money and check if you’re eligible to buy a railcard which can save you 1/3 on your fares.
2) visit in spring or autumn
If you can avoid peak season altogether, even better. Spring and autumn are the calm before and after the storm, and each of these seasons have their own special magic.
On a spring stay in Glenfinnan, I’ve experienced sunshine, clear blue skies and snow-dusted mountains from winter, while during autumn the landscape and trees are alive with vibrant amber and golden colours.
Train fares and accommodation can be cheaper during these times and you’ll be avoiding the peak season crowds.
Check that any activities and local businesses will be open when you’re visiting.
3) don’t just pass through
Consider Glenfinnan as your destination, not just a photo stop. Many visitors flock to Glenfinnan simply to see the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and once that box is ticked, they leave.
Glenfinnan can be a base to explore the surrounding area or a place to settle in and soak up the scenery for a couple of days.
Where to stay in Glenfinnan
There is a range of accommodation to suit every budget and all recommendations below are within easy distance of the train station. If you’re planning to self-cater, bring with you what you need. There is a large Morrison’s supermarket in Fort William and a small COOP in Mallaig.
> Glenfinnan Station Sleeping Car – located at Glenfinnan Station and contained within a classic railway carriage (BR Mark 1 BSK Coach), this is one of Scotland’s quirkiest hostels; complete with compact bunk rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, hot shower, drying room and plenty of heaters for chilly nights.
> Backtrack Bothies – beautiful, hand-built eco-bothies a short walk from the station (same owners as the Sleeper Car) with cosy, rustic interiors, wood-burning stoves, a BBQ/fire pit and outdoor bath heated by renewable electricity.
> Princes House Hotel – small and homely, this hotel has been welcoming guests since the 17th century when it opened as a coaching inn. Nowadays, the traditional character remains and there is a bar and restaurant serving fantastic food.
> Glenfinnan House Hotel – this impressive country house hotel is re-opening in May 2024 after a refurbishment. Dating back to 1755, the interior is grand and inviting with historic paintings, log fires, a bar and restaurant. Some rooms have views of Loch Shiel.
4) DINE IN A 1950s RAILWAY CARRIAGE
A stone’s throw from the station platform, Glenfinnan Station Dining Car is a delightfully converted railway carriage (BR Mark 1 TSO Coach) with mountain views and outstanding home-cooked meals for breakfast and lunch.
Current owners, Duncan and Manja, have been in the hospitality industry for decades, both in Scotland and overseas, and their experience shows. The focus is fresh, local and high-quality food; from steaming bowls of soup and delicious sweet treats, to pretty platters of their own home-smoked cheese, duck and salmon.
The Full Scottish breakfast is quite possibly the best I’ve ever had; special shout out to the perfect Lorne sausage which Duncan has sourced especially.
Phone ahead on +44 7979 417115 to book a table for lunch.
5) VISIT GLENFINNAN STATION MUSEUM
Where better to learn the history of Glenfinnan Station and the construction of the West Highland Line than from within the original railway station itself?
This award winning heritage museum is managed, curated and cared for by John and his wife Hege and is a place to discover railway memorabilia, stories, maps, and even an original ticket machine which you are encouraged to use.
Glenfinnan Station Museum is a novelty and an education, a glimpse of the past and a working station in the present; well worth the very modest £1 entry fee.
Check out the lovely railway prints and souvenirs in the museum gift shop.
Contact [email protected] in advance for access to the Signal Box or to request a guided tour.
6) GO TRAINSPOTTING AT GLENFINNAN STATION
Another great joy and novelty in spending time at Glenfinnan Station is the opportunity to spot trains travelling to and through the station. Speak to John at the museum for the inside scoop on the daily schedule.
During our two night stay in the Sleeping Car, we saw the standard ScotRail service multiple times, the Jacobite Steam Train on its journey north and south, and even the luxurious Belmond Royal Scotsman.
7) WALK THE GLENFINNAN VIADUCT TRAIL
Did you know there is a stunning walking trail between Glenfinnan Station and Glenfinnan Viaduct?
The Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail takes around 30 minutes each way, starting with a short, uphill march from the station to reach a series of viewpoints with information boards, before descending the hillside towards the viaduct.
The views along the trail are incredible, from Loch Shiel and the huddle of dramatic mountains, to the 19th century viaduct with its 21 impressive arches.
If you are driving, you can park at the Glenfinnan Viaduct and do this walk in reverse.
8) pay your respects at the glefinnan monument
From Glenfinnan Viaduct, walk towards the shores of Loch Shiel and the cylindrical stone monument, where the statue of a kilted man stands at the top.
Towering above the loch, where Bonnie Prince Charlie arrived to meet the Clans in 1745, Glenfinnan Monument pays tribute to the Highlanders who bravery fought for the Jacobite cause; many of whom lost their lives. The statue is often confused for Charlie himself, but it represents a Highland clansman.
Climb to the top of the monument for views down the loch and back to the viaduct.
Browse the exhibition in the Visitor Centre to learn more about this period in history.
9) BOOK A BOAT Trip WITH LOCH SHIEL CRUISES
One of the best ways to appreciate the scale of Glenfinnan’s breathtaking beauty is to leave its shores completely. From the water, all of Glenfinnan’s sights and scenes are laid out before you.
Our 2-hour cruise on the M.V. Sileas with Ally and Ben was a pick ’n’ mix of quintessential Scottishness: dramatic scenery, turbulent tales from the past, and incredible wildlife (Golden Eagles). We also saw the steam train crossing the viaduct, just for good measure.
Loch Shiel Cruises depart from a tranquil jetty close to Glenfinnan House Hotel.
Check out the cruise options, ranging from 1 hour – 2.5 hours, here.
10) ADMIRE ST MARY & ST FINNAN CHURCH
One of Glenfinnan’s easy-to-miss sights, this impossibly picturesque church sits in an elevated position against a backdrop of Loch Shiel and it’s framing of mountains. Built in the 1870s, the church was financed by the MacDonalds of Glenashdale, who wanted a place of worship that matched the magnificent surroundings.
The MacDonalds of Glenashdale were loyal Jacobite supporters; Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed with the family when he arrived at Glenfinnan, and it was Alexander MacDonald who commissioned the Glenfinnan Monument 70 years later.
11) HAVE DINNER AT PRINCES HOUSE HOTEL
A short walk from Glenfinnan Station, and one of the only two evening dining options accessible on foot (Glenfinnan House Hotel is the other), Princes House Hotel is a wee oasis of Highland hospitality and delicious homecooked food, including a seasonal six course tasting menu or the more casual a la carte menu.
We dined by candlelight next to the window, listening to the babble of the stream outside; I ordered the half pint of Mallaig prawns and local Venison casserole.
Stick around after your meal for a game of pool, chats with the lovely Ina and Jan, and a few drams.
Book a table in advance by phoning (0044) 1397 722246.
12) EXPLORE ROAD TO THE ISLES
Glenfinnan can be a base to explore more of ‘Road to the Isles’ by travelling north on the West Highland Line; you could also travel south to visit the remote railway stations of Corrour and Rannoch.
Here are some ideas by train:
> Glenfinnan – Mallaig (50 mins): ride the train right up to the last stop, the fishing port of Mallaig. Wander around the harbour, have a seafood lunch from The Cabin, and pick up some delicious bakes from The Bakehouse. If you have time, you could book a trip to Knoydart or a wildlife cruise with Western Isles Cruises.
> Glenfinnan – Morar (40 mins): if you’re seeking white sand and sea air, walk from Morar Station to the Silver Sands of Morar. Even further and more popular, is Camusdarach Beach.
> Glenfinnan – Fort William (30 mins): spend an afternoon in Fort William visiting the West Highand Museum and the amazing Rain Bakery across the street. The Highland Cinema is an excellent wet weather option and it has a lovely cafe with a wood-burning stove.
I hope you enjoyed reading my top tips for visiting Glenfinnan.
I’m Kay, by the way; you can read more about me here.
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