Glenfinnan Viaduct trail

Summary

This excellent short walk visits the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct and has superb views of Loch Shiel; the constructed path is fairly steep in places.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

The path climbing above the viaduct and down to the station is an improved hill path with a stony surface; the rest of the route is on easy tracks.

Getting there

Start

Car park at Glenfinnan off the N side of the A830, south of the bridge over the River Finnan. .

Public Transport

Bus or train to Glenfinnan.

Start Grid Ref

NM 906 807

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 4km / 2.5 miles
Time: 1 - 2 hours
Ascent: 128m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

Park at the new car park just east of the bridge over the River Finnan (charge) - note that this is extremely busy in summer especially before a steam train is due - you may need to arrive very early to secure a space. The impressive monument seen across the other side of the road is worth a visit - it commemorates where Bonnie Prince Charlie first raised his standard at the start of the 1745 Jacobite uprising. Start by taking the path up the glen from the car park. It eventually crosses a footbridge and then continues beside the river into the glen. The mighty Glenfinnan Viaduct, part of the famous West Highland railway - is dominant ahead. The Viaduct has become even better known in recent years after it starred in the Harry Potter movies. Once near the foot of the viaduct, go straight across at a junction with a track.

Stage 2

The path leads quickly up to a viewpoint overlooking the monument. Keep right at a junction, soon passing beneath the arches of the viaduct before continuing to climb on the far side. As more height is gained there are excellent views looking down on the viaduct, with more constructed viewpoints.

Stage 3

The path climbs a little higher but generally continues across the hillside - it is clear to follow. At one point it crests a grassy knoll which makes a particularly fine viewpoint for Loch Shiel and the mountains on either side. When a clear path junction is reached turn left, following the path downhill towards the railway, passing through a tunnel underneath which isn't seen until the last moment.

Stage 4

Shortly after passing through the tunnel, the path forks; go right, heading across a little bridge and along a section of path constructed out of old railway sleepers. Follow the path as it climbs the steps to Glenfinnan Station, emerging next to the sleeping car (this is a hostel) - from here you can continue ahead up onto the platform to visit the Glenfinnan Station Museum. Otherwise continue on the route by turning left from the station and follow the lane down to the main road.

Stage 5

Turn right along the pavement of the A830 for a short distance, before turning sharp left - shortly before reaching the hotel - down a track past several houses. When the track ends at the last house, continue ahead on the well-made path that starts between two metal handrails. The path continues downhill before emerging on a tarmac road at a t-junction; turn left here. The road passes close to the wonderfully located Glenfinnan House Hotel - which has a great outlook across beautiful Loch Shiel. Eventually the road emerges on the A830 once more, opposite the start of the walk.

Stage 6

Turn right along the pavement across the bridge, and then turn right at the next gate onto a track leading into a field towards the monument. Cross the third of the strangely numerous wooden bridges to pass round the back of the small graveyard (this avoids the boggy direct route) to reach the monument. This was built to commemorate Bonnie Prince Charlie unfurling his standard at the start of the Jacobite rebellion, and enjoys a fantastic position at the head of Loch Shiel. The National Trust visitor centre tells the story; the ticket also enables you to climb to the top of the monument.

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