Just past Fort William, on the west highland line from Glasgow, is the tiny little town of Glenfinnan. I have to say that even I, a lover of small towns, was shocked by how small this little town was. Without a grocery store, let alone a clothing market, Glenfinnan sits, tucked again the eastern lip of Loch Shiel in one of the most picturesque little valleys you ever did see. The spot is famously the home of the Glenfinnan viaduct, upon which you have surely seen Jacobite steam engine in a small indie movie known as Harry Potter. For that alone the town is worth visiting, but I posit that you should stay for her story too. In this easy Glenfinnan travel guide, I’ve provided a day trip itinerary as well as some options for an overnight stay so you can truly soak in the charm of this little town on the loch.
The Perfect Day-Trip
Glenfinnan’s close proximity to Fort William makes her the ideal day trip. I found that I was able to explore the town in only three hours, starting and ending at the train station. There is also a car park near the visitor’s centre, but I think that starting from the train station really gives you a clear idea of the position of the town in the highlands. Plus you pass over the viaduct on the way in!
The Jacobite Steam Train also stops in Glenfinnan (time permitting). This train is famous for it’s guest appearance in Harry Potter, however if it does stop in Glenfinnan then the most you’ll have time for is the station museum. So if you plan to explore the village, I recommend taking the regular Scotsrail and watching the Jacobite train come in from the viewpoint! The train comes twice daily and it’s schedule can be found here.
If there’s one thing that the glen does well, it’s luring tourists in with her magical reputation and trapping them there in an incredible story of would-be kings and clan warfare! From the moment you get off the train you’re faced with the old station museum. A small, locally run heritage museum, the station museum tells the story of the construction of the railway in the region in response to the rebellion of the crofters as they were forced off their land. It also tells the story of the building of the viaduct, and offers a glimpse into the vital role the railway played in shaping the culture and demographics of the area. It’s by donation, so you’ll really feel like you’re contributing to the community!
From the station and the museum, you can seamlessly join the viaduct viewpoint trail, which loops above and then below the viaduct before heading into the village. I recommend turning left to start the walk from above the viaduct. I just think it’s so much nicer to enter into the town from above, plus the car park is below so a lot of people don’t bother to hike all the way to the top. The hike itself sees maybe ninety meters of elevation gain and is appropriate for kids.
Once you’ve made it down to the carpark, I recommend stopping to see the exhibition on the Jacobite revolutions at the visitor’s centre. A great deal of the history of the highlands was shaped by this ill-fated attempt to put a catholic Stuart monarch back on the thrown of Scotland. Once you leave the visitor’s centre, continue to follow the path back onto the road to see the Jacobite monument on the site where ‘Bonnie Prince Charles’ first raised his standard on Scottish soil.
Now that you’ve taken a stroll back in time, follow the path back to the highway and pay a visit to the church of St Mary and St Finnian. The church is a stunning nineteenth century gothic style catholic church backed by incredible views of Loch Shiel.
Loch Shiel Cruises offers a variety of cruises during the summer months ranging from 1.5 to 9 hours! I visited before the season had started so I wasn’t able to go, but they advertise wildlife viewing, expert tour guides, and even a bar on the boat (sounds like my version of heaven)! The dock is right in Glenfinnan and I think that it would be a great experience to extend your daytrip!
The walk back to the train station will take you back through the town. Once you arrive back, why not have a bite to eat at the Dining Car? What a great place to reflect on your day!
Spend the Night
With endless hills, a beautiful lake, and an incredible history, no doubt some would rather stay here for days. Certainly the place is beautiful enough that when I was leaving, I found myself wishing I could stay a lifetime. If you do find yourself wanting to spend a bit longer here, there are lots of accommodation options from budget to luxury.
The Sleeping Car
As a lover of quirky hostels, the Sleeping Car by the station offers a bed on an old sleeping car for the casual solo traveller. The car fits only ten people, so make sure you book ahead! Additionally, the car comes with a stocked kitchen, but there are no grocery stores in town so make sure you bring some supplies!
The Prince’s House Hotel
The Prince’s House Hotel is another much loved accommodation in town. Located near the train station and with a long history dating back to the 17th century, the hotel is still wowing guests to this day! With a bar and bistro on the first floor, and sweeping views of the village and the lake, this is a gem that’s worth playing a little extra for.
The Glenfinnan House Hotel
The beautiful Glenfinnan House Hotel sits on the lakefront of Loch Shiel, offering first class scenery in a stunning mansion! The house what built in the 1750s by a former loyalist to Bonnie Prince Charlie before it was used as a tenant farmer’s dwelling. In 1842 it was converted to a mansion to home the MacDonald family, and then in 1971 it was bought and restored by the MacFarlane family who run it as a hotel until this day! A house truly steeped in history!
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