In the slipstream of the Hogwarts Express, one structure became famous: the Harry Potter train winds its way across a bridge with arched piers, nestled into the hollow of an enchanting landscape. This bridge really exists – it’s called the Glenfinnan Viaduct – and it’s well worth seeing, even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan
The impressive bridge, with its 21 arches and slender piers, stands near the small village of Glenfinnan. The railway line from Fort William to Mallaig runs across it, carrying both the famous Jacobite Steam Train and regular diesel services.
Part of the Glenfinnan Viaduct’s charm comes from the landscape surrounding it: jagged peaks rise in the background, often wreathed in cloud. In the foreground stretches the long Glen Shiel, with the loch of the same name, which – incidentally – also plays its part in Harry Potter.
And then there’s the bridge itself – despite being built of concrete, it’s a genuine beauty: stretching some 380 metres, it traces a harmonious arc through the magnificent scenery, reaching heights of up to 30 metres. A real showpiece.
Tip: Photos of the Jacobite Steam Train on the Glenfinnan Viaduct
From Loch Shiel you get a good view of the Glenfinnan Viaduct. If you want the full Harry Potter moment – the Harry Potter train on the Harry Potter bridge – you’ll need to wait for the Jacobite Steam Train.
The train usually crosses the bridge at the following times:
- Morning service:
- 10:58am outbound
- 3:00pm return
- Afternoon service:
- 3:20pm outbound
- 7:30pm return
These times are naturally approximate, so it’s best to arrive a good quarter of an hour early to secure a good photo spot. The train operator recommends walking along the small road beneath the Glenfinnan Viaduct on foot, then heading up the hill to the left. That gives you a view of the Jacobite as it rounds the curve. You’re unlikely to be alone there, as plenty of people go to take their photos.
Did you know: the purpose of the line
The railway line opened in 1901, and with it the Glenfinnan Viaduct. It was built between 1897 and 1898 by Robert McAlpine, who – revolutionary for the time – used concrete as his sole building material. It was considered such a feat of engineering that its designer was knighted by King George V – and earned the popular nickname “Concrete Bob” from the public.
Fun fact: a horse inside a pier of the Glenfinnan Viaduct?
A Scotsman once told me the story that a working horse fell into one of the piers, died, and was left entombed in the concrete. Apparently, the poor animal was recently discovered using X-ray scanning.
That’s only partly true – it actually happened at the neighbouring bridge on this line, which runs alongside Loch nan Uamh.
Tip: Photos of Loch Shiel
If you’re standing in front of the bridge (with Glen Shiel behind you), you can cross the River Finnan via a bridge on the right, pass a shed, go under the bridge, and climb the rise. From there you get a lovely view over Loch Shiel.
Continue up and you’ll reach a gate; beyond it, a path on the right leads through another gate straight to the railway tracks.
From here you get a lovely view of the bridge from above, and once again of Loch Shiel with the Glenfinnan Monument in front of it. BUT: be careful and don’t do anything foolish. Do not step onto the tracks, keep your distance, and under no circumstances walk across the bridge on the rails – even if nothing seems to be coming. Because if the train does come, jumping will be your only option. And it’s a seriously long way down!
Please make sure to always leave the gates as you found them.
Getting there:
Train: You can cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train, of course, or on a regular train service.
Tickets are available either on the operator’s website, or bundled with transport here (advert).
Car: Coming from Fort William, you’ll pass the Glenfinnan Monument (on the left of the road) and its car park (on the right), then take the next turning on the right. There’s a smaller car park there where you can leave your car – from that point on, the road becomes a surfaced private track running directly beneath the viaduct. It’s about a five-minute walk from there.
