Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Loch Shiel from Glasgow

Just 40 minutes from Glasgow and we reach our first stop of the day. Here we’ll enjoy morning refreshments on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond with some wonderful views looking over to Ben Lomond.

As we travel through Rannoch Moor towards Glencoe your driver-guide will point out Buachaille Etive Mor. This is where 007 and M drove to reach ‘Skyfall’. This area was also used in many scenes from the Harry Potter films and you’ll have time here to explore the stunning scenery of Scotland’s most famous glen.

One of Scotland’s darkest periods in Scottish history, the Glencoe massacre, took place here in 1692. 38 men, women and children of the clan MacDonald were murdered by government forces as they slept. You can learn more on this tragic story at the Glencoe visitor centre.

At the Glencoe Turf House, you ‘ll be able to see what life must have been like for the 500-600 strong community that lived here in 17th century Glencoe.

For many the highlight of the journey is Glenfinnan, and our arrival here will give you plenty time to get to the best viewpoints to see the Jacobite Steam Train cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct as seen in the Harry Potter movies.

On one side you have views of the Glenfinnan Viaduct curving through the glen in a scene immortalised as the route to Harry Potter’s Hogwarts. On the other side you have stunning views of the Glenfinnan Monument standing at the head of Loch Shiel

Glenfinnan isn’t only famous for its Harry Potter connection. Bonnie Prince Charlie first raised the Jacobite Standard in his fabled but ultimately doomed attempt to re-take the thrones of Scotland, England & Ireland. Learn more at the excellent exhibition in the visitor centre and be sure to visit the monument on the shores of Loch Shiel that marks the spot.

Loch Shiel (the ’Black Lake’) was also used in many Harry Potter films such as The Prisoner of Azkaban and The Half-Blood Prince. It was also used in a scene from the Triwizard Tournament in The Goblet of Fire.

Take a walk down to the shores of Loch Shiel (Hogwarts Lake aka the Black Lake), we are sure you’ll be safe from any lurking Grindylows.

Our last stop of the evening will be within the heart of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, where you can enjoy an early evening refreshment before our return to Glasgow.

Please Note:

*The Jacobite steam train doesn’t operate during the winter. You will still be able see the Glenfinnan Viaduct & visit Glenfinnan Monument during this time.

* The Jacobite Steam Train will commence operating from 28th March to 25th October 2024.