Glenfinnan: Viaduct, Monument and History

Glenfinnan brings together Jacobite history with railway and architectural history. The monument at the head of Loch Shiel, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glenfinnan Station and the Church of Our Lady and St Finnan each offer a distinct perspective. The walking routes also vary, from the flat path to the viaduct to the longer circular route taking in the sights.

Glenfinnan Monument and the Jacobite uprising

Glenfinnan Monument was erected in 1815 to commemorate the Highlanders who took part in the Jacobite uprising of 1745. Seventy years separate the uprising from the monument’s construction. The visitor centre features an exhibition about the uprising and its leader, Prince Charles Edward Stuart. In this way, the commemoration of the Highlanders who took part sits alongside an account of the uprising. If you would like to climb to the top of the monument, you will need a ticket purchased at the visitor centre. Check the physical access conditions before your trip.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Glenfinnan Viaduct is Scotland’s longest concrete railway bridge and has 21 large arches. Their sequence defines the structure; alongside its function as a railway bridge, its distinctive construction is also a feature. From the visitor car parks, you can view the viaduct from below via a 15-minute flat walk along the River Finnan. Path conditions may vary.

Routes and planning your time

The 4 km circular route takes in Glenfinnan’s sights and takes 60 to 90 minutes. There are some steps along the way, and the path may be slippery. The viaduct path from Glenfinnan Station Museum offers a scenic route to Loch Shiel and the Monument to Bonny Prince Charlie. Path conditions may change; check them before setting out. The difference in duration between the 15-minute walk to the viaduct and the 60-to-90-minute circular route helps you choose a route to suit the time you have available.

Station and railway museum

Glenfinnan Station officially opened to the public in April 1901. Glenfinnan Station Museum was founded in 1991 to preserve the station buildings. It tells the story of the West Highland Railway, its construction and its development. The focus thus shifts from the station itself to the history of the railway line as a whole.

Gothic architecture in Glenfinnan

The Church of Our Lady and St Finnan is a striking Gothic church by architect Edward Welby Pugin. Its preserved details include geometric tracery in the windows and carved pinnacles. Tracery refers to the geometric divisions of windows; pinnacles are slender, pointed architectural ornaments. These features make it possible to identify Gothic elements in both the window shapes and the sculptural details.

Travel by bus

A daily bus service connects Glenfinnan with Fort William and Mallaig. Check the timetable before your trip so you can include the service in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Garve, Golspie, Cononbridge, Struan, Arisaig, Staffin, Torlundy, Insh

Return to the regional travel overview: Highland.