Glenfinnan - Bonny Prince Charlie arrived on the shores of Loch Shiel with 50 MacDonalds ready for his fight for the throne

For Harry Potter fans, Glenfinnan is synonymous with the ‘Hogwarts Express’ steaming its way over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. And it certainly is a spectacular sight! Visitors shouldn’t miss a visit to the Glenfinnan Monument and Visitor Centre while they’re here though, and walkers will delight in the mountain landscapes in all directions just waiting to be explored.

It’s an iconic sight: the cherry-red steam train chugging its way along the 100ft high, 1000ft-long crescent-shaped viaduct. The scene, made famous by the Harry Potter films, has led to crowds flocking to the area to catch a glimpse and a photo – so much so that path improvements have been made to accommodate the 11,000 or so people who visit each year. If you do visit, please take care be courteous to those around you and stay well clear of the tracks (there has been the odd selfie-taker!).

Nearby, the Glenfinnan Monument is a striking tribute to those who fought during the Jacobite Uprisings of 1745. Standing tall overlooking Loch Shiel, the monument is a poignant reminder of the clansmen who gave their lives during the Uprisings. The monument and its surroundings are spectacularly photogenic, and you can even climb up the tower to enjoy a 360-degree panorama of Loch Shiel.

Glenfinnan has what must be one of Scotland’s most attractive churches, tucked in deciduous woodland, surrounded by brightly coloured rhododendrons and with loch and mountain views. The church stands at the head of Loch Shiel, where Prince Charlie raised his standard and before that, St Finnan and the Celtic saints arrived on Scottish shores.

The area is surrounded by a mixture of high-grade and easy-going walks, from a 15-mile loop taking in two Munros to a 2-mile woodland walk from the banks of Loch Eil.

Glenfinnan is a place of iconic sights, a spectacular monument and endless walking opportunities. It’s well worth a visit from nearby Fort William, or to stay in Glenfinnan itself.