Glenfinnan Viaduct
16 minute walk from Glenfinnan station · Highlands and Argyll
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a historic structure located at the top of Loch Shiel in the West Scottish Highlands. Built between 1897 and 1901, it serves as the longest concrete bridge in Scotland, stretching 416 yards across the River Finnan.
This landmark is a feat of engineering, featuring 21 semicircular spans constructed from mass concrete. It was built by "Concrete Bob" McAlpine, who chose the material due to the region's hard schist rock. Its cultural significance is vast, as it appears on Scottish banknotes and gained global fame as a filming location for the Harry Potter film series.
Visitors can enjoy a striking scene where the curved viaduct overlooks the Glenfinnan Monument and the waters of Loch Shiel. From this vantage point in the Lochaber district, you can appreciate the scale of the 100-foot-high arches set against the dramatic north-western Highlands landscape.
Visitor information
- Place type
- Bridge
- Good for
- Architecture, Engineering landmarks, Industrial heritage, Scenic viewpoints
- Characteristics
- Nationally significant, Open-air, Riverside, Victorian
- Admission
- Free
- Region
- Highlands and Argyll
Stations within walking distance
- Glenfinnan station — 16 min walk, 1.3 km
Other places near Glenfinnan
- Glenfinnan to A' Chuil — 15 min walk from the station
- Sgùrr Thuilm and Sgùrr nan Coireachan — 16 min walk from the station
- Glenfinnan Viaduct trail — 16 min walk from the station
- Glenfinnan Monument — 22 min walk from the station
- Sgùrr an Utha — 37 min walk from the station