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A Wonderous Location
Glenfinnan is one of the most beautiful holidays destinations in the Scottish Highlands. In our opinion, it has a little bit of everything - history, landscape, invention, wildlife, access to wonderful activities and a wee bit of holywood glamour!
History? Well, to get the blood stirring there’s the 1745 Jacobite Uprising, which started with the raising of the Royal Standard at Glenfinnan by Bonnie Prince Charlie on the head of Loch Shiel. On a still day, at the top of the famous monument that marks the spot, you can imagine the nervousness of the exiled Prince as he waited for his Jacobite army to appear. Close your
 eyes and you can almost hear the faint sound of the bagpipes coming over the hill as the Camerons of Locheil, the McDonalds and the McGregors arrived to take up the cause.
Climb up the hill behind the visitors’ centre and look down beautiful Loch Shiel, surrounded by the most dramatic peaks. The sheltered water still as glass.
Turn round and wonder at the viaduct – and the ingenuity of Sir Robert McAlpine, or "Concrete Bob" – who built the first unreinforced concrete viaduct in the world right here in Glenfinnan!
And of course, what would make that the picture perfect? A puffing steam train traversing the viaduct. Well wait a little while, and that’s what you’ll see!
A Magical Place
The Jacobite Steam Train, or the Harry Potter train, as it is now affectionately known, starred as the train that raced its way to Hogwarts Academy in several of the films. But the reality is even more impressive the train that snakes its way along the famous ‘Road to the Isles’ also forms part of the West Highland Line - the route that has won accolades as the most beautiful train journey in the world.
 The train eases into the picturesque station in the village, home also to the Glenfinnan Station Museum, which charts the creation of the West Highland Line over a hundred years ago. Great for railway enthusiasts. Stop off for a cup of tea at its unusual dining car restaurant!
After a little refreshment why not wander down the road to the stunning Church of St Mary and St Finan. Perched on a hill overlooking Loch Shiel it is truly, inside and out, one of the most spectacular and peaceful places in Scotland.
Glenfinnan has equally gentle assets in its wildlife. The garden at Robren and the surrounding hills are home to an array of birds - coal tits, chaffinches, blackbirds and robins – not to mention the most famous predatory bird of them all – the golden eagle. Best seen from the loch (tours link). Try and spot our shy red squirrels and speedy pine martins. And of course red deer – an imperious stag posing for photographs is certainly a sight to see.
Active Pursuits
More impressive sights await amongst the landscapes of Glenfinnan if you are out and about. It’s certainly walking country – for both the gentle wanderer and keen hiker. But if two wheels are more your thing, we recommend the fantastic cycle routes that hug the loch and lead to hidden beaches and coves.
More hobbies can be indulged here if you are an avid astronomer as zero light pollution leaves, on a clear night, a sky overloaded with bright stars that you can almost touch. Take a cuppa out to the garden at Robren and you might suffer a wee crick in the neck!
Wherever you go in Glenfinnan, you’re sure to receive a warm welcome.
For a small village there's a grand choice of places to stop for a snack or more!
The National Trust Centre has a small cafe and a lovely deck area which looks out over the monument and Loch Sheil. A more unusual stop for a snack or lunch is the Dining Car at Glenfinnan Station Museum. This lovingly restored 1950's dining train carriage is a fun way to enjoy a cream tea or even an evening meal (book on 01397 722 300).
For pub dining or formal dinners - it really depends whether you turn left or right out of the cottage gates! About 50 yards up the path is the Prince's House Hotel. Chef/Proprietor Kieron Kelly is an award winning professional chef who has worked at leading Scottish establishments such as Gleneagles and Culloden House Hotel. With a double AA rosette you can be assured of one of the finest meals in Scotland! The relaxing bar also has a well-used pool table and bar meals.
Turn right and stroll down the path to the Glenfinnan House Hotel. This Scottish country house is a fine stone mansion dating from 1755, and is set amongst rolling lawns on the bank of Loch Shiel - with the most amazing views of the surrounding hills and the monument. Duncan and Manja are the resident Managers, and you can be assured of a warm welcome with its roaring log fires and fine selection of whisky and real ales, including the ale from our very own Glenfinnan Brewery. Whether for lunch or afternoon tea, bar meals or formal dinners, the menu has something for everyone, and if you are lucky the fiddles will come out and an impromtu ceilidh will unfold before your eyes!
Check out our Gallery of Glenfinnan. Images taken by William, some of which are available for purchase on his website www.williambrownphotography.com
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