Glenfinnan Viaduct

Highland, United Kingdom

Glenfinnan Viaduct is a railway viaduct on the West Highland Line. Located at the top of Loch Shiel in the West Highlands, the viaduct overlooks the Glenfinnan Monument and the waters of Loch Shiel.

The West Highland Railway was built to Fort William by Lucas and Aird, but there were delays with the West Highland Railway Mallaig Extension (Guarantee) bill for the Mallaig Extension Railway in the House of Commons as the Tory and Liberal parties fought over the issue of subsidies for public transport. This Act did pass in 1896, by which time Lucas & Aird (and their workers) had moved south. New contractors were needed and Robert McAlpine & Sons were taken on with Simpson & Wilson as engineers. Robert McAlpine & Sons was headed by Robert McAlpine, nicknamed 'Concrete Bob' for his innovative use of mass concrete. Concrete was used due to the difficulty of working the hard schist in the area. McAlpine's son Robert, then aged 28, and his nephew William Waddell, took charge of construction, with his younger son Malcolm appointed as assistant.

Construction of the extension from Fort William to Mallaig began in January 1897, and the line opened on 1 April 1901. The Glenfinnan Viaduct, however, was complete enough by October 1898 to be used to transport materials across the valley.

Glenfinnan Viaduct has been used as a location in several films and television series, including Ring of Bright Water, Charlotte Gray, Monarch of the Glen, Stone of Destiny, German Charlie und Louise, and four films of the Harry Potter film series.

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    Glenfinnan, Highland, United Kingdom
    See all sites in Highland

    Details

    Founded: 1897-1901
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    More Information

    www.visitscotland.com
    en.wikipedia.org

    Rating

    4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

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    User Reviews

    James McAuliffe (20 months ago)
    Great location for any photographer enthusiasts if you go make sure to park your car at the car park after the museum which is directly over the little bridge as it’s free and the best view will be found on that path from the car park. When you get close to the viaduct head to the right when the path splits at the by the viaduct and walk through a gate you will follow a path up to a high ridge point and find a spectacular view. I would definitely check out all the vantage point as you get to see some other spectacular view as well.
    Susie Mont (20 months ago)
    Fantastic drive through the beautiful Scottish countryside. Any Harry Potter fan would be thrilled with this magnificent site
    Irina Sutyagina (21 months ago)
    Known to most people as a Harry Potter Bridge, this location is much more than that. Spectacular views onto mountains and the loch nearby. Great place for walking and taking in scenery.
    Love Nagesh (2 years ago)
    The Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland Some bridges represent a real miracle of engineering thought. Such constructions are some of the most complex mankind has created. It is one of the most iconic bridge in Scotland And this photo gallery that we created specifically for you proves it. Enjoy it!
    zeeshan tirmizi (2 years ago)
    Marvellous place. There are two viewpoints, one next to the cafe climbing up that takes 5 minutes and another one across the river turning right that takes you under the viaduct and then above it. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes and shows the view seen in the Harry Potter movies. Parking at the cafe area costs 3 pounds. There's another parking across the river that is free. Overall, memorable experience.
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