5. Glenfinnan Viaduct & Monument

Monument - Discover the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie

Framed by spectacular Highland scenery at the head of Loch Shiel, the Glenfinnan Monument is a striking tribute to those who fought in the Jacobite Risings.

Less than a year before the Battle of Culloden, Prince Charles Edward Stuart raised his father’s Standard at Glenfinnan, marking the start of the 1745 Jacobite campaign. An army of 1,500 rallied to join Bonnie Prince Charlie – they marched as far south as Derby before the retreat began that would seal their fate.

In 1815, the 18m-high monument was built here, with the lone, kilted Highlander at the top providing a poignant reminder of the clansmen who gave their lives to the Jacobite cause.

The modern exhibition in the visitor centre tells the story of Prince Charles Edward Stuart and the 1745 Jacobite Rising.

Viaduct - Superb views of Loch Shiel

The famous Glenfinnan viaduct carries the railway to Glenfinnan Station across a 1,000 ft span, 100 ft above the ground. The Jacobite steam train runs from here to Fort William and Mallaig in summer months with regular trains available the rest of the year. The filming of the second and third Harry Potter books, Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban took place in this area with the Hogwarts Express calling at Glenfinnan! In August every year, on the Saturday closest to 19 August, the Glenfinnan Gathering and Games take place.

Getting there

To get to Glenfinnan from the cottage, follow the B8007 east towards Salen. Once you have reached the A861 Junction turn left and follow the A861 through Glenuig until you reach the A830 junction at Lochailort. Here turn right to take the A830 towards Glenfinnan. The scenery on this stretch is simple stunning – look out for ‘Dumbledore’s Island’ on your right as you pass Loch Eilt.

This journey from the Cottage should take just over an hour. PH37 4LT is the nearest postcode.

House on the Shore

Sea Breeze, Camas Inas, Ardnamurchan, Acharacle PH36 4JQ

1. Kayaking in Loch Sunart

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2. Singing Sands Beach

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3. Glenborrodale Nature Reserve

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4. Ardnamurchan Lighthouse

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5. Glenfinnan Viaduct & Monument

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6. Ardnamurchan Volcano

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7. Ardnamurchan Distillery

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8. Garbh Eilean Wildlife Hide

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9. Dumbledore’s Island

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10. Sanna Sands

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11. Castle Tioram

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12. Tobermory (and Mull)

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13. Ardnamurchan Natural History Visitor Centre

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14. Café Tioram

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15. Otter Adventures

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16. Salen Jetty Shop

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17. Salen Hotel

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18. Loch Shiel Hotel

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19. Salen Walk

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