Scottish Highlands, Scotland
Hogwarts Express bridge
A landmark Victorian railway viaduct with 21 arches, carrying the West Highland Line over the River Finnan. Its appearances as part of the Hogwarts Express route made it one of the most recognisable locations from the Harry Potter films.
From the visitor car parks, the lower viewpoint is about a 10-minute flat walk beside the River Finnan and is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
For the higher view, continue for roughly 10 minutes uphill. This part of the route has steps and can be slippery.
Glenfinnan has daily ScotRail services from Fort William and Mallaig, plus Shiel Buses services along the A830. The bus stop is about 200 metres from the visitor centre; from Glenfinnan railway station it is a 1.5-kilometre pavement walk or a signposted 2.4-kilometre hillside route via the viaduct.
Travelling by train from Fort William lets you cross the viaduct before walking to the viewpoints. Check ScotRail or Shiel Buses for current times, as the rural services are limited.
The viaduct viewpoints are free outdoor walking routes. In 2026, the Jacobite steam train morning service runs daily from 1 June to 23 October and the afternoon service from 10 June to 25 September. During the period when both operate, the trains typically cross west towards Mallaig at about 10:45 and 13:20, then east towards Fort William at about 15:10 and 18:05. These are approximate crossing times: check West Coast Railways’ current timetable and arrive early in case the service runs ahead or behind schedule. Regular ScotRail trains use the line throughout the year.
The National Trust for Scotland visitor-centre car park is pay-and-display. The car park fills up quickly so you may have to find a spot on the road side, which could be up to 30 minutes walk away at busy times.
The flat route to the view below the viaduct is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Higher viewpoints involve steps and potentially slippery paths.
The wider site includes a visitor centre, Glenfinnan railway station and its museum. Check current opening information before visiting.
Check the details
Conditions, access and opening information can change. Check official information before making a journey.
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