location-photo
camera
len
Sony Alpha 7 III
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens
Shutter Speed
1/1000 sec
Aperture
f/4
Focal Length
70mm
ISO
320

Glenfinnan Viaduct View Point of The Jacobite Steam Train

avatar
@kuhrmarvin
Calling all Harry Potter fans! The filming of the second and third Harry Potter movies, Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban took place in this area with the Hogwarts Express passing through the famous viaduct. Not only do Harry Potter fans from all over the world visit this place, but locals, travelers and photographers come to see the impressive steam train through their own eyes, too.

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Easy
Accessbility
Public Location

Hours

Anytime

Fee

Free

Pack

  • Wide-angle lens (70mm)

How to get there

N56° 52' 34.2624"W5° 26' 01.9284"
This image of the The Jacobite Steam Train was taken from the Glenfinnan Viaduct View Point. You can reach this destination by driving and then finding parking at the Glenfinnan Monument Parking near the visitor center (56.870799, -5.435245). From the parking lot, just follow the signs directly to the north-most view point. Please note that although the viewpoint is free to access, it does cost £3 to park, which is a direct contribution to the visitor center. If you’re here to see the steam train, please aim to park the car half an hour before the train actually passes, otherwise, it can be near impossible to find a space.

Tips

When to go

Best season

May, June, July, August, September, October

Best time

Mid-day
The image of the Glenfinnan Viaduct with the Jabobite steam train can be photographed during May to October when the train is running.
The train only runs a couple times during the middle of the day. Make sure to check the schedule of the Jacobite steam train beforehand. It's also recommended to get there 30 minutes before the train is about to pass to get a good spot.

Field tips

To reiterate, I suggest checking the schedule of the Jacobite steam train if you want to see the train cross the bridge. It's also recommended to get there 30 minutes before the train is about to pass to get a good spot.
Please note that it is not permitted to fly your drone here. Either leave it at home or in your car.
Catch the train passing (check the schedule before) on the curve of the viaduct for a more dramatic effect. Having the train will help to add dimension to your photo.
A 24-70mm lens is perfect for this spot, allowing you to get wide angle shots of the entire bridge as well as some zoomed-in shots of the train.
In my opinion, it's best to use a fast shutter so that you can capture the train in motion with the big billow of steam.
Try to include the plants and flowers in the foreground to frame your image.
It can be tricky to take a picture with a model here, but you might get some good shots if you walk down to the viaduct itself.

Current weather

Glenfinnan
Partially cloudy
54o
F
Mon
55o
42o
Tue
47o
42o
Wed
49o
40o
Thu
52o
46o
Fri
48o
45o

Blue Hour

05:58
54o
Partially cloudy

Sunrise

06:36
54o
Partially cloudy

Golden Hour

16:54
54o
Partially cloudy

Sunset

17:46
54o
Partially cloudy

Do nearby

Check out the beautiful Loch Shiel, which is just a short walk away from the car park. This breathtaking lake is surrounded by picturesque highlands and the view is one you don't want to miss!
If you're staying overnight, I recommend lodging at The Prince's House Hotel. This historic 17th century hotel is so charming and they even serve complimentary breakfast.

Locations nearby

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