Tour Overview
Experience the Scottish Highlands on our Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh.
Travelling north from the capital, this small-group adventure takes you deep into the Scottish Highlands to discover some of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes. From the wild beauty of Rannoch Moor and the towering peaks of Glencoe, to the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct and the shores of Loch Shiel, this journey combines breathtaking scenery, Highland history and a touch of film magic.
Your journey begins with views of Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most historic fortresses, before we stop in the Highland town of Callander, often known as the gateway to Rob Roy country.
From here the landscape becomes increasingly wild as we cross the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor, before arriving in the dramatic valley of Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most famous and haunting glens.
Continuing west, we reach Glenfinnan, where you’ll have the chance to see the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train crossing the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct, a scene made famous by the Harry Potter films.
You’ll also enjoy sweeping views across Loch Shiel, where the Glenfinnan Monument marks the spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the Jacobite standard in 1745.
Your return journey travels through the dramatic scenery of the Highlands, passing Fort William beneath Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, before a final refreshment stop in Perthshire, known as Scotland’s Big Tree Country, on the way back to Edinburgh.
This Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Scottish Highlands in one memorable day, combining iconic Highland landscapes, fascinating history and the magic of the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train.
Why Choose This Tour
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✔ Small Group Experience
Travel in a comfortable 16-seat mini coach for a more personal small-group journey through the Scottish Highlands.
✔ See the Jacobite Steam Train
See the Jacobite Steam Train cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct, one of Scotland’s most iconic sights.
✔ Dramatic Highland Landscapes
Experience the beauty of Glencoe, Rannoch Moor and Loch Shiel on a spectacular Highland journey.
✔ Expert Driver-Guides
Our knowledgeable Scottish guides bring Scotland’s landscapes, stories and history to life.
Tour Highlights Video
Tour Route
Tour Itinerary
Departing Edinburgh
Your journey begins in Edinburgh as we travel northwest into the Scottish Highlands, passing the iconic Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most historically significant fortresses. As we leave the Lowlands behind, enjoy views across this storied landscape before our first stop of the day.
Callander
Our first stop is in the Highland town of Callander, often known as the “Gateway to the Highlands.” Here you’ll have time to enjoy morning refreshments and stretch your legs before continuing deeper into the Highlands.
Rannoch Moor
Travelling north-west, we cross the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor, one of Scotland’s most remote landscapes of bogs, lochs and distant mountains.
This hauntingly beautiful moorland feels untouched and wild, offering sweeping Highland scenery as we continue deeper into the Scottish Highlands.
Glencoe
Soon the dramatic valley of Glencoe comes into view, surrounded by towering peaks and waterfalls.
Your driver-guide will share the tragic story of the Glencoe Massacre of 1692, when government troops turned on their hosts, the Clan MacDonald, in one of the darkest events in Highland history.
You’ll also see Buachaille Etive Mòr, one of Scotland’s most recognisable mountains and a filming location for the James Bond film Skyfall.
Glenfinnan Viaduct & Jacobite Steam Train
Next we arrive at Glenfinnan, one of the most famous viewpoints in the Scottish Highlands.
Here you’ll have the chance to see the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train cross the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct, a magnificent 21-arch railway bridge featured in the Harry Potter films.
You’ll also have time to visit the Glenfinnan Monument, standing at the head of Loch Shiel, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the Jacobite standard in 1745.
Fans of Harry Potter will also recognise Loch Shiel, which appeared as the Black Lake in several of the films.
Please note: the Jacobite Steam Train operates seasonally, and while we plan our visit to coincide with its passing whenever possible, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Return to Edinburgh
Our return journey takes us through Fort William, located beneath Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. On clear days you may catch a glimpse of its towering summit.
We then continue south through the Highlands with a final refreshment stop in Perthshire, often known as Scotland’s Big Tree Country, before returning to Edinburgh in the evening.
Tour Highlights
Rannoch Moor
Cross a vast wilderness of lochs, bogs and sweeping Highland scenery in one of Scotland’s most remote landscapes.
Haunting Glencoe
Explore dramatic peaks while hearing the tragic story of the 1692 Glencoe Massacre in this famous Highland glen.
Jacobite Steam Train
See the world-famous steam train cross the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct, a famous scene from the Harry Potter films.
Loch Shiel & Glenfinnan Monument
Admire sweeping Highland views and the monument marking where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the Jacobite standard.
Fort William & Ben Nevis
Pass through the Highland town of Fort William beneath Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom.
Stirling Castle Views
Begin your journey with views of Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most historic and impressive fortresses.
Timed to give you the best possible chance of seeing the Jacobite Steam Train at Glenfinnan during the operating season.
Ready to explore the Scottish Highlands?
Reserve your seat on our Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh today.
Before You Go
Your tour departs from Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, opposite Howies Restaurant.
Waterloo Place
Edinburgh
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Please arrive in good time before departure.
Check-in closes 15 minutes before departure to allow your driver-guide to complete the safety briefing.
Final Check-in closes at 07:45.
If you arrive after this time we may not be able to accommodate you on the tour.
Your Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh departs at 08:00.
The tour returns to Edinburgh at approximately 20:00.
Please note that return times may vary slightly depending on traffic or weather conditions.
Passengers may bring one piece of luggage similar to an airline cabin bag, with a maximum weight of 15kg.
Suggested maximum size:
65cm × 45cm × 30cm
(25in × 18in × 12in)
You may also bring a small personal bag for items needed during the journey.
Due to vehicle weight limits this policy cannot be adjusted.
We regret that we cannot carry children under the age of 5 years on our scheduled tours.
- Travel in a comfortable 16-seat mini coach
- Air-conditioned vehicle with onboard air purification system
- Experienced local driver-guide sharing stories and local knowledge throughout the tour
- Meals and refreshments
Scotland’s weather can change quickly, so we recommend bringing:
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Layers of clothing
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- A camera to capture the scenery
Most places we visit accept card payments, but we recommend bringing some cash for smaller purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
This full-day tour lasts approximately 12 hours, departing Edinburgh in the morning and returning in the evening.
No. The Jacobite Steam Train operates seasonally, usually between spring and autumn each year. Exact dates are confirmed annually by the train operator.
This Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh is planned to arrive at Glenfinnan in time to see the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the viaduct. However, sightings depend on the train operating according to its timetable and cannot be guaranteed.
This Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh still visits the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Glenfinnan Monument even when the train is not running. You will still have time to explore the area and enjoy views across Loch Shiel.
This Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh includes free time at Glenfinnan to admire the viaduct, explore the monument area and take photographs of the surrounding Highland scenery.
Yes. This tour operates with a maximum of 16 passengers, allowing for a more personal experience and more opportunities to enjoy Scotland’s landscapes and viewpoints.
Yes. This Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh includes several comfort stops throughout the day, including time to purchase lunch and refreshments during the journey.
Scottish weather can change quickly, but the tour runs in most conditions. In fact, changing weather often makes the landscapes even more dramatic.
As this tour travels through the Scottish Highlands, there are sections of driving between destinations. However, your Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh includes several scenic stops along the way, giving you time to explore locations such as Glencoe and Glenfinnan while enjoying the Highland scenery.
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