Glenfinnan Monument, Lochaber and Fort William

Monument, Viewing Point and Visitor Centre near Lochaber and Fort William

Glenfinnan monument
Glenfinnan monument
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Antony McCallum

Glenfinnan Monument rises from the head of Loch Shiel like a stone exclamation mark, framed by the hills and woods of Moidart, Ardgour and Lochaber. Built in 1815 by Alexander MacDonald of Glenaladale, it stands on the very spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745, calling the Highland clans to the Jacobite cause. The setting is pure Highland drama: a long, fjord-like loch stretching into the west, steep flanks of heather and pine, and a solitary tower crowned by a solitary Highlander. It feels both romantic and quietly solemn, a place where landscape and history are inseparable.

By the early 19th century, the Jacobite threat had faded, but its memory had not. MacDonald commissioned architect James Gillespie Graham to design an 18-metre circular tower, later topped in 1835 with John Greenshields' statue of an anonymous Highlander in full dress. Today, you can stand where clan banners once gathered, read trilingual commemorative panels in Gaelic, Latin and English, and look up at the lichened figure above. With its visitor centre, lochside setting, and connections to both the '45 Rising and later Scottish Romanticism, Glenfinnan Monument is one of the best places to visit in Glenfinnan for anyone curious about this pivotal chapter in Scottish history, and the area is often visited on walking tours of Glenfinnan and its surroundings.

History and Significance of Glenfinnan Monument

By 1815, the Jacobite cause was no longer a real political threat to the Hanoverian monarchy, but it still lived strongly in memory, song, and local loyalty. Alexander MacDonald of Glenaladale, from a minor branch of Clan Donald, chose to mark that memory by building a monument at Glenfinnan, where Prince Charles Edward Stuart had first called the clans to arms in 1745. The result was the Glenfinnan Monument: a tall, circular tower in rubble masonry, with a Tudor Gothic doorway, narrow slit windows, and a spiral stair leading to a viewing platform.

The site itself is sacred ground in Jacobite lore. On Monday 19 August 1745, a small boat brought Bonnie Prince Charlie ashore at the north end of Loch Shiel. In the early afternoon, he raised his red-and-white silk standard, reputedly sewn by the women of nearby Dalilea, in the presence of the “Seven Men of Moidart”-four Irishmen, two Scots and one Englishman. Soon they were joined by MacDonald clans (Clanranald, Morar, Keppoch) and the Camerons of Lochiel. This was the beginning of a campaign that would see the Prince enter Edinburgh, defeat Sir John Cope at Prestonpans, push as far as Derby, and then retreat, ending in disaster at Culloden in April 1746 and his eventual escape to France with help from supporters such as Flora MacDonald.

The monument’s later additions deepen its symbolism. In 1835, sculptor John Greenshields’ statue of an anonymous Highlander was placed atop the tower, originally described at commission as representing Charles Edward Stuart. The perimeter wall, now octagonal and faceted, carries cast-iron panels in Gaelic, Latin and English, along with a marble plaque honouring the clansmen who died in the Jacobite cause and Alexander MacDonald himself, who died in the year of completion. Within the enclosure, emblematic clan plants evoke the badges that would once have been worn in bonnets, while the white cockade recalls the simple knotted ribbon that became a powerful symbol of Jacobite allegiance.

Things to See and Do in Glenfinnan Monument

The first impression of Glenfinnan Monument is from ground level: walk out onto the lochside meadow and take in the full view of the tower framed by Loch Shiel and the surrounding hills. From here, it is easy to picture longboats landing, standards raised, and clans assembling under their banners. The stonework and proportions of the tower stand out against the wide sky and water, making this one of the most photogenic corners of the West Highlands.

Inside the perimeter wall, you step into a small, enclosed space that feels almost like an open-air chapel. Benches run around the edges, and the emblematic clan plants add a living layer to the memorial. Take time to read the cast-iron panels in Gaelic, Latin and English, and the marble plaque that commemorates the Jacobite dead and Alexander MacDonald. These inscriptions quietly remind you that the monument is not just about one romantic prince, but about the men who followed him and the families who remembered them.

If you are able-bodied and comfortable with confined spaces, you can climb the interior spiral staircase to the top of the tower. The steps are narrow, uneven stone, arranged in a tight spiral, and the platform is accessed through a small hatch, so this climb is not suitable for visitors with mobility issues, poor balance, or claustrophobia. For those who do make the ascent, the reward is a superb 360-degree panorama: Loch Shiel stretching westward, the Lochaber hills and the Glenfinnan Viaduct to the east, the pine-clad slopes of Ardgour to the south, and St Finnan's Church and the Glenfinnan Hotel to the north. Up close, the Highlander statue-with full dress and tartan now encrusted in yellow, brown, green and orange crustose lichens-feels both heroic and strangely vulnerable, a solitary figure guarding the loch.

Finally, visit the National Trust for Scotland Visitor Centre, where an exhibition and audio programme tell the story of Prince Charles Edward Stuart’s campaign from Glenfinnan to Derby and back to Culloden. Displays explore the events of the 1745 Rising, the lives of those who joined it, and the aftermath that saw Highland dress and tartan later outlawed because of their association with rebellion. The centre also houses a gift shop and café, making it a comfortable place to round out your visit with a deeper understanding of the monument and its wider context.

How to Get to Glenfinnan Monument

Glenfinnan Monument stands at the head of Loch Shiel in the West Highlands of Scotland, on the A830 “Road to the Isles” between Fort William and Mallaig. It is straightforward to reach but feels pleasantly remote once you arrive.

The nearest major airports are Inverness and Glasgow. From either city you can hire a car or take onward public transport via Fort William before continuing to Glenfinnan, with journey times varying depending on connections. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Lochaber and Fort William on Booking.com.

For train travellers, Glenfinnan has its own station on the famous West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig. Regular ScotRail services run from Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William and on toward Mallaig, passing over the Glenfinnan Viaduct before stopping at the village. From Glenfinnan station, it is a short walk down to the monument and visitor centre, making the train one of the most scenic and convenient ways to arrive.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you are driving, follow the A82 to Fort William and then the A830 west toward Mallaig. Glenfinnan is clearly signposted, and there is a National Trust for Scotland car park close to the visitor centre, from which a short path leads to the monument and lochside viewpoint.

Practical Tips on Visiting Glenfinnan Monument

  • Suggested tips: Bring a waterproof and warm layers, even in summer-Highland weather can change quickly, and the lochside can feel exposed in wind and rain.
  • Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn offers the best combination of longer daylight, clearer views and visitor centre opening hours; early morning or late afternoon can be quieter and especially atmospheric.
  • Entrance fee: Monument: Adult £5, Chile £3, Car Park: £3.5 Views of Viaduct: Free!
  • Opening hours: Glenfinnan Visitor Centre and Monument View Carpark

    2 Jan–3 Apr, daily, 10.00–16.00
    Current period4 Apr–4 Nov, daily, 10.00–17.00
    5 Nov–23 Dec, daily, 10.00–16.00
    24–26 Dec, closed
    27 Dec–30 Dec, daily, 10.00–16.00
    31 Dec–1 Jan 2023, closed
  • Official website: https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/glenfinnan-monument
  • How long to spend: Allow 1.5-2 hours to explore the visitor centre, walk out to the monument, and (if you choose) climb the tower; longer if you also visit the viaduct viewpoint or St Finnan’s Church.
  • Accessibility: The approach to the lochside monument is on paths that may be uneven or muddy in places; the tower climb involves a steep, narrow spiral stair and is unsuitable for visitors with limited mobility, balance issues, or claustrophobia.
  • Facilities: The Visitor Centre provides restrooms, a café, a gift shop and interpretive displays; additional food and accommodation options can be found in Glenfinnan village and in nearby Fort William.
  • Photography tip: For classic shots, frame the monument against Loch Shiel with the hills receding into the distance; in softer light after rain or at sunset, reflections on the water and mist in the glen can make the scene especially evocative.
  • Guided tours: Check at the Visitor Centre for any ranger talks or short guided introductions to the monument and Jacobite history; some wider Highland tours also include Glenfinnan as a key stop.
  • Nearby food options: A café at the Visitor Centre and local hotels or inns in Glenfinnan offer light meals and drinks; Fort William, a short drive away, has a wider choice of pubs, cafés and restaurants.

Where to Stay close to Glenfinnan Monument

Staying near Glenfinnan Monument lets you enjoy the peace of Loch Shiel after day-trippers have gone and gives you the chance to see the monument in different lights and weather. For a classic Highland stay almost on the loch shore, Glenfinnan House Hotel offers traditional rooms, open fires and views toward the monument itself. Just along the road, The Prince’s House Hotel provides a welcoming base close to both the monument and Glenfinnan station, ideal if you are travelling by train. If you prefer to base yourself in a larger town with more services while still being within easy driving distance, Moorings Hotel near Fort William sits by the Caledonian Canal and works well for combining Glenfinnan with other West Highland sights.

Is Glenfinnan Monument Worth Visiting?

Glenfinnan Monument is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you are interested in Scotland's Jacobite history or simply love dramatic Highland scenery. Few places bring together such a precise historical moment and such a powerful landscape: the exact spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard, marked by a solitary tower and Highlander statue, looking out over a long, still loch. Add in the visitor centre's thoughtful interpretation, the option to climb the tower, and the nearby views of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and it becomes a deeply memorable stop rather than just a quick photo opportunity.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (3,402)

Glenfinnan Monument (National Trust for Scotland), set on Loch Shiel amid dramatic mountains near Glenfinnan PH37 4LT, offers sweeping scenic views and an on-site car park with facilities (parking is paid, free for members). Visitors praise the impressive backdrop and recommend climbing the narrow stairs to the top for the best vistas, though the ascent is tight. The nearby Glenfinnan Viaduct draws crowds when the Jacobite steam train passes, so expect busy periods and a full car park around train times; quieter moments can feel almost private.

Angela Crooks
a month ago
"A lovely place to go and visit as the scenery around is absolutely beautiful. We've visited a few times over the years but this time more or less hadthe monument all to ourselves (there was only us two and one other person looking around). It wasn't until we were leaving and noticed all the people ru ing along the road that it slowly dawned on us that the "Harry Potter" train was due to go past lol 😂..."
Dejan Vuletic
2 months ago
"Glenfi an Monument is surrounded by mountains and is located on Loch Shiel. It takes about half an hour's drive from Fort William. Parking costs £5for the whole day. Here is also the Glenfi an Viaduct, which is known from the movie about Harry Potter. If you arrive on time, you can see how it passes over it Jacobite Steam Train. If you are a lover of nature and historical buildings, it is definitely worth a visit 😀..."
Z Rose
3 months ago
"fantastic monument -I’d highly recommend climbing to the top! Just be aware that the stairs and the hatch are quite narrow, so it’s a tight squeeze.The views from the top are absolutely beautiful and make it well worth the effort. Members go up for free. (National trust Parking is a nightmare)..."

FAQs for Visiting Glenfinnan Monument

You can usually access the lochside viewpoint without charge, but there is a ticketed entry for the Visitor Centre and tower climb; check current details before visiting.
Older, confident children may enjoy the climb, but the staircase is narrow, steep and uneven, so it requires close supervision and may not be suitable for very young kids.
The monument grounds can often be visited in all seasons, but the Visitor Centre and tower have seasonal opening hours that are reduced in winter.
It is a short, mostly level walk of around 5-10 minutes from the main car park to the lochside monument on established paths.
Yes, many visitors see both on the same trip, using separate paths and viewpoints for the viaduct and monument while basing themselves in Glenfinnan or nearby Fort William.

Nearby Attractions to Glenfinnan Monument

  • Glenfinnan Viaduct - The famous 21-arch railway viaduct on the West Highland Line, best known from its appearance in the Harry Potter films, with viewpoints on nearby hillsides.
  • Loch Shiel Cruises - Boat trips from the loch shore that explore the length of Loch Shiel, offering wildlife-spotting and alternative views back to the monument.
  • St Mary and St Finnan’s Church - A picturesque Catholic church overlooking Loch Shiel, sometimes called the “Glenfinnan Church,” with fine views and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Fort William - The main town of Lochaber, a short drive away, offering shops, restaurants, and access to Ben Nevis and the Nevis Range of mountains.
  • Arisaig and the Silver Sands Beaches - Beautiful white-sand and turquoise-water beaches along the coast toward Mallaig, perfect for a scenic drive after visiting Glenfinnan.

The Glenfinnan Monument appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Lochaber and Fort William!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Glenfinnan Visitor Centre and Monument View Carpark


2 Jan-3 Apr, daily, 10.00-16.00

Current period4 Apr-4 Nov, daily, 10.00-17.00

5 Nov-23 Dec, daily, 10.00-16.00

24-26 Dec, closed

27 Dec-30 Dec, daily, 10.00-16.00

31 Dec-1 Jan 2023, closed

Price:

Monument: Adult £5, Chile £3, Car Park: £3.5 Views of Viaduct: Free!

Lochaber and Fort William: 21 km
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

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