United Kingdom Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland
This viaduct was made famous by the Harry Potter movies. A little planning, and willingness to put up with many Harry Potter fans, will provide an opportunity to photograph the Jacobite Train traversing the viaduct. If it's raining, be on the lookout for rainbows!
Photography Tips
Be prepared to deal with many people with smartphones who are bound and determined to get a photo, regardless of whether or not they are in your field of view. Keep in mind that the train is moving, so the shutter speed of your camera shouldn't be less than 1/250.
Travel Information
If you want to photograph the train on the viaduct, arrive at least 90 minutes before the train is scheduled to cross the viaduct. You will hike from the parking area on a trail that goes under the viaduct and through a gate in a fence, and then up a steep incline to achieve your angle of choice.
Right behind the official car park is a second one where the road leading to the viaduct starts. This road is private so you have to park at the car park and walk the road to the viaduct. The walk itself doesn't take longer than maybe 5 minutes. Right before the viaduct you have to take a small way uphill which leads under the viaduct with a small gate. Pass this gate and follow the track to find the right angle.
Right behind the official car park is a second one where the road leading to the viaduct starts. This road is private so you have to park at the car park and walk the road to the viaduct. The walk itself doesn't take longer than maybe 5 minutes. Right before the viaduct you have to take a small way uphill which leads under the viaduct with a small gate. Pass this gate and follow the track to find the right angle.
Spot Type
Outdoor
Crowd Factor
A decent amount of people
Best Timing
Daytime
Sunrise & Sunset
08:19 - 15:57
| current local time: 19:09
Photo Themes
Bridge
harry potter
Monument
Movie
railway
Train
Trains
viaduct
viewpoint
Locations
Scotland
Highlands
Glenfinnan
Glenfinnan Viaduct
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