Monday June 22nd 2026
Famous Jacobite Steam train going over the Glenfinnan Viaduct (photo by Joe Gilhooley LRPS)
This View has been written by Joe Gilhooley LRPS Award winning and Licentaite of The Royal Photographic Society from Loanhead
The Jacobite Steam Train is running again from Fort William to Mallaig. After licence difficulties relating to the central locking of train carriage doors.
Crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which features in a Harry Potter Book and Film. And is a great draw for tourists and Harry Potter fans.
Two Black Five Steam trains a day cross The Glenfinnan Viaduct at 10.45am and the second steam train at 1.20pm.
As a photographer, Joe says:
I watch the weather forecast daily and in advance for Scottish Landscape opportunities. Watching for good weather dry days with hopefully little wind.
Monday 15th June shaped up to be such a day. I set my alarm for 2.55am and set off from Loanhead on my own in my car. 167 miles to Glenfinnan. Satnav in operation. I went via Glencoe.
I arrived at Glenfinnan Visitors’ Centre carpark at 7am. First car in the carpark. Two Deer Stags were standing watching me in the carpark. I paid the £5 card payment parking fee and climbed to steps up to the viewing point from the carpark.
I wanted the early morning light and was astounded by the beauty of the landscape view of Loch Shiel with The Glenfinnan Monument on the loch side.
The Monument an 18 metre high column erected in 1814, with a lone Scottish Highlander figure on the top. To remember the uprising in 1745, by Bonnie Price Charlie’s Jacobite Army.
Famous Jacobite Steam train going over the Glenfinnan Viaduct (photo by Joe Gilhooley LRPS)
I captured the landscape image I wanted. I was glad of my Midge Head Net as the early morning Midges we out in force.
I am a great user of my tripod for landscape photography.
By 8am I was back in the carpark. It was getting busy. Most, I could tell were already arriving to watch the morning Jacobite Steam Train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct at 10.45am.
I took the 20 minute walk to The Glenfinnan Viaduct. A reasonably level path. Under the viaduct is a deer gate. Then a steep climb up a very rocky path onto the hillside. Not recommended for those of not stable walking.
I was glad of my walking boots and sensible footwear. It is harder coming downwards. If wet, it will get muddy.
The tourists on the hillside were looking at me with my Midge Head net on. They soon realised why I wore it. I set my tripod up and waited. I actually used two cameras. One on my tripod. Fired off by my second camera handheld. To give me two views and versions of the steam train on the viaduct.
Glenfinnan (photo by Joe Gilhooley LRPS)
I would say that there were about 600 tourists on the hill by the time the Jacobite Steam Train came into view. I heard very few speaking English and many different languages. I kept hearing the word “Harry Potter” Everyone was friendly and all gave a big cheer and applause to the Jacobite Steam Train.
Most left the hill after the train passed. I remained in view. I had a prime spot for my tripod and wanted to keep it.
By noon, the Midges had gone in the warm day. I was able to remove my head net.
By 1pm, the hill was filled again, with maybe 400 new tourists. To watch the 1.20pm second Jacobite Steam Train crossing The Glenfinnan Viaduct.
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I got afternoon steam train images. Again with my two cameras. I have to say, the angle of the afternoon sun was at a better position for photography. It was at a harsh angle in the morning.
I walked back to the carpark with all the tourists. The carpark was full and the staff were manning the entrances with cones over the way in. Denying access to vehicles.
If you wish to visit Glenfinnan. My advice is. Get there early into the carpark. Wear sensible footwear. Consider a Midge head net. I got one on Amazon for £8. It sits in my camera bag. Take water with you. If there is a breeze, it seems to take the Midges away.
I came away from Glenfinnan rather happy and with two images for my 2027 Scottish Calendar. The proof calendar is now competed.
Lastly. When I am in full photography mode. I forget other important matters. I got home at 6pm. My wife asked me what I had to eat during my travels 3am – 6pm – 310 miles round trip. I had to tell her. I forgotten to eat. I was suddenly hungry for my dinner.
I hope you enjoy my Glenfinnan images.
Glenfinnan (photo by Joe Gilhooley LRPS)
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