Discover Scotland’s stunning film locations that have captured the hearts of filmmakers worldwide. From enchanting landscapes to iconic spots, these scenic gems continue to draw travelers and creatives alike. Have you stumbled upon one of these magical settings without even realizing it? Join us as we explore Scotland’s favorite film locations, where reality and cinema blend into a mesmerizing tapestry.
Loch Etive
Glen Etive – Glencoe
Discover the mesmerizing beauty of Glen Etive, a stunning gem located in the Scottish Highlands. This iconic spot, featured in the James Bond film Skyfall, is a must-see for nature enthusiasts. Begin your adventure just one mile from Glencoe, following a narrow road alongside the scenic River Etive. Prepare to be captivated by breathtaking highlands, majestic mountains, serene lochs, and picturesque valleys along the twelve-mile drive. Embark on this unforgettable journey, soaking in the unparalleled beauty that makes Glen Etive one of Scotland’s most remarkable destinations. Don’t miss the chance to experience this enchanting road trip.
There are plenty of passing places allow you to let others past. Although if you visit at a quieter time you could have the whole road to yourself!
Finally, when you have driven as far as you can, park up and enjoy the breath-taking views over Loch Etive. Loch Etive was a camping spot for Ron, Hermione and Harry in Harry Potter. The drive alone is worth the trip but the view at the end makes it 10x better!
Outlander
Devil’s Pulpit – Finnich Glen, Stirling
Second on our list is Finnich Glen. This stunning place appears in episode 6 of season 1 of Outlander (St Ninian’s Spring or Liar’s Spring).
Red sandstone walls hung with mosses and dense trees fill this atmospheric trail. Waterfalls and shallow rock pools also entwine the steep gorge walls.
The path is easy to follow and after a short walk you reach the steep vertical staircase. These are known as the Devil’s Steps and date back to around 1860. Carefully descend using the ropes for support. Finally, walk along the gorge to view the waterfalls and the circular rock famously known as the Devil’s Pulpit.
You should definitely plan ahead and take shoes for the water if you plan on venturing deep into the gorge to take some great photos.
Braveheart and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Glen Nevis, Steall Gorge and Waterfall, Fort William
Next up on our list of famous film locations in Scotland is the famous Glen Nevis which feature in a number of Braveheart’s scenes. Braveheart Car Park is about 1 mile from the roundabout in Fort William beside the River Nevis, follow Belford Road signposted for Glen Nevis. The car park is on the right-hand side of the road.
We also recommend driving beyond the Braveheart carpark. Drive to the end of the road and you’ll reach the Lower Falls car park. This is where you can take a short walk through the Steall Gorge before reaching Steall Waterfall. You’ll likely find this is a short and relatively easy walk but take care – especially when wet because there are can be some wet and slippery steps.
The first challenge of the Tri-Wizard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of fire features the dramatic landscape around Steall Falls at Glen Nevis.
Steall waterfall is the third highest in Scotland, to reach it you walk across the shallow stream. We therefore recommend bringing a backpack, towel and a change of clothing/shoes if planning on getting wet (or a swimsuit if you plan on getting in the water!). When the sun is out it’s definitely worth bringing a picnic and rug and chilling for a bit. Or if you’re into camping then it’s the perfect spot!
We’ve been here twice now – once when the weather was humid and misty and the second when the sun was shining. In both cases we were attacked by midges – so definitely stock up on bug spray!
Harry Potter – Bridge to Hogwarts
Jacobite Train, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glenfinnan
No list of famous film locations in Scotland would be complete without the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Featured in the Harry Potter films as the bridge the Hogwarts Express crosses, this is a great visit for families and Harry Potter fans.
The railway viaduct in situated in the southwest of Scotland, between Fort William and Mallaig, overlooking Loch Shiel. And the Loch also features in the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire as the ‘Black Lake’ in the second challenge of the Tri-Wizard Tournament.
The bridge itself is formed of 21 pillars and is 380 meters long (30 meters high). Only the famous museum train “The Jacobite” runs on the line.
There are 4 opportunities a day to see the train cross the bridge, see timings below. To see the viaduct take a short walk up a hill to the signposted viewpoint where you can see the bridge from afar, or if you want to get closer (like the people you see in the video below sitting on the hilltop) you can wander right up to the bridge. Your final option is of course boarding the train itself – purchasing either a single or return ticket, boarding from Fort William or Mallaig. No drones are allowed and you should never look to cross the tracks.
Does the Jacobite train operate all year round (updated 2023)?
No, morning service runs from Monday 3rd April until Friday 27th October 2023 (7 days a week)
The afternoon service runs from Monday 1st May until Friday 29th September 2023 (7 days a week)
Check timings and Book Jacobite Train Tickets
What time does the train cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct?
It usually crosses the bridge around 30-40 minutes departing from Fort William station
Allow the possibility of it running around 10 minutes after the times shown.
There is a paid parking, and a small shop serving refreshments and toilets.
Local Hero
Camusdarach Beach, Arisaig
This stunning Scottish beach in Arisaig features the beach and sunset scenes filmed in Local Hero – known as Ben’s Beach in the film.
There’s a small car park and then about a 5-10 minute walk along a beautiful sandy path adorned with tall grass and bridges. This then leads on to the beach where you’ll see a cute white cottage to your right ahead.
The beach is great for chilling all day or for walking along.
Highlander and James Bond – The World is Not Enough
Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie
Next on our list is Eilean Donan Castle – another iconic location in the Scottish Highlands. This setting features as MI6 headquarters in the famous James Bond film starring Pierce Brosnan and Dame Judi Dench.
Eilean Donan is situated on an island where three great sea lochs meet near the picturesque village of Dornie. Set against a beautiful backdrop, the castle is one of the most visited attractions in the Scottish highlands. It is situated on the main tourist route to the Isle of Skye – making it the perfect stop on your way to/ way back from Skye.
Alien, Macbeth
Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye
And finally on our list of famous film locations in Scotland, the most famous and busiest walk on the Isle of Skye, the ‘Old Man’ is a large zenith of rock. The location attracts photographers and film makers from across the world. This location features in Alien and Macbeth, to name two.
The Storr walk uses one path up and down, starting & returning from the carpark. It’s a 3.8km walk, with the average time to complete the walk being 1 hour 15 minutes (with no stops) according to a local website. We think it takes a bit longer than this and you should probably allow at least 2 hours to allow time for photos and stops.
The carpark is located off the main road around a 10 minute drive from Portree.