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Our part of the Highlands is so scenic, it’s no surprise that film location scouts have chosen it so many times for film shoots! We’ll run you through some of the most iconic spots in Lochaber and North Argyll you might recognise from the big screen – and how to go and see them in real life.
HARRY POTTER
So many scenes across the Harry Potter films make use of our stunning local scenery, but surely the most iconic is the Glenfinnan Viaduct used for the bridge that the Hogwarts Express passes over on the way to Hogwarts. It’s featured in the second film when Ron and Harry are zooming around in the stolen flying Ford Anglia.
There are lots more spots for eagle-eyed viewers too, including Loch Shiel as the lake outside Hogwarts and Steall Falls, Glen Nevis, which makes an appearance during quidditch matches in the background. Glencoe backdrops can be seen in many shots from film 3 till the end of the film series.
If you’ve dreamed of visiting Hagrid’s hut, this was built specifically for the films in Clachaig Gully, next to Torren Lochan but there isn’t anything remaining sadly.
Getting there
Read our blog post about Glenfinnan Viaduct for details of how to ride the Jacobite Steam Train, or walk to the perfect spot for snapping it.
BRAVEHEART
While Mel Gibsons’s Scottish accent had a few dubious moments, a few of the locations used were certainly authentic! The very beginning of the movie features the area known as The Soldier’s Pool in Glen Nevis, and just beyond there, the old Cameron graveyard at Ach-na’n-con is used for the funeral scenes. The barn where the nobles met their sticky end is along the River Nevis – various other scenes were filmed near there also. Many locals featured in the film as extras too!
Getting there
It’s especially easy to explore Glen Nevis as you can park up at what’s now known as the Braveheart car park- this was created especially for all the film crew’s vehicles and equipment. From here you can start on any number of wonderful walks through this picturesque valley.
HIGHLANDER
Much of Highlander was filmed round these parts – and a good chunk of Highlander 3 too! The boat scenes took place on Loch Shiel and many scenes took place in Glen Nevis. The battle scene between warring clans took place close to the Buachaille Etive Beag mountain. Stunning castle Eilean Donnan was used for the Clan McLeod’s home in some early scenes.
Getting there
Loch Shiel is up to an hour away by car. You’ll go past Glenfinnan so if you’re doing a road trip why not combine these two locations?
ROB ROY
Many scenes from this film starring Liam Neeson were shot in Glen Nevis, such as the scene where he rides to the sword fight with the Duke of Argyll. The opening shot is at Loch Leven, and there are a number of sections in Glencoe including one particular part of the glen called The Study, where Rob Roy catches some cattle rustlers.
Getting there
We recommend heading to ‘The Study’ in Glencoe for its astounding views of the mountains known as the Three Sisters. There are more leisurely routes but one of the most direct is to park in one of the laybys on the north of the A82 where the old military road crosses the main road, then follow the military road west then scramble up to the viewpoint.
SKYFALL
It’s not just historical and fantasy films that have been shot around these parts. 007 has put in an appearance too. A memorable driving scene in 2012’s Skyfall takes place on the road to Glen Etive, showcasing all the beauty of the surrounding Scottish mountains. Several scenes took place in Glencoe also.
Getting there
The drive through Glencoe on the A82 is a highly recommended road trip with stunning views on all sides – and one you may well take on your journey to us at Ben Nevis Holiday Park anyway, depending on your starting point. If you want to recreate the Skyfall driving scene, take the road to Glen Etive from the A82. It’s a narrow single-track road with passing places that’s 15 miles long and not suitable for wide vehicles so you need to be serious about it. At the end you’ll be rewarded with some incredible views.
Why not take a few of these films with you when you come to stay with us to get you really in the spirit? Perfect for cosy nights in your caravan or lodge.