The Viaduct
The viaduct that featured so strongly in the films, was built by Robert 'Concrete Bob' McAlpine in 1901. It was one of the first structures in the world to use what was, at that time, a newly re-discovered building material, Mass Concrete.
Two bungalows on the Isle of Wight have the honour of being the first such use, and the Sway Tower in the New Forest is the first large structure. The Romans, of course, made extensive use of Mass Concrete, the Pantheon being one of the finest examples.
The viaduct carries West Highland Line which runs between Fort William and Mallaig. In addition to the normal service trains, the line is also home to the Jacobite Steam Train, which pauses long enough at Glenfinnan Station for passengers to visit the splendid little Glenfinnan Railway Station Museum.
Unfortunately, it does not stop long enough to allow them to take in the excellent Princes House Hotel, with its friendly bar and fine restaurant.
External Links and References
External Links
- Glenfinnan Station Museum
The official site
https://glenfinnanstationmuseum.co.uk/ - Road to the Isles - Glenfinnan Railway Station
Information on the Station Museum, Restaurant Car and Sleeping Car Accommodation.
https://roadtotheisles.com/members/glenfinnan-railway-station/ - Jacobite Steam Train
Times, Prices and info on the Harry Potter connection
https://westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite/steam-train-trip
- Glenfinnan Station Museum