Location, Location, Location!
FANTASTIC FILMING SPOTS IN THE SOUTH HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM
From towering mountains to misty glens, rugged coastlines to glistening beaches, it's no surprise that the dramatic landscapes of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland have been featured in film and TV productions. From cult classics like Braveheart and James Bond to modern marvels such as Outlander and The Crown, explore a selection of these iconic filming locations across Badenoch and Strathspey, Lochaber and Argyll in this epic self-guided itinerary.
On your journey, be responsible and respectful of local communities and wildlife and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Broomhill Station, Badenoch and StrathspeyImage provided by Airborne Lens
BROOMHILL STATION
Start your cinematic journey at Broomhill Station. This reconstructed station was revived from disuse in 1997 and is now at the heart of the Strathspey steam railway. Surrounded by spectacular views of the Cairngorms, the station featured in Badla (2019) and doubled as 'Glenbogle Station' in the successful BBC series Monarch of the Glen (2000-2005) which starred Alistair MacKenzie, Dawn Steele and Tom Baker to name a few. On your visit, look out for the now famous original ‘Glenbogle’ prop signs which remain at the station.
HIGHLAND FOLK MUSEUM
Step back in time with the Highland Folk Museum - a must-see site for fans of Outlander (2014-present). Just north of Newtonmore, this living museum, the first of its kind in Britain, allows visitors to experience life in the Highlands from the 18th to the mid-20th centuries. Outlander aficionados may recognise many buildings of the Highland Folk Museum from S01E05 ‘Rent’ - particularly the reconstructed 1700s township Baile Gean, which features as the Clan MacKenzie village in the episode.
Highland Folk MuseumImage provided by Airborne Lens
Ardverikie Estate, Loch Laggan, NewtonmoreImage provided by Airborne Lens
ARDVERIKIE ESTATE AND LOCH LAGGAN
No stranger to Hollywood and the silver screen, Ardverikie House and Estate on the shores of Loch Laggan has a long history with film and TV. The 19th century baronial house in Newtonmore is perhaps most famed as the setting for ‘Glenbogle’ in Monarch of the Glen (2000-2005) but has also notably acted as a striking double for Balmoral in The Crown (2016-present). Other features include No Time to Die (2021), Outlaw King (2018), Outlander, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011), Mrs. Brown (1997) and The Missionary (1982).
CORROUR STATION
Nestled near Loch Ossian and the very fringes of Rannoch Moor is a unique station which has featured in a major cult classic. Only accessible on the West Highland Line, Corrour Station, the highest railway station in the UK, is surrounded by breathtaking views which draw in thousands of walking and nature enthusiasts each year. Corrour is immortalised in the classic Trainspotting (1996) when Renton, Tommy, Spud and Sick Boy venture to the rugged beauty of the Highlands on a day out.
Corrour Station, LochaberImage provided by Airborne Lens
Glenfinnan Viaduct, LochaberImage provided by Airborne Lens
GLENFINNAN VIADUCT
With its ethereal and timeless charm, it is no surprise that Glenfinnan Viaduct is one of the most frequented sites for keen set-jetters. Towering over Loch Shiel and the River Finnan, the viaduct forms an essential part of the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig. Visitors will perhaps recognise the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct best in the Harry Potter film franchise, forming part of the route carrying the magical Hogwarts Express steam train to its destination. The iconic viaduct has also featured in The Crown, Around the World in 80 Days (2004), Charlotte Gray (2001) and the racing video game Forza Horizon 4 (2018).
LOCH SHIEL
A little over 10 miles from Glenfinnan and barely 10 metres above sea level lies the beautiful Loch Shiel. The loch, with its awe-inspiring views of the landscape in all directions, is a firm favourite of photographers and is one of the most iconic locations in the Highlands. Like its close neighbour, the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Loch Shiel is most commonly associated with the Harry Potter series as the location of the mysterious Black Lake. The area around the loch also served as the birthplace of the fictional heroes Connor and Duncan MacLeod of Highlander (1986).
Loch Shiel, LochaberImage provided by Airborne Lens
Lochailort, LochaberImage provided by Airborne Lens
LOCHAILORT
Bordered by the coast and dramatic mountainous scenery, Lochailort, known as the Rough Bounds and the halfway point of the Road to the Isles, is sure to strike a chord with visitors. The hamlet lies at the head of idyllic Loch Ailort and is home to a number of small but lively villages which have featured in the films Complicity (2000), Breaking the Waves (1996) and Local Hero (1983). Be sure to visit the Loch Nan Uamh Viaduct for surprise views of the Hebrides!
CAMUSDARACH
The glistening sands and clear waters of Camusdarach are a haven for visitors to the Highlands and Islands. The calming coastline, with views on to the Isle of Skye and the Small Isles, forms part of the enchanting Silver Sands of Morar and a wonderful place to watch the sun set below the horizon. Its famed beauty has quite rightly made the silver screen on multiple occasions - notably Highlander (1986) and Local Hero (1983) - and even reportedly described as ‘heaven on Earth’ by Ewan MacGregor!
Camusdarach Beach, LochaberImage provided by Airborne Lens
Glen Etive, LochaberImage provided by Airborne Lens
GLEN ETIVE
Surrounded by the magnificent peaks of Buachaille Etive Mòr and Buachaille Etive Beag, etched with the River Etive and under endless skies, Glen Etive is a widely recognised natural marvel of the Highlands. The eerie but enchanting charm of Glen Etive has cemented it into Irish legends and two legendary Hollywood blockbusters. The glen famously featured in Braveheart (1995) and, more recently, in the Bond smash-hit Skyfall (2012) in a scene featuring Bond and M on a drive to his childhood home.
GLENCOE
One of the most recognisable landscapes in Scotland, the lands of Glencoe are outstandingly beautiful but are steeped in tragedy. Glen Coe village is the site of the infamous 1692 Glencoe massacre and has since been referred to as the ‘Weeping Glen’. The incredible, almost sorrowful, beauty of Glencoe has seen it become one of Scotland's most featured filming locations including Shiddat (2020), Mary Queen of Scots (2018), Outlaw King (2018), The Eagle (2011), Centurion (2010), Made of Honour (2008), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2003), Rob Roy (1995), Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) and The 39 Steps (1935).
Black Rock Cottage, Glencoe, LochaberImage provided by Airborne Lens
Castle Stalker, Argyll and the IslesImage provided by Airborne Lens
CASTLE STALKER
Standing isolated on an islet on Loch Laich is the imposingly beautiful Castle Stalker. Steeped in thousands of years of incredible stories, the 14th century tower house takes its name from the Gaelic ‘stalcaire’ meaning ‘‘hunter’ or ‘falconer’. The mountains of Ardnamurchan, visible on the horizon, add to the almost impossible beauty of the castle featuring in film and TV - in the Netflix drama Sense8 (2015-2018), Highlander: Endgame (2000) and as ‘Castle Aaaaarrrrrrggghhh’ in Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975).
REST AND BE THANKFUL
Conclude your epic itinerary with a final stop at the aptly named Rest and Be Thankful - a place of respite amongst the winding mountainous pass. At 245 metres above sea level, the famed view point at Rest and Be Thankful divides Glen Kinglas from Glen Croe. The iconic beauty spot has hosted a number of film crews over the past few decades, including My Name is Joe (1998), Rab C. Nesbitt (1988-1999) and Restless Natives (1985).
Rest and Be Thankful, Argyll and the IslesImage provided by Airborne Lens
Share this itinerary
| Transport | Driving |
| Duration | Several days |
Destinations on this Itinerary
Stories
Favourite Places: Glencoe
"...as you turn into Glencoe there's a lovely view of the mountain range there...the heritage as well, it's so rich and there's so many aspects to it. I just love it!"
First Corrie
"Standing here, I felt totally grounded."
Gibson and Trixie on the Beach Path
Experience the beauty of Camusdarach Beach looking over to the Small Isles through this inspiring poem.
The Beauty of Lochaber
Explore the beauty of Lochaber through the eyes of a wild swimmer.
The Rough Bounds of Lochaber
Discover the Rough Bounds of Lochaber and the perseverance of a small, but mighty, rose.
Hunched Down in Coire Odhar
"It's the exploring that is so rewarding. Enjoying the company of nature, the ever-changing scene laid out before me."
