The Scottish Highlands have become a star in their own right. Snow‑capped mountains, shimmering lochs and brooding glens provide film‑perfect scenery, and directors from Hollywood to Bollywood routinely point their cameras north. Lovers of cinema can trace the footsteps of wizards and spies, warriors and robots across this dramatic landscape. This guide reveals the best film locations in the Scottish Highlands, from Harry Potter’s Hogwarts scenes to the remote valley where Bond returns home in Skyfall. It combines insider travel tips with film trivia, practical directions and suggested itineraries to help you plan an unforgettable, movie‑inspired road trip.
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Why the Highlands?
Big‑budget producers choose the Highlands for authenticity and atmosphere. Glen Coe’s rugged peaks have played everything from Middle‑earth to Afghanistan; Loch Shiel’s calm waters doubled as Hogwarts’s Black Lake in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The A82 road through Glen Etive provided the moody backdrop for Bond’s drive to his ancestral home in Skyfall. At Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Jacobite Steam Train (better known to millions as the Hogwarts Express) chugs across a sweeping 21‑arch viaduct. These timeless landscapes need little dressing to look cinematic; they’re also accessible to travellers via good roads and railways, making them perfect destinations for a film‑themed trip.
Harry Potter Filming Locations in the Highlands
Glenfinnan Viaduct and Loch Shiel
The most recognisable film location in the Scottish Highlands is the 380‑m‑long Glenfinnan Viaduct. In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the flying Ford Anglia skids onto this viaduct as Ron and Harry race to Hogwarts. It appears again when the Hogwarts Express crosses the bridge in subsequent films. The viaduct curves around the head of Loch Shiel, which doubled as the Black Lake behind Hogwarts; you can see it during the Triwizard Tournament scenes. Take the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig or book seats on the Jacobite Steam Train (April–October). Two services run daily in summer and one in spring/autumn; arrive early to secure a viewing spot on the hillside path.
Pro Tip: For the classic view of the train crossing the viaduct, follow the signed footpath from the Glenfinnan visitor car park (about 10 minutes uphill). Bring midgie repellent in summer and check train times beforehand.
Glen Coе: Hagrid’s Hut and the Hogwarts Bridge
Glen Coe’s volcanic ridges are a favourite film location. In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, a set for Hagrid’s Hut was built at Clachaig Gully near Torren Lochan; nothing remains today, a y but the views are identical. The glen also hosted the covered wooden bridge and sundial garden leading to Hogwarts. From film three onwards, wide shots of Hogwarts feature the looming peaks of Glen Coe in the background.
How to visit: Drive along the A82 through Glen Coe and park at one of the lay‑bys near Torren Lochan. For a bird’s‑eye view, hike up to The Study viewpoint above the road; it also appears in Rob Roy.
Loch Etive & Loch Morar: Dumbledore’s Grave and the Elder Wand
Loch Etive and Loch Morar, both near Glen Coe, feature in the later Potter films. On a small island in Loch Etive, the production built the white marble tomb of Albus Dumbledore, where Voldemort steals the Elder Wand. Loch Morar, the deepest lake in Scotland, was used for shots of the Durmstrang ship and underwater scenes in the Triwizard Tournament; some Triwizard sequences were also filmed on Loch Shiel and Loch Morar.
Getting there: Loch Etive is accessed via a single‑track road branching off the A82 at Glen Etive. Drive carefully and allow 45 minutes; there are no services, so pack supplies. Loch Morar lies east of Mallaig; boat tours depart from Morar village.
Steall Falls & Glen Nevis
Just outside Fort William, Steall Falls tumbles 120 m down the slopes of An Gearanach. The cascade appears during Quidditch matches in Prisoner of Azkaban and features in background shots of the Forbidden Forest. A short walk from the car park in Glen Nevis leads to the falls; cross the wire bridge for the classic viewpoint. Glen Nevis itself appears in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire for scenes of the Triwizard Tournament.
James Bond in the Highlands
Glen Coe & Glen Etive (Skyfall)
One of the most atmospheric moments in Skyfall sees 007 drive his Aston Martin DB5 along the valley road towards his childhood home. The road is the single‑track lane through Glen Etive, branching south from the A82 near the Glencoe Mountain Resort. The film’s bleak moorland shots of Bond and M in silhouette were filmed in Glen Coe. Although Skyfall Lodge was built and burned down on a private estate in Surrey, you can recreate the drive by following the 15‑mile road to Loch Etive (allow 45 minutes each way).
Bond’s earlier Scottish adventures include Buachaille Etive Mòr in Glencoe (featured in Skyfall and Skyfall’s poster) and scenes at Loch Laggan for No Time To Die, where a high‑speed chase was filmed.
Travel tip: The Glen Etive road has narrow passing places and is unsuitable for large motorhomes. Visit early or late in the day to avoid traffic and be prepared for sheep on the road.
Loch Laggan & Ardverikie Estate (No Time to Die and The Crown)
Ardverikie Estate on the shores of Loch Laggan has hosted multiple productions. It served as Bond’s safe house and the site of a spectacular 4×4 chase in No Time to Die and stands in for Balmoral Castle in Netflix’s The Crown. The baronial house is visible from the A86 between Spean Bridge and Newtonmore. Guided estate tours must be booked in advance; visitors can stroll along the loch shore for free.
The Road to Ardnamurchan (From Russia with Love & The Spy Who Loved Me)
Earlier Bond films were also filmed in Scotland. Faslane Naval Base on Loch Gare served as the submarine base in The Spy Who Loved Me, and the ancient road to Ardnamurchan featured in From Russia with Love. While these sites aren’t open to visitors, the surrounding scenery is breathtaking and can be viewed from public roads.
Braveheart, Rob Roy & Historical Epics
Glen Nevis (Braveheart & Rob Roy)
Mel Gibson’s Braveheart may take liberties with history, but its sweeping Highland backdrops are real. Lanark village was built in Glen Nevis, where the Braveheart car park now stands. Scenes of William Wallace’s wedding and the funeral of his father were filmed at The Soldier’s Pool and Ach‑na‑n‑con, respectively. Nearby Loch Leven and the mountain path to Glen Nevis appear as the route Wallace takes after killing Mornay.
For Rob Roy, Liam Neeson and crew filmed sword‑fight scenes in Glen Nevis; the opening shot shows Loch Leven, and the character Rob Roy catches cattle rustlers at The Study in Glencoe.
Getting there: From Fort William, follow signs to Glen Nevis and park at the Braveheart car park. Walk to the old Cameron graveyard at Ach‑na‑n‑con or hike up to the viewpoint at The Study for panoramic film views.
Eilean Donan Castle (Highlander & The World Is Not Enough)
Eilean Donan Castle stands at the confluence of three lochs and is perhaps the most photographed castle in Scotland. In the cult classic Highlander (1986), it represents the Clan MacLeod’s home, and in The World Is Not Enough, it appears as MI6’s Scottish headquarters. Open daily, the castle sits near the A87 at Dornie en route to the Isle of Skye. Climb the battlements for epic loch vistas.
Doune Castle & Castle Stalker (Monty Python & the Holy Grail)
Film buffs with a love for comedy should detour south to Stirling (outside the Highlands) to visit Doune Castle, which played multiple castles in Monty Python & the Holy Grail. For a Highland alternative, Castle Stalker, a tower house on an islet in Loch Lomond, is also seen in the film. Both castles now offer tours; Castle Stalker is accessible by boat or arranged guided visits.
Cult Classics and Fantasy Films
Plockton (The Wicker Man)
The seaside village of Plockton doubled as the pagan community in the 1973 thriller The Wicker Man. Its white cottages and tranquil harbour belie the film’s creepy rituals. The village lies near the Skye Bridge; stroll along the waterfront and imagine Christopher Lee’s Lord Summerisle luring the policeman to his fate.
Isle of Skye (Transformers: The Last Knight, BFG, Stardust, Snow White and the Huntsman)
The Isle of Skye’s otherworldly landscapes attract fantasy filmmakers. Michael Bay shot scenes for Transformers: The Last Knight around the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr. Spielberg’s The BFG and the whimsical Stardust also used Skye’s rugged terrain. In Snow White and the Huntsm, the island stands in for a dark, enchanted kingdom. Visit these locations by driving the Trotternish Loop and walking to the viewpoints.
Tip: Skye is extremely popular in summer; book accommodation early and consider visiting in shoulder seasons (April to May or September) for fewer crowds and good light.
Bealach na Bà, Wester Ross (Stardust, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword)
The twisting Bealach na Bà road over the Applecross peninsula is one of Britain’s wildest drives. In Stardust (2007), Captain Shakespeare’s flying ship sails towards the mountain city here, and the 2017 film King Arthur: Legend of the Sword also filmed scenes on the pass. Drive this road for sweeping views over the Inner Hebrides—weather permitting.
Isle of Harris (2001: A Space Odyssey)
Director Stanley Kubrick used the lunar‑like landscapes of the Isle of Harris to represent Jupiter in 2001: A Space Odyssey. The beaches of Luskentyre and Seilebost create an alien atmosphere; combined with the Harris hills, they are perfect for sci‑fi fans seeking a remote film location.
TV Series and Other Notable Productions
Outlander (TV Series)
Although not a film, the time‑travelling romance Outlander has drawn many visitors to the Highlands. The series’s opening sequence features sweeping shots of Glencoe. Nearby, the Clava Cairns near Inverness inspired the standing stones of Craigh na Dun. Fans can walk among the Bronze Age tombs and imagine Claire disappearing into the past.
Monarch of the Glen, The Crown & The Queen
The Ardverikie Estate stands in for Glenbogle in the BBC series Monarch of the Glen and doubles as Balmoral Castle in Netflix’s The Crown. The estate also appeared in Salmon Fishing in the Yemen and The Queen. Guided tours allow visitors to see the house’s exterior and gardens.
Bollywood & International Films
Bollywood loves the Highlands for its dramatic vistas. The film Kyun! Ho Gaya Na shot scenes in the Royal Burgh of Culross, and the romance Shiddat used snow‑covered Glencoe to depict refugees crossing Afghanistan. These productions showcase the global appeal of Highland scenery.
Film‑Trail Itinerary
To see as many film locations as possible, plan a circular road trip starting in Fort William. The itinerary below covers major movie sites over three days:
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
| Day 1 | Fort William & Glen Nevis: Walk to Steall Falls (Quidditch scenes) and visit the Braveheart car park | Glen Coe & Glen Etive: Drive the A82, stop at The Study, then detour down Glen Etive to Loch Etive (Skyfall drive & Harry Potter scenes) | Overnight in the Glencoe/Fort William area |
| Day 2 | Glenfinnan: Visit the viaduct and Loch Shiel; ride the Jacobite Steam Train if possible | Loch Laggan & Ardverikie Estate: Picnic by the loch and admire the house used in No Time to Die and The Crown | Continue north to Inverness, stopping at Clava Cairns (Outlander) |
| Day 3 | Eilean Donan Castle: Tour the castle from Highlander and The World Is Not Enough | Isle of Skye: Drive the Trotternish Loop to the Quiraing and Old Man of Storr (Transformers, BFG, Stardust). Optional detour to Plockton (The Wicker Man) on return | Return via Bealach na Bà to Wester Ross (if time) or head back to Inverness |
Travel tips:
- Check opening times: Castles and estates often close in winter.
- Book transport early: Tickets for the Jacobite Steam Train sell out months ahead.
- Watch the weather: Highland weather is changeable; pack waterproofs and layers.
- Respect private land: Some filming locations are on private estates; stick to public paths and leave no trace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which James Bond movie was filmed in Scotland?
Several Bond films have Scottish scenes, but Skyfall is the most famous. Daniel Craig drives through Glen Etive and Glen Coe to reach Bond’s childhood home. No Time to Die filmed a high‑speed chase on the estate roads of Ardverikie at Loch Laggan, while earlier films like The Spy Who Loved Me used Faslane Naval Base.
Was Harry Potter filmed in the Scottish Highlands?
Yes. Key Highland locations include the Glenfinnan Viaduct (Hogwarts Express scenes), Glen Coe (Hagrid’s hut and the covered bridge), Steall Falls in Glen Nevis, and Loch Shiel and Loch Morar, which doubled as the Black Lake. Sets were built for Hagrid’s Hut at Clachaig Gully.
Where was Skyfall filmed in the Highlands?
The moody road scenes were filmed in Glen Etive and Glen Coe. The fictional Skyfall Lodge was built in Surrey, but the surrounding mountains and valley shots are genuine Highland scenery. Additional scenes were shot near Loch Laggan.
What road in Scotland was used in Skyfall?
Bond drives along the single‑track Glen Etive road, which branches off the A82 near the Glencoe Mountain Resort. This 15‑mile road leads to Loch Etive and is one of Scotland’s most scenic drives; exercise caution when driving and use passing places.
Where was Spectre filmed in Scotland?
While most of Spectre was shot abroad, Daniel Craig filmed a car chase at Loch Laggan and the Ardverikie Estate for No Time to Die, not Spectre. No significant scenes from Spectre were shot in the Highlands.
Where did they film the train scene in Skyfall?
The train explosion in Skyfall occurs in London’s subterranean network, not Scotland. However, the marketing materials showing Bond standing with his Aston Martin were filmed in Glen Coe.
Where was Hagrid’s Hut filmed in Scotland?
Hagrid’s hut was built at Clachaig Gully near Torren Lochan in Glen Coe for Prisoner of Azkaban. The hut was dismantled after filming, but the site and surrounding scenery are accessible on foot.
Where is the Hogwarts bridge in Scotland?
The wooden covered bridge seen in Prisoner of Azkaban and Goblet of Fire was constructed in Glen Coe. The bridge does not exist now; it was a temporary set removed after shooting.
Where was Diagon Alley filmed in Scotland?
Diagon Alley was not filmed in the Highlands. Many believe Edinburgh’s Victoria Street inspired J.K. Rowling, but the film set itself was built in Leadenhall Market and Leavesden Studios in England. Our guide focuses on Highland film locations.
What other famous movies were filmed in Scotland?
Beyond the Highlands, Scotland features in Chariots of Fire (West Sands beach at St Andrews), The Da Vinci Code (Rosslyn Chapel), World War Z (George Square in Glasgow) and Captain America: The First Avenger (Culross). These sites lie further afield but can be combined with a broader Scottish film tour.
