Glenfinnan Monument

West Highlands


This tall column, topped by a statue of a kilted Highlander, was erected in 1815 on the spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie first raised his standard and rallied the Jacobite clans on 19 August 1745, marking the start of his ill-fated campaign, which would end in disaster at Culloden 14 months later. The setting, at the north end of Loch Shiel, is hauntingly beautiful.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby West Highlands attractions

1. Glenfinnan Visitor Centre

0.11 MILES

This centre recounts the story of the ’45, as the Jacobite rebellion of 1745 is known, when Bonnie Prince Charlie’s loyal clansmen marched and fought…

2. Glenfinnan Station Museum

0.51 MILES

This fascinating little museum records the epic tale of building the West Highland railway line. The famous 21-arch Glenfinnan viaduct, just east of the…

3. Trea­sures of the Earth

11.92 MILES

This award-winning exhibition is a useful rainy-day diversion, with a great collection of gemstones, minerals, fossils and other geological curiosities.

4. West Highland Museum

12.85 MILES

This small but fascinating museum is packed with all manner of Highland memorabilia. Look out for the secret portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie – after the…

5. Jacobite Steam Train

12.99 MILES

The Jacobite Steam Train, hauled by a former LNER K1 or LMS Class 5MT locomotive, travels the scenic two-hour run between Fort William and Mallaig…

6. Loch Morar

13.18 MILES

A minor road from Morar village, 2.5 miles south of Mallaig, leads to scenic 11-mile-long Loch Morar, which, at 310m, is the deepest body of water in the…

7. Ben Nevis Distillery

13.96 MILES

A tour of this distillery makes for a warming rainy day alternative to exploring the hills.

8. Land, Sea & Islands Visitor Centre

15.69 MILES

This centre in Arisaig village houses exhibits on the cultural and natural history of the region. A small but fascinating exhibition explains the part…