Banavie is a small village near Ben Nevis and sits on the Caladonian Canal. It is on the route of the Great Glen Way long distance path.
Where to visit
Located at Banavie is one of the highlights of the Caladonian Canal, Neptune’s Staircase.
This remarkable system of eight lock gates raises the canal by 19 metres over a quarter of a mile. It takes about 90 minutes for a boat to travel through its length.
The canal was constructed by Thomas Telford. It was designed to cross Scotland and avoid the long and hazardous shipping route around the north coast.
Today it is popular for leisure sailing and for cycling and walking along its length. It is floodlit at night and looks spectacular.
Neptune's Staircase, Banavie
Photo credit: “Neptune's Staircase, Banavie” by Matt Kieffer, CC BY-SA 2.0
Ben Nevis Distillery & Visitor Centre
Established in 1825, this is one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries. It produces single malt whisky and also has a coffee shop, restaurant, bar and shop on site.
Phone for tour enquiries and bookings as their website is in development.
+44(0)1397 700 200
The distillery is a 30 minute walk from Banavie, or a 5-10 minute bus journey followed by a 5-10 minute walk. See Shiel Buses services 46 (alight at stop 'Glenmhor Terrace'), 47 and X47 (alight at stop 'Farm Foods').
The Ben Nevis Distillery and Visitor Centre
Photo credit: “2022-07-24_13-29-58_7973” by Pierre-Selim, CC BY-SA 2.0
Where to stay (walking distances given from the train station)
The Moorings Hotel (0.42 miles/0.67 km)
Reviews: 4.0 on Google, 3.9 on TripAdvisor
Braeburn Guesthouse (0.77 miles/1.23 km)
Reviews: 4.9 on Google, 4.9 on TripAdvisor
Treetops B&B (0.82 miles/1.31 km)
Reviews: 5.0 on Google, 5.0 on TripAdvisor
Where to eat
Reviews including accommodation: 4.0 on Google, 3.9 on TripAdvisor
Reviews: 4.4 on Google, 4.2 on TripAdvisor
Corpach is a village at the end of Loch Linnhe where the Caledonian Canal begins/ends.
The tidal Corpack Locks, while not as impressive as Neptune's Staircase, are still interesting to watch in operation. Corpach is also on the route of the Great Glen Way.
This museum is home to one of Europe's largest collection of crystals, gemstones and fossils set in simulation caves, caverns and mining scenes.
Shipwrecks
Between the villages of Corpach and Caol, on the shores Loch Linnhe, is the captivating Corpach Shipwreck or the Old Boat of Caol. This former fishing boat, the MV Dayspring, was wrecked in a storm in 2011.
Just along the shore is a much smaller shipwrecked yacht.
Where to stay (walking distances given from the train station)
Travee B&B (0.32 miles/0.51 km walk from train station)
Reviews: 5.0 on Google, 4.9 on TripAdvisor
Where to eat
Reviews: 4.5 on Google, 4.7 on TripAdvisor
Reviews: 4.6 on Google, 4.7 on TripAdvisor
The Corpach Wreck, MV Dayspring
Photo credit: “Abandoned boat Fort william” by Dave43251 mages, CC BY-SA 2.0
Glenfinnan is the busiest hamlet in Scotland! It is best visited by train or bus because even though the attractions are a little spread out, trying to drive in the area is very difficult and chaotic.
This guide is for when travelling on the normal train. Available soon! - see our separate guide for visiting on the Jacobite Steam Train.
For the best view of the Glenfinnan Viaduct curve from the train, be on the left of the train after Locheilside when going north and the right of the train after Glenfinnan when going south.
Short visit:
As well as a museum about railway heritage and local life, there is a restored signal box from 1901 with computerised demonstrator. Luggage storage is available for a fee.
There is also a restored Dining Car open for breakfasts and lunches
Reviews: 4.7 on Google, 4.7 on TripAdvisor
SAVING! Free entry to the museum when arriving by train or bus. Saving listed on the Glenfinnan Monument and Visitor Centre website.
Medium visit:
Glenfinnan Monument and Visitor Centre
Built in 1815, this 18m-high tower is a monument in memory of the clansmen who gave their lives to the Jacobite cause. Today you can climb to the top and enjoy stunning views over Loch Sheil (book in advance online).
The Visitor Centre tells the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the 1745 Jacobite Rising, including Jacobite artefacts and a model re-creating the 1745 Gathering.
There is also a viewpoint where you can see the Glenfinnan Viaduct from a distance. See below for the separate viewpoint which is the most popular for photographing the Jacobite Steam Train.
There are also two cafes. The monument and visitor centre are 15 minutes' walk from the train station.
SAVING! Part of the 2FOR1 entry scheme when arriving by train with a printed voucher.
SAVING! Free hot drink in the cafe if you arrive by train or bus.
On the walk to the monument you pass this Gothic style church which contains a memorial to Bonnie Prince Charlie. Also located here are the headstones of the MacDonald family, who the Prince stayed with prior to the 1745 Jacobite Rising.
Longer visit:
To get the famous photograph of the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the viaduct, take the longer hillside trail to look down on the Viaduct from above.
This is about 20 minutes' walk from the train station, after which you can return the way you came or continue in a circular route which brings you out near the monument.
The whole walk takes 60-90 minutes plus time waiting for the steam train to pass.
The National Trust for Scotland have produced this guide for co-ordinating arrival by train or bus with the passing times of the steam train. Check the West Coast Railways website for current train times to avoid any disappointment.
Boat trips of varying lengths are available on Loch Sheil. There is the chance to see wildlife including Golden Eagles and Red Deer, as well as learn about the history and geology of the area.
SAVING! 10% discount when arriving by train or bus. Saving listed on the Glenfinnan Monument and Visitor Centre website.
Where to stay and eat (distances given from the train station)
Glenfinnan House Hotel (0.56 miles/0.9 km)
Dining open to non-residents
SAVING! Free hot or soft drink (with food purchase) when arriving by train or bus. Saving listed on the Glenfinnan Monument and Visitor Centre website.
Reviews: 4.6 on Google, 4.6 on TripAdvisor
Stage House B&B (0.16 miles/0.25 km)
Evening snack menu available.
Reviews: 4.8 on Google, 5.0 on TripAdvisor
Glenfinnan Monument - this one is our photo!
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Photo credit: “Glenfinnan Viaduct” by Julien Maury, CC BY 4.0
Glenfinnan Station Signal Box
Photo credit: “Glenfinnan Station 3 5 2019 1a” by Alex M Shepherd, Public Domain Dedication (CC0)
Arisaig is an attractive village on Loch nan Ceall with views including over to Rum and Eigg.
This is a community owned and run heritage, wildlife and visitor hub with a small exhibition and shop.
Arisaig Marine ferry to the Small Isles
From April to September it is possible to catch a passenger ferry from Arisaig to the islands of Eigg, Muck, and Rum, as well as Sunday trips to Canna. See our Guide to the Inner Hebrides.
A gentle three mile circular walk through woods and farmland.
Where to stay and eat (accommodation walking distances given from the train station)
The Old Library Lodge & Restaurant (0.62 miles/0.99 km)
Reviews: 4.6 on Google, 4.5 on TripAdvisor
Arisaig Hotel (0.66 miles/1.06 km)
Reviews: 4.3 on Google, 4.1 on TripAdvisor
Retro music themed cafe
Reviews: 4.8 on Google, 4.7 on TripAdvisor
Reviews: 4.5 on Google, 4.1 on TripAdvisor
Arisaig
Photo credit: “Arisaig 01” by michael clarke stuff, CC BY-SA 2.0
Morar is a small village near Mallaig. It is home to the Silver Sands of Morar, a series of glorious sandy beaches made famous by the film Local Hero. These beaches extend both sides of the River Morar.
There are two routes to the beaches from the village. Firstly, next to Morar Hotel is a signed path to the beach which includes crossing the A830.
Secondly, walk north through the village along Columba Road for about 10 minutes and use the underpass to cross the A830. Here are details of one walk you can do using this route.
There are further access points to the beaches to the south of the village which would be useful if you are staying at Fair Winds B&B.
See tide times for Mallaig (nearest data point, 2.1 miles from Morar).
Where to stay and eat (accommodation walking distances given from the train station)
The Morar Hotel (opposite the train station)
Reviews: 3.7 on Google, 3.6 on TripAdvisor
Fair Winds B&B (1.47 miles/2.36 km)
No website; tel 01687 462725
Getting here involves walking on the B8008 with no pavement so be careful. There is an underpass to cross the A830.
Reviews: 4.8 on Google, 4.9 on TripAdvisor
Thai food service
Reviews: 4.8 on Google, 4.6 on TripAdvisor
Morar Bay
Photo credit: “Morar Bay” by Reading Tom, CC BY 2.0
Page last updated 08 October 2025