With its dramatic mountains, ancient woodlands and cinematic landscapes, it’s no surprise that Glen Nevis and the wider Lochaber area have become some of the Highlands’ most sought‑after filming locations. From magical worlds to gritty historical dramas and global blockbusters, the glen has starred in many beloved productions. Below are some of the most recognisable.
Harry Potter Series
The Harry Potter films are among the most famous productions to use the Highlands.
- Steall Falls and parts of Glen Nevis appear as sweeping backdrops for Quidditch match scenes in The Philosopher’s Stone, The Chamber of Secrets and most notably The Goblet of Fire, where Steall Falls is seen as Harry flees a dragon.
- The Glenfinnan Viaduct, just a short drive away, features prominently during the Hogwarts Express journeys.
Local pupils from Lochaber High School even had the thrill of appearing as extras on the train scenes.
Braveheart (1995)
Mel Gibson’s epic made extensive use of Glen Nevis:
- The old Cameron graveyard in the glen served as the setting for the funeral scenes.
- The film’s opening sequence, featuring horsemen riding through rugged landscape, was filmed near the Soldiers’ Pool. Although the set village was dismantled, the “Braveheart Car Park” remains today.
Rob Roy (1995)
Liam Neeson’s Rob Roy also filmed key scenes in Glen Nevis, including the memorable ride between Rob Roy and the Duke of Argyll.
Highlander & Highlander III
The glen made multiple appearances across the Highlander films:
- Riverside scenes and the vibrant village fair in Highlander III were filmed in Glen Nevis.
- The mound on Soldiers’ Brae was used for several scenes, including the snowy backdrop for the opening credits.
Outlander (TV Series)
While not filmed extensively in Glen Nevis, Outlander has deep ties to Lochaber and uses nearby landscapes heavily:
- Glencoe, just outside Glen Nevis, appears in the iconic opening credits of Outlander Season 1.
- The region’s Jacobite history, central to the show, has made the whole area—including Fort William—hugely popular with fans.
Visitors often explore Glen Nevis alongside Glencoe, Glenfinnan, and other nearby Outlander sites.
Skyfall (2012)
While Glen Nevis itself does not feature directly, the James Bond film Skyfall was shot just next door in Glencoe and Glen Etive, making these locations a popular addition to Glen Nevis itineraries.
Key scenes, including the drive to Bond’s family home, were filmed in Glen Etive and along the A82 near Buachaille Etive Mòr.
Visitors often combine Glen Nevis walks with a trip to the dramatic Skyfall viewpoints.
Rockface (BBC Series)
This BBC drama series about a Highland mountain rescue team used Glen Nevis, Fort William, and wider Lochaber as its filming locations.
Quest for Fire (1981)
Several scenes were filmed in Glen Nevis, including the sequence shortly before the bear‑in‑the‑cave episode. Other parts were filmed in Glencoe, Rannoch Moor, Canada, and Kenya.
Restless Natives (1985)
Features a distant shot of tourists on a bus filmed just beyond the picnic site.
Kidnapped (1960)
Walt Disney’s adaptation of the classic novel filmed several scenes in Glen Nevis and elsewhere in Scotland.
Being Human (1994)
This lesser‑known Robin Williams film used Glen Nevis and nearby areas for several segments.
Walk of Life – Billie Piper (Music Video)
MTV chose the area for the music video, including filming at Lower Falls, horse‑riding near Ben Nevis, and scenes at Glenfinnan and Morar.
