Movies & TV are made to move and entertain, so the filming locations have to be spot on to capture peoples’ imaginations. Filming scouts have the job of finding these best locations, and the films and TV shows below have managed to discover backdrops which perfectly match their film. Take a look at 8 of our favourite filming locations along epic hikes.
1. Game of Thrones – Antrim Glens & Coastline
Worldwide hit, Game of Thrones, is known for its violence and suspenseful plot lines. It also features some of the most majestic scenery, and the show’s scouts identified Northern Ireland as one of the best locations.
The Antrim Glens & Coastline hiking route allows you to pass many of the locations that Game of Thrones have filmed at. You can even take a stroll down Kingsroad, lined on either side by twisted and gnarled, yet beautiful, trees.
2. Vikings – Wicklow Way
Vikings is a popular TV show which is shot in the majority in Wicklow.
Loch Tay and Powerscourt Waterfall are both featured in the show, and both are worthwhile stops along the Wicklow Way. The stunning scenery of the Wicklow Mountains leaves no one wondering why Vikings chose to use Wicklow as their main location for filming.
3. Star Wars – Dingle Way and Kerry Way
It was much publicised that Star Wars would be filming The Force Awakens somewhere in Ireland, with Skellig Michael getting the nod.
Off the coast of the Kerry Way, an ancient monastic settlement already existed on the hard-to-reach island, with unique beehive huts giving an other-worldly feel. It’s no wonder that Star Wars chose this location for one of the most important shots of the movie featuring Luke Skywalker and Rey on the oceanic planet of Ahch-To.
Ballyferriter and the headland of Ceann Sibeal on the Dingle Peninsula were used to recreate the monastic settlement of Skellig Michael to continue the story of Luke and Rey on Ahch-To during the filming of Episode VIII, The Last Jedi.
4. Braveheart – Scotland and Ireland
Braveheart is known for one of the most epic lines in movie history.
“The may take our lives, but they will never take our freedom!”
The bone-chilling war call of William Wallace is contrasted beautifully by the majestic landscape that they filmed Braveheart on. A mix between Scotland and Ireland, the filming locations for Braveheart were truly worthy of such a famous move line.
5. Harry Potter – West Highland Way & Burren Way
Harry Potter was filmed in a variety of different places over the course of the film series.
However one of the most iconic parts of the movies is located along the West Highland Way – the Hogwarts Express. You can ride the Hogwarts Express and take in all of the scenery as it passes you by. The West Highland Way itself is one of the most epic hikes in the world.
Harry Potter was also filmed partly by the Cliffs of Moher along the Burren Way. The cave where Harry and Dumbledore went in the sixth movie was filmed at the base of the epic sea cliffs.
6. Rob Roy – Rob Roy Way
Rob Roy MacGregor was a famous Scottish rogue and outlaw, often compared to Robin Hood. He has a walking route names after him, following the route where he would bring his cattle up and down Scotland.
Liam Neeson played him in the movie ‘Rob Roy’ and many of the scenes were actually shot along the Rob Roy Way.
7. Monty Python and the Holy Grail – Rob Roy Way & West Highland Way
Some of the funniest skits in movie history are from Monty Python movies, and the Holy Grail is up there with the best.
Many scenes were filmed on location in Scotland, with the Rob Roy Way and the West Highland Way featuring the most aesthetically-pleasing background to the some of the most humorous and iconic jokes out there.
8. Poldark – South West Coast Path
Poldark is a British historical drama series based in Cornwell. It is set in 1783 when Captain Ross Poldark returns from the American War of Independence to find his father has died, his estate is in ruins and his childhood sweetheart is engaged.
Filming locations include St Agnes Head, Holywell Bay, Pirthcothan Beach and Padstow.
We hope that you enjoyed this guide to 8 Famous Filming Locations Along Epic Hikes. If you’re interested in an epic walking holiday in Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales or on the Camino, check out our range of self-guided hiking tours.
