| 0930 |
|
We had a bit of a late morning this morning, the weather is MUCH better, we have a blue sky with a few clouds, it has warmed up a bit, though it is still cool of course. I think somewhere around 5 degrees C or 41 F. Our main event today is to catch a leg of the famed West Highland Line, a railway that was completed in the 1890s I believe. The ride from Ft. William to Mallaig is supposed to be one of the best in Britain, maybe in the world.
|
| |
| 1100 |
|
We picked up our tickets at the Ft. William rail station. Not knowing what to expect, I had reserved our seat before leaving the US. It turns out there were plenty of seats, but I bet this is not the case during the middle of tourist season. We're going to walk downtown to get some lunch and cash, then come back by noon to catch the train.
|
| |
| 1205 |
|
The train leaves the station for Mallaig via about 8 stops in small 'villages'. It turns out that most of these are just a few houses scattered around. This country is sparsely populated. The train has your standard commuter type cars, not fancy at all. But it does have large windows so the view is fantastic.
|
| |
| 1230 |
|
I just can't say enough about the dramatic difference in the atmosphere between yesterday and today. We are so glad, because this rail journey is wonderful. Passing Loch Shiel via the W. Highland Line Rail Bridge. This bridge is popularly photographed, though it is difficult to get a good shot through the windows. I'm trying to take pictures, though the reflection will be in some of them.
|
| |
| 1300 |
|
Sea Loch Ailor into the Sound of Arisaig
|
| |
| 1310 |
|
Ansaig across Loch nan Ceall
|
| |
| 1325 |
|
Mallaig! It's a medium-small fishing village known for the ferry from the mainland to Skye.
|
| |
| 1450 |
|
Tea time! Holly and I stopped for tea and shortbread in a fun tea shop in Mallaig
|
| |
| 1600 |
 |
We board the train and head back for Fort William.
|
| |
| 1700 |
|
Glenfinnan - Loch Shiel again - here is the bridge I mentioned earlier. Prince Charlie's Monument is down there somewhere, but the picture didn't expose enough to be able to see it.
|
| |
| 1720 |
|
Loch Eil & Fort William from Corpach.
|
| |
| 1745 |
|
Back to the parking lot in the town center at Fort William - The TIC is closed! What's new. We'll just have to to press on. It stays bright outside for a while, so I think we'll try to make another leg of our journey this evening.
|
| |
| 1820 |
|
Along the B8004 outside Gairlochy. The view is too good to capture in a picture.
|
| |
| 1830 |
|
The British/Scottish WWII Commando Memorial.
|
| |
| 1900 |
|
Overlook on A87 between Invergary and Dornie. These pictures show a plaque with lines and distances to all the bens visible from the overlook.
|
| |
| 1930 |
|
Eilean Donan castle from the bridge at Dornie. Eilean Donan is probably most photographed castle in Scotland. It sits at the junction of three lochs. The time of day we arrived was terrific, but just not quite enough light to get a good shot with my automatic camera. That's what postcards are for!
|
| |
| 2000 |
|
We checked into the Dornie Hotel, where we had a terrific stay. It think we were the only customers there! A very good bar meal and personal attention made us feel very comfortable. We watched Who wants to be a millionaire?
|
| |
| 2130 |
|
A picture of our room at Dornie
|
