The Jacobite Express

If yesterday was considered good then today was outstanding as the sun shone and it was warm. We breakfasted outside, readied the van is if to leave the site because we needed to drive the 18 miles to Fort William for the Jacobite Express to Mallaig.

We set off earlier than planned which allowed us to do a little food shopping once we found a really cheap all day car park suitable for motorhomes at just £2! Then we wandered into the town, browsed a few shops, photographed St Agnus Church then made our way back to the railway station.

We had allocated seats for both out/inbound journeys and were far enough away from the engine to be able to see it on bends and take some photos though one had to be careful as it sped along much faster than the heritage trains we are used to travelling on and there was considerable danger of getting one's head knocked off by passing branches and signs!

The views were stupendous, travelling through glens, alongside loughs, past many mountains including Ben Nevis and the Neptune Flight of locks on the Caledonian Canal. We travelled slowly over the Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by its appearance in Harry Potter films then stopped at the station of the same name long enough for a visit to their small museum containing many photographs explaining the building of the railway to Mallaig including the viaduct which was one of the first major concrete structures of the 19th century designed by McAlpine.

We travelled on arriving at Mallaig in the late afternoon with time to explore the port, marina and small town. We luckily spotted a couple of sealions frolicking near to one of the trawlers and several quite large jelly fish! We enjoyed some light refreshment overlooking the port and for the first time I had heather ale based on an ancient recipe which was light, smooth and delicious!

The return journey was as interesting with the early evening summer light and heat creating a mist over the many islands opposite the mainland and bathing the glens in a golden glow. More photo opportunities presented themselves but we were soon back at Fort William. We returned to the campsite travelling mostly alongside Loughs Linnie and Leven with the sun behind us providing another photo opportunity as we approached Glencoe.

Back at the campsite we enjoyed a supper of Scottish Crumpets, more like small pancakes, one filled with bacon and cheese accompanied by more of that spicy beetroot relish we purchased at the Westmoreland Farm Shop and another with raspberry jam and crem fraiché. It was all very tasty!

We relaxed inside the van, keeping away from the wee flying beasties, listened to music, read and edited photos before turning in, whilst outside at 2300, it was still light!

 

 

Posted with Blogsy