We started on the Great Glen Way from Fort William to the Banavie locks on the Caledonia Canal. We then took the bus to Glenfinnan, barely making it before the steam train puffed across the viaduct, made famous by Harry Porter films. It wasn't until after it was over, we realized there must have been as many as 1000 spectators. Wow! We spent the next couple of hours walking around the area, before catching another bus to Mallaig and returning by train back to Fort William, going over the Glenfinnan Viaducto in the process.
This day started out sunny. On the walk to Neptune's Staircase on the Caledonian Canal we had a clear view to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, at 1,345 meters (4,413 feet)
Neptune's Staircase is a flight of eight interconnected staircase locks on the Caledonian Canal.
From the canal locks we caught a bus to Glenfinnan, arriving just in time to see the Jacobite Steam Train / Hogwarts Express cross the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. In the video 4th below, the steam loco is puffing by, and you can see swarms of very annoying biting insects - "highland midges" they call them here.
From Glenfinnan we rode the bus to Mallaig. On the way we saw some Mediterranean-like coastlines. In Mallaig we looked around the somewhat busy harbour. There was a ferry departure and arrival, and in the water we spotted a seal and a Lion's Mane jellyfish.
Returning on the train, the scenery was very good, and we crossed the Glenfinnan Viaducto, and there were thousands of flowering rhododendrons, but the trip did not live up to the billing as the most beautiful train ride in Scotland.
Finally, the 10PM sunset view from our apartment in Fort William. Thanks for reading! And please leave a comment, we'd love to hear from you! - john and sun-ling
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