The Jacobite Steam Train

Ann, as you may know, is both a Harry Potter and steam train enthusiast. As a result, it was difficult to pass this way without having a ride on the steam train from Fort William to Mallaig – a distance of 41 miles. This is known as the Jacobite Train after the uprising that took place in these parts and it follows ‘The Road to The Isles’.

We left at 08:15 and caught the bus to Fort William and joined the queue for tickets. All of the pre-bookable tickets available had already been sold so we were pleased to be able to get two seats together. The ride did not disappoint Ann although she had obviously forgotten how sooty you could get riding in the carriage of a steam train with the window open.

It is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular and memorable rail journeys in the world with views of mountains, Lochs, seashore and Islands. We had lunch in the important fishing port of Mallaig (fish and chips for me and scallops for Ann). What a great day out.

Fort William

We left Oban at 08:15 to catch the remaining tide up to Fort William. It was fairly misty but clear enough not to need radar. Shortly after Fort William is the entrance to the Caledonian Canal with its sea lock and small ‘pepper pot’ lighthouse. We were now starting the last phase of our Scottish adventure and our journey, through the canal, to Inverness.

First opened in 1822, the Caledonian Canal was built to provide a short cut between the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, avoiding the hazardous route around Scotland’s north coast. The majestic canal is 60 miles in length, of which approximately 1/3 is man-made cuttings and the remainder is formed by the waters of Lochs Lochy, Oich, Dochfour and Ness. The highest point is 32.3m above sea level and it has three flights of locks, the largest of which has eight locks and is known as ‘Neptune’s Staircase’ - which we negotiated today. In total, there are 29 locks and 10 swing bridges.

The Caledonian Canal is twinned with both the Gota Canal in Sweden, which was also designed by Thomas Telford, and the Rideau Canal in Canada.