Day 5 - The Jacobite Steam Train
This morning we join the Jacobite Steam Train* for a
journey to Mallaig on the final leg of the wonderful West
Highland Line, arguably the most scenic in the UK. During the
journey the train steams past Ben Nevis, then climbs into the
mountains surrounding Glenfinnan, a small town famous as the
rallying point for Bonnie Prince Charlie's assault on the British
throne. Here we cross the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct seen in the
'Harry Potter' films; one of the most iconic engineering works
found throughout the British railway network. As we head towards
Mallaig, we drop down to the sea's edge and the landscape opens up
with the first views of the rugged 'Small Isles' - Rum, Eigg, and
Muck - which hang tantalizingly close offshore and tease in and out
of view near our journey's end. After time for lunch, we make the
return journey by coach, passing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, to
Inverness, where we stay for three nights. (B, D)
*On early departures the Jacobite Steam Train does not
operate and we make this excursion using Scotrail's scheduled
service.
Includes