Today we go to the Castle for breakfast because it's included! We have a private dining room (mainly because we were so early I think!) and we have 4 staff catering to our needs!
We are going on the Jacobite Train today from Fort William to Mallaig. The weather is against us in the morning as it rains for most of the outward journey which makes visibility difficult. From what we can see the scenery is spectacular. The steam train weaves its way through the countryside sometimes along the edge of the lochs. There are many many waterfalls coming from high in the mountains. We have a couple sitting opposite us and they have frequented this area so are very helpful with what we are seeing and where we are.
The end of the line is Mallaig a fishing village on the edge of Loch Nevis. It is a hub for Ferries to the Islands in the Loch such as Skye, Rum and Eigg.
It has stopped raining so our visit to Mallaig is good for walking and having lunch. Back on the train for the return journey and there is blue sky so we can enjoy the scenery from our seats.
Besides the magnificent mountains, waterfalls and scenery another highlight is the Glennfinnan Viaduct which we obviously cross in both directions. Best views are if you are forward facing in the direction of travel otherwise it's first in best dressed to get a photo from the train door!
Back in Fort William and it's still raining! As we move on tomorrow this is our only opportunity to see Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the U.K. Ben Nevis is a dormant volcano and Glen Nevis was carved by an ancient glacier. We drive along the narrow winding roads through the Glen and at the end of the road we walk to the lower falls. So much water and power. Spectacular. The sky has cleared and the sun peaks through and we get a glimpse of the rugged Ben Nevis.
Back in Fort William we go looking for the series of locks we saw from the train. The idea of the Caledonian Canal was first conceived in 1773 to provide safe passage for ships to get from East to West without having to navigate the dangerous ocean route. The 22 mile canal with 29 locks took 12 years to build and was completed in 1822. The canal is now mostly used for recreational purposes and the man powered capstan shave been replaced by hydraulics.
It's dinner time so first we have a drink at the Volunteers Arms before trying to get into the Grog and Gruel but there was a 45 minute wait so we end up at The Great Glen!
The evening is topped off with a performance by the Local Drum and Pipe Band in Cameron's Square on the High Street.
Last stop is to see the Old Inverlochy Castle, a magnificent site of Castle ruins.