Ian: well, here we go - our first train trip up into the highlands (which I thought were so-named because of their altitude - not so, it's because of their northerly latitude) and we have with us our friend Brian, a glaswegian who we first met when he was passing thru Melbourne on his way around the world. The five hour trip goes up the west coast ending at Mallaig, gateway to the Isle of Skye and several other bits of land hanging around in the water.


And to help you recognise heather when it appears in later photographs - here's a snap:


Stopped at Fort William : Yes, it was tempting to forcably prise open the doors on the WRONG side of the carraige and squeeze out into the 10cm of space between the train and the brick wall, but we resisted the obvious allure.


Brian hiding behind a Scots Rail cup of tea.

No words needed here I think. Like in New Zealand - stunning landscape, and even more beautiful because of the overcast & atmospheric sky.





Michael: This is the Glenfinnan Monument, surmounted by a kilted Highlander (just barely visible), which commem0rates the Jacobite uprising in support of Charles Edwart Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie). It comes into sight just as the train passes over the Glenfinnan viaduct (of Harry Potter fame!).
Ian: We kept seeing these great houses in the middle of nowhere - very romantic - in a sort of Bronte Sisters way.





Ian: Our lodgings in Mallaig.
Mallaig harbour.
During our walk inland from Mallaig - past a loch, and after getting thoroughly wet socks from the boggy ground. (but well worth it !)




... and before we left Mallaig, a rainbow was presented for us !

The only hurried snap I got of the Glenfinnan Viaduct used in one of the Harry Potter films. A 'Harry Potter Express' steam train runs (expensively) from Fort William to Mallaig most of the year.