Our Scottish Highland Trip

Thursday & Friday – 1st & 2nd October

We drove to Fort William from home in Oxfordshire with an early start so that we could complete the journey during daylight. It took about 8.5 hrs with stops. We had stunning scenery over Glencoe, I never tire of those mountains and the stunning scenery. We were staying at the Cruachan Hotel in Fort William which was very comfortable and friendly with good tasty pub food and a cosy atmosphere. It was a very popular hotel. The next morning after a good breakfast we set off to the railway station with great anticipation to catch the Jacobite train part of the Great West Railway. Unfortunately we had been downgraded from 1st Class to Standard due to Covid distancing but we still had a great trip with a table for 4 between the two of us. All the passengers queued to take photos of the steam engine and I was no exception.

The sun came out about 20 minutes into the trip so we were fortunate with our photos. Going over the Glenfinnan Viaduct caused great excitement and I managed to get my camera out of the window to take a great shot of our train going over it.  It was a really memorable trip and the scenery was spectacular all the way.  I would definitely recommend it.  For keen photographers If you want to take a photo from Glenfinnan up the road from the National Trust car park then you need to be in position by 1045 hrs in the morning or 1510 hrs for the returning train from Malaigh but the morning one from Fort William gives the best photos by far with the train coming towards you around the curve of the viaduct.  I don’t think the train runs at weekends. 

Later in the evening we drove back up to Glencoe to try and get some good evening shots.

Saturday 3rd October

Driving on to the Cottage the next morning we had time so we shopped in Fort William for extra food items then strolled through the town which is very nice, friendly with lots of good shops.  We particularly enjoyed the Highland Bookshop, such a great selection of books and maps which we took full advantage of.  Afterwards we discovered the Cinema Café which was lovely and clean, cosy and friendly just perfect for a coffee and cake before our drive to the Cottage in the Kingairloch Estate. We were in no rush as we couldn’t get into the cottage until 1600 hrs and it was only about a 90 minute drive from Fort William using the Corran Ferry.   We arrived at the Cottage on time, it was perfect, so cosy and warm – we were really delighted with it.  Just a little one bedroom with stunning views of the mountains and the Loch a’Choire.  We unpacked and had our first meal here which I had kept fresh in a cold box which plugs into the cigarette lighter.  With a g&t for me and wine for James – perfect.  Cheers

Sunday 4^th October   

We woke to an absolutely beautiful day and after a leisurely breakfast and a writing a few messages we decided to drive to Acharacle just beyond Strontian to visit the Garbh Eilean Hide.  It was a beautiful peaceful walk – so quiet and full of colour.   We reached the hide after about 30 mins – I stopped every now and then to take photos.  I set up my camera and lens and a family in the hide kindly pointed out the seals sitting on some rocks out to sea.  I took some photos of them – not the most photogenic of creatures.  We had been hoping for otters or sea eagles but sadly not that day.  After that we strolled back and ambled home in the car enjoying the scenery on the way.  We were going to stop at the little café in Strontian for a Coffee but it wasn’t open on Sundays.  So we were back early and I started writing my blog and sorting photos. James relaxed with a book.  Another relaxing evening with a dinner made earlier and g&t etc.  Very pleasant. 

Monday 5th Oct

We decided to try the coastal walk around the Loch here at Kingairloch. We parked by Home Farm and walked through the gates where the sheep were grazing all very scenic and peaceful. It was quite muddy along the track most of the way. We swapped about from beach to path but both were tricky. Beach because of big slippery stones and path as we had to hop over all the muddy puddles & avoid sinking into deep mud. Still the scenery was really beautiful & we didn’t mind the terrain. We walked until we thought we might disappear in the bog 😀 then we turned back. When we were were near the start of the walk we climbed up another path towards a deserted old cottage which looked interesting until the mud beat us there too. Probably a much better walk in a drier season still we managed just over 3 miles.