We left Edinburgh early on Saturday morning and headed North West into the highlands to Fort William. The roads were exceptionally busy, being the first day of the summer holidays. Our trip was uneventful and we arrived just on 2pm. We are staying in the Moorings hotel which is on the Neptune Staircase lock and our rooms look onto Ben Nevis.

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK and stands at 1,345 metres above sea level, it is at the western end of the Grampian Mountains close to Fort William. My attraction to the region is the Glenfinnan Viaduct. I have subsequently learned that this viaduct features in the Harry Potter movies ( I have never seen one).

We had driven through much rain on the way here, so shortly after we arrived the sun peeped through and we dashed off to see the Viaduct. Best decision ever….sun was behind us, so we could take awesome pics. Then we saw the steam train crossing over and last, but not least….it has poured with rain most of today. Always make hay while the sun shines.

Unfortunately the Jacobite Express steam train was fully booked for today, so we jumped on a Scotsrail train and headed off to Mallaig. The train trip crosses over the viaduct. So we got to see it from below and ride across it. Mallaig itself is a sea port with a long history of herring and kipper fishing. Today, however, it was cold and wet and mostly closed. We then had the dubious fortune, of the worst ever, scone with jam and cream, in a restaurant that smelled of fish, served by seriously service-challenged youngsters. We arrived at 2.10pm and were told we could not be seated as we did not want lunch. Tea was only served from 2.15pm……. No need to reread the previous times…you saw right….5 minutes!!!! We duly hung about for 5 min and went back, got seated and ordered scones!

Dry, hard and yuck…But I got the last laugh, we sat at the door…as people came past and looked at my uneaten scone….they said oooh yumm…..and I said…nope its gross…so they left! Karma you beauty!!! A group of 7 hikers came in, staff refused to seat them at one table….group is too big! Must split up….ridiculous as there was plenty of space.

Most of Mallaig was closed as it is a Sunday, so we popped into a small Heritage museum to keep warm and pass the time. We got back to Fort William and went for dinner at Browns….where I had the best beef short rib ever, served with cabbage and new potatoes….was sublime.

We stopped in at the Inverlochy Castle ruins. Originally dating back to the 13th century.

We head back to Edinburgh tomorrow for lunch with Heather Williams and then a final pop-in to see Gerry. Tuesday we head back to London.