Stunning Scenery on the Way to Tioram Castle

I grabbed this view of Bonnie Prince Charlie's monument as we sped by in the car.




Jim is inspecting Glenfinnan Station. It's a pity the interesting Highland Railway museum was being refurbished. Perhaps another time.




Winter can be interesting round these parts. Here is a railway snow plough (plow in American) based on a Gresley V2 tender. No connection with Gerry's war time presents.




We took a while negotiating the ultra muddy path which led from Glenfinnnan Station to this vantage point, but were just in time to see the "Jacobite" storming across the Glenfinnan viaduct (my 12MP picture gives more detail) ...




... and - below our tussock - steaming on to Mallaig. I don't need to tell those in the know, that the motive power is a Stainer Black Five from the late thirties. However, even enthusiasts will not be able to read the BR number, which the 12MP version of my picture gives as 45231.




Now that we have seen the train, we can admire the glorious view of Loch Shiel (Kinlochshiel? - the head of Loch Shiel?) and the Bonnie Prince Charlie Monument (centre left).




Now a diesel Sprinter appears on the viaduct. The Sprinter is not so aesthetically pleasing as the Jacobite, but far more efficient to operate. It stops awhile on the viaduct for passengers to take piccies - which is more than the Jacobite did! Err? What do you mean? Well, it's at least 3 to 4 times more expensive to travel (between Fort William and Mallaig) on the Jacobite than on the Sprinter, but the latter made with the photographic opportunity.




The Glenfinnan Viaduct is an early exercise in concrete (Mc Alpine circa 1901) and really impressive. It has weathered nicely to blend into its surroundings - which is more than one can say for some more recent concrete edifices - but perhaps they need to weather too.




I dig those curves - in a manner of speaking.




We walk back to Glenfinnan Station and take tea or coffee and shortbread on the terrace outside the fifties (Mk 1) dining car. The lush mountain view is most relaxing as the sun warms us.




From the terrace we can observe many a Highland bird. This appears to be a Greenfinch. Sorry about the quality of the picture. Birds are most flighty at the best of times and Jim can take better bird pictures than I can.




And here is a spotted bird. Come on, you budding ornithologists! What is it?

The bay at Arisaig is endowed by Nature with islands ...




... and by man with sailing boats.




The pretty sea front of Arisaig retains its charm of yesteryear, but its shops and businesses are firmly rooted in the modern world.

It looks as if we are driving straight into Loch nam Uamh, but no, we keep our feet dry.




Nice scenery ...




... is followed by more nice scenery.




And in a few seconds we see the Isle of Rum front-ended by the Isle of Eigg. Eigg has that hallmark of a castle-like rock jutting out on the left. Recognise it anywhere!!




Still further we go through attractive scenery ...




... until we hit a side road with houses that would make attractive summer retreats. We drive up to the end ...




... until, on the left we see the castle, its gaunt shell ...




... attractively set in beautiful, wooded, almost Finnish style, inlets.




Anyone sailing in from the west would have confronted this castle face on. The castle sits on a small promontory, which apparently could be cut off at high tide.




This is the south facing view from the castle. We parked our cars on the left.




Here are some more nice views ...




... oozing dollops of ...




... pleasant, natural ...




... peace and tranquility. I wonder what it's like in winter?




Here's your's truely giving the impression of having come over the Big Pond to claim a long lost family possession. Would I be so lucky!




We leave the castle to the next lot of enterprising visitors.

The landscape is peppered with a few modest dwellings and some boats.




Sometimes just pleasant wilderness ...




... and a few granite rocks.




The mountains seem never to be far away ...




... and stand proudly in the sunshine. And now it's a scenic drive back to Fort William.