The Jacobite Steam Train, Fort William to Mallaig, Scotland

We booked some time ago to go on The Jacobite steam train which runs between Fort William and Mallaig. Unfortunately the weather wasn't on our side and the heavy rain that was forecast did come. We were fortunate though that there were fine breaks, however photography out of the train windows was trick with all the rain on the windows! All in all though it as a great trip, and the journey back was much finer with little rain.

Once seated, with social distancing in place of course, we were off! We passed through a few stations before heading over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, or Harry Potter Bridge as its more commonly known as these days. We were in carriage B so on our journey to Mallaig we were the second carriage from the engine. This meant we didn't get the best view of the engine snaking its was across the viaduct, but it was okay. There were about 100 people on the hill near the viaduct, waiting to see the train cross the bridge. Quite incredible to think so many would go out in the pouring rain to watch it!!

On arrival into Mallaig it was a lot cooler than we had been used to. We headed to The Tea Garden Cafe for an early dinner of fish and chips, before a wander to the port and back to board the train back to Fort William.

On our return journey we saw Eilean na Moine island which is located in Loch Eilt. It was used for Dumbledore's grave in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

The journey back the weather was kinder. Not so much rain so we were able to take pictures out of the open window in the standing area where the carriages join each other. You had to be careful though, not to get bits of coal in your eyes or taken out by the trees that hit the side of the train as it goes past. We managed to get a few good pictures from here, especially going over the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

It wasn't until we arrived back into Fort William that we realised the steam engine was in fact attached backwards, so the rear of the engine was leading us back.

Although it was disappointing with the weather, it was still a lovely trip and a cool thing to do especially going over the huge viaduct with 21 spans across 1000ft, 100ft above the ground!