Scotland 2025 - Sept 19 - Bridge of Orchy and Fort William

We packed up the hiking boots and put on our walking shoes. We could see the Bridge of Orchy from our hotel room, and watched (with a little envy) as the hikers made their way across it to continue on the West Highland Way. 

The bridge was built in 1746, by the British Army, during the pacification of the Highland Clans. 

We, however went back up the hill the other way, to the train station, since we are on the Hike & Rail Grand Tour. 

The stairs to the platform (photo above) - I was thankful to not have my bike today. 

We caught the 10:48 to Fort William.

The train runs along Loch Laidon, and stops at some tiny little villages, with only a few buildings. Rannoch - Corrour - Tulloch - Roy Bridge - Spean Bridge - Fort William. 

Corrour is one of these tiny places. It is known for being the location for parts of the movie Trainspotting. 

Our stop was Fort William. The biggest town we have seen in a few days. On the shores of Loch Linnhe, it is a pretty little town with a cobblestoned main street and plenty of tourist shops and pubs. 

We dropped our bags off at Myrtle Shores B&B, our home for two nights, and transitioned into tourists. We explored the museum, and the shops and then we hopped on a city bus to Neptune's Staircase.

Neptune's Staircase was built between 1803 and 1822 by Thomas Telford. Described as "a dramatic flight of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal. The canal goes all the way to Inverness, 60 miles to the east. It raises 19 meters and is a quarter of a mile long. It takes boats about 90 minutes to pass through it. 

It is hard to capture the 8 locks, as we have no drone, but I bought a postcard that captures it. 

The upside to visiting the locks was that we had a fantastic view of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK. From the locks you get a wonderful view of the North face. 

We thought we might catch a glimpse of the peak, but the clouds would not cooperate, even with high winds moving them quickly they persisted in covering her peak. 

We have yet to see the peak of Ben Nevis, despite many photos 🤣.

Today we had some rain, and some warm sun, some cold wind and some gloomy mist. Truly a Scottish weather day. 

We said goodbye to the locks 

And hello to a relaxing dinner and stroll along the main street of Fort William. 

Cheers!