Scotland 2025 - Sept 21 - Trains, Ferries and Taxis

We were happy to have a relaxing morning of packing up and heading to the train station, now that our knees are working again. 

We said goodbye to Fort William and its cute little, well named lanes 😉

The train station was buzzing. The train south was two small for all the people who wanted to get on, so there was a lot of commotion and stress. Thankfully we were heading north to Mallaig, and our train was comfortably full, everyone had a seat. 

We had done our research and we knew we wanted to be on the left (west) side of the train for our approach to the Finnan Viaduct (best known as the Harry Potter bridge).  There was a stirring among passengers as they announced "get your cameras ready..." And we could start to see it...

The excitement on the train grew as we approached. 

It was quite fun to travel over, and there were quite a few people down on the ground, near the end of the bridge, waving to us and taking photos. 

The Jacobite steam train passes by at least once a day, and people will wait for it to get the iconic photo of the long red train, pulled by the steam engine. 

We did get to see it in the station. So fun! 

Our shorter train does not give the same impression of the bridge, as you can't really capture the corner, but here's what it looked like looking back from my seat. 

Very fun. 

Of course all the scenery continues to be beautiful as we head north up the coast. Excuse the reflections of the train's windows, it comes with sunshine, which we have to be thankful for. 

Our stop was Mallaig, the northern most station for the West Highland line. This station is also featured in the Harry Potter movies, but I could not find any brick walls to walk through...

The Jacobite steam train was there, the photos aren't great but give you an idea. 

The cars have posh table-clothed tables and fancy lamps. Very cute. 

With an hour to spare until our ferry departure, we ventured into Mallaig to find a warm drink and snack. 

Note the blue sky behind the cute little coffee and snack trailer... 

Well just as we got our warm drinks the skies opened. Boom. It was pouring rain. We had to run across the street and take shelter under a wee awning.  It poured for maybe 10 minutes and then, just as it had started, it was over. 

Never be far from your raincoat in Scotland. 

We found the ferry terminal 

And boarded the ferry with all the other tourists heading to Skye. 

Skye is the largest inner Hebridean island, just across the Sound of Sleat. It was only about a 40 minute ride on a windy afternoon. 

Our taxi was at the dock to meet us and we were treated to a drive up to Broadford.

After yesterday's climb, our legs were happy to have so much rest today. We did a little exploring of the shoreline and little shops here in Broadford, and found ourselves at the local pub for fish and chips - it is like we are locals already! 

Tomorrow another hike is on the agenda. 

With a "real feel" of 4° tonight, we are happy to be in our warm hotel, with full bellies. 

Thanks for following along on our journey.