JACOBITE and NORTH COAST 500 (part 1)

[newhavenhibby]

Zed finally got to do the trip he had come up to Edinburgh for from Bob in Devon, by going on the North Coast 500 but also fitting in the Jacobite steam train whilst going North.

He originally was doing this in the Impreza but the day before he was due to leave the "petrol crisis" fueled by the media started to bite. Unsure about supplies of "super" unleaded and whether we could even get any unleaded, the decision was made to go in the Rover 75. ( the Impreza is set up for "super" fuel and does not like any less octane value!)

The Jacobite starts in Fort William and runs to Mallaig. The journey takes about 2 hours with a stop at Glenfinnan Station after going over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct........for all you Harry Potter fans. Zed was also interested to the left of the viaduct, in the Glenfinnan Monument by the side of the Loch Shiel where Bonny Prince Charlie raised his standard to his Jacobite troops in 1745 before going South and eventually back North leading to the defeat at Culloden a year later.

Zed had about 60 minutes in Mallaig, enough to get some refreshments and see the seals in the harbour. Then it was back on board for the return trip by which time the weather had cleared and he was treated to some fantastic Highland views including a magnificent stag that came alongside for a look.

For the enthusiasts, the train was:

Class 5MT (Black 5') 4-6-0 built in 1935 and was in BR service till 1968. Number 45212.



Rover 75 safely at the Fort William B&B with its travelling companion for the week.......a Jaguar XK8..................

P1130869 by Ann Edwards, on Flickr



Zed has a good look at out steam train for the day:

20210927_093809_resized[47979] by Ann Edwards, on Flickr

20210927_093739_resized by Ann Edwards, on Flickr

Zed settles down in his compartment.......First Class of course:



20210927_100233_resized[47981] by Ann Edwards, on Flickr



Going over the Glenfinnan Viaduct......Zed stayed in the compartment in case his cap blew off!!......... then stopping at Glenfinnan Station:

P1130889 by Ann Edwards, on Flickr

P1130900 by Ann Edwards, on Flickr



Turn round at Mallaig:

P1130902 by Ann Edwards, on Flickr

P1130908 by Ann Edwards, on Flickr



Zed finds a friend on his return:

20211004_112817_resized by Ann Edwards, on Flickr



After a rest back at the B&B it was all systems go to the North Coast 500:

P1130988 by Ann Edwards, on Flickr


Part 2 and Zeds exploits on the North Coast will follow soon..................