Train journey from Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness

To catch the train at Kyle of Lochalsh we travelled along the length of Loch Ness passing Urquhart Castle en route; the castle was blown up by Government troops in 1689 to prevent it's use by Jacobites.

Nessie didn't put in an appearance for us

Eilan Donnan Castle situated on the cusp of three sea lochs - Long, Duich and Alsh is one of my favourite Scottish castles sitting alone in majestic scenery.

Joined to the mainland by a causeway to prevent it being cut off by tidal waters each day.

The road bridge to the Isle of Skye

"Ferry me across the water,

Do, boatman, do."

"If you've a penny in your purse

I'll ferry you".

"I have a penny in my purse,

And my eyes are blue;

So ferry me across the water,

Do, boatman, do."

"Step into my ferry-boat,

Be they black or blue,

And for the penny in your purse

I'll ferry you."

Christina Rossetti

We crossed over the sea to Skye many years ago, and at that time travel was by ferry only, but since 1995 a new bridge carries you over. When the bridge first opened the toll fee was very expensive but it was removed completely in 2004 following an acrimonious campaign by the locals who found it far too expensive. The island in the middle called Eilan Ban is where Gavin Maxwell lived, author - Ring of Bright water. One of the bridge supports sits on the island.

Ruins of Dunscaith castle, Skye. Originally the castle belonged to the Clan MacDonald of Sleat. 

The clock is ticking, the Kyle of Lochalsh train is ready - back across the bridge on the mainland opposite Skye our departure to Inverness is imminent.

via
Inverness Castle

The train travelled past lochs, hamlets, moors, and mountains before arriving back in Inverness for the onward journey to our hotel and evening meal.

via Dingwall

The man in the wee boat is saying "I think I've caught something."

Artwork by David T. Gray via