This morning we awoke in Oban, a bustling seaside town full of small fishing boats and large ferries plying back and forth to many of the Hebridean islands. After early morning strolls we once again boarded Lord of the Glens and sailed up Loch Linnhe, passing the Island of Lismore, the fast-flowing Corran Narrows, and the town of Fort William. Robin gave a presentation on Natural Scotland, explaining the time-honoured relationship between land, wildlife, and people, and Captain Tony offered bridge tours to fascinated enthusiasts. We then entered the first lock of the Caledonian Canal, which first opened in 1822 at the Corpach Sea Lock.
Towering above Corpach is Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain at 4,406 feet, rising straight from sea level and today with its head lost in the mists. At its foot lies the Ben Nevis whisky distillery and this was our first stop of the afternoon. Here the mysteries of the distilling process were explained to us, with a chance at the end to sample the liquid nectar. A few of us elected to go instead to the nearby ruins of Inverlochy Castle, built around 1280 A.D. and set imposingly on the River Lochy.
Afterwards we continued on to Glenfinnan, where on 19 August 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie came ashore at the head of Loch Sheil and raised his standard, rallying the Highland clans and setting in train the Jacobite Rebellion. Eight months later it would end disastrously at the Battle of Culloden. This glen provides spectacular views of the Glenfinnan railway viaduct, completed in 1898, and made famous in more recent times by the Harry Potter movies. We were in time to see and hear the steam train puffing its way across the viaduct like a vision from a past age. Robin and Krista led a beautiful hike above the viaduct and down to Glenfinnan railway station, where we would all catch our train back to the ship. Jim led a photographic walk, and others explored the visitor centre area with its interpretative exhibition on the Jacobites, and its lovely woodland walks, where robins and chaffinches hopped about our feet.
On board Lord of the Glens that evening, the day was concluded with a wonderful presentation by Jim Richardson on appreciation of whisky, featuring a tasting of three contrasting malts representing the rich and varied character of Scotland.
