Neptune’s Staircase and Corpach
Starting from Fort William you will pass Neptune’s Staircase, a flight of eight lochs designed by Thomas Telford forms a spectacular section of the Caledonian Canal, further along the road you will drive through Corpach where you can find great views of Ben Nevis by the canal and definitely worth a stop to get an iconic picture of this mountain, find the left turn to the Canal Lock at Corpach Basin by Loch Linnhe for the perfect picture.
Glenfinnan
Driving further along the A830 passed Loch Eil, you will drive by lovely views on the road to Glenfinnan. When you reach Glenfinnan you can park at the visitor centre and view the Glenfinnan Monument directly across the road at the head of Loch Shiel in the other direction you will see the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct featured in the Harry Potter films. You can take a short walk to get closer or even venture up the hills to get that perfect photograph of a steam train crossing the viaduct. Glenfinnan is a great historical place where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at the start of the Jacobite Rising in 1745, much more information can be found in the visitor centre.
Loch Nan Uamh, The Prince’s Cairn
Further along the road you will pass two more lochs, Loch Eilt and Loch Ailort before you cross the Ardnish Peninsula to reach the spectacular Loch Nan Uamh. At the Loch you will find a stone that marks the departure place of Bonnie Prince Charlie after the Jacobite Rising. The prince left mainland Scotland on 20th September 1746 on a French Frigate that would carry him to safety and would never set foot in Scotland again. Loch Nan Uamh is a sea loch and if you are lucky you may spot seals and other marine life in the area.
Arisaig
Arisaig is a must place to stop especially if you require some refreshments or a toilet stop. Within this small village on the coast you will find a post office, cafe and a general store, as well as a hotel all situated by the marina. The village was used during the 2nd World War as a training place for agents in war torn occupied Europe. A memorial was built in 2009 to remember the Slovak and Czech soldiers that trained around the village during the war. From the village the stunning views of Eigg, Rum, and Skye start along with the stunning white beaches on the remaining journey to Mallaig.
White Sands of Morar
Mallaig
At the end of the journey you drive into the busy fishing port of Mallaig, also home to the Ferry terminal to the Isle of Skye and the Small Isles, you will also find the final stop of the West Highland Railway line from Fort William. A typical fishing harbour with typical Fish and Chip shops, it is generally a busy place with lots of tourist during the summer months either waiting for a ferry to one of the Islands or simply waiting for the return journey on the steam train back to Fort William. A nice place for a brief stop and a bite to eat before you enjoy the road back along the road to the isles or in our case back to Fort William.
We travel this route at least once a year when we visit the Mallaig area,you never tire of the scenic panoramas that open up to you as you round a bend in the road,a must is do is, turn off to the right at MORAR and travel the length of what must be the shortest river in the U.K., the river Morar which takes you to LOCH MORAR, the deepest fresh water loch in yheU.K. 1.000 Ft. Deep and has the Legendary ,MORAG the monster in its depths, the Isles of EIGG & RUM. come into view as you approach MALLAIG. Another must do is the trip to INVERIE on te KNOYDART Peninsula. Come on people give yourselves a break and head for the area ,you won’t regret it.
Done this drive today with my missus after reading this.Aw man it was stunning .cheerz
If you leave the Ft William area and to the drive to Mallaig, how long should we allow to stop and enjoy the sites, perhaps go Kayaking in Arisaig and then take the ferry to Armadale? We want to stay in that area for the night.