Glenfinnan viaduct made more famous from been used as the route to Hogwarts in Harry Potter.
The Glenfinnan Monument, a memorial to the people who fought in the Jacobite risings in 1745.
Loch Shiel with a handy bench to view the scenery(if you have wellies)
To the left of the monument entrance there is a boardwalk that takes you around a marsh and woodland area so we had a quick stroll along it til the boardwalk became part of the Loch.
Spring was most certainly in the Highlands as Common Frogs were everywhere along with clusters of frog spawn.
Back in the Monument car park we had the pleasure of this Robin's company.
We continued West til we reached the scenic Loch Eilt with it's small islands including Eilean Na Moine which was used as Dumbledore's grave (yes this post does seem to becoming a Harry Potter location tour)
I tried to get a photo quickly as a hail storm began and hurt like hell lol
Loch nan Uamh was always worthy of a stop in the layby as we had spotted numerous Great Northern Divers here before.Today we had Cormorants and a few Seals on the distant rocks. While scanning the water for life this Song Thrush appeared out of the scrub nearby.
The next place worth exploring is one of our favourite places.As you turn off the A830 to Arisaig there is a single track road to Rhu.A fabulous little road that takes in all the inlets letting you scan for waders and ending with a stunning view across to Rum and Eigg.
It's an amazing place to stop and sit in the car having lunch while watching the wildlife around the West coast.A Curlew foraged among the seaweed, a Grey Heron fished from the rocks and a Hooded Crow using it's high intelligence to hover in the wind with a shellfish, dropping it on to the rocky beach below to be rewarded with a small meal.
Grey Heron fishing the bay.
A pair of glorious Stonechats flew from the field behind to land in the scrub before us.
Male Stonechat
I usually look for Raptors along this road too as there are usually Buzzards and Kestrels nearby but I didn't expect the flying barn door to appear from over the hill and glide calmly by us.
White-tailed Eagle near Arisaig.
What a spectacular sight :)
We made it into Mallaig just as the wind had blown a snowstorm in from the sea, obscuring the view over to Rum.
Staying in the car we watched the waves crashing into the shore and waited for the Snow to die down before walking into the harbour.
Herring and Black-backed Gulls filled the air and Eiders and a solitary Black Guillemot drifted on the undulating sea.
Black Guillemot
Fishermen were working on their boats anchored to the harbour walls which had interested the local Grey Seal popuation.
Photo by Majella Fox
As more snow was forecast to hit the West coast we decided it was time to head back and beat the coming storm.
Tug and Shadow were waiting on our arrival back to the farm.
Tug who we sadly lost this week.
Shadow
The trail camera was not surprisingly put out again but placed further up the lawn and nearer the cabin in hope of getting views from the kitchen.
The Pine Marten didn't disappoint.
Later during the night you can see the Snow arrived, though the Rabbits didn't seem too bothered as they made off with all the apples lol
Thanks again for joining us on our trip in Scotland.I hope you are enjoying me sharing about Scotland's amazing wildlife and scenery.
Day 5 is all about the Snow and a train. See you then :)
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