Nevis Range Gondola and Mallaig

Since everyone was tired after a long day of driving and a late evening back from Inverness, we planned a lighter day. The weather also was promised to be a mix of rain and clouds. We decided to take a gondola ride up Aonach Mòr. Aonach Mòr, at 1221m (4006’) is near the tallest mountain in the UK - Ben Nevis (1344m / 4409’). The gondola ride up the mountain gave us great views of the nearby valley as well as the mountain biking tracks available on the mountain - perhaps an adventure for another time.

At the top of the mountain was a short hiking trail, leading to Victoria viewpoint. Our first attempt on this trail was met with an immediate rain shower, and a retreat to shelter at the cafe. After a break for lunch, we made a second attempt up to the viewpoint. This time we managed to find the clouds, and spent a good 30 minutes either walking among the clouds, or waiting for them to part to see the view.

We all decided to give up on the clouds, and were halfway downhill, when the clouds started to gove way. Suba and I decided to climb back up again, to enjoy the view and take pictures, while the rest of the group decided to continue the climb down.

The views at the top, when they did show, were spectacular, and allowed us to see Loch Lochy (Lake Lakey :P) to the north west, the spaen bridge and the valleys to the north. After a good 20 minutes of enjoying the view, Suba and I headed back down to re-join the group.

We found Tejas, Mridhu, Sanju and Mahesh enjoying themselves near a stream, playing Tejas’s favorite game of Kerplunk, and generally enjoying the water and the outdoors.

Re-united, we climbed back into the gondolas for the ride back down the mountain, enjoying the scenery once again.

The rain seemed to have passed for the day, and the day was continuing to stay pleasant, and given that we still had time on our hands, we decided to try the drive to Mallaig again, since it was billed as being spectacular.

Our plan was to stop at the Glenfinnan viaduct again, and try to see it once more in pleasant weather, but the overflowing parking lots and crowds gave us reason to pass it up, and continue the drive.

We stopped several times along the way to take pictures, Including another fun game of kerplunk at Loch Eilt, with the final stop just past Lochailort, with a spectacular view of the atlantic ocean.

We explored a very rocky beach, covered in barnacles, sea snails, seaweed and the assorted crab, clambering over the rocks, and had fun stretching our legs.

Satisfied, we turned back around and drove back to the river mill house for dinner once again.