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Written by Marcus Dawson - 12 Apr 2005
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Location notes
A very popular shot on the West Highland line. The location is the end of a river valley where the line comes out of a shear rock face onto a viaduct.
Railway type and traffic
Standard fare is 156 or 158 DMUs. Most of the interest is generated by charters. The Jacobite steam workings or Royal Scotsman are some regular examples. There is no freight on the line, there is a possibility of some engineers workings but these are very rare,
Environment
Midge area - Take suitable protection.

An exposed costal hilltop in the West Highlands of Scotland, be prepared for changes in the elements.
Road directions
Follow the A830 out of Fort William towards Mallaig, you will pass many other locations on the way - Including Glenfinnan Viaduct. After you have passed through Polnish you will descend down a hill and the viaduct will be in front of you.
Once parked there is a gate and a small river bridge, follow this path over the river and under the viaduct and then walk up the right hand side of the hill to reach the top.

Click here to set up your location for directions to this location

Loch Nan Uamh Viaduct map co-ordinates
Parking
There are a number of road side places to park your car here. But be cautious unless you park your car a short distance along the road your car will appear in the shot! If you can see the hilltop from your car, then you would be better moving back a bit.
Public transport
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Amenities
None. There are facilities in Mallaig
Accommodation
For fotting trips along the line to Mallaig it is usually best to stay in Fort William. There are a large number of hotels and Bed and Breakfasts there.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Loch Nan Uamh Viaduct

Googly map
Streetmap links
Loch Nan Uamh Viaduct general view map
Loch Nan Uamh Viaduct close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Loch Nan Uamh Viaduct



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Railway Gen Group
scot-rail.co.uk
Photographic notes
The shot is not really a going away shot (unless you are photographing units) in which case you will get plenty of notice of approaching trains as the line can be seen on the left for a good mile or so. Being south facing the sun will suit an afternoon shot as it will have moved round to the west of the line and should illuminate the mountain nicely.

This can be a very popular location when a special is running. If you want a prime position you will need to arrive well in advance.


General views - All photographs © Marcus Dawson unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 1 - Looking north

The classic shot over the viaduct of a Fort William bound train.

Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking north

As mentioned in the text, if you don't park your car far enough along the road it will appear in the shot.
Yes my car is in there! - Whoopsie

Fig 3 - Looking south


Fig 3 - Looking south

Not a great going away shot... There are far better shots for Mallaig bound workings.

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