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Written by Marcus Dawson - 23 Mar 2005
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Location notes
On the West Highland Line a few miles outside of Fort William on the route to Mallaig.The location is a swing bridge over the Caledonian Canal, which in turn feeds into Loch Ness.
Railway type and traffic
Day to day traffic consists of Scot Rail units, usually 156s. In the summer season the Jacobite steam trips will pass this location as well as the Royal Scotsman charters.
Environment
On the corner of LochLinnhe and Loch Eil, Banavie is a village type area on the outskirts of the Fort William town. The weather in Scotland can be very changeable so it is always handy to have warm clothes about.
Road directions
Just off the A830, this is the main road out of Fort William to the west.

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

Banavie Swing Bridge map co-ordinates
Parking
There is a small station car park, with room for about 5 cars.
Public transport
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Amenities
No real amenities at the station. There is a small supermarket in Corpach or plenty of facilities in Fort William.
Accommodation
There are a number of places to stay in Fort Willaim.
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.
Banavie Swing Bridge

Googly map
Streetmap links
Banavie Swing Bridge general view map
Banavie Swing Bridge close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Banavie Swing Bridge



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Railway Gen Group
scot-rail.co.uk
Photographic notes
Given the nature of the bridge the line has a speed of only 5 mph across it. The location has a rather pleasing backdrop of Ben Nevis. The direction of the line will favour an afternoon shot, but since most specials depart for Mallaig in the morning getting the sun on the nose will not really happen. You can also shoot parallel to the river and get the many lock gates in the shot.


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


Fig 1 - Looking south east


Fig 2 - Looking south


Fig 2 - Looking south

A general view down the Caledonian Canal

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