The Big Steam Adventure S02E04 - The Highlands

In this episode John Sergeant, Peter Davison and Paul ‘Piglet' Middleton explore the Scottish Highlands.

The trio start their journey on a ‘White' steam car, a car so exclusive that it used to carry American presidents. Their journey is across the Cairngorms Mountain range. However, the typical Scottish weather is against them and they have to battle the elements to cross this vast wilderness.

They're rewarded, though, when they arrive in Aviemore and board the Black 5. A spectacular train whose route takes them through a stunning valley and along the river Spey. From the observation carriage, the scenery is breath-taking, but it needs to be seen in all its glory, so - incredibly - they stop this huge train in the idle of nowhere and get off to take in this perfect setting.

The next day starts with a steam boat trip down Loch Ness, but things don't go to plan. Half way down this mysterious stretch of water the wind picks up dramatically creating waves that the 28-foot steam launch Vesuvius isn't built to handle. What makes matters worse is a gasket that blows on the engine, leaving them without power and at the mercy of the elements.

Finally, and thankfully, ashore, the last leg of this epic journey is aboard Heilan Laddy, a stream truck that looks incredible with a full and colourful history to match. Peter takes the wheel and they head off along one of the most spectacular roads in Britain. But John's nerves are tested to the limit as Peter appears to be all over the road. A respite by a beautiful lock with a traditional meal of haggis served with ‘neeps and tatties' cooked on the trucks embers, couldn't come soon enough.

They end this journey as night falls at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most recognisable landmarks in Scotland.