Great Coastal Railway Journeys 

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Michael Portillo embarks on railway adventures around the coasts of the British Isles.

All aboard! Weaving through charming seaside towns, historic landmarks and natural wonders, Michael Portillo explores the coastal communities the railways made.

Series 1

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Until 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales (analogue) was known simply as BBC Two Wales. BBC Two Wales (digital) was BBC 2W. From 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales schedules on both analogue and digital became identical

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Michael Portillo

Anthony Holland

Beatrice Ni Bhroin

Alison Kreps

John Comerford

Fremantle

Great Coastal Railway Journeys: Series 1: Mallaig to Isle of Lewis and Harris

Mallaig to Isle of Lewis and Harris

BBC Two - Great Coastal Railway Journeys, Series 1, Mallaig to Isle of Lewis and Harris

Michael follows in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie as he travels to Skye.

Michael follows in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie as he travels over the sea to Skye, an island renowned for its wildlife, and then on to Lewis and Harris, home to the famous Harris Tweed.

Michael reaches the terminus of the West Highland Line at Mallaig, from which he follows in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie over the sea to Skye. The island is renowned for wildlife, and Michael seeks out one of its most spectacular residents, the sea eagle. He is also lucky enough also to spot a school of dolphins.

In the remote village of Uig, Michael discovers how the Gaelic language is in everyday use and part of a wider culture. He learns that Gaelic songs once accompanied daily activities such as spinning, milking or cutting grass and enjoys a solo performance.

Crossing the Minch, a dangerous stretch of water which separates Skye from the island of Lewis and Harris, Michael reaches the Outer Hebrides and its capital, Stornoway. His eye is caught by the island’s most famous export, Harris Tweed. A Hebridean textile artist tells Michael how the island’s traditional cloth has influenced her knitwear and how the wool’s distinctive colours are derived.

On a remote shoreline on the west coast of the island, Michael encounters a mythical creature. She has the head and torso of a woman but the tail of a fish! Captivated, Michael wades into the waves to join her...

Great Coastal Railway Journeys: Series 1

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Great Coastal Railway Journeys

Series 1

Mallaig to Isle of Lewis and Harris

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