Holiday Ideas - Fort William

yesscotland - says:

Crowned the “Outdoor Capital of the UK” Fort William is where it’s happening for outdoor activities – this can be seen in the summer months when a relatively quiet town becomes alive in a haven for visitors seeking outdoor thrills.

Whether it’s walking or climbing or just taking in the scenic mountain views, Fort William has it all. One “thrill” which has all of these qualities, and possibly the main reason to come to Fort William would have to be the largest mountain in the UK – Ben Nevis. Literally hundreds of thousands climb this mountain every year – and for a good reason. Spectacular views await any hill walker as well as some of the most exhilarating climbs for experienced rock climbers.

Located close to Ben Nevis is Fort William’s other mountain of choice – Aonach Mor and the Nevis Range development. This is an attraction for all seasons – effortless views at 2150ft from the restaurant with the help of the gondola in summer time or fabulous skiing in winter. At the foot of these two beautiful mountains lies Fort William Golf course where, if your lucky, you might see one or two Golden Eagles flying overhead. Set with Aonach Mor, Carn Beag Dearg and Ben Nevis as the backdrop, Fort William Golf Course boats a very scenic round of golf over 18 holes.

If however you feel like a day off from sightseeing, Fort William has many other ways of keeping you entertained. You could discover the earth’s natural jewels at Treasures of the Earth, or learn how to make whisky with a tour at the local - Ben Nevis Distillery. Otherwise take a stroll through the High Street where there are many shops to take your fancy including The Granite House and for local information – the Tourist Information Centre. For younger age groups, a trip to the Nevis Centre might be appreciated especially in inclement weather with Pool, Snooker, Children’s Play area and 10 pin bowling on offer till late. As evening falls, the shops may shut but the pubs open! With 7 in the High Street alone, there are plenty to choose from. If you’d like to sample some local ale try The Grog and Gruel where they have a fine selection of ales from around Scotland. If however you’re looking for food, most pubs will offer bar meals, otherwise a few minutes away at the loch edge, The Crannog seafood restaurant is waiting to serve you some fine local seafood delicacies.

Round the evening off by either taking a walk at the waters edge while the sun sets or by letting the local Pipe Band serenade you in the High Street every Tuesday and Thursday – weather permitting.
Beautiful Glen Nevis, as well as providing the start of the Ben Nevis Path, also has some of the nicest scenery in the area. Mel Gibson’s Braveheart was filmed here and the backdrop can be recognised in some scenes of “Harry Potter”. Some of the Forest walks here are excellent – and if you go for an early morning walk there is plenty of wildlife to see including red and roe deer and
eagles.

The Old Fort of which only a few parts remain, was built here for a reason - its strategic position on a cross roads to the north, south west and, on bygone days, to the east. This is also relevant today as Fort William is an excellent base for touring the west Highlands and especially historic Lochaber. a trip to Inverness will take less than 2 hours. To Oban about 1 hour and to Ardnamurchan perhaps 2 hours depending on the traffic along the windy Salen to Kilchoan road.

Another way of seeing Lochaber, or at least part of it is by train. Fort William is the departure point for the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig now more popular than ever because of its links with the “Harry Potter” films. The train runs in summer and the scenery through which it passes ….well, suffice to say that we at YesScotland.com highly recommend it. This is a trip that you cannot fail to remember, along the Road to the Isles through Glenfinnan (viaduct and monument), past Loch an Uamh (where Bonnie Prince Charlie first set foot on mainland Scotland), Arisaig (and its Bay and harbour), Morar (with its silver sands) and, finally, the busy little fishing village of Mallaig with its car ferry to Skye, its hotels, pubs and cafes/restaurants. Then, back to the Fort
for dinner!