Fort William
Fort William: both outdoor capital and amazing gateway. If you were to hover above Fort William, you’d quickly appreciate the validity of both these claims. Close by, you’d notice both Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil, plus the rivers Nevis and Lochy. To the south, you’d enjoy the glories of Glencoe; turn northward for the awesome splendour of both the Great Glen...
Ben Nevis
Starting with John Robertson, a botanist from Edinburgh, who made the first recorded ascent in 1771, it has been estimated that around 100,000 people now climb Ben Nevis each year. The majority tend to use the Pony Track (also called the Ben Path) from Glen Nevis. This substantial number is, however, dwarfed by those who are thrilled by the chance to view this...
Caledonian Canal
Following a natural geological fault line, it was way back in 1773 that James Watt first surveyed the route that would eventually become the Caledonian Canal. Allowing access from the Atlantic and Loch Linnhe, and stretching from Fort William to Inverness, it was to provide safe shipping out into the North Sea. This offered an alternative to the dangerous route...
Jacobite Steam Train
From mid-May through to late October each year, adults can become kids again for a day; and children can experience one of the most visceral of thrills from past generations – a rail trip pulled by a magnificent steam locomotive. These are the kind of trains where Poirot or Miss Marple used to solve murders, spies would exchange messages, and The Railway Children...
Glen Nevis
The four areas mentioned in the title come together to offer much to enjoy for the many welcome visitors to this area. The Fort – Fort William itself – provides the end point for the West Highland Way walking trail. The town nestles comfortably at the foot of Glen Nevis and it’s in this great place that you’ll find An Steall Ban – The Steall Falls – whose Gaelic name means...
Old Inverlochy Castle
When you head just a mile or so north on the A82 from your Fort William base, you’ll come across one stopping point well worthy of your attention. This is the stunning site of Old Inverlochy Castle. Even before you reach this destination, you’ll pass the village of the same name. Interestingly, the village was purpose-built, almost a century ago, simply to...
Commando Memorial
There are many great sights to see, and terrific things to do, when spending your time in and around the Fort William area. However, there is one place which, when found, can take the breath away of those who, until then, didn’t even know of its existence. For others, it is often the time spent there that forms the emotional heart of their visit to the area. The...
Glencoe
There are at least four places named Glencoe in Australia, three in Canada, around 20 in the US, and the name is also found in both South Africa and New Zealand. With a name known so far and wide, it’s no surprise that, each year, we welcome so many visitors to Fort William from around the world, and the UK, to spend time in the original Glencoe. Some are even...
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Viaduct is a term for a bridge which is composed of a series of small spans that helps to cross a gorge or valley. Despite popular belief, it isn’t actually an old Roman term; although it is believed to be derived from their use of the word aqueduct. Many viaducts can almost pass unnoticed as travellers make their way towards a chosen destination. This certainly isn’t true...
Glenfinnan Monument
Although many will associate Glenfinnan with its world-famous viaduct, people from across the globe make what many consider to be almost a pilgrimage to another part of that majestic glen. The magnificent and proud Glenfinnan Monument was erected in the year 1815, but spoke to events that happened a full seven decades earlier. In that year, Charles Edward Stuart...
West Highland Way
As so many visitors, from all parts of the world, already know; there is no better place to complete a long journey than in the friendly arms of beautiful Fort William. While many come by car, bus, train, or occasionally, water, the town is also a truly welcoming end point for the many folk who decide to walk the world renowned West Highland Way. For many it’s a once...