Places to Visit

Ben Nevis – Britain’s highest mountain peaking at 4406 feet (1344m). Although there is a tourist path up the mountain, do wear suitable strong foot attire and be prepared for sudden change of weather. Further information on Ben Nevis, Glen Nevis, and the local weather for climbing the Ben can be found on www.bennevisweather.co.uk.

Glen Nevis – drive or walk through the glen at the foot of Ben Nevis. Car parking is available at several points throughout Glen Nevis as well as at the visitor centre which is the best place to call in and discover a range of walks to suit everyone’s capabilities. Follow the River Nevis up to Lower Falls and beyond to Steall Falls and you’re sure to spot some Highland cattle grazing along the way.

The Dew of Ben Nevis Whisky Distillery and Visitor Centre - one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. Take a tour, sample a dram.

Fort William Museum – a wealth of local history located just off the High Street.

Old Inverlochy Castle - The ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle are located just before the turnoff onto the A 82 Road to the Isles. Well worth a visit.

Neptune’s Staircase on the Caledonian Canal, just along the A830 Road to the Isles at Banavie. Take a leisurely stroll along the banks of an extensive flight of locks.

Treasures of the Earth, Corpach, located just further along from Neptune’s Staircase. An impressive exhibition of precious stones and gems.

Seal Island – take a boat trip down Loch Linnhe to spot the seals. Daily sailings from the waterfront during the season.

Glenfinnan – just 15 miles along the scenic Road to the Isles (A830). A Visitor Centre explains the history behind the Jacobite Uprising: opposite stands the monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie at the head of Loch Shiel. A walk up the glen brings you to the famous railway viaduct, part of the West Highland Line from Fort William to Mallaig, however now it is equally famous for its part in the Harry Potter film “The Chamber of Secrets”. Serious walkers and “Munro baggers” can continue up the glen and into the hills. Eagle-Watch cruises are available from Glenfinnan down Loch Shiel as far as Acharacle.

Glenfinnan Station located just up the hill from the Visitor Centre and monument provides an insight to the history of the West Highland Line and is a must for all train enthusiasts. Light refreshments are served in an authentic 1950s’ railway carriage.

Suggestions for ½ day and full day trips include:

Ardnamurchan Lighthouse – the most westerly mainland point in the British Isles. Cross Loch Linnhe at the Corran Ferry 8 miles south of Fort William or drive along the Road to the Isles and turn left at Glenuig, down to Salen and then right on to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. A full day trip with spectacular scenery, but it does involve some single track driving.

Fort Augustus and up to Inverness, capital of the Highlands.

Kinlochleven, the West Highland Way and Glencoe are all within easy reach.

Oban is only an hour’s drive from the Cruachan – take one of the regular ferry sailings from Oban and visit the Isle of Mull for the day.