Things to Do near Fort William

Things to Do near Fort William

If it is the outdoors you are after then Fort William is an absolute must to go and visit. Here you can experience some once in a lifetime opportunities, climb, cycle, swim and in the winter ski until your heart is full of Scottish culture. There are lots of amazing places to see and visit and some wonderful day trips to enjoy. 

• Glencoe Nature Reserve, this is just a short drive from Fort William and here you can immerse yourself into one of the most amazing and dramatic landscapes known to exist in the world. 
• Lochaber Geopark, is not only free to access but is also the home of some of the very best scenery Scotland has to offer to any visitor. Here you are free to explore the mountains, lochs, rivers, coasts cliffs and the beaches located nearby. This geopark stretches from Rannoch Moor in the South, Loch Laggan in the east and to the small Isles of Eigg, Muck, Rum and Canna in the west. 
• Ben Nevis needs little to no introduction. This magnificent landmark is full of spirit heart and some drama in amongst all of it. The peaks, the lochs and the valleys you cant get any higher in Scotland than this. This peak does attract alot of climbers through the year estimated at around 125 000 so its not somewhere to go if your looking for no one else to be around. Often bagging this peak is top of many peoples bucket lists. Ben Nevis was once an active volcano which exploded millions of years ago. At the peak there is evidence of light coloured granite. Just remember that no hill walking is easy and this trek will require a level of fitness and an awareness of the weather and how the conditions may change. 
• Golfing is amazing all over Scotland and this area is no different and will not disappoint. Here you can try a game out  at the foot of Ben Nevis or by the sea which is unique and rather special. Traigh Golf Course is simply beautiful along with Spean Bridge which has a great clubhouse and views of Ben Nevis itself. 

• Glenfinnan Monument is steeped in history and is a tribute to those who died during the Jacobite cause. Why not raise your hat to the lone highlander on the top of the monument and then take a hike up the tower to gain a spectacular view at the top. There is a vast amount of information in the visitors centre regarding Bonnie Prince Charlie. Eight months prior to the battle of Culloden there was a group of Highlanders gathered her to pledge their commitment to Prince Charles Edward Stuart. There are models and displays here and children and adults alike love this. 
• West highland line and the Jacobite train is one of the best railway journeys in this world. The journey is around 84 miles in length and takes you to the extremes of Scotland. You begin your trip near the highest mountain and the train visits some of the western stations such as Arasaig. You will pass Loch Morar, river and follow this down to the biggest Saltwater Loch in Scotland, Loch Nevis! Here you can transport yourself into the Harry Potter Films, embrace the scenery, the food and the atmosphere. It makes for a really special day out. 

• Mountain biking is just wonderful in Fort Willaim. Here you can hit the trails, take the gondola to the top and whether you are a beginner, child or adult there is something for everyone here. The cafe is amazing and they even have handy vending machines that you can get bike parts out of. The views are incredible and there is a small restaurant on site or the local takeaways deliver to your motorhome which is so handy if your after a night off cooking after a day on the trails. The gondola does not run when windy so be sure to check the weather if you are after going up to the top in particular. 

• Explore the water on a boat trip here you can go on the Caledonian Canal or the Loch. Here you can embrace bird watching including trying to spot the golden eagle, red throated divers, hen harriers and white tailed eagles. Alongside these you can often get a great view of the red deer on land from the sea and this can really give an alternative perspective. You can choose to hire a private charter or to join others on a trip, either is a viable option and both are incredible. 
• Ben Nevis Distillery is one of the eldest licensed distilleries and is also home to The Legend of the Dew of Ben Nevis which is located in the old warehouse. Here you can gain access to the distillery and receive a tour and some tasting. There is a lovely coffee shop here where the home cooking really needs sampled. If its a gift to ake home you are after there is lots to choose from in the gift shop here. 
• The West Highland Museum in Fort Willaim is famous for its Jacobite exhibits so if you have explored on the train this could be the next stop to gain some extra history on this Era. The museum is free and it tells the story of the west highlands of Scotland and its turbulent past. There are 8 rooms packed with fascinating objects from Rob Roy to objects form the battle of Bannockburn. There is a lovely shop here full of gifts for everyone prior to your trip back home again or onto the next stopping point. 

There are so many places in and around Fort William to visit and embrace the culture and history. There are so many others not on this list and if you explore any please feedback to us so we can add onto our lists for future customers and clients of Scottish Tourer. 

Head over to www.scottishtourer.co.uk for more blogs and to book your next holiday.