Fort William and Lochaber
Wild, diverse and beautiful.
Fort William & the Highlands really can be the Scotland of your imagination. Mountains, lochs, culture, history, architecture and amazing scenery. Big skies, mind-blowing landscapes, superb food and hospitable people – just be here to escape and unwind.
Nevis Range
Let Britain's only mountain gondola transport you to 650m on the slopes of Aonach Mor. Meander along the mountain trails to the panoramic viewpoints, then relax in the restaurant & bar with breathtaking views. Nevis Range offer access to so much more: ZoomTrax, High Wire Adventure, Summer Ceilidh Nights, Scenic chair ride, Mountain Biking, Family Cycling, Walks to Mountain Viewpoints, Forest Walks, Mountain Discovery Centre, Paragliding, Ski and Snowboard and Winter Climbing..
Ben Nevis
The track to the summit of Ben Nevis is an objective of many who visit Fort William. The difficulty of the climb should not be underestimated and there are several web sites that give advice about this endeavour and weather conditions should be carefully checked. The image above links to Walk Highlands web site. Ben Nevis is 1344m (4,406ft) high; the Mountain Track is around 16km (start to finish) and you should plan to take about 8 hours for an ascent of the Ben, depending on how fit you are.
The Jacobite Steam Train
Described as the greatest railway journey in the world, this 84 mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes. Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain’s most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis!.
Glen Nevis
Glen Nevis is picturesque and very close to the centre of Fort William. It has a fantastic range of walks and hiking and cycling routes for all levels of ability. Whether you want to climb Ben Nevis, explore a forest, amble along a riverside or go up the track to the vitrified fort you’ll find a walk that’s right for you. Glen Nevis Visitor Centre has a large (charged) parking area, information about climbing Ben Nevis and access to the Ben Nevis Track.
Ardnamurchan
Cross Corran Ferry or head along the Road to the Isles to Ardnamurchan, Moidart, Morvern, Sunart and Ardgour. Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean and with views from every shore of islands, castles, lochs and wilderness. With sweeping white sands and crystal clear seas, ancient woodlands and mountains, not to mention the wildlife, jaw dropping scenery and Celtic legends, a visit to the most picturesque land in Scotland will be unforgettable. Once visited - it will be forever in your heart!
Glenfinnan
Glenfinnan has the famous viaduct and of course Glenfinnan Monument, erected in 1815 in tribute to the Jacobite clansmen who fought and died in the cause of Prince Charles Edward Stuart. From Glenfinnan there are several walks. The Glen road that passes under the viaduct, is a popular place for a gentle stroll perhaps as far as the Bothie. There are also the Boardwalk and Viewpoint walks from the Visitor Centre or there are much more energetic routes.
West Highland Musuem
Situated in the High Street in the heart of the historic town of Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, The West Highland Museum’s collections tell the story of the region and its history. Our most renowned and unusual collection relates to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite cause. But we also hold a wealth of curious and fascinating collections relating to less well-known aspects of the lives of the people of the West Highlands
Clan Cameron Museum
Clan Cameron Museum is located approximately 15 miles North East of Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. The museum (open to everyone) is housed in an old, traditional building close to the historic site of Achnacarry.
Achnacarry is at the centre of a large area of landscape that includes several beautiful places that can be explored by the public on foot, bicycle or car. Quiet roads nearby lead along the shores of Loch Lochy to Clunes and then to the waterfalls at Cia-Aig. There are forest walks and car parking at both these locations.
www.clancameronmuseum.co.uk
Achnacarry: Commando Basic Training Centre
70 Years On. The DVD
When the Lochaber Archaeological Society combed the grounds of a great Highland estate a few miles north of Fort William, they uncovered remarkable artefacts dating back to when it was a secret training base for the elite Commandos.
This DVD shows some of their discoveries set in an historical context with some evocative wartime black and white footage of the troops training at Achnacarry and interviews with veterans who share their memories.
Read more on the project on the Lochaber Archaeological Society site.
Restaurants:
Fishing was how we began. At Crannog Restaurant, we still believe in bringing you the freshest local seafood and the finest produce from Scotland’s natural larder; such as Aberdeen Angus beef and venison, when in season. Our unique location on the shore of Loch Linnhe gives you spectacular views to enjoy while you savour the delicious dishes prepared for you by our experienced chefs. Situated in the heart of Fort William, Crannog is a seafood restaurant like no other – in a quiet loch-side location on the Town Pier, the distinctive red roofs have been synonymous with fantastic West Highland seafood and relaxed fine dining for 26 years. Using the freshest fish and seafood from the local area, a meal at Crannog is a must on any visit to the area. www.crannog.net
Good Food Guide’s Scottish Local Restaurant of the Year 2016.
We source our food from as close to home as possible and we are great believers in keeping food miles down and cooking with produce that is locally grown by small scale passionate producers. Our menu changes daily as we are dependent on what is available locally: our giant prawns are creel caught in Loch Aline, the Sound of Mull is the home of our hand dived scallops (harvests are weather and tide dependent) and the mussels come from Loch Spelve on Mull. We serve wild venison, beef and lamb from Ardtornish Estate. Lee makes all our own bread each morning using Dove’s farm organic flours. We also forage for wild foods such as garlic, chanterelles and wild fruits. We have a wide range of locally brewed beers including Loch Fyne Ales. www.thewhitehouserestaurant.co.uk
Welcome to Lochleven Seafood Café, a Restaurant, Seafood Deli, Coffee Shop & Gift Shop serving fresh, quality Scottish Shellfish.
Lochleven Seafood Café, Deli and Shop is situated on the shores of beautiful Loch Leven on the west coast in the Highlands of Scotland. The restaurant is surrounded by an unspoilt and unique landscape with the Mamores mountain range towering above and views across Camus Mhor (the big bay) to the Pap of Glencoe.Our dishes are prepared simply but expertly and our Shellfish Platter has already become a favourite of food lovers from all over the world.
www.lochlevenseafoodcafe.co.uk
Located in the village of Ballachulish (Gaelic name meaning ‘the village of the narrows’) on the shores of Loch Leven just off the A82 and close to historical Glencoe. An area of outstanding beauty.
The restaurant kitchen is run by Michelin Star Chef Allan Donald ably assisted by Sous Chef Eileen Donald and their staff. They aim to provide excellent food and service using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.
The Laroch bar is at the heart of the local community serving a selection of beers, wines and spirits including a fine selection of malt whisky.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100040875445553
Dining at ‘Albert and Michel Roux Jr at Inverlochy Castle’ is a culinary experience to savour, with the legendary father and son taking the helm of the kitchen and offering the finest dishes using local produce. Dining is in any of our three dining rooms, each decorated with period and elaborate furniture presented as gifts to Inverlochy Castle from the King of Norway, creating a unique experience in unrivalled surroundings. The menu features modern British cuisine with French influences which is internationally recognised by all major guides. We have been awarded AA 3 Red Rosettes. . We serve Light Lunch and Afternoon Tea in our Lounge and Dinner in our Restaurant. www.inverlochycastlehotel.com
Established in 2022, the hotel witnessed the transformation of its iconic restaurant into The Silly Goose at the Lime Tree. Crafted by the creative minds of husband and wife duo, David and Kylie Hickman, this dining haven is on a mission to uphold the lofty culinary standards set by the Lime Tree Restaurant. Their commitment? Delivering a gastronomic experience that revolves around fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, inviting patrons to savour the very essence of Scotland with a distinctive Highland flair. www.limetreefortwilliam.co.uk
Our unique location just outside Fort William at the very foot of Ben Nevis is THE place for great food, real ale and live music.Popular with walkers, mountaineers and locals alike, the Ben Nevis Inn is found at the start of the Ben Nevis mountain path and close to the end of the famous West Highland Way in Fort William, with fabulous views over Glen Nevis.
Menu can change on a day to day basis through out Winter months. Our Lunch time menu is offered from 12 noon until 5pm and our Evening Menu from 5pm until 9pm.
A children’s Menu is offered all day. www.ben-nevis-inn.co.uk
To grow up in such a remarkable place as Fort William, travel the world, experience, learn and embrace. Return home and start a new journey…..well, its a beautiful thing. Join us and enjoy a little taste of highland charm with a touch of international flair. www.geographerrestaurant.co.uk
Hidden away in the quiet village of Port Appin, on the shores of Loch Linnhe in Argyll, surrounded by the spectacular raw beauty of the magnificent west coast of Scotland, you will find The Pierhouse Hotel and Seafood restaurant.
Our philosophy is built around our love of food, thus the sourcing and working with the finest of our local suppliers, fishermen and farmers to ensure that we have the freshest and best of everything is vital. Chef Michael and his team are passionate about cooking with this amazing produce and very much enjoy being part of the vibrant local community.
https://pierhousehotel.co.uk
Reputed to be one of the best in Scotland, thanks to the abundance of fresh local ingredients and some of the best shellfish right on our doorstep. Add that to an enthusiastic brigade in the kitchen and hopefully we have a winning formula! Three AA rosettes will provide the assurance that only the best will do. This inspiring environment has also assured a Gold Award with Eat Scotland and a continuous presence in the Good Food guide for 43 years!
The seasonal dinner menu offers a good choice each day and has achieved recommendation in the esteemed Michelin Guide in 2021. We also have a tasting menu which always proves to be extremely popular. The Restaurant style embodies crisp white table linens, fresh flowers and a romantic candle-light atmosphere, offering an à la carte menu which specialises in producing the best of Local Scottish Seafood, as well as our renowned Scottish meat and game.
https://www.airds-hotel.com/restaurant-port-appin-argyll
An essential tour - the West Highland Peninsulas.
Cross the ferry at Corran to Ardgour or head along the A830, Road to the Isles then take the A861 and explore this wonderful area. Sunart, Moidart, Morvern, Ardnamurchan and Ardgour – A place to relax and enjoy nature at its most unspoilt. www.ardnamurchan.com
One or many outstanding places to visit is Resipole Studio, tucked away on the edge of Loch Sunart: www.resipolestudios.co.uk
See their most recently published book by the remarkable Rob Fairley, Prinika – A day sketching in Dhaka:
